Page 74 of Marc

I begin to freak out. My heart races as the palms of my hands slicken from fear.

Jared is capable of hurting me and even killing me.

He’s proven it many times before. There’s beenso many times that I thought it was the end. That I would just let him win and finally, I’d get some peace and quiet.

But somehow, I was able to get up, pull myself together, and fight another day.

I was finally free of him, his anger, and his drunken madness. That is, until he showed up in my studio, stalked Marc to my house, and trashed my stuff.

Marc pulls me into his chest and wraps his arms around me. His hug is comforting, warm, and just what I need to ground myself.

He leans his head against mine and whispers in my ear. “Just relax. Take a deep breath and slowly exhale. Things will be alright. It just takes time.”

I shake my head. “I can’t relax. I can’t just sit back and let Jared make the rules. Every day I risk my life trying to pretend that he isn’t a huge threat to me, to us, and to the studio. Everything that I have worked my ass off for is at risk.”

Marc pulls away slightly to look into my eyes. “I know, and I will do everything in my power to keep you safe and to protect the studio.”

I know he will do everything he can to keep me safe, but he shouldn’t have to.

“And I appreciate it. I appreciate you more than you will ever know, but it’s not your job to protect me, my house, and the studio.”

I place a chaste kiss on his cheek before picking up my camera bag, laptop bag, and purse. “Okay, enough with the heavy for now. I will see you at thestudio in a little bit. I promise I won’t keep you waiting too long.”

A smile forms on his face. “I’ll be the one all dressed up.”

His smile is contagious and I can’t help but to smile back at him.

“And I’ll be the one taking your picture.”

Marc’s head leans closer to mine. “I’ll pose extra hard for you.”

“You do that. I love when you flirt with the camera.”

Marc’s eyes darken with lust as he backs me into the wall. “I’m not flirting with the camera. I’m flirting with you.”

My breathing becomes ragged as Marc’s lips brush against mine. Even though we've had more sex in one night than I’ve had in years, I can’t get enough of him.

“Well, I love when you flirt with me. It excites me and makes me wet.”

He raises his eyebrow, like he doesn’t believe me. “Is that so?”

“Yeah, it’s like foreplay to me.” I bite my lower lip and watch as Marc’s gaze immediately moves to my lips.

To be honest, this conversation is turning me on, but it could be Marc’s erection poking me in my stomach.

Marc hmms before saying, “I’ll definitely make sure I do it more often if it helps get you in the mood.”

“You always get me in the mood. It doesn’t matter what you do. You can just look at me and I’m a goner.”

I don’t know why I’m being so open and honest, but Marc seems to like it. At least his growing erection seems to like it.

Marc pushes his hips into mine, his erection harder than a steel rod. I press my lips to his. His tongue swipes along my lower lip.

Letting out a moan, I playfully push his chest. He doesn’t move.

Of course, he wouldn’t move. He’s fit as fuck, my mind yells.

“We’re going to be late.” I try to sound serious, but I’d much rather be doing this right now.

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