by Liz Andrews
“I’ve decided to make River Bend my new headquarters.” Marc smiled sarcastically. “Just to give back to the community what they gave to me.”
“I don’t give a rat’s ass about what you do to the ‘community,’ but you leave those I love alone, understand?” Logan poked him in the shoulder, accentuating his point. “And that definitely includes Lily.”
Marc’s humor fled as soon as Logan touched him. Looked like Logan had inherited some of his stepfather’s bully tactics, after all. “This wouldn’t be the same Lily you abandoned for the last fifteen years, leaving her in the hands of an alcoholic asshole, now, would it? Is that how you treat the ones you love?”
Logan stepped towards him threateningly. “You don’t know anything about my family.”
“And you don’t anything about me, Crane, so back up.”
“If you hurt her …” Steven butted in.
Raising a brow, Marc turned his cool glare in Steven’s direction. “Like you’ve hurt Samantha?”
Anger exploded in Steven’s eyes. “Leave Samantha out of this.”
“Listen, we can go back and forth all night trading insults or we can get to the heart of the matter and one of you can take a swing. Both, if it will make you feel better.” His cool tone was having the opposite effect on the two glaring men. “Then we can all get dirty, you two bloody, and I can spend all night being soothed by your lovely sister.”
“That’s it.” Logan reached out to grab his shirt just as the ladies burst through the kitchen door, interrupting their tirade. Logan quickly lowered his hand but gave Marc a cutting glare that spoke volumes.
“And how are things out here?” Evelyn stepped up to Logan and slipped her arms around his waist. At first glance it looked like a loving gesture, but then Marc noticed Logan’s grimace and realized she was pinching his side.
“Why, I think the boys here are renewing their acquaintances.” Samantha slipped her hand into Steven’s and, if Marc wasn’t mistaken, started to squeeze really hard. He chuckled at the thought of these two ladies trying to pull their men off of him.
“Something amuse you, Gossnor?” Logan asked bitingly, twisting quickly away from Evelyn before she caused more bodily harm.
“Logan,” Lily chided. “That’s not very nice.”
“That’s okay, Lily. I am amused. Ah, well, all good things must come to an end. We better get going.”
“I think that’s a good idea,” Lily agreed readily.
“Lily, you don’t have to go home with him,” Steven said protectively.
“Yes, Lily,” Marc said, looking at his fierce golden protector. “You don’t have to go.” Marc stressed the word don’t, so there was no mistake to anyone that Lily would be leaving of her own free will, even if he had to drag her kicking and screaming.
“No, I want to go. Let me go just say goodbye to Mom.” Lily moved towards the living room, then stopped as though having second thoughts. Grabbing Marc’s hand, she gently tugged him to her side. “Maybe you should come and say goodbye with me.”
Chuckling, Marc tossed the boys one final victorious grin before walking out of the room. How amusing that Lily, who was a tiny bit of a thing, thought she could protect him. It was cute, and slightly insulting, all at the same time.
“Just let me grab my coat.”
“Lily.” Marc called to her, stopping her in her tracks.
“Yes?”
“What were you expecting to happen today?”
“I don’t know; maybe for everyone to get along and enjoy a good meal.”
Marc wanted to burst into laughter. His golden-haired beauty was quite naïve. “The possibilities of your brothers and I getting along are on par with hell freezing over. It won’t ever happen.”
“Are you always this negative?”
“Yes, but more importantly, I don’t want you ever stepping between them and me. I don’t need you to protect me from your brothers.”
Suddenly, Lily burst out laughing. “Is that what you thought I was doing?”
Confused, Marc replied, “Well, weren’t you?”
Walking back to him, Lily smiled impishly up at him. “No, silly. I was protecting my brothers from you.”
*
Pulling up to the curb at Lily’s apartment, Marc glanced in his rearview mirror as Griffin pulled in behind them. “Wait here a second while I go talk to Griffin.”
“Oh, there’s no need to walk me up. I’m fine.” Lily started to grab the door handle when Marc interrupted her.
“What did I tell you before?”
Lily blinked up at him in the dim recesses of the car, a confused look on her face. “What, about the car door?”
Marc shook his head, appalled. “You haven’t had too many men treat you very well, have you?”
“I definitely haven’t had any men bully me in the ‘name of” treating me well,” she teased, making a show of removing her hand from the handle. “The handle is poisoned. I won’t touch it again.”
“Smart mouth,” Marc tossed back before getting out of the car. Shutting the door, he looked back through the window at Lily, who was teasingly touching the door handle with her finger. She was so silly. A welcome and refreshing change from the fake women he’d been used to in the past.
Griffin had rolled down the window by the time Marc made it to his car. “So, am I waiting to follow you home, or should I call the agency to let them know you’ll be here until … what … tomorrow?”
Glancing back at his car, Marc shook his head. “I won’t be here all night, but I don’t want you to have to stay out here, either. Call them and have them send a car to wait for me.”
“Are you sure this is a good idea, Marc?”
“Most definitely.”
“If word gets out you’re seeing her, she’ll become a target for all the ghouls and goblins that haunt you.”
“I protect my own, Griff,” Marc said coolly. Griffin wasn’t telling him anything he didn’t already know, but there was no way in hell he could just walk away from her now.
“I was …”
“I know. I’ll see you in the morning.”
