by D. Camille
Marc glanced over where Isis was taking her first shot. He watched her facial expression after she'd swallowed the colorful drink. She closed her eyes tightly then opened them before smiling broadly at his sister who was beaming. He was surprised that the two women had connected so quickly. Tasha was the sweetest thing walking but she was also very protective of her older brother. She had always been in Marc's corner, even when no one else had been.
Marc glanced back at the phone in his hand and typed a quick message to Khayla.
Hey gorgeous. On an assignment right now. Will talk to you later. Things have become complicated.
He pressed send and a minute later, he received a response.
Lol. I know what that means. She must be special.
He responded back.
I don't want you waiting for me.
Her answer came shortly after.
I wasn't. We both knew this wasn't a long term relationship deal. You know I have my own complicated situation here in Detroit. You're an incredible man and I hope she appreciates you.
He answered quickly.
Make sure Lance knows that I'm on his ass if he hurts you. You're far too beautiful to be waiting on any man.
Finally, she ended their communication with a “Take care Marcus.”
Marcus put his phone away and glanced back over at the woman who'd now removed her shoes and was laughing heartily with his sister as they indulged in their Jell-O shots. He was a bit surprised that Isis had agreed, although he knew she had a bad girl side buried underneath all that polish.
An hour later he went to retrieve his assignment who was still having the time of her life with Tasha and her friends. Marc first picked up her shoes, then her. “Time to go Princess.”
Isis grabbed her bag and looked up at him as he held her in his arms. “I don't want to go.” She pouted wrapping her arms around his neck and laying her head on his shoulder.
“I don't want her to go either.” His sister pouted along with Isis.
Marc shook his head. “It's time for you two to separate.”
Tasha came and threw her arms around them both. “Bye Isis! I love you!” Tasha screamed.
“I love you too!” Isis screamed in Marc's ear and he winced slightly.
Clearly, the watered down shots were taking effect on both women. Marc knew there was no way his mother would allow these women to get completely drunk on her watch. Tipsy maybe, but drunk...no.
“I love you Marc!” Tasha shouted still hugging the pair.
“I love you Marc!” Isis shouted mimicking Tasha.
Marc stepped out of his sister's embrace. “Happy birthday and I love you. Go to bed little girl.” He kissed her cheek and walked across the grounds with Isis holding on to him, singing happy birthday at the top of her lungs.
Isis stopped singing when they got to the car and turned to him. “Do you want me to drive?” she asked then burst out laughing.
Marc looked down at her and smiled. Isis' laugh did something to him every time, maybe because she'd rarely done it in his presence before or maybe because it was simply the sweetest sound to his ears.
“I can handle the driving,” he told her as he set her on her feet while opening the door. Marc helped her inside before going around the car. He glanced at her as he settled himself inside.
“Are you okay Princess?” he asked watching her sitting back on the seat with her eyes closed.
She smiled naughtily. “I'm imagining you naked.”
Marc started the car. “No more shots for you.”
She opened her eyes and turned to him. “I'm not drunk. I imagine you naked all the time.”
He glanced at her before putting the car into gear and taking off. As he drove, Isis kept talking.
“I've seen just about everything except the most important thing,” she smiled again and laid her head back against the leather seat. “My girlfriends have told me about it though.”
“Not yours in particular!” She laughed out loud again and he turned to her. “I don't believe they've seen it.”
“Isis...” he began and she kept talking.
“I mean I hope not. I wouldn't like that.” She frowned.
Marc sighed wondering how long she was going to keep up this conversation. Who knew Jell-O shots made you horny?
She turned to him with her eyes wide. “Have you ever sent pictures of it?”
“No.” She laid her head back again and closed her eyes.
“Is it nice though? I mean have you gotten compliments?” she asked.
What the hell? Is this where her thoughts went when she was a little tipsy? What the hell goes on in that damn mind of hers, he thought to himself.
“We should change the subject,” he told her.
“Hmmm...no compliments huh?” She nodded her head slowly.
Marc frowned. “For your information, I've gotten plenty of compliments and they always come back for more.”
Isis smiled. “Good. I'd hoped so.”
“Is this what you think about?” Marc asked out loud.
“Yeah, a lot more after you touched me at my apartment,” she answered.
She turned to him again with bright eyes. “Do you think about me naked?”
Marc gripped the wheel with two hands and turned to her. “You don't want me to answer that and I don't think it's wise right now.”
“You can tell me Marcus. I won't tell anyone else,” she whispered as if they were not the only two in the vehicle. “Do you think about me naked?”
Marc clinched his jaw. “Yes, Isis.”
She turned back to her reclining position with a smile. “Well no one's seen what I have. I've kept it very private. I'm a lady.”
Marc nodded as he continued to drive. “I know Isis.”
“Do you want to see it Marcus?” she asked.
His eyes automatically flew to her creamy thighs showing from underneath her dress. Hell yeah he wanted to see it. See it, touch it, taste it, smell it. Claim it.
“Aren't you tired?” he asked. “You've had a long day. Why don't you sit back and relax until we get back to the house.”
