Black Mark Series Book 1: Black Mark's Resistance

by Ebony Olson

  I frowned. “I’ve only dated Jasper, Marshall.”

  “Don’t you remember? The first charity event I ever took you to, you spent the night dancing with that young entrepreneur until I told you to go home. I warned you off him, Mora, because I knew he would use you. He was young and busy sewing his seed everywhere. I did not want you getting your heart broken by him.”

  “Well, I didn’t.”

  “No, you did not.”

  “Did he ever settle down?” I asked curious. I knew he and Marshall were close and still in contact.

  My father sighed. “Alas, that man, like you, is too much like me.”

  “I take that as a no, then?” I waited a moment. “Maybe I should look him up? What was his name again?” I teased.

  Marshall gave me a warning look. “I do not believe that would be a good idea either.”

  We finished the round of the park and stopped walking. Marshall looked at his watch. “Well, I have booked dinner for six. That gives us four hours. Would you like to come home and tell me all the things I missed about your childhood?”

  I smiled. “How about, you show me that photo album, and I fill in the missing pieces?”

  Marshall smiled and offered me his arm. I took it and walked with him, a sense of belonging creeping in.

  ***

  When I got home that night I was dreading having to face Darius after last night. I shouldn’t have worried. He didn’t seek me out. The next day I was kept me so busy with errands, I barely stepped inside the office. I went to Jasper on Friday, and by Monday morning, things between Darius and I were back to purely professional behaviors and conversations.

  Steffen didn’t say anything about my breakdown, but I could see him watching Darius and I whenever we were in the same room at home. Another week passed and a handful of silk blouses, high-end dresses and skirt suits started appearing randomly in my wardrobe. Very feminine. Some I hated, some were wearable but not my cup of tea.

  I started leaving anything that I was unlikely to wear in Darius’s office wardrobe. They quickly disappeared. I noted that after the first month, the styles tapered to my tastes. Once Darius had the outfits sorted, I started finding sets of shoes. Another month of filtering later, I was quite content with my suddenly choice-ridden wardrobe.

  I could understand why it happened. I was a representative of Lynwood Corporation, an A grade event management company. Turning up in target suits sent the wrong message to the clients. I did, however, mention to Steffen that if any random sets of underwear turned up in my room, male or female, I would install a lock on my door. The gifts of clothing stopped then and there.

  After another month, I felt absolutely secure in having put my moment of weakness behind me. I was back to enjoying my job and loving my life. Darius and I found our niche for working together and everything was running smoothly.

  Marshall and I were trying this father daughter relationship on for size. It was still a little rocky at times, but it was getting better. Otherwise, I was truly happy for the first time in my life.

  Chapter Eight

  I finished the document I was working on and saved it as the elevator pinged. Warren had left two hours ago, already finished for the day. We’d worked through the weekend and he was keen to escape while he could. I decided to stay back and head straight to aerial from work. Steffen stopped in front of my desk with a big smile.

  “Evening, Miss Ellis.”

  “Evening, Steffen.” I took the insulated bag he handed me.

  “Thank you for calling me. When he goes into his focused mode he can forget to take care of himself.”

  “That’s the point of having a personal assistant, Steffen. To help take care of you.” I smiled, setting the food aside.

  “I’ll see you at home then. Good Evening, Miss Ellis.”

  “Good night, Steffen.”

  He was usually in his room for the night by the time I came home. I emailed a summary to Darius before turning off my computer and taking the insulated bag to the kitchen. I heated a plate in the microwave and took out the container with the meal Steffen had cooked at my request. I served up the still hot meal and covered it with an insulated lid.

  Slipping out of my shoes, I collected the food tray and picked up his dry-cleaned Peabody jacket. I walked to the side door behind Warren’s desk, and, using my body to push the door open, I moved quietly up the walk. Darius was scribbling furiously on a plan on his desk. Just as he had been three hours ago. I wondered if they were still the most recent plans for the Guy Fawkes Carnival.

