Page 10 of Marc

His voice is softer, but still full of menace. “You can leave your job and come back to me. We can be a family again.”

I really hope she doesn’t fall for this very blatant ploy. Besides, what kind of man wants his woman to leave a job she loves to become a housewife?

Staci stands taller. Her voice is firmer. “No. That will never happen.”

I smile and feel proud of her. Clearly this guy is bad news, but she is holding her own.

Staci looks my way, frightened and uncertain, and I realize her firm voice was just a facade. Her look is begging for me to help her.

I do the first thing that pops into my mind- pretend to be her boyfriend. I say in an ultra sweet voice. “Honey, who’s this?”

“Honey?” Her ex looks from her to me. “You’re the one dating Staci?”

I smile wider than I ever have in my entire life. “Yep.”

A frown forms on his face. “I’ve never heard about you.”

Shrugging, I reply, “Well, it’s new and given our situation, we are keeping it private for the time being.”

He huffs and turns around, leaving the door open behind him.

I walk over to the open door, close it, and lock it before making sure I pull the blinds closed.

Turning back to Staci, I see her hand shake as she saves her work and shuts down her computer, all the while continuing to glance towards the front door.

“I’ll walk you to your car.” I offer, trying to erase the fear that is flowing through her.

“Thanks,” she says quietly.

When we make it outside, I see her car is parked right next to mine. She walks towards her car but doesn’t make any moves to get inside and drive away.

“Do you want to join me for dinner? I know a casual place with great food.”

She shouldn’t be alone right now, especially since her ex is clearly violating a restraining order.

I hear her stomach growl in response.

It is the only noise right now and echoes off the dark, quiet buildings.

She explodes with laughter, causing me to join in.

“I’d love to.” She replies as she wipes tears from the corner of her eyes.

Chapter Three

STACI

Marc walksaround his sleek and sporty car to open the passenger door for me.

“What about my car?” I can’t leave it here unprotected.

“I’ll drive you home.” He says without missing a beat.

That would work.

I guess I can always call a taxi to bring me back to the studio in the morning.

As if realizing my thoughts, he adds, “And I’ll pick you up in the morning to bring you back here.”

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