She turned to him frowning. “You don't want to see it?”
“What do you think Isis?” he asked looking at her.
She studied him for a moment then smiled. “Yeah, you want to see it.”
Isis laughed and laid back. “You want to see it bad.”
Marc couldn't help but laugh. This girl was something else and she was right. He did want to see it bad.
“If you keep talking, I'm going to see it right now on the side of this road,” he cautioned.
She shook her head. “No, I don't want to be tipsy when you see it. I want to see in your eyes that you like it.”
“I already like it Isis.”
“I like to look at you, it makes me want to touch you.” She squirmed in her seat. “And it makes me hot.”
Marc took his gaze off the road. “Are you sure you're not drunk?”
“Nope, just a little tipsy,” she answered. “I'll prove it. Ask me a math question. No, not math, I hate that.”
“Ask me a question about me,” she instructed.
Marc waited and then looked at her seriously. “Why do you believe so strongly in your father?”
She was quiet for a moment before she answered. “Because I have to, he's all I have and if you take him away, I'll be all alone,” she whispered.
“You have Isabelle,” he pointed out.
Isis shrugged. “She has Ray and a baby on the way. She also has Jordan, Sean and their wives.”
“I have friends but not anyone of my own, except my Daddy,” she explained. “Mommy died when I was still a teenager.”
Marc knew all of Isis' past regarding her family. It was his job to know but he also wanted to hear it from her.
“I still miss her so much,” she said shakily as her eyes watered. “Your mother reminded me a lot of her.” She turned to the window.
Marc reached over an
d took her hand in his bringing it to his lips. “I should have asked you the math question.”
Isis turned and looked at him through her wet lashes and smiled.
They arrived at the house and Marc came around to help her out of the car. Isis held her shoes in one hand and her bag in the other. She gasped as he swept her off her feet and headed towards the door.
“I can walk Marcus. I told you I'm not drunk,” she protested.
“It's fine. I can't have you tripping and hurting yourself.” He managed to punch in the code for the door then walked inside still holding on to her. She was giggling as she pushed the door closed and Marc detected a sound inside the house.
He immediately went into action standing Isis on her feet and drawing his gun. She looked at him startled and he put a finger to her lips and shook his head indicating for her to remain silent. He motioned slowly for her to move behind him and she moved instantly. Isis held on to the back of his jacket as he moved further inside.
Marc held his weapon in front of him as they headed in the direction he'd heard the sound. He turned the corner and shouted. “Freeze! FBI!”
“Yeah I know,” Ray answered holding a glass of apple juice.
Marc sighed. “Ray! What the hell? I could've killed you.”
“First of all, you wouldn't shoot without identifying your suspect first. Secondly you're falling off, you should have known I was here without me giving you a warning.”
Marc put his weapon away. “This is your safe house. I assumed it would be exactly that.”
Isis looked between the two men still holding her shoes and bag. She'd thought someone had come to hurt her and now she was trying to calm her breathing, however the alcohol was still clouding her brain.
“Are you okay Isis? Ray asked sitting his glass aside.
She opened her arms and walked over to him. “I love you Ray!” Isis shouted and hugged him tightly before his eyes flew to Marc.
Ray patted her gently. “Okay, I love you too goddess. What's going on?” He asked pulling away and studying her face.
“Marcus wants to see me naked,” she whispered and Marc put a hand to his forehead.
Ray frowned deeply at Marc, lifting a brow.
“She had some Jell-O shots tonight,” Marc explained.
Ray turned back to Isis. “You know what? I need to holla at Marc, so do you mind giving us a minute?
Isis smiled. “Yes, I'm going to bed now.” She turned to Marc and put a hand on his chest. “I'll see you naked later, okay?”
Marc took her hand and led her into her bedroom where Isis plopped on the bed face down. The perfect curve of her ass held his attention for a minute before he remembered Ray waiting for him in the other room. He leaned down and kissed her temple before pulling the covers over her now nearly passed out body.
When he returned Ray was waiting with his arms folded and his face angry. “You want to tell me what the hell you're doing?” Ray barked.
“I ask you to protect my sister and you go and get her drunk?” he demanded.
“She said she's not drunk, just tipsy.”
Ray took a breath. “I'm two seconds off of busting your ass Marc. This is not the time for your damn sarcasm.” He unfolded his massive arms. “Now why in the hell is my sister drunk?”
“I took her to Tasha's birthday party and they had Jell-O shots. They were watered down as hell so she's not fully drunk.”
Ray lifted a brow. “You took her home? To your family?”
Marc nodded then remained silent.
“Does she know about your past?” Ray asked.
Marc removed his glasses. “No, I haven't told her yet.”
Ray studied him. “Are you going to?”
“I didn't want to let her in Ray. I tried to push her away but she was constantly there, in my mind.”
Ray smirked. “Tell me about it.” He certainly could sympathize with the brother after his own situation with her sister.
“She asked to know Marcus, so I took her to where he started,” Marc explained.
“How are things with you and your father?” Ray inquired knowing the history.
Marc gave a short laugh. “The same, as usual.”