  I hung his jacket up in the closet then continued into the office proper. Darius changed the rules a month ago. I was now allowed to enter quietly and set down any plans or documents that needed his urgent attention. I just had to do it barefoot so the noise of my shoes didn’t disturb him.

  I placed the food tray down on the table behind him, lifted the lid quietly and wafted the scent toward him, then just as quietly closed it again.

  I started back into the wardrobe. “Mora,” Darius called softly.

  I stuck my head back around the corner. He hadn’t looked up.

  “I need you to stay back. Call A.K. and tell him to come back. I’m not happy with this and we are only a week out.”

  I watched him for a moment. I’d worked back every night for two weeks and given up my weekend. I loved my job and I had a good work ethic, but my stress levels were reaching an all-time high. I needed an outlet soon.

  Darius paused and lifted his head to see if I was still there. “Is there something wrong?”

  “I’ll work back and miss my stress relief again, if, and only if, you put that pencil down and eat some dinner. You are a pain in the ass when your blood sugar drops. A.K. doesn’t deserve that and I certainly won’t put up with it tonight.”

  Darius gave me that hard look before turning back to the plan. “One weekend without getting your ass smacked can’t be that hard for you to endure,” he retorted unhappily.

  I picked up the food tray and placed it in front of him over the plan. Darius looked up at me surprised. “That is exactly what I mean. It’s okay for you. You still had your play friends over during the week.” Darius’s eyebrows jumped. I laughed. “You think because I’m at the other end of the house I can’t hear those women mewling. I’ve gone two weeks Darius. Without Aerial, without sex. Two very long, stressful weeks with no outlet.”

  Darius’s eyes looked me up and down. He pushed the chair back from the desk and gestured to his lap. “By all means, Mora. Drape yourself across. I would not turn down the privilege of spanking you.”

  I looked at him incredulous at the offer he just made. “Jesus, you can be an asshole. Just eat. I’ll call A.K. for you.”

  I walked out of the office door and to my desk, picking up the phone.

  “Arthur King speaking,” the Welsh manager of the event planning division answered on the third ring.

  “Hi, A.K. The boss needs to see you.”

  Arthur blew out a breath. “Damn. My meal just got served. Any chance you can stall for thirty minutes? I haven’t eaten all day.”

  “Sure. He’s eating right now anyway, so that buys you a little time.”

  “Thanks, Mora.” Arthur hung up.

  Putting the phone down I shrugged out of my suit jacket. If Darius was without tie and jacket I could be too. The black skirt suit and matching black silk blouse I wore today was a favorite.

  I made a cup of tea and went back in the main office door. Darius was polishing off his meal. “Did you get hold of A.K?”

  “Yes. He’s on his way.” I put the tea down in front of him and lifted the food tray out of his way. “What do you need from me?”

  Darius looked at the plans shaking his head. “Wave a magic wand and bring it all together for me.” He rubbed at the back of his neck, grimacing.

  He’d been bent over plans for four days running. It was bound to have strained his muscles. Without
thinking, I placed the food tray on the back table and moved behind his seat. Sliding my hands down the back of his open collar, my thumbs pressing into the thick muscle of his shoulders, I started releasing the tension.

  Darius paused for a moment in shock, then relaxed into my hands and allowed me to work his neck and shoulder muscles. When I could move his head without resistance, and his shoulders were more relaxed, I slowly removed my hands.

  Darius grabbed my wrist as I went to step away. He ran his fingers over a fading bruise across the underside of my arm.

  “Is that from a strap?” He traced the yellow mark.

  “Silk,” I said. His gentle touch to that sensitive skin was making that little devil inside me do cartwheels. At least I hoped it was the devil.

  Darius lifted his eyes to me.

  “From Aerial the other week.” I used my free hand to move his exploring hand from my skin back to his desk.

  Darius released me, watching as I picked up the tray. “Go home, Mora. A.K. and I can handle this. You can action any outcomes tomorrow morning.”

