Page 19 of Marked

He narrows his eyes. “Don’t sugarcoat it now. Your first sentence said everything.”

“I didn’t mean it like that.”

“I think you did,” he replies as he stands from the bed. He sets his glass down next to mine and proceeds to collect his clothes from the floor, slipping them on as he does.

“No, I’m sorry, that’s not how I meant it. I mean that I can’t be yours. I can’t be anyone’s. Plus, I come with too much baggage, Seth.” I try once again to explain. “You deserve someone better.”

“It’s fine, Val,” he says, his words clipped and angry.

I’ve never seen him mad before and it makes me uneasy, sending the hair on the back of my neck prickling. I don’t know what to say so I just watch as he gets dressed and picks up his belongings. He downs the rest of the wine in his cup and shuffles towards the bedroom door with it in hand.

“You can keep the wine and cup. Consider it a parting gift.” He throws over his shoulder in a bitter tone.

When I fail to reply, he scoffs and disappears from my sight. When I hear my front door slam shut, I sigh and squeeze my eyes closed. Standing from my bed, I grab my cigarettes and lighter and head to my balcony for a smoke.

Today fucking sucked.

Taylor winces when I finish telling her what happened last night with Seth. We’re hiding in my office, eating lunch as we fill each other in on our nights. “Well, to be fair, you did try to explain it.”

“Yeah, but the damage was already done.” I pick at my salad. “I really thought we were on the same track when it came to what we wanted.”

“Maybe you were at first,” she starts. “But feelings change, Val. His clearly did.”

“Mine didn’t,” I sigh, setting down my fork. “The worst part is I think I meant what I said the first time. I can’t be his because I don’t want to be. He’s too bubbly to my cynical.”

Taylor shoots me a pitying look. “You know, I did say this would happen.”

My glare is weak. “Why do I keep you around?”

“Because I’m the real bubbly to your cynical,” she laughs. “But you can’t get rid of me so don’t even try.”

Despite my best efforts, I laugh as well. “So, happy that lover boy is home?”

Her cheeks burn red even as a smile curls up her lips. “I missed him so much. I know he was only gone for a couple days, but when he’s gone it feels like a piece of my soul is missing. I feel empty inside.” I make a gagging noise, and she swats at my arm. “Val, I’m serious!”

I smile. “I know, I know, I’m just being a bitch. Bryan’s perfect for you, and maybe I’m a little jealous that you seem to have found your soulmate.”

Her blush deepens, and she looks down at her lunch. “Funny you should mention the word mate.”

My eyes widen. “He finally asked you, didn’t he?”

“Yes!” She squeaks before blinking owlishly at me. “Wait, you knew he would?”

“Duh, anyone can see he’s crazy about you.”

“Really?” She squirms in her seat when I nod. “I’m so happy I’m going to be his mate, Val.”

I cup my ear, leaning towards her. “I’m sorry, I don’t think I heard you. I know a newly intended mate would be much more enthusiastic about this!”

Tay grins and jumps from her chair, throwing her hands up with a fork still clenched in one of them. “I’m going to be his mate!” she all but screams.

“Fuck yeah you are!” I stand up as well and high-five her over the desk. “I’m so happy for you, Tay!”

We fall into a fit of giggles I’ll deny I ever let out before heading back to our seats to finish lunch. I turn to the door when a knock echoes on it, telling them to come in. I sit a little straighter when I see that it’s Jack. His tanned skin looks even darker against the cream button up that fits him perfectly, the black blazer he walked in with that morning nowhere to be seen. His hair is slightly disheveled, as if he ran his fingers through it a couple times.

I mentally curse myself when I picture it being my hands in his hair. Get a fucking grip, Val. You’ve known the guy for less than a week.

“Hey,” he begins and looks at the meals on the desk. “Oh, I didn’t realize you were on your lunch break.”

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