Ray stepped closer. “I can't have you hurt her Marc. Isis is innocent. Don't take anything away from her that she can never get back.”
Marc looked at him. “I wouldn't do that Ray. I haven't touched her.”
“She said you want to see her naked,” Ray pointed out.
“What are you doing here?” Marc asked changing the subject.
Ray nodded. “Just checking on things, I should have some leads in next few days.”
Marc removed his jacket and placed it on a chair. “What's going on with Milton Martin?”
“If he keeps getting on my nerves, you won't need to build a case,” Ray told him and Marc shook his head.
Ray took a seat and watched Marc, as he remained standing. “Do you care about her?”
“I shouldn't.”
“That wasn't the question,” Ray told him.
Marc placed his hands on his waist and looked up at the ceiling. “How can this work?”
“Do you care about her?” Ray repeated.
“I don't want to.”
Marc began to pace. “She's Milton's daughter. I'm sending her father to prison.”
Ray leaned back. “Marc damn, do you care about her?” he demanded for the third time.
Ray watched his protégé deal with the struggle between his heart and mind. Marc had fallen and hard as hell, by all indications. Ray had been worried that Isis would be the one to fall and Marc might rebuff her, but he could look at this brother and tell he was gone. He wondered how long the two of them had been having feelings for one another. His wife was a damn genius.
“Yeah, I care about her Ray,” Marc finally admitted.
Ray shrugged. “What are you going to do about it?”
“I'm taking her,” Marc said simply.
“Milton isn't just going to sit back and let you do that,” Ray warned.
Marc's eyes narrowed. “Milton's ass is going to jail and he's not going to stop me from being with Isis.”
Ray smiled, his work was done. Isabelle had sent him to make sure these two were moving in the right direction and he was satisfied that everything was going according to plan.
He got to his feet. “Well, I'm going home to my beautiful wife. Your ass better take care of our sister and I'll be in touch soon.”
Ray walked to the door. “And keep your damn guard up. I know the Martin women are beautiful but be ready.”
“I was born ready.” Marc followed him to the door where the two men faced each other.
Light brown eyes looked at platinum ones. “She's a good girl Marc. You deserve someone who's going to be good to you. There's nothing else for you to prove to anyone.”
Marc nodded. “Thanks Ray.”
Ray went to the garage, retrieved his car and left the premises. Marc closed the door and pressed his hand against it thinking about the woman sleeping in the bedroom. His head wanted to push her away but his heart knew that Ray's words were true. Isis would be good to him. She was kind, loving and loyal to a fault.
Isis was sweet, funny, and honest. She didn't want to play games and she wasn't afraid to put her heart on the line. She was strong, brave and so beautiful it made him ache for her. Marc made his way to her bedroom.
He looked down at her sleeping form on the bed. She was going to have one hell of a headache when she woke up. He turned and walked into the kitchen looking for some acetaminophen because he remembered that she had a sensitivity to aspirin as part of her allergies. He found some in the cabinet and grabbed a bottle of water.
Marc returned to the bedroom and sat the items on the nearby nightstand. He lowered himself onto the bed and slowly rubbed her temple as she slept. “I won't ever let you be all alone Princess.”
“I know how that feels.”
Chapter 6
Isis awakened with a pounding headache and a handsome, sexy FBI agent lying next to her. She raised a hand to her head and moaned, causing platinum eyes to open to hers.
“Hello Princess.”
Isis moaned again. “Please don't yell,” she said very softly.
“I wasn't. That's your headache.”
“Ohhhh...why did you let me do that?” she complained.
Marc sat up and reached for the pain killers. Opening the bottle, he poured a couple into his hand before replacing the bottle.
“Take these, they'll help with your head.” He helped her to sit up slowly.
“I can't take aspirin,” she reminded him.
“I know. It's acetaminophen.” He brought the pill to her lips. “Open.”
Isis watched him as she opened her mouth slightly. Marc slipped the tablet past her lips before grabbing the water and twisting the cap off. He handed it to her and she brought it to her mouth taking a small sip and swallowing. He repeated the action for the second pill and when she was done, he removed the bottle and replaced the top before replacing it on the nightstand.
Turning back to her, he gently touched her head. “You're a lightweight.”
Isis touched her hand to his. “I don't drink often.”
“Lie down Princess,” he whispered then helped her to stretch out on the bed.
Sitting on the edge, he looked down at her. “Do you need anything?” he asked quietly.
Isis looked into his face. “We didn't get to see each other naked.”
Marc took her hand. “No we didn't, but I promise you we will.”
She smiled at him. “I should get up and shower. I don't usually sleep in my clothes.”
“Me either.”
Isis looked at him still in his attire from yesterday. “You stayed here with me?” she asked.
He nodded. “I wanted to be close if you needed me.”
“I think I'll be fine. The pain killers will kick in soon.”
Marc watched her closely. “Do you need help getting into the shower?”
Isis lifted a brow and Marc shook his head. “I want to make sure you're not dizzy because I don't want you to fall and hurt yourself. I am here to keep you safe,” he pointed out.