  I nodded as I walked past his desk. “If you’re sure, boss.” He didn’t respond, just watched me leave. I took the tray into the kitchen and took two steps back from the sink to breathe deeply when I heard a knock on my desk.

  I looked around the corner and saw Arthur King standing there. His russet red waves hung to just below his ears. His blue eyes small in his large square face. His body just as square, but full of solid muscle that was only highlighted by his well tailored pale gray suit.

  “Thanks for stalling, you are a sweet heart. Am I right to go in?”

  I swallowed and picked up the phone. Darius answered immediately. “Send him in. Good night, Mora.”

  “Good night, boss.” I hung up and looked at A.K., tilting my head to say he could go in. “He’s in a mood. Be warned.”

  Arthur nodded understanding. “Night, Mora.”

  I finished cleaning up in the kitchen, grabbed my gym bag and work bag and headed downstairs. I was going to work it extra hard tonight at aerial. As I reached the front door of the building my personal phone rang.

  “Marshall,” I answered my father.

  “Evening. I didn’t catch you at a bad time did I?” His deep, certain voice greeted me.

  “I’m just leaving work. What’s up?”

  “I’d like to finalize arrangements, or more, Tabitha would like to finalize arrangements and I need to give her the details.” Marshall paused for effect. “I was going to have a car pick you up for Friday, but Alex insists he will bring you to your birthday party. Are you happy with that?”

  “Yes. Alex has already given me a time to be ready by.”

  “Good,” Marshall said. I could hear a pencil scratching on the other end as he wrote it down. “Now, for Christmas. I would like to have you and your brother join your grandparents and me for lunch.”

  My heart leapt. I actually liked my grandparents and they seemed to really like me. Marshall had been using it as the pull card to get me to family events since he realized nearly five years ago. He probably could have seen me more often, but Granddad Blake was from Ireland originally, and after retiring, my grandparents were either globetrotting on the Queen Mary or at their estate—I called it a castle—in Ireland.

  “Just lunch?”

  “What do you mean just lunch?” Marshall asked exasperated.

  “As in, we arrive at twelve and leave by two so you can enjoy your day off. Or, we arrive at eleven, do family time and make our way home sometime before or after dinner?” My mother’s invitation would have been the first option. I would never have asked her if that’s what she meant. Years of experience meant I knew it. With Marshall, even after five years, I still wasn’t sure where I stood.

  “The second option,” Marshall replied sternly. “I will send a car for you Christmas morning.”

  “I’ve moved. I’ll send Tabitha the address I can be collected from.”

  Marshall was quiet for a moment. “Alex didn’t mention you moved. When did that happen?”

  “Five months ago. When I started my new job.”

  “You took a new job? Where? Why didn’t you tell me?” Marshall’s voice became quiet. I knew enough to know that was his unhappy voice.

  “I was head hunted by a slightly bigger company. It meant a pay rise, so I took it. Still the same job.” I avoided the question.

  “Where?” Marshall asked again.

  “I’m heading into the subway, Marshall, and might lose you. We can talk on Friday night.” It was a bullshit excuse and he knew it.

  “Why don’t you want to tell me, Mora?” His tone was understanding, laced with displeasure.

  “Because, you won’t approve, and I really like my new job and home.” I took a deep breath. “I don’t want you interfering.”

  Marshall took a deep breath. “You are a grown woman. You are entitled to make your own choices.”

  “Thank you,” I exhaled a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding.

  “I will see you Friday. Good night, Mora.”

  “Good night, dad.” And just like that, I loved my father.

  ***

  “Thanks for meeting me for lunch today.” Jasper sighed after the waiter took our orders.

  “I can’t stay long. We have a major event tomorrow night and Darius is stressing,” I explained, setting my phone aside after yet another interruption.

  “This should not take long.” Jasper gulped a mouthful of water.

  I watched him. I understood the cues and sat back. “Let me make this easy on you, Jasper. You’ve met someone and need to stop seeing me.”

  Jasper’s jaw dropped. “How did you know?”

