by D. Camille
Isabelle smiled. “Do you think they'll make it to breakfast? They haven't been together in weeks?”
Ray looked at her. “I'm surprised they made it to the damn car.”
She laughed softly as he fed her more and their eyes connected. “Once you've eaten all this food, you're going to get exactly the same thing,” he told her.
Isabelle smiled broadly. Her husband was an extremely experienced man and he made pregnancy sex just as incredible as regular joining, if not more so.
“You should feed me faster,” she said happily.
He laughed and gave her more of the meal he'd prepared. “How are you dealing with the loss of your father?”
Isabelle shrugged. “Although Daddy and I were not on good terms, I will miss him. I'm just worried about Isis. She was shutting everyone out. I hope Marc can get through to her.”
Ray nodded. “I think she needed her space to get her thoughts together. Marc was determined not to wait another day to see her. I thought he was going to try to whip my ass if I didn't let him stay.”
“He's very strong willed.”
“He's stubborn and cocky as hell,” Ray amended.
Isabelle placed her hand on his. “He's like my husband, which is why I picked him for my sister.”
“How did you know about them?” he asked.
She sat back against the pillows having had enough food. “My sister always had such strong feelings about him and whenever they danced together, whether they knew it or not, they clung to one another as if they had been seeking each other.”
Ray lifted a brow. “Damn, how'd I miss all that?”
“You had other things on your mind,” she explained remembering what had transpired over the last months.
“One of which was getting my Moon and making her belong to me.” He sat the tray aside and took her into his arms kissing her.
“I belong to you Ray Parker,” she whispered as he began to show her that she was right.
*********
Inside the car, Marc turned to Isis. “Where would you like to go?” he asked.
Isis turned to him looking him over. “To your apartment.”
He nodded and put on his sunglasses before starting the car. As he drove, Marc reached over and took her hand. Isis gently squeezed as he held her hand tightly. They rode in silence and Marc allowed her to look out the window without speaking. Every now and then, he would glance over to see how she was doing.
They arrived and he led her inside closing the door behind him and leaning back against it. He looked her over as she turned to him. She was beautiful as usual even though she looked tired. He took in her dark brown eyes and clover honey skin.
“What can I get you?” he asked removing his glasses.
Isis walked up to him. “Some peace,” she whispered.
Marc pulled her against his chest holding her as she locked her arms around his waist. Isis placed her ear over his heart and listened to his strong heartbeat. She'd wanted to stay away from him, from this warmth and comfort he gave her by simply holding her in his arms. She realized she needed it more than she ever imagined. Marcus gave her something she found nowhere else.
“I'm so tired Marcus,” she said into his chest.
Marc bent and lifted her into his arms. “Come and rest Princess.” He carried her into the bedroom lying her on the bed. Quietly her took her shoes off and placed them on the floor near the bed. He stood, removed his weapon then placed it inside the nightstand before he removed his jacket and joined her, pulling her closer and enfolding her.
“Rest Princess,” he whispered against her temple. “I'll be here when you wake up.”
Isis burrowed closer and closed her eyes. She was where she needed to be and soon she was fast asleep. Marc stroked her back gently until he felt her fall into slumber. He hadn't understood when she had shut him out. At first he'd thought she'd needed space and had given her time, but two weeks was the limit. Two weeks without seeing her smile or hearing the laugh that he loved. He'd awakened this morning determined that nothing would stop him from seeing this woman, his woman.
He'd taken her to be with her sister when it had been announced that Milton was dead. She'd walked away from him and shut off all communication until today. He hadn't known what his reception would be today, but he didn't care. He was coming for her regardless and an entire army could not have stopped him.
Marc kissed the top of her head as she slept peacefully. Maybe now they could move on with their lives with Milton out of the picture. Isis was no longer in danger and she could resume her normal life again. Marc was going to make sure that he was a part of that life. He knew things had transpired quickly between them, but he was going to show Isis that she was his woman. Now he could date her without issues between them and give her the courtship she deserved.
Isis Martin didn't know what was coming. Marcus Graham was about to show her how a man went after the woman he wanted more than anything. He would give her time, as he knew she was on shaky ground with the loss of her father, but he would make sure he stayed a constant in her life while she was settling herself.
Marc closed his eyes. He'd been up since three in the morning and had arrived at the Parker estate at six. Ray had looked like he wanted to strangle him, but he hadn't cared. He'd told Ray he wanted to take Isis to breakfast but in actuality, he wanted to take her for good. He didn't think that would have gone over well with Ray, so he'd just mentioned breakfast.
Marc soon dozed off himself dreaming of the woman now sleeping next to him...
When Isis awakened for the second time that day, it was no longer morning. In fact it was late afternoon by the indication of the sun. She looked up at Marcus who was still asleep. In repose, she studied his features. He was truly a handsome man with his chiseled features and full lips and when he turned those platinum eyes on her, she melted. She loved when he smiled at her because it transformed his entire face. While most of the time he looked stern and serious, when he smiled he looked absolutely adorable.
She moved her gaze to his crisp dress shirt before she reached up and began to loosen his tie. Isis tugged gently at the knot before his hand came up to stop her. She looked up into his face and smiled.
