I still have nightmares…. most nights I wake in a sweat. After I told Justin everything, something changed – I’m not fragile anymore, and he completely understands I don’t need a saviour anymore. I’ll carry my scars with me for the rest of my life, we all will, but at least we won’t carry them alone.
“Are you going to be ok Evvie? Seriously?” Justin walks over and nudges me gently with his shoulder, his hands deep in his pocket.
The front door swings open and my heart skips a beat, I can’t help but smile. “Yeah, I finally think I am.” I walk over to Marcus wrapping my arms around his waist as he pulls me in in closer, his arm resting on my shoulder.
Justin shakes his head at us. “Yeah! I bet.” He grabs his jacket off the back of the chair and starts walking towards the door. “Oh! Don’t forget you’re working tonight, first night back!” He gives me a cheeky smile and taps Marcus on the shoulder, giving him a suspicious wink before leaning over and kissing me on the cheek.
My eyes dart between the two of them. “Ok what’s going on?”
I cross my arms over my chest, my foot tapping on the cold tiled floor, waiting for them to answer.
“Nothing sis!” Justin holds his hands up in the air in defence.
I glare at him. “You know he will have to tell me when you leave, right?” I give him a cheeky smile before turning my attention to Marcus. “You might as well tell me now.”
“She’s right Jus! I can’t keep anything from her – no secrets!” Marcus shrugs his shoulders at Justin.
“You’re seriously ratting me out to my own sister? Dude, that’s harsh. I thought we were friends.” I laugh when Justin places his hand on his chest, faking the heartbreak.
“You two are so cute!” I tease them.
Justin shakes his head at Marcus. “Fine! We have a little welcome back to work surprise for you. Ok? And it’s not cute, it’s called friendship!”
I stand laughing and watch him walk out the door in a sulk, Marcus following behind. I never would have imagined the friendship that would blossom between them, and even though sometimes I can be a little jealous, it fills my heart.
Although the state they both came home in the other night was a little frustrating but funny when Justin drunkenly tried to explain that Marcus is his wing man and tried finding him a ‘bird’.
So, this is normal life? I take a deep breath and walk to the kitchen, placing two cups on the counter I smile to myself. I listen as the door opens and then shuts again. Keeping my back to him I can hear Marcus removing his trainers, his bare feet hitting the tiles sending a shiver up my spine and my mind races when his soft hands curl around my waist and rest on my stomach. I lean into him.
“Alone at last,” he whispers hot against my ear, sending a ripping of heat rushing through my body, tingles shoot down my neck.
I spread my hands on the worktop for support as his lips caress down my neck, trailing the collarbone. The heat raising between us makes my breathing hitch. My insides scream for him.
“Marcus,” escapes my lips, begging.
His hand trails up my stomach, gentle…. barely touching through the thin vest top I have on, but I can still feel it, stopping just under my breast, his teeth nipping my neck.
He stops and releases his hold of me, slowly turning me around to look at him with a smile on his face and a gleam in his eyes. Looking up at my hair, he takes hold of the clip and removes it, letting my wild curls fall over my shoulders, his hand softly resting on my cheeks.
“How’s the ribs?” he questions.
Our intimacy has been limited, partly for our own recovery and party because I think I needed time to heal on the inside too. Through it all Marcus never once pressured me, holding me through the night when I couldn’t sleep. We haven’t been apart for a single moment since that night.
I don’t answer him; I don’t need to. Reaching up on my tiptoes I trail my lips across his jawline, the bristles tickling, as my lips meet his something wakes inside me. My hands trail up his back, dragging his t-shirt up and over his head, dropping in to the floor. His hand presses the back of my neck pulling me closer, our lips don’t part for even a second.
My fingers lightly feather across his torso, I stop at his shoulder and pull away. The haunting memory still fresh in my mind, in the blink of an eye I’m back there…. Fearing I had lost him.
