by LK Shaw
“Daddy!” she yelled as she launched herself into my arms. She peppered sweet kisses all over my face, giggling as my scruff tickled her cheeks.
“I’ve missed you so much, baby girl,” I hugged her tightly, inhaling the familiar little girl smell as I glanced over her head at the woman swinging her legs over the side of the bed. She embodied her name with long, graceful moves as she made her way over to us. Leaning in, she lightly bussed me on the cheek, earning another giggle from the little girl squirming around in my arms.
“Hello, Marcus,” she said.
“Grace.”
A comfortable silence reigned as we stood side by side with our daughter between us. Within a minute, Grace stepped away. “I’ll let you two catch up. I’ll be downstairs when you’re done.” Then she left me alone with our daughter and her giggles as Hailey began telling me about her day.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Marcus
After reading Hailey another bedtime story I tucked her in bed, kissed her goodnight, and went downstairs to speak with Grace. I found her curled up on the couch with a cup of the hot tea she loved. I made my way to the recliner next to the couch and took a seat.
“It’s good to see you again, Grace. Have you been doing ok?”
She took a sip of her tea before answering, as if measuring her words first. “You know how it is, Marcus. I understand it’s for Hailey’s and my safety, but I hate being in this house all the time. Do you know how hard it is to keep a two-and-a-half-year-old entertained day in and day out? Of course you don’t, because you’re never here.” She continued bitterly, “You’re not the one who has to come up with creative ideas for a little girl to stay busy all the time. Or the one who has to comfort your daughter when she cries because her daddy leaves all the time. You’re not the one stuck in a house alone, except for a toddler and an endless rotation of men who are paid to protect you, but not, apparently, to talk to you. I’m so lonely. If it weren’t for Hailey, I’d rather take my chances with Evan. No matter how crazy my ex-husband is at least there wasn’t this endless sameness. I never knew what would set him off so at least it kept life interesting, even if I had bruises to go with it. I’m going crazy here, Marcus. ”
We’d tiptoed around this discussion many times before. It seemed as though it was about to come to a head. “Grace, I know this isn’t ideal, and I’m sorry you’re the one stuck in this horrible situation. I’m doing everything I can to get a lead on Evan and prove that he’s a danger to you and Hailey. Unfortunately, that son of a bitch is smart. He’s been keeping his nose clean and laying low. He’s going to make a mistake one of these days, Grace. Then it will be all over and you’ll be safe.”
Grace stood up from the couch and walked into the kitchen to place her teacup in the sink leaving me no choice but to follow. She sighed, wearily, as she leaned against the counter. Miles made his exit when we walked in so we were alone in the kitchen. “Look, I’m sorry I snapped at you. I’m tired although that’s no excuse. I know you’re doing everything you can. For God’s sake, Marcus, we’ve been here over two years. This isn’t getting any easier. What about when Hailey needs to start school? And what about friends? She can’t stay in this house forever. I wish this were all over. God, I hate Evan. Marrying him was the second worse decision I’ve ever made.”
Knowing I shouldn’t ask, the question popped out of my mouth before I could stop it. “What was the first worse decision you’d ever made?”
She stared me right in the eye and said, “When I broke it off with you all those years ago. We were so good together, you and me. I miss those days. I miss you.”
Uncomfortable with the direction the conversation had taken, I shifted awkwardly and looked at my feet. I wasn’t used to not being in control. “Grace…” I trailed off. Neither of us spoke for a minute. “I should probably tell you I’m seeing someone.” I broke the now uncomfortable silence between us. I’d surprised her. I hated that I was telling her this now knowing how much it would hurt her, even though it wasn’t my intention.
“What’s her name?” she asked quietly.
“Penny. She reminds me of you a little. Or at least the younger you. Innocent and a little naive. She’s recently begun exploring submission and, well, I’m mentoring her.” I hated hurting her this way.
“Do you love her?”