Turning, Marc walked to Lily’s side of the car and pulled the door open.
“I feel so silly waiting for you to open my door.” She rolled her eyes as she got out.
“It’s not supposed to make you feel silly. You’re a lady, and this is how a lady should be treated.”
“A lady, right,” Lily replied mockingly.
Marc pulled her to a stop on the walk. “Don’t ever sell yourself short, Lily. You are a lady, and you deserve the best.”
Pressing his hand to the small of her back, Marc urged her the rest of the way to her door. As she pulled the key out of her purse, Marc gently took it from her, unlocked her apartment, and ushered her inside. He could see her roll her eyes again as she preceded him into the room.
Lily’s surprise at his gallant gesture amused him. Marc could understand not expecting the niceties of life. He had been like Lily once. On the other hand, she was such a little innocent, and Marc didn’t think he had ever been that naïve.
“Okay, I’m home safe and sound. Nighty-night.”
“Very funny. Now you’re going to tell me why you are so afraid to have me in your home.”
“Afraid? I’m not afraid. I’m tired; that’s all.”
“Uh huh.” Marc glanced around the room and spotted the broken television sitting in the corner. “What happened to the TV?”
“That damn Bill O’Reilley gets me every time.”
“You expect me to believe you broke the television watching the O’Reilley Factor?” Did he have stupid written on his forehead?
“Believe what you like.” She shrugged, wrapping her arms around her waist.
“Okay, then.” Easing out of his jacket, Marc tossed it onto her couch. “Then I choose to believe your father, who you’ve had living here until earlier this week, broke it on one of his binges.”
Lily’s arms dropped
to her side almost at the same time as her mouth dropped open. “How did you know I kicked him out?”
“Better question is do you remember what I told you about lying to me?”
A horrified look crossed Lily’s face before she gained control of her emotions. Coming back with the usual smart mouthed comment, Lily replied, “Oh, yeah, well you’re not the boss of me.”
Marc sat down on the chair and casually unbuttoned his cuffs and began rolling up his sleeves before replying. “That can be arranged, you know.” He knew his words and actions were baffling Lily, if the bamboozled look on her face was any indication.
“What are you talking about?”
“Wouldn’t you like to know?” Marc leaned back in the chair, making himself at home.
“Wait a minute, I’m confused.” Lily started to pace back and forth in front of him. “One minute you’re talking about my dad and then me lying and then, I don’t know what.”
“You know that wouldn’t be such a problem if you stopped lying to me.” Marc snagged her hand and pulled her down onto his lap.
“I … I’m sorry. You’re right. I just didn’t want you to know about my dad.” While she was talking Marc unbuttoned her coat and deftly slipped it off of her shoulders and onto the floor.
“You realize I’ll still have to punish you.”
“Did my brothers hit you in the head with something when I wasn’t looking?” Lily gave a nervous laugh as she moved her hand to her hair.
Marc was enjoying the feel of her sitting on his lap, almost as much he would enjoy the feel of her lying across it, he’d bet. “Let’s play a game, Lily.”
“A game? What kind of game?”
“Marc Says.” Placing his hand on her lap, Marc gently tapped his fingers against her thigh, watching the way her eyes dilated in the light.
“It’s a knock off Simon Says, I take it.”
“You’re a fast learner. I like that.” Marc gently removed her hand from her hair, so she wouldn’t twist it off in her nervousness. “It’s very simple, Lily. Do you want to play? Do you want to follow my commands?”
Lily’s tongue darted out to moisten her lips as she stared hungrily into his eyes. Marc had known — somehow he’d always known — Lily would be a willing participant in all of his games. “Simple answer, Lily. Yes or no.”
“Yes.” The word was practically a whisper, but her desire to follow his lead was clear as the desire in her eyes.
“Marc Says: Lily, take down your hair.”
She hesitated for a second before moving her hands slowly to her head and releasing her hair. It tumbled like waves against the shore, showering her back with the lovely golden strands.
Marc slid his hands into the shining mass, lightly massaging her scalp. “You have beautiful hair, Goldilocks. You should always leave it down.”
“You didn’t say ‘Marc Says,’” Lily reminded him huskily.
“New rule for the ‘Marc Says’ game. Anytime we play ‘Marc Says,’ Lily must have her hair down.”
“Are we going to play often?” Lily almost sounded hopeful.
Lily wasn’t the only one affected by their encounter. “Oh, yes, Lily, as often as you can.”
“Shall we continue?”
Impatient little minx. “Yes. Marc Says: stand up.”
“Stand up?” Wrinkling her brow, Lily stared at him, confused.
“It’s not your place to question, Goldie, only to obey. You either do it or you don’t. There is no second guessing.”
Lily stood quickly, but Marc could still see the questions in her eyes. She was a novice, something he’d have to continue to remind himself. And no matter how fast he wanted to go, he couldn’t. This wasn’t a thing to be rushed; it was something to be savored.
“Do you have a large mirror?” Marc asked, standing as well.
“Yes, in my bedroom.”
“Take me there. Marc Says.”
Much to his delight, this time Lily did his bidding without question. Marc followed behind her, allowing her some space to think about what they were about to do. She instinctively bypassed the overhead light; instead, she walked over to the lamp on the dresser and turned it on to the lowest setting.
“Marc Says: stand in front of the mirror.”
Lily glanced back at him and then turned to stand in front of