Page 64 of His to Keep
“A talent like yours shouldn’t be hidden. The world needs to taste your food.”
Freddy gulped back a lump in his throat. “Really? Why would you do that, Marcus?”
“I’ve watched you grow these past few years. The food you create up is pure genius. I like you, mate. I want to do this for you. No strings.”
And there it was, those hideous, non-committal words that flowed easily from the mouth of Marcus McGrath—‘no strings’.
Her fingers fumbled with the edges of her apron while Freddy launched into Marcus’s chest and hugged him like a cute Koala.
“Omigod. I know you’re serious. If I’ve learnt anything during my time working for you, it’s that you’re true to your word. How will I ever repay you?” Freddy beamed.
“Just make it work for yourself. Go after your dream, like I’m going after mine.” His eyes settled on Lana.
“That’s very kind of you, Marcus.” She swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his heated stare.
“What’s your dream?” he asked, leaning closer to her.
“I...uh...”Iwant you.
“She wants to be a photographer,” Freddy blurted out with excitement bubbling on his tongue.
“Uh, yeah. I’m enrolling in a course when I get back to Belfast,” she confirmed.
Marcus nodded in approval.
“And you—what’s your dream?” she dared to ask in a soft whisper.
His emerald eyes sparkled. “When Jamie shakes on his Italian deal then everyone will know what that is. And believe me, I’ll do anything to succeed.”
“Business. Of course.” Her hip leant into the counter for support.
“For now. Jamie has been working on this deal for some time. I won’t jeopardise his efforts.”
His body radiated a sexual heat, suffocating her composure. Freddy stepped away, sensing the thick atmosphere wrapping around their two bodies.
“Thanks for last night...I mean, thanks for helping me get back to sleep.” She managed to stay calm even thought her stomach churned.
“I got used to you falling asleep beside me,” he admitted with an emotion flaring in his eyes that she couldn’t read.
“Yeah…I guess you just got bored.”
“No, Lana.”
“Sure.”
“Lana.” His expression hardened. “I wanted to be there for you. It’s just…”
“Forget it. I understand. It was too much, too soon,” she interrupted, shaking her head.
His nostrils flared. “No, you don’t understand,” he growled. “I’m consumed with anger. That bastard, Carl, needs to be put in a box. I was trying to protect…” his words drifted to a halt.
Her eyes bugged, panic swirled in her gut like an old arch enemy. Her hands trembled. She reached out to the counter to steady herself. Short sharp bursts of air escaped her lungs, and the room started to spin.
Her frightened trance was wrapped in his tight protective embrace. Her rapid heartbeat found his slow and steady rhythm.
“I’m sorry, beautiful.” The words rumbled in his chest. The hot air from his nose warmed her scalp and soothed her distress.
She held onto him, willing herself to be strong but loosing herself in his strength.