I thought about the time I’d spent with Penny. I cared about her a lot and she was the perfect submissive. Pliant and malleable. I’ve been able to help mold her into her role. She was everything I was looking for in a submissive. She was smart, funny, loving, kind, and loyal. Did I love her? I wasn’t sure if it was love, yet. I had a pretty good idea that it could turn to love without much effort on my part though. The scales were tipping dangerously close in that direction.
“Let’s say I wouldn’t discount it. I’m more concerned about Evan right now. He’s made a few threatening gestures, and I don’t want her in the middle of this disaster. I’m doing everything I can to protect you and Hailey. I can’t add another person to the mix. You know what Evan is capable of. You were lucky the last time. He almost killed you. I can’t take any chances with anyone I care about.”
Grace reached out to hug me and I basked in the reminiscence of what used to be. Our former relationship was over and never happening again and we both knew it, even if Grace hadn’t admitted it to herself. We were better off as friends than lovers. We would always share our daughter, but our intimate relationship had been over for a long time now. I hugged her back and kissed her on the cheek.
“You know I’ll always love you, Grace. I’m going to push harder to get Evan out of your life forever. It’s going to take some time. I’m sorry, but I need to get going. Kiss our Hailey girl for me, and tell her I love her always.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Marcus
I drove back to town barely paying attention to my surroundings. I didn’t want to analyze my feelings for Penny. I knew I was avoiding them, but I was too exhausted having to deal with Evan and his threats. Suddenly, though, there was no place I’d rather be than with Penny. I took a different exit off the freeway and headed to her house rather than mine. Fifteen minutes later, I pulled into her driveway. I sat for a couple of minutes, scoping out the surroundings. When I didn’t spy anything suspicious, I jogged up the walk and rapped on the door. When she opened the door, I drank her in from top to bottom. She stood there in pajamas, free of makeup, with her hair knotted on top of her head, and she was still the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen. A woman surprised to see me this late at night, since I’d always given advance warning of my arrival
“Marcus, Sir, what are you doing here? Not that you aren’t welcome, I’m just surprised to see you.” She opened the door wider to let me pass. Her nose wrinkled and puzzlement dashed across her face when I walked by.
I suddenly began questioning my decision to be here. Vulnerability was not a virtue I associated with myself, and I found myself uncomfortable with my reasons for needing to see her. Shaking my head, I started back toward the door. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have come over so late. I didn’t mean to disturb you.”
She stayed me with a touch. “Stop. Please. Don’t go. Talk to me, tell me what’s bothering you.” She moved closer to me and then froze. With an expression on her face I’d never seen before, she backed up.
“Why do you smell like another woman?” She spoke low, the hurt in her voice evident. “I thought I caught a whiff of it when you walked in, but I wasn’t sure until I stepped close. Now I am. Please explain to me, Marcus, why you smell like another woman?”
I remembered that Grace had hugged me before I left. I didn’t want to lie to her, but I also couldn’t afford to tell her the truth. “It’s not what you think.” The line sounded patronizing even to my own ears.
“It’s not what I think? You walk into my house smelling like another woman, and you expect me to believe that load of bullshit?” Her voice rose with each word she spoke. “I unde
rstand we never spoke of exclusivity. Perhaps that was my mistake. Exclusive or not, I already had one man cheat on me. I’ll be damned if I’m going to put up with another one cheating on me. I don’t ever want to see you again. Now, get the hell out of my house,” she ended on a yell. During her speech, she had opened up the door and with her final command pointed outside.
Without thought, I slammed the door shut and grabbed her in a tight hug, as she struggled in my arms. One of her arms came loose, and I grunted in pain when she punched me in the face. Luckily, she didn’t have great leverage or she might have broken my nose. When I looked at her, tears rolled down her face.
I grabbed her hands, holding tight so she didn’t clock me again. “God damn it, listen to me. It’s not what you think.” Now I yelled, trying to get through to her.
She broke away from me and stepped into her kitchen, her arms wrapped tightly around her. “So if it’s not what I think, then explain it to me.” She sat at her table, betrayal across her face.
