Page 54 of Tangled IN LIES (IN YOU 3)

“We’ll have to talk about your tantrums, baby,” I whisper under my breath and stand to grab the discarded piece from the floor.

The trembling on the marble surface vibrates through the entire house. Dashing toward it, I grab it from the island and snap at the caller, “What?”

“I love it when you give me so much love, Lovebird, I really do. But a sweet hello would have worked better.” His voice pleasantly rumbles in my ear, sending delicious shivers down my spine. He doesn’t sound offended but slightly amused.

Still feeling the ache, I close my eyes and calm down my erratic heart so I won’t feel like I just ran a marathon. “Hi,” I whisper, “how was your meeting?”

My chest vibrates from the husky undertone rattling deep in his throat. “They signed up with us, so I thought I’d give you a ring and see what my Lovebird is up to.”

I curse myself for being an idiot.

“I’m sorry. I just had a war with my kids, and their grandparents are staying over. They’re challenging to deal with.” I shut my eyes, feeling drained, thinking about all the family drama I had to juggle lately.

“What happened?” His tone sounds rich with protectiveness.

We decided to take it slow, getting to know each other while working in close vicinity. But it isn’t easy to get a moment to ourselves. Mark’s frequent trips, and my in-laws visiting for the past two weeks are hampering our dating life.

“True life pleasures must be savored,” he whispered to me before he left on another business trip.

My pulse skyrockets as I remember his magical mouth on my center. The thrill of being caught. The kiss in the thunderstorm that set me ablaze. And I want more.

“They’re not happy we’re dating, Mark.” I shake off my lustful thoughts, trying to stay in the moment instead of being dragged into my mind. “They demanded that I leave my job and cease my relationship with you.”

“Did they?” His deep tone rattles threateningly in my ear. “Is there an or attached to that threat?”

“Probably.” They’re in charge of my inheritance and could reduce the monthly payment, which is way too big anyway. “I don’t get much time for myself, either.”

“Why?” he asks as I chew my lips, debating whether to tell him the truth.

He seems affronted by their behavior toward me. I don’t want him to get involved in my family dramas just yet. Our relationship is way too fresh to be weighed down with my issues.

“They’re organizing the party for my sister’s little princess.” I grimace, not even believing myself in this explanation. It’s bizarre. Helen and Darren never stayed with us more than a day. They always find a posh hotel or cottage to live in. They even own a mansion outside London.

My eyebrows furrow in annoyance, thinking about the arguments and taxing conversation about what I’m supposed to do or how to act. Aisha’s also getting some heat from the family’s matriarch for leaving her daughter with Leif and going back to work. But my fierce sister doesn’t put up with their bullshit like I do. Aisha doesn’t have an ocean of guilt drowning her, either.

“Hang in there,” he pleads as if I might decide to end us before we have a chance to start.

I crave for him to come back and hold me while the restless sea churning inside of me calms down, and I’ll be able to suck in the fresh air.

“I will,” I promise.

“How are your kids?” His voice softens, and I can feel the smile in his intimate tone, wrapping around me like a comforting blanket. I walk to the couch next to the fireplace and snuggle under the soft covers, enjoying the cozy darkness, illuminated by the dim light coming through the windows.

“Leon’s angry with me and acts aggressively. Liane’s clingy and needy. I guess after I started seeing you, they’re acting up a bit.” I exhale my frustration, happy to be able to speak about this with him.

“They just need some love and attention to settle down.” They do. My kids are reacting to a toxic environment the only way they know how. “He and Liane lost their dad. Perhaps they’re afraid they might lose you too.”

“I thought the change might do us some good.” But not everyone is happy with my decisions. “Where are you? It sounds like you’re in the car. Are you driving?”

My gaze finds the clock on the wall to check the time. It’s one o’clock in the morning. Everyone is asleep. What are you up to, Mark?

“I am,” he breathes in my ear as a radio, quietly playing in the background, drifts to me. But before I can speak, the living room illuminates as someone’s car pulls up in my driveway.

My heart palpitates faster, and my tummy flutters with excitement. “Mark.” I stagger closer to the window. “Where are you?” But my face lights up as I recognize the car parking next to mine.

His chiseled form moves like a predator toward the entry, all smooth muscles and lithe strength.

“Open the door, Lovebird.” His throaty demand sends delicious shivers cascading down my spine. He is here!

---