  I smiled. “You’ve never asked to meet me for lunch. The bag at your feet will have my gear that I left at your place, and you’re as nervous as they come.” I sat forward and took his hand. “You don’t need to be. We were never exclusive. I never held any designs on us becoming more than friends.”

  Jasper’s shoulders physically relaxed and he smiled. “Whoever wins your heart is going to be a very lucky man, Mora.”

  I shrugged. “Do you want to tell me about her?”

  “I went home for my mother’s sixtieth and my ex, Penny, was there for the party.” Jasper started to explain. Penny was his high school sweetheart. When he started his medical residency, she decided, she couldn’t marry a doctor who wouldn’t be around half the time. She married a lawyer a year later. Jasper gave up medicine and girlfriends. I was the closest he’d come to a girlfriend in ten years.

  “We started talking and one thing led to another,” Jasper explained. I raised a brow. Jasper laughed. “Don’t look at me like that, Mora. Her divorce was finalized three months ago.”

  “She left you once before, Jasper,” I reminded him with concern. I didn’t want to see her break his heart again.

  “I was working seventy-hour shifts.”

  “You still work late nights.”

  “I don’t have to. I have managers to do the grunt work now.” His smile grew with each of my questions.

  “Any children?”

  “No, but she would like some.”

  I took my hand back. “Will she let you bleed her?”

  The smiled vanished off his face. “She is very conservative in her sexual interests.”

  “Will that work for you?”

  “I will make it work. I have never stopped loving her, Mora.” He finger-combed his hair. “I’m in the midst of buying a place halfway to Dorchester. That way I can be closer to her, and still an easy commute to work.”

  I nodded and sat back. “Then I wish you all the best, Jasper.”

  Jasper studied me, the smile returning. “You really harbor no jealousy or hard feelings about this, do you?”

  “I care for you, Jasper. I would consider you one of my closest friends. But, you are not the man I will marry.”

  Jasper n
odded. “Do you think that will happen, Mora? Marrying the man who stole your seventeen-year-old heart.”

  Yes, I’d told Jasper about that night, and for him, I’d given the truth.

  My phone started ringing, I looked at the screen and saw Darius’s profile. “I don’t know. I just have to wait and see I guess.” I hit receive and put the phone to my ear. “Yes, boss?”

  “Where are you?”

  “The cafe across the road getting lunch,” I replied honestly.

  “Oh. Grab me a roll and get back here. I have meetings all afternoon and a dinner tonight so I am going to need you to deal with A.K. and Simon from the coordination team to make sure these changes are actioned.”

  “Yes, boss,” I answered. Darius hung up and I waved the waiter over. “A roast lamb roll, mint, sweet potato and extra gravy to take away please. Make my chicken roll take away also please.”

  “Yes, Mora.” The waiter rushed to the kitchen. They knew me here and who I was usually ordering for.

  Jasper smiled and gave a small shake of his head. “I hope he is worth it, Mora.”

  Jasper stood and I rose to meet him, letting him pull me into a long hug. “Me too, Jasper.”

  Jasper pulled back, caressed a finger down my cheek and kissed me tenderly. It was a little too passionate for a public location, but it had never stopped him before.

  “Goodbye, Mora.” Jasper walked out.

  I took a deep breath. I collected the bag with my stuff from the floor. I would miss Jasper, but I’d never been in love with him. I paid for our lunch, collected the rolls I ordered, and headed back to work.

  With every month that passed since Darius Rafal offered me the job, I felt the pages on chapters of my life slamming shut. A new path was opening before me. I just had to stay the course and let life lead me to where I was meant to be. Right now, that was very much in the presence of a man who was making me rethink my agnostic beliefs.

  As I walked in the side entrance to Darius’s office, I watched him pace back and forth behind his desk aggressively while talking on the phone. The mental image of a panther came to mind. With that top button undone, the tie loose and hanging, I could easily believe this man was an ancient god living in modern times. He gave off a primal energy that pulled at my soul. He was so gorgeous my body reacted to just the idea of his touching me.