“I’m sorry, I can’t.” When she started to speak, I stopped her. “I’m trying to protect you, Penny, and I swear on everything I hold dear, I am not cheating on you. Have I ever given you any reason to think I would lie to you?” Not waiting on a response, I cautiously walked over to where she sat and sank to my knees in front of her. Gingerly, I reached out for her hands, waiting for her to slap mine away. When she didn’t, I took her hands in mine and waited until she focused on me. I brushed the hair that had fallen out of her knot away from her face. When I knew she was listening, I said again, “I swear I’m not cheating on you. Please believe me.”
I waited with bated breath as she sat studying me. Finally, she answered. “I believe you.” Relief rushed through me, and I pulled her up into a hug. She returned my embrace, but she was still apprehensive. I wish she trusted me. I knew that until Evan was caught I’d have to remain secretive. The less she knew the better. I’d do everything in my power to protect her. Even make her hate me if need be.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Penny
“Come on, woman. You’re on vacation. You need to get out of this house and enjoy yourself. Which means, we’re going shopping. You need more sexy clothes,” Bridget groaned as she rifled through my closet.
I barely paid her any attention. Instead, I sat on my bed, one leg hanging off as I bounced in agitation. I thought about the night at the restaurant and Marcus’ reaction when I mentioned the car that looked similar to the one I was sure followed me. I kept seeing the expression on his face and his barrage of questions. It was one I’d never seen before. I remembered his frustration when I didn’t have the answers. Even though he’d pleasured me at the restaurant, the rest of the night had been filled with an undecipherable tension, which continued to puzzle me. I couldn’t let it go. Especially after last night. I had a hunch though, that the person in the silver car and this mystery woman that Marcus smelled like were connected. But I didn’t know how.
“Hello, Earth to Penny.”
Shaking off my wayward thoughts, I focused back on what Bridget was saying. “Sorry, I was thinking of something else. Why do I need more sexy clothes? Marcus doesn’t care what I wear. In fact, if it were up to him I’d show up to Eden naked. I hate shopping anyway, so spending a well earned day off going from store to store is not exactly what I would describe as “fun”. I can never find anything that fits right. So, excuse me if I’m not as excited about the prospect as you are.”
“Well, I love shopping, so I’ll be excited enough for both of us. Now, come on. Humor me. We’re going to find you some sexy ass outfits that you’ll thank me for later.”
I groaned in displeasure, but let Bridget drag me off to wherever it was she was taking me.
Three hours later, I swore to God that I would never let Bridget talk me into shopping with her again. I would rather be bound and tortured, and not in the sexy and fun way, before I ever put myself through this again. It was fucking exhausting. I had never felt so uncomfortable in my entire life. I swear I had tried on every piece of lingerie four different stores sold. I didn’t even know there were that many lingerie stores in town. She cooed and squealed at every other outfit I tried on. She even tried to take pictures to send to Marcus, but I put my foot down at that. As I trudged behind her from the last store toward her car with her chattering like a magpie, I didn’t pay attention to my surroundings. Not even when I heard the squeal of tires.
“Penny!” reverberated in the air as Bridget screamed. I looked up as a flash of silver headed straight toward me. By the miracle of all miracles, I barely had time to jump out of the way before the front bumper of the car skimmed against my hip, knocking me to the ground.
I lay there for a minute, breathless, hearing Bridget scream my name. I was so intent on catching air, I only gasped as she dropped to her knees next to me, looking around for help.
“Holy fuck, Penny, talk to me. Are you hurt? Oh my God, someone help us.”
Finally, air entered my lungs, and I rolled to my side, gasping and coughing. I waved her off as well as the couple who had run over after Bridget’s call for help. I gingerly made my way to my feet, limping slightly at the discomfort in my hip and still trying to take in a full breath of oxygen.
“I’m fine,” I choked out. “A little shook up is all. What the hell was that?”
