“Oh, calm down.” Sadie laughed, but the laughter didn’t reach her eyes. No, her eyes were calculating and watching her closely. “You know how Deb is when she’s drinking from her red cup.”
Roxy didn’t say anything to that, and neither did Deb, which clearly stated to everyone at the table who the ringleader was.
“She is right, though.” Sadie’s smile was fake with a hint of hatred toward anyone who may give her a run for her money. “Marcus does seem to spend a lot of time at the coffee shop.”
“He’s thirsty,” Clare piped in with a sneer toward Sadie.
“Cute,” Sadie snapped at Clare. “I think there’s more to it than that, but if you’re saying you and Marcus aren’t, well, you know, then maybe I’ve been after the wrong brother.”
Roxy laughed a real laugh. “Honey, maybe you’re just the wrong woman.”
“Ouch.” Clare chuckled, then cleared her throat when Sadie glared her way.
Sadie stood, bringing her attention back to Roxy. “There’s nothing wrong with me.”
With that, she walked away and went straight to Marcus, who frowned when he saw her coming. Roxy didn’t even flinch. She knew women like Sadie Johnson and if that was who Marcus wanted, then so be it, but she thought she knew him better than that.
“You really shouldn’t piss her off,” Linda said to Roxy. Linda looked more upset about Sadie flirting with Marcus than she felt. “She has ways of getting even with people.”
Roxy watched the reaction Sadie was getting from Marcus and had to admit she was pleased. Sadie was beautiful on the outside, but a real bitch on the inside. Glancing from Marcus to Hunter then Garrett and even Dell, these men were more than handsome. It was normal for women to be attracted to them. She wasn’t the jealous type really, never had been, and even more so after being married to a very jealous man. It was an ugly emotion.
“Linda, you’re a nice person.” Roxy looked her way. “Why do you even hang out with her?”
“She’s okay. I mean she’s not like that all the time.” Linda frowned, glancing back at Sadie and Marcus.
“Didn’t she and your ex Lance have a little something on the side?” Clare blurted, not looking at all sorry.
Roxy cocked her eyebrow at that, waiting for Linda to respond. Instead, Linda got up and walked away.
“Guess I should have kept that to myself.” Clare smirked. “But the truth hurts.”
“She did do that to Linda.” Deb was still sitting there with a funny look on her face. “Yeah, I didn’t agree with that at all. Linda was really hurt.”
“Then why are you friends with her, Deb?” Roxy stood, grabbing her plate. “And the things she says about your own sister. If Emily was my sister and she said stuff like that, she’d be picking her teeth off the ground.”
“She hasn’t been too nice to Emily herself.” Clare glared at Deb. “Isn’t that right? You were the one who started the rumors about her and told everyone who would listen about Mable threatening Hunter to take her out. Hell, that’s worse than what Sadie ever did.”
Deb slammed her cup down, sloshing it all over and stood, the smell of alcohol filling the air. “Who in the hell do you think you are?”
“Well, I know what I’m not.” Clare stood, going nose to nose with Deb. “Sadie’s little bitch.”
“Oh, okay.” Roxy tossed her plate back down and got between the two women. “Let’s calm down now, ladies. I don’t think Janna would appreciate a throw down at her baby shower.”
Roxy was a bit taller than the two women who were about to tear each other’s hair out, and she had strength, managing to push them apart.
“I don’t care what Janna would appreciate,” Deb spat, then weaved before setting herself straighter. “She doesn’t deserve Garrett, and she sure as hell doesn’t deserve having his babies. As a matter of fact, I hope she…”
“Don’t even go there,” Roxy warned, her eyes narrowing, knowing exactly what Deb was getting ready to say.
“What?” Deb hiccupped, then sneered. “It would serve her right if she did lose—”
Roxy let go and punched her straight in the mouth, then headed for her as soon as her ass hit the ground. “I told you not to go there, you bitch.” Roxy was on top of her, pounding her until strong arms grabbed her around the waist, pulling her off.
“Let me go!” Roxy fought against the tight grip that held her trapped and away from the bleeding bitch.