I rest my hand on his wound for a moment looking up deep into his eyes through my lashes, closing my eyes I press my lips against it, tenderly kissing before looking back up to him.
“How’s the shoulder?” I question, running my hands through his tussled hair.
My heart races as he swiftly whisks me up into his arms, kissing me softly. “Healed enough to take my beautiful girlfriend to bed.”
My stomach aches as I wrap my arms around his neck, carried into the bedroom, he kicks the door shut behind him and gingerly places me down on the bed.
Hovering over me, his hand strokes down my cheek and along my jawline.
Caressing my thighs, he pulls my tiny shorts off and discards them on the floor. His eyes never leave mine.
He stands up and unbuttons his jeans, standing in nothing but his black boxer briefs.
Nestling himself between my legs, his hand reaching round my back and unclasps my bra gently and discards it slowly.
“I love you Evvie!” His body towers over mine, I trail my fingers over his shoulders stopping at his wound, feeling his wild heart racing against my touch.
“I love you too Marcus, with everything I have.” His lips meet mine.
His hand trails down my stomach and he leans up on the other, looking deep into my eyes. A smile spreads across his face at my reaction. I throw my head back in the pillows as his fingers circle my sex, pushing me, possessing me. I try to catch my breath against his touch, but it can’t…
“Marcus…” I beg, my voice croaky.
I watch as he leans over to the bedside table, slowly opening it, smiling he pulls out a condom. My lips feather over his shoulder as I reach over pulling the condom packet from him, my lips trail his neck while he pulls his boxers off discarding them on the floor, while I reach down between up and slowly push the condom down his length. Laying down in the bed beside me, he trails his hand across my stomach. “Are you sure you’re ok…?”
“Yes…” echoes from my lips as wrap my hands around his neck, pulling him back on top of me, wrapping my legs around his waist.
My mind runs blank when he slowly pushes inside me…. He steals my breath. I cry out with pleasure as he slowly pushes deeper and deeper.
He stops a moment, concern in his eyes. “Are you ok? Am I hurting you?”
I shake my head, clinging on, digging my nails deep into his back, pushing the pain aside, not wanting the moment to end. “Marcus…” I stare deep into his eyes, pleading with him to give me what I need.
I cry out as he goes deeper…. I don’t know how much longer I can hold on… I throw my hands back above my head, grabbing the cold wood…. clutching to reality.
“Evvie…” He reaches up, entwining his fingers in mine and I gasp for air as the pleasure takes over, he throbs against my inside with one last thrust…. A long harsh breath escapes both of us.
After our mid-day fun Marcus and I crash from exhaustion, I welcome the sleep. Being wrapped naked in his arms is a place I don’t ever want to leave. A few hours later I’m woken by the alarm of my phone indicating I have an hour till work, so in true Marcus form we shower together – which includes a new experience for me, a mind-blowing orgasm in the fucking shower! I took his comment about us ‘christening every room’ as a joke, but now I’m not too sure.
“You almost ready?” I hear his faint voice from the living room. I stand in front of the mirror and check my reflection one last time, smiling to myself. I’m excited to be back at work. I can’t wait to see everyone again and get a little bit of normality back, but a part of me is still nervous. “Evvie?” his voice is closer as he pushes the bedro
om door open.
Standing in the doorway in his black t-shirt and blue jeans, his hair tamer now than I’m used to. I smile as he stands in the doorway, his arms crossed over his chest watching me pin my hair up, I let several curls fall free and secure the rest in place.
“I like your hair like that.” He walks up behind me, one hand on my hip while his lips caress my ear. “You look stunning.”
I lean into him, enjoying his hands running up and down my bare back, choosing an open back top definitely makes his blood boil a little, I smile to myself; him knowing I’m not wearing a bra was the icing on the cake.
“I thought I would make an effort for my first night back.” I turn around in his arms.
His hand cups my cheek. “You look amazing no matter what you wear.” Butterflies dance around my stomach with his words. “You’re going to be late if we don’t move now.” He places a tiny kiss on my lips and starts walking out the room. I bite my lip.