Bridget glared in the opposite direction. “That fucking car about ran you down is what. I wish I’d seen the license plate number, because if I found out who owned that car, I’d kick his ass. What the fuck is wrong with people? Are you sure you’re ok? I’m calling the police. You need to call Master Marcus.”
Still slightly shaken up, it took me a minute to get my bearings. I watched Bridget dial what I assumed was 9-1-1. I spotted my purse on the ground near where I’d landed and slowly bent down to pick it up. I dug through it looking for my phone. Once I found it, I dialed Marcus. I paced, limping slightly, while I waited for him to answer.
His voice came over the line after the first ring as if he anticipated my call. “Hello, Sweetness. How was your shopping expedition with the fair Bridget?”
For a brief heartbeat, I didn’t know where to start. “It was miserable, and I hated every second of it. It didn’t get any better after someone just tried to mow me down with their car.”
Silence reigned on the other end long enough for me to think the call had dropped.
“Marcus, are you still there?”
It was then I heard a laundry list of swear words, including some I’d never even heard before, and the loud crash of breaking glass.
“Sir, talk to me. What’s happening?” My nerves were already shot, and he wasn’t helping any.
“Nothing, sorry, I dropped my glass. Are you okay? You’re not hurt are you? I should have asked right away.” He sounded calm now. Eerily calm.
“I’m fine, Sir. Shaken up a little, and my hip is aching where the car grazed me. Other than that, I’m okay. More scared than anything. Bridget called the police, and they’re on their way. After they get here, I’m going to have her take me home so I can rest for a bit. Maybe soak in a hot bath to ease the ache in my leg. Will I see you later?”
Sensing a slight hesitation in his response, he finally answered, “Yes, I’ll see you later tonight.”
Marcus
I contacted Connor and filled him in on what happened today. I was tired of fucking around. I needed Connor and his team to do the job I’d hired them for and track Evan down. Because I now had evidence that Evan had come out of hiding, and that didn’t bode well for anyone. Ever since I’d left Grace and Hailey last night, this sickness in my stomach had refused to dissipate. My gut told me Evan had something to do with the Penny’s accident today. I couldn’t shake the feeling that something irrevocable was about to happen. Something that would change our lives forever.
Chapter Thirty
Marcus
“Hello, Philip,” I greeted the bouncer at Eden as Penny and I entered the same doors we�
�d entered not so long ago. Penny still remained flustered by everything behind them.
He nodded his head at me, his hair bouncing around his shoulders. “Good evening, Mr. Allen, Ms. Stephens.”
I held Penny’s hand and guided her down the hallway toward the public playroom. For one night, I wanted to forget about Evan. I wanted to do nothing but lose myself in Penny’s body. When I picked her up tonight, I checked her over to make sure she wasn’t injured more than she’d mentioned to me. She seemed a little shaken up still, but waved me off when I saw the bruise on her hip. She assured me that her hot bath had eased the ache and she was anxious to play to take her mind off the accident.
She was dressed in a corset of royal blue with black lace accents that accentuated her hourglass figure and barely covered her nipples. She completed the outfit with a black leather miniskirt, black fishnet thigh highs with matching garter belt hidden under her skirt, and black peep toe, sling back pumps. I loved seeing her in those colors. It reminded me of the first time I’d tied her to my bed. I also loved how she’d begun to embrace her body. Before tonight, she never would have worn something like this in public.
Once we reached the public playroom, we headed over to the bar. Signaling the bartender, we waited only briefly before I was handed my usual whiskey and Penny her gin and tonic. I wanted her slightly relaxed for what was about to take place. I knew she wouldn’t be against it even if at first she hesitated, but the less inhibited she was, the more enjoyment she’d have. As we sat and sipped our drinks, more than one person gave Penny a lingering glance. She still didn’t realize how truly beautiful she was. One day she’d get there though, and I would do everything in my power to help her see it. “I have a surprise for you,” I threw out in an off-hand remark. Immediately, I felt her stiffen in trepidation. “What, you don’t like surprises?”