Page 15 of Sweet Redemption
Chapter Six
Charlie
Icouldn’t believe I was actually going to have sex with Markus. Hot, sexy and beautiful Markus. I had never done this. Never. Not even in high school, or the two years I went away to college. Sex was something that shouldn’t be freely given. My Nana had always said that. But that never stopped me from giving in to Devon.
Yet, here I was, just in my bra and khakis, and cradled in Markus’s arms like he was my lifeline.
But something about Markus drew me. I wasn’t sure if it was his sadness that marred the corner of his eyes or the determination in them. Whatever it was, I wanted to see him happy. Fix him.
Not everyone or everything can be fixed. Nana’s words echoed in my mind.
I’ve known this man for only a few hours, and I already wanted to fix him, just like how I wanted to save the library from a wrecking ball. Both were in dire need of being saved.
The office door crashed against the wall as Markus passed through it. He dropped me onto the couch, my ass landing on seat cushions, bad ankle up in the air.
Markus stepped back, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. “I can’t do this, Charlie. This isn’t fair to you, or me,” he admitted, his chest heaving.
“What?” I was stunned at his admission. No man—none that I knew of, would backed away from guaranteed sex. “Isn’t fair? What does that mean?”
“I don’t want to take advantage of you,” Markus said, taking another backward step toward the door. “Don’t look at me that way or I’m going to fuck you until you can’t walk for a week.”
“You don’t want me because you’re attracted to me?” My question fell out of my mouth without thought. Still confused, a thought crossed my mind and I blurted, “Of course, you don’t want me because you have someone else.”
“No, I don’t. But you are better than this, Charlie. You’re not like Lila. And as much as I want you—and I know you do too—I know what’s between us won’t go any farther than this. I’m not a commitment type of guy.”
His words were like a slap across my face. Who said anything about commitment? That was the furthest thing from my mind.
Dang it.I should be glad that he was being honest with his feelings, because most men would take what I offered and leave right after. Markus wasn’t playing any games with me.
Yet, that honesty was also painful to hear. The heat from my embarrassment turned to anger. I carefully got up, and covered my breasts. “How dare you think for me. I don’t know what is in your messed up head, but I know whatthisis all about. I’m not a child. I know this is a booty call. A one night stand—during the day of course, but nonetheless I know what I’m doing,” I argued.
“Charlie—”
“Don’t ‘Charlie’ me, Markus.” I cut him off. “You’ve made your point. Please leave.”
I turned my back to him, which Markus deserved.
I wanted to scream but I held tight to my emotions. Even though his honesty was refreshing, and I knew deep down this was only going to be a one-time thing, the truth still stung like a billion bees.
The sound of footsteps and then a squeak of the door drew my attention, and I turned around and found myself alone.
Markus was gone.
You did tell him to leave.I wanted to slap myself.
I dropped down on the couch, covered my face and wiped the intrusive tears away. “I’m so stupid.”