The car journey is quick and if I’m honest my nerves begin to sink in as he pulls up down the backstreet. Starring out the window I note no one was queuing outside the club which for a Friday night was weird, it’s usually busting at the seams for live band night.
“Looks quiet tonight?” I question unfastening my seatbelt and open the car door, grabbing my bag before slamming the door shut again.
Marcus swiftly appears at my side, linking my arm in his. “At least it will be an easy night for you then.” He smirks. He is up to something, I can see it on his face and I get the feeling the little distraction this afternoon was just that – the ‘little surprise’ my brother admitted to me was pushed to the back of my mind.
As we cross the road, I taking a deep breath and nod at the bouncer standing at the door. As Marcus leads me inside, the whole place is in darkness.
“What’s going on?” I pause in the entranceway, my feet frozen in place as my eyes dart around the room.
I let out a sigh of relief when Marcus takes my hand, pressing it against his lips. I can see the smile. Suddenly the stage lights up purple and I see Jensen standing in the centre a mic in his hand, a soft drum beat echo’s from behind him, I squint my eyes just making out the band set up behind him.
I jump when the bar lights up to the side of me, Justin stands with his arms crossed over his chest, smiling at me. Smoke creeps cross the dancefloor and I can see a few familiar faces crowding around.
I look up at Marcus.
“Welcome back Evvie!” Jensen’s voice is carried through the club as the remainder of the lights come on. He waves from the stage to me before jumping off and rushing towards me.
I throw my arms around his neck, clinging tight to the hug.
“I’ve missed you Jen!” I fight back the emotional tears.
He pulls back, his hands pressed on my cheeks. “I’m so sorry, Evvie!” his voice carries a guilty tone to it.
“Please don’t Jensen! I’m fine!” I reassure him by kissing him on the cheek.
He smiles at me before walking back to the stage, I watch him pick up the microphone, winking at me before he signals the band to start playing.
Marcus drapes his arm over my shoulder as we walk over to Justin standing at the bar, a cheeky smile on his face.
“So, this is the little surprise you had planned?” I cross my arms over my chest, waiting for him to stop laughing and answer me.
He grabs two glasses off the shelf pouring Marcus and I. “It wasn’t all my idea, you know. Jen and Marcus played a part in it too!” He holds his hands up in the air.
“So, I take it I’m not working tonight them?” I place my bag on the bar, pulling the chair behind me.
“None of us are sis! I closed the club tonight – private party!” His attention is stolen by the tall blonde women stood at the bar, obviously waiting for his attention. “Now if you don’t mind….”
“Aren’t you going to introduce me to your friend…?” I give him a serious look.
He lets out a sigh and throws his head back a moment. “Fine!” He waves his hand at the women, signalling her to come and stand with us. “Maddie, this is my sister Evvie. Evvie this is Maddie.”
I hold out my hand to shake hers. “Nice to meet you, Maddie.” She smiles softly, looking over to Justin and then back to me. “This is my boyfriend Marcus.” I press my hand on his chest as he curls his hand around my waist.
“We have met, and Evvie, it’s lovely to meet you.” I curiously look over my shoulder to Marcus, which she obviously noticed and proceeds to correct her previous comment. “Sorry, what I meant to say is that Marcus introduced me to Justin last week.”
“Ah yes, Marcus has been playing – ‘wing man’ for my brother!” I laugh out, watching both their faces drop to the floor. “Well, I hope my brother treats you well, he can be a bit of an asshole at times, but he isn’t all bad!”
“I bet!” she blurts out and we giggle as his jaw drops to the floor.
I take hold on Marcus’ hand. “Come on, I owe you a dance.” I turn quick on my heels and lead him to the dancefloor.
“And why do you owe me a dance?” Marcus stops in front of me, resting his hands on my hips.