“Hi,” she whispered.
Marc held on to her hand. “Hi, did you sleep?”
She nodded slowly. “Yes, thank you for that.”
He studied her face for a moment before touching her cheek. “Tell me where your head is at Isis.”
She looked away. “It's been in many places these past weeks. I think after Daddy died, I just retreated inside myself.”
“I know that was hard on you Princess. I wanted to be there for you,” he told her.
Isis glanced back at him. “I wanted to see you but...”
He frowned. “But what?”
“I don't want you to see me as being needy all the time,” she said quietly. “I'm not like that.”
“You've been through an extreme situation Isis. You've been held hostage and lost your father in the same week. How could I see that as needy?” he questioned.
“Everything happened so fast between us,” she said watching him closely.
Marc lifted a brow. “Do you regret what happened? Was I just a way to satisfy your curiosity?”
Isis flushed and looked away. “No, you were much more than that. Marcus.”
He gathered her closer and she held him tightly. “I know you're hurting Isis, let me help you to heal. However long it takes, I'll be here.”
“I miss my Daddy, Marcus. Even though I know he wasn't a good person,” she choked out.
Marc gently stroked her back. “Of course you miss him sweetheart, you loved him. You don't stop loving someone in the blink of an eye. You'll always love your Daddy, there's nothing wrong with that.”
“I didn't want any of Daddy's money though. Isabelle and I gave it all to Shana,” she told him.
“It's possible the government may be seizing some of those assets,
so I hope Shana hasn't banked on getting those funds,” Marc informed her.
Isis pulled back and looked at him. “The money was illegal,” she surmised.
He nodded. “We just have to figure out how much and then go to court.”
Isis shook her head and returned to his embrace. “Will this ever be over, or will my father's dirty deeds follow us forever?”
“Nothing that has to do with your father is a concern for you anymore. You can focus on what you want,” he assured her.
She looked at him. “I know what I want.”
“What's that Princess?”
Isis smiled slowly. “I want some food...and then I want to compliment you.” Her eyes darkened, as she looked him over.
Marc nodded. “Let's go.”
*********
Simone Jenkins packed the items at her desk from her last assignment. Serving as Milton Martin's secretary had been her cover to get information on him. Now that the dirty bastard was dead, it was time to move on to the next job. Simone worked for Ray Parker and had been an integral part in keeping tabs on Milton.
Beside her was a box of evidence she'd collected to turn over to Ray. Too bad he wouldn't need it, but it had all worked out for the best in her estimation. Milton Martin had been rotten to the core and deserved everything that happened to him. He'd treated everyone like dirt underneath his feet and terrorized many.
Simone looked up as the handsome young man entered the office. He nodded at her and smiled as he approached.
“You must be Simone,” he said extending his hand. “I'm Kyle, Ray sent me to pick up a box.”
Her face fell. “Oh, I'd hoped he was sending the sexy FBI agent.”
Kyle's smile disappeared. “Well, you got me. So where's the box?”
Simone frowned. “You don't have to be rude.”
“You're the one who's rude. I didn't come to try to get with you, I came to pick up a box,” he told her.
Her eyes narrowed. “You work for Ray now?” she asked.
“Yeah.”
“In the office or on the team?” she inquired.
He watched her. “On the team.”
Simone looked him over again. If he was on the team that meant he knew what they all did outside of their cover jobs.
“What's your cover?” she asked.
“Forensic Scientist at the FBI Crime Lab.”
She smiled again. “So you work with Agent Marc Graham?”
“I know Marc, we've met at Ray's office,” he explained.
“Well, welcome to the team,” she finally offered.
“Thanks. Where's the box?” he asked shortly.
Simone huffed. “Fine, the box is right there.” She pointed to the box in question and Kyle moved swiftly to retrieve it.
He picked it up and turned to her. “Thanks.”
“I'll see you around then,” she said to his back.
“Yeah, sure.” Kyle kept walking and Simone admired his tall muscular physique. He wasn't Agent Marcus Graham, he was younger and apparently not as friendly but he was definitely a cutie. She looked forward to working with him since he was now on the team. If things didn't materialize with the sexy FBI agent, then maybe...just maybe. But for now Marcus Graham was still number one on her list.
*********
Marc and Isis were relaxing on his sofa watching a movie. He was stretched out along the length of the couch with a hand on her back and she was lying on top of him with her head resting on his chest. He was lounging in sweatpants and a T-shirt while Isis had donned one of his shirts and a pair of his shorts, which she'd tied around her waist. Isis was engrossed in the movie until she looked up at him.
“How did it feel watching your father on television?”
“I didn't watch.”
She looked confused. “You didn't watch your father's show? It was one of the most popular shows on.”
He turned his grey gaze on her. “Yes, it was. He played the perfect father on TV but it didn't spill over to his own home, between television, movies and the theater...I rarely saw him.”
“Is that why you ran away?” she asked remembering their conversation at the house in the mountains.
“Partially,” Marc answered. He knew that Isis had questions about his past, but he wasn't ready to discuss it, primarily because he didn't know if she was ready to hear it.