“Hey!” Marcus’s voice was stern. “Calm down, killer.”
“I’ll kill her all right.” Roxy slammed her foot down on his, making him release his hold, but Hunter was ready and stopped her from reaching Deb.
“You’re psycho!” Deb screamed at her, wiping her nose, looking in horror at the blood.
“You don’t even know,” Roxy all but growled, pointing her finger at Deb. “If I ever hear you say anything like that again, you’ll definitely see psycho.”
“I didn’t say anything.” Deb sniffed, trying to look innocent, pissing Roxy off even more.
“The hell you didn’t.” Clare gave her a disgusted look. “And if Roxy hadn’t gotten to you first, I would have. Shame on you.”
Roxy started to calm down when she noticed everyone surrounded them. She pushed Marcus’s hands off her. “I’m fine.” She shrugged out of his hold. Her eyes went to Sadie, who grinned and shook her head at her.
“Well, I’m not fine.” Clare clearly wasn’t ready to let it go.
She knew that Clare was about to tell everyone what Deb had said, but her eyes met Emily’s, who had just broken through the crowd to see what was going on.
“Don’t, Clare.” Roxy shook her head then nodded toward Emily. “Let it go.”
Emily took one look around, her eyes narrowing on the red cup that was turned over with the contents spilled out on the table. She turned to Deb. “I think you need to leave.”
“You’re going to take their side over your own sister.” Deb weaved again.
“Yeah.” Emily frowned and sounded sad about that fact, but unmoved by Deb’s fake, pitiful “feel sorry for me” voice. “I am.”
“Fine.” Deb looked around then seemed to realize she didn’t have anything to take, so she turned to walk away, but put in a parting shot toward Roxy. “Don’t think this is over.”
“Okay, folks,” Hunter said, grinning. “The women’s throw down is over for now. I think it’s time for presents. That was the preshow.”
Roxy rolled her eyes but felt horrible when she glanced toward Janna who looked pale. God, she felt terrible. She should have let it go, but dammit, how could anyone let something so cruel like what Deb was insinuating go.
Falling into her chair, Roxy sighed, then looked at her hand. It hurt like a bitch.
“What in the hell was that about?” Marcus sat down between Roxy and Clare.
“Nothing.” Roxy flexed her hand with a grimace.
Clare snorted. “If that bitch saying she hoped Janna lost her babies is nothing—”
“Clare,” Roxy warned, but sighed again when Marcus slammed his hand on the table.
“She said what?” Marcus’s voice was angrier than she’d ever heard.
“You heard me right,” Clare said, ignoring Roxy. “And I swear when I see her again, I’m just going to punch her for the hell of it.”
“She’d been drinking,” Roxy said, knowing it was no excuse, but she was thinking of Emily, not her bitch of a sister. “I should have kept my cool. Sorry.”
“If I would have known what had happened, I would have let it go longer.” Marcus growled, his eyes narrowed dangerously.
“Yeah, well, I feel awful ’cause I totally ruined Janna’s shower.” Roxy did feel dreadful about that, but honestly, she would have done it the same damn way again.
“You didn’t ruin anything.” Marcus stood and pulled her with him. “Clare, run in and get Muhammad Ali here some ice for her hand.”
“I’m fine,” Roxy replied, even as her knuckles swelled. She’
d had worse than this and survived. This was nothing.
Marcus and Clare ignored her, sitting her closer to where Janna was opening gifts. “Stay here, I’ll be right back.”
Roxy didn’t argue, but she felt everyone eyeing her. She wanted nothing more than to go home. She had hoped to stay in the back while Janna opened all the baby presents, but there she was up front and center, eyes on her. And each sweet baby toy or clothing unwrapped was a stab to her heart.
Hearing a few people gasp, she turned to see Marcus walk from the house with a beautiful wooden bassinet. He placed it in front of Janna and Garrett, who stood by her side.
“This is from Roxy and me,” he announced loudly and proudly. “I have the other one inside, but it looks like this one.”