“You asked me to dance that first night. I wasn’t exactly the easiest person to try to hit on!” I nod my head to Jensen on stage who finishes his song and switches the tempo to a slower song, the band softly playing in the background as he picks up his guitar. I love listening to him play. I close my eyes and rest my head on Marcus’ chest, his hand pressed against my lower back and we sway in time to the beat as Jensen strums.
Marcus leans his head lightly on mine. “I wouldn’t have you any other way, love.”
I could stay this way for the rest of my life with him, my heart is filled with happiness and love for all the people around me, I look up to him smiling.
“I love that look on you.” He takes hold of my chin.
Our lips touch for a moment. “And what look would that be?” I tease him…we’ve been here before.
“Happy.” He drops his hand, spinning me round back into his arms.
We danced this way for what felt like hours, Jensen sang, song after song – some I’ve heard, some completely new. His voice filling the room as we sit at the bar, chatting to Justin. Friends came over, chatting before making their way back to the dancefloor.
I sat watching the minutes turn into hours slowly, time passing by and I just sit smiling, watching it all.
I don’t have to clutch to time anymore – I’m not living a ticking time bomb, don’t have to put anything on hold. Since the age of 17 I have been a shadow, never truly living my life, but now…with Marcus I want it all. I’m finally ready to step out into the rain, inhale hard and live life….
I’m pulled from my distraction when Jensen finishes his song, calling to me from the stage. I spin around to him, Marcus presses his body against my back, leaning into my ear, “One last surprise. Then I’m taking you home.” My heart crashes against my chest like waves on the rock.
“Come on Evvie!” Jensen waves at me, urging me to join him on stage, I turn to look at Marcus then back to the stage, my palms starting to sweat with both excitement and nerves.
Step by step I etch closer to the stage steps, creeping up them one by one. I haven’t been on the stage since that first night – staring into the crowd and seeing Drake’s face sent fear rippling through me, crippled me inside. But now, standing next to Jen as he passes me the microphone, I smile.
I turn to him, covering the mic for a moment. “I’m going to kill you guys.” I laugh as the beat starts up, the drums behind me, bass to the left and Jensen strumming beside me. Closing my eyes, the words flow from my lips. Tales of finding love, running from dangers and passion echo through the small crowd.
Opening my eyes, I look for him, our gaze met in a hot needed moment, I’m singing our story, tell the tale of how two strangers healed old wounds and found a love so strong it defeated the monster.
I stare into his eyes, sta
nding at the bar watching.
Protective.
My heart races with the need to run into his arms as I finish the song. I hand the mic back to Jensen and head towards the edge of the stage, slowly.
With each step I take, he too walks closer to me.
Standing on the edge, he stands in front of me, placing his hands on my hips he lifts me up and into his arms, kissing me hard before settling me down to my feet.
“Take me home Marcus.” I beg, words hot against his skin, I feel his hand tighten around my waist, his heart racing just as much as mine.
And just like the first night, he leads me out.
I will follow him anywhere.
Everywhere.
With all my Heart.
The hot sun kisses my skin as the salty breeze dances around. I close my eyes and lean back, soaking up all the heavenly peace. Six months have passed, and our life together now is content and happy, together like it should have always been.
We were meant to meet each other that night, destined to be together.
He was meant to lead me from the darkness, and I was meant to light his life.
Drake’s whole club operation was shut down. Turns out the police had been gathering evidence for a long time. I regret not going to them sooner with my story, but at that time I was scared.
I stood up in court and told them the whole truth – every painful moment I spent with Drake and told them how Daniel had saved me not once, but twice.
I forgave him for his part.
Stepping out from the shadows leaves you feeling reborn, finding yourself after so long of hiding…. I don’t think I found myself, I believe this is who I was always meant to be, just someone stopped me a long time ago.
Nothing has changed about our lives. I still work at the club; my brother is still a pain in the ass – just a little loved up now with Maddie. She is the best thing to happen to him.
Breathe Page 17