Page 108 of Ruthless Secrets
He keeps his head down. “I have been avoiding you. But not for the reasons you think.”
I cross my arms over my chest. “Tell me the reasons.”
“The truth is…” He takes a deep breath and glances up at me under his dark lashes. “I see a future with you, Clara. I see the whole goddamn picture, and it scares the shit out of me.”
“Is that supposed to make me feel better?”
“No, but I need you to understand… I told you I’ve been in love once before, and I put everything I had into that relationship only to have it ripped away. So, the thought of losing itall again is terrifying, which is why I’m so hell bent on keeping you safe.”
“By pushing me away in the process?”
Marco sighs. “Yeah.”
“If you weren’t ready for a relationship, then why did you bring me back into your life and try so hard to pursue me? That’s not fair on me, or Zoe, Marco.”
“I know, I’m sorry. I thought I was ready… No, screw that. Iamready. I guess I just needed time to realize it.” His shoulders slump a bit. “These past few weeks with you and Zoe have been the best of my life, Clara. I honestly can’t imagine a future without the two of you in it.”
I had thought hearing Marco say these words would have me jumping for joy. But instead, my blood turns cold in my veins as sorrow clouds his eyes.
“How serious is this threat?”
“It’s serious.”
My legs threaten to buckle as Marco’s words hang heavy in the space between us.
I thought I had already lived through my worst nightmare when Zoe was taken, but I have a feeling that was only the tip of the iceberg. This time, they’re not just targeting Zoe to send a message, they’re targeting all of us to destroy the De Lucas.
“What are you going to do?”
Marco tries his best to offer me his signature smile to put me at ease, but it doesn’t reach his eyes.
“I’m going to do what I always do. Take down the bad guys.”
The hard set of his jaw and the cold determination in his eyes contradict his matter-of-fact tone.
This isn’t just about taking down bad guys. This is about his life. Hissurvival.
I know Marco will do whatever it takes to protect Zoe and me, he’s proven that already. But what if it’s not enough?
"I worry about you. About your safety.” I’m barely able to keep the tremor from my voice as I think of him never coming back. Tears start streaming down my face. “What if you don’t survive?”
Marco is on his feet in an instant, and the next thing I know, I’m being wrapped in his strong arms and held against his chest.
He might have been driving me crazy over the past few days, but that doesn’t matter when I’m potentially facing the reality that after tonight, I might never see him again.
“Please don’t die.” I wrap my arms around his waist as I sob into his chest.
“Don’t worry about me, love. I can take care of myself.” He kisses the top of my head. “I promise I will come back for you, and for Zoe.”
I want to believe him, I do. But deep down, I can’t help but worry.
The weight of everything we’ve been through sits heavy on my chest, and it’s hard to shake the fear that he might not come back.
As if Marco can sense where my thoughts are going, he lifts me into his arms slams me against the wall.
“I need you,” I gasp.
We waste no time undressing. He just releases himself and lifts my dress, pulling my panties to the side and sinks inside me.