Tears stuck in her throat, behind her eyes, and anywhere else tears could stick, threatening to break through. Little pricks of pain exploded in her heart, then squeezed to the point of pain where she wanted to double over and crumple to the ground. Instead, she sat emotionless, staring at the bassinet, wishing once more that she had met Marcus Foster years ago. He would have stopped all the heartache she was afraid she’d feel for the rest of her life.
Chapter 4
Marcus smiled at the excitement that Janna showed at his gift. He had always loved working with his hands and wood. His home was filled with things that he had made just waiting for his mate. At that thought, he turned to look at Roxy only to find her gone. His eyes searched and saw her rounding the corner of the house and disappearing. Leaning down, he kissed Janna’s cheek, then took off after Roxy.
Tonight was the first time he had ever really seen any strong emotion from Roxy Patel. Even though it was anger, it was still an emotion. He could tell she was uncomfortable at losing control, but didn’t think she should be. Deb was lucky he wasn’t within hearing distance, not that he would ever hit a woman, but by damn, he sure would curse one, especially when something like that was said.
He also knew that Roxy didn’t want to make a big deal out of it, not only for Janna’s sake but for Emily. Deb was her sister and unfortunately, what Deb did or said could reflect badly on Emily. And honestly, he fell in love with Roxy even more than he already was at that moment.
“Roxy,” he called out when he spotted her heading toward the coffee shop. When she didn’t stop, he grew concerned. He knew she’d heard him. He caught up to her in the middle of the street and turned her toward him. “Where’re you going?” Looking down into her face, he saw the tears reflected from the streetlight. Gently, he led her to the sidewalk, not knowing what was going on, what had upset her.
“Why’re you crying?” He frowned, catching a tear with his thumb.
Roughly she swiped the tears away, sniffed and gave a bitter laugh. “Marcus, I can’t do this.” She sniffed again with another swipe. “I really can’t do this.”
Stepping back to give her space, he crossed his arms and stared down at her. “Do what?” He knew the answer but wanted to hear it come from her lips.
“Me, you, this.” She couldn’t meet his eyes; instead, she stared at his chest.
“Look me in the eyes and tell me that,” he demanded, but kept his tone level.
Her eyes did shoot up toward him, but she quickly looked away. “What do you want from me?” she hissed, but she didn’t sound angry. She sounded confused and lost. “Because honestly, whatever it is, I can’t give it. I’m used up, done, and that’s not fair to you. I have way too much baggage, more than you deserve to be saddled with.”
“That was a mouthful,” Marcus replied, his eyebrow cocked. “I think that’s more than you’ve ever told me about yourself without actually telling me anything.”
“Why?” Roxy asked, her face pale in the dim streetlight. “Why me?”
“Why not you?” Marcus shot back. He wasn’t going to let her off that easy. He was done playing. He wanted her, he would have her, and it was time she realized that he didn’t care about her baggage, her past, or anything else for that matter. What did matter was his intense need to help her heal, because that was the only way they could have a life together. Without her, he had no life. He knew it, his wolf knew it.
“I can’t do this.” This time anger fueled her words, and she turned to go into the coffee shop, but Marcus wasn’t having it.
“Where’s the woman who just beat the shit out of Deb?” Marcus turned her, searching her eyes. “I want to talk to her for a minute.”
“What’re you talking about?” Roxy tried to pull away from him, but it was a feeble attempt.
“That woman would answer my question and until she shows up and answers, we’ll stand here all night.” Marcus let her go, then leaned against the outside wall of the coffee shop, arms crossed and waited. He was a patient man. “Why not you?”
“Because I’m fucked up!” she shouted, then calmed immediately, visibly trying to gain control. “Is that what you wanted to hear?”
Marcus didn’t want her to calm down. He wanted her true emotions. He wanted the real Roxy that she hid from others, from him. “I want to hear it all, Roxy.” Marcus looked down at her and fought the urge to pull her into his arms like he wanted to. “But I want to hear it from the real Roxy, not the one you feel should interact with everyone. I want to hear it from the woman hiding inside you.”
“I don’t even know what that means.” She lied, and he knew she lied. She knew exactly what he meant.
