Page 90 of His to Keep
“I wonder how Jamie will take the news. This officially means I’m out of the game.” Marcus smirked.
“I’ll let you out to play, as long as you come home to me.” She laughed, dodging his playful ass swat.
“I won’t share you with anyone.” His eyes danced with the truth behind his demanding words.
Her brows snapped together. “I need to have friends!”
“Fine.” He simpered. “But they need to know you’re mine. The world needs to know it.” A devilish glint twinkled in his eyes. “I’m going to get a new tattoo on my chest. My life fell apart when my mum died. I signified her death with that tattoo. With your birthdate underneath, I can signify both life and death. You’re my life, Lana.”
“Really?” She fluttered her lashes playfully.
“Yup.” He grinned.
“Are you sure you’re ready for me to move in with you? I don’t want to rush this. To rushus. Especially after the last time I stayed over.” Her stomach clenched and she fumbled with the thick strands of his hair.
“You’re not just staying over, Lana. You’re moving in. It’s our home now. Believe me, I’ve never been more certain about something in my whole fucking life. We’ll make it work. I know we will, beautiful. The question is—doyoureally want this?”
“I’ll have to think about it…” She paused, a hint of a grin teased her lips. “Of course I do, Marcus.”
He took her face in his large hands. His mouth stretched wide with a smile that lit up her soul.
“I’ll do whatever it takes to protect you, Lana. I promise to keep you safe, now and forever, no matter what I have to do to achieve it. I love you, beautiful.”
A FEW MONTHS LATER…
So much had happened over the passing months.
Marcus’s office in The Fitz looked exactly as it had before, right down to the ochre cushions scattered on the twin sofas. Everything appeared the same, but Marcus, he was completely different.
Leaning back in the swivel chair at his desk, he studied the twinkling city lights, noting the familiar yellow cranes that signified power and dominance over Belfast. He had finally committed to one woman.
It hadn’t been easy, figuring out how to share his life with a woman who he would actually give his life for. Marcus gave Lana everything, and more, but he had to learn how to keep his soul in the process.
To be the man she needed, not just expected.
He returned to business after signing a multi-million-pound deal, merging Verto Veneri with an influential New York business man, Luke Devereux, who was only too happy to change up the original business plan. They agreed to modify the club’s ethos, and rather than encourage couples to play around with strangers, they would learn boundaries and limitations within their existing unit, pushing their sexual relationships to the peak.
It was under development and an exciting new business venture. Lana had played a key role in the new terms and conditions, setting up a policy that protected members but highlighted the reality of life.
The desk phone buzzed. Marcus checked his watch before collecting the receiver in his hand. He was running late. Lana was waiting for him.
The voice on the other end of the line was familiar and to the point. “A young woman has been caught causing trouble, Mr. McGrath.” His cock stirred, recalling the night Lana wandered into his office.
Pulling his shoulders back, he replied, “Send her in.”
He ended the call and waited patiently for the door to open. After a moment, a light tap proceeded an entry. Marcus drew in a steadying breath as the woman strutted inside with a bold look in her bright eyes.
She wore glossy trousers that looked like every curve had been poured inside a leather mould, and a tight black corset top showed off perfect cleavage. A set of killer red heels matched her sumptuous scarlet lips.
Standing tall before him, she fiddled with the golden curls tumbling over her bare shoulders. Marcus rose from his chair and rounded the desk. His heart rate elevated from calm to erratic, in zero to thirty seconds.
“You must be Mr. McGrath?” Her gaze dawdled over his navy suit trousers and lingered on his obvious erection.
Marcus folded his arms and perched his hip on the edge of the desk. “And you must be trouble?” he countered.
She nodded, sucking in her lower lip with intent. “Apparently, I’m here for punishment.” Her voice was confident but a slight waver in her tone highlighted the subtle flare of her pupils.
It was all bravado.