Isis nodded deciding not to pry any further. Clearly Marcus was not currently willing to talk about his issues with his father. She rested her head again and listened to his strong heartbeat. They both remained silent watching the large screen.
“Did you tell your sister that you're staying here tonight?” he asked after a time.
“Yes, I spoke with Isabelle while you were in the shower.”
He began to stroke her back gently. “What did she say?”
“She almost sounded happy that I wasn't coming back tonight. I really need to find an apartment soon,” she told him. “I think I'm cramping their style. I mean, they are newlyweds.”
“You can stay here for as long as you need,” he offered.
Isis looked up at him again. “That's really sweet Marcus, but no thank you. I'm staying tonight because I've missed you but I'm not about to live with you.”
“Are you worried about what people will say?” he questioned.
She shook her head. “No, I'm not the woman who lives with a man in his apartment just because. I can afford my own place and take care of my business. Now, if I decide to stay with you sometimes if you offer, that's different.” She smiled at him. “And sometimes if I offer, you can stay with me.”
“It's a standing offer.”
“Thank you,” she said softly and placed her head back on his chest.
They continued to watch the movie until it came to a humorous part and Isis burst out laughing. She laughed so hard she lost her breath. Sitting up she continued to chuckle loudly.
“Oh my god! I can't breathe...” she said in between giggles.
Marc watched her closely then smiled at her when she was finally able to contain herself. “I love to hear you laugh,” he said quietly. “It's so cute.”
She looked at him. “You think I'm goofy?”
“I think you're far more than I gave you credit for Princess.”
Staring into his face she responded, “I think you are too, Special Agent Marcus Graham.”
Marc's doorbell buzzed and he looked over at Isis, as he wasn't expecting anyone. Raising from the sofa, he walked over to the intercom on the wall and flicked on the screen. When he saw his family, he dropped his head and sighed.
Pressing the button, he spoke, “What are you doing here?”
“We're here to see Isis. She told me she was here,” Tasha answered.
He turned to Isis still on the sofa.
She gave a sheepish look. “She texted me earlier, so I told her I was here with you.”
Turning back to the screen he said, “Come on up.”
Marc waited at the door until his family arrived and allowed them inside. Tasha immediately rushed over to Isis hugging her tightly. “I'm so sorry Isis!”
Marc greeted both his parents as Isis returned Tasha's embrace. “Thank you Tasha.”
Tasha stepped aside and her father stepped forward. “We are so sorry for your loss. If you need anything, please let us know.” He gave Isis a gentle hug and she felt her eyes water. “Thank you Mr. Graham. I really appreciate that.”
Her eyes connected briefly with Marcus' as he stood off to the side watching his family. Mr. Graham stepped back and Marcus' mother stepped forward with her arms open.
“You poor baby, come here.” All the tears that Isis had tried to keep at bay immediately flooded out with Alice's motherly compassion. She held the crying young woman in her arms gently soothing her.
Finally, she pulled back and looked into Isis' face. “Now you listen to me. We can't replace your family and we would never try, but we are here for whatever you need honey. Do you hear me?”
/>
Isis wiped her face and nodded quickly. “Thank you so much. You all are so wonderful to me.”
Alice smiled. “We've already made you a part of the family.” She glanced at Marc. “We don't have to wait until it's official.”
Marc folded his arms across his chest as his sister smiled up at him and Alice turned back to Isis.
“How are you doing?” she asked taking Isis' hand and sitting on the sofa.
Isis sat next to her. “I’m just trying to get back on track. I need to go back to work and get a new apartment.”
“A new apartment?” Tasha rushed over taking a seat on the other side of Isis. “You can stay with me. I have two bedrooms.”
Isis shook her head. “No, I couldn't.”
“Oh my god yes! It's perfect.” Tasha hugged her. “Even if you decide later to get your own, you could stay with me now.”
Isis looked over at Marc who was still standing with his arms folded, listening intently.
“I couldn't impose on you like that Tasha.”
Alice intervened. “Nonsense, that's no imposition at all. In fact, you would be doing us a favor. We worry about Tasha living alone. This way we would know that both of you are safe.”
Isis sat contemplating for a moment. She didn't want to stay with Ray and Isabelle. She wouldn't stay with Marcus and she didn't want to spend days apartment hunting right now.
Turning to Tasha, she smiled. “Yes, I'd like that if you're sure.”
“Positive! I can't wait...you can move in tonight.”
Marc unfolded his arms. “No she can't.”
Isis smiled softly turning to Tasha. “I can move in tomorrow. I have to get some of my things.”
Tasha laughed at her brother. “Sure, I understand.” She shared a look with her mother who turned to her son.
“You'll make sure she gets to Tasha's?” she asked.
He nodded. “Of course. If that's what she wants, I'll make it happen.”
Marc's family stayed a little while longer before departing. After seeing them to the door and saying their goodbyes, Marc turned to Isis.
“You'll stay with my sister, but not with me?” he asked.
Isis took a seat on the sofa. “Well, your sister isn't blowing my mind by doing things to my body.”