“Yes, you do.” Marcus’s gaze roamed the area to make sure they were still alone. He’d rather not have this discussion out in the open. “You know exactly what I mean and, Roxy, I’m not going anywhere. Until you look me in the eye and tell me you want nothing to do with me, I’m here. That there’s no chance and mean it, I’m here and will be here. I’m a patient man. I’ve waited this long for my mate. I can wait longer.”
Her eyes opened wide at the mention of mate. “Your mate?” She shook her head. “I can’t be your mate. You’re wrong. You have to be wrong.”
Marcus chuckled. “I’ve been wrong plenty in my life, but not about this. You’re my mate, Roxy Patel, that I know, and nothing short of my death will change that.”
“Don’t say that.” Roxy frowned, wiping away a fresh tear.
“What, that you’re my mate?”
“No, death. Your death,” Roxy whispered, not looking directly at him.
“So, you do care.” Marcus grinned, his wolf growing restless.
This time Roxy did look up into his eyes. “Of course I care, you ass.”
“And there she is.” Marcus chuckled, reaching out to touch her cheek. “The real Roxy Patel.”
******
Roxy stood there like an idiot, staring into Marcus’s gorgeous brown eyes, mesmerized by everything about him. What she should be doing was running as far as she could, away from the heartbreak she knew would come. But instead, she just stood and then went into his arms as he pulled her to him.
“You’re going to regret this,” she whispered into his chest and was surprised when he responded because she was sure she had spoken those words to herself.
“Never.” He held her tighter. “Whatever comes, whatever happens, know I’m beside you, Roxy. Since the day I saw you, I’ve been beside you.”
God, she wanted to scream. Years she had wasted with the wrong man. Years had been spent with lies and pain beyond reason. Why now? Why was this happening? Was it a cruel joke being played on her and she would wake up in the nightmare that had been her life?
“I’m not divorced, Marcus.” Roxy brought up one of the many things that haunted her. “I’m still married.”
“And I told you I could remedy that.” Marcus pulled her away, took her keys she had been holding in her hand, and opened the coffee shop door. “I will do exactly that. Now, let’s fix us some coffee and talk.”
Roxy walked in after he opened and held the door for her. Flipping on the lights, she quickly went to start some coffee. Her hands shook, her mind going a hundred miles a minute. She
didn’t know if she was ready to talk, but that wasn’t really being fair to him. She waited for the coffee with her back turned to him, giving herself time to think. She would only answer his questions and offer nothing else.
She sensed him directly behind her, his woodsy scent filling her nose. Damn, he smelled good. The heat of his body warmed her. He reached above her, his body inches from hers as he took two coffee cups down with one hand and sat them next to her.
“Thank you,” she said, licking her dry lips.
“You’re welcome.”
She sighed, whether in relief that he moved away or frustration, she didn’t know. She was screwed, that much she did know. Just his proximity threw her for a loop, and with her growing feelings, she didn’t know how she would ever be able to refuse anything he had to offer or ask of her.
When the coffee was done, she poured them both a cup and added sugar and cream. Suddenly she stopped and stared at the cups. She knew instinctively how much sugar and cream he liked in his coffee and never once had they even been on a date. Things were getting real, and she was getting scared.
Carefully, she picked up the cups, but he was there in a flash to take his from her. He put his free hand on her lower back and escorted her to a table, pulling out a chair for her until she was seated. Marcus then sat directly across from her.
“You sure can make one hell of a cup of coffee,” Marcus said after taking a drink of the hot liquid.
“Plenty of practice lately,” she responded automatically. She hated the waiting game and wanted to get this over with as quickly as possible. “What do you want to know, Marcus?”
He took another drink of coffee, staring at her over the rim. Setting the cup down, he leaned back in the chair. “Everything.”
“That’s not going to work.” She shook her head, her index finger running along the rim of her coffee cup. “Ask me specific questions and I’ll answer you.”
“Fair enough.” He nodded. “How bad was your marriage?”
Even though she expected tough questions, she was surprised at his bluntness. “Bad, but I’m sure there are worse marriages out there than what I had.”
Forbidden Desire (Lee County Wolves) Book #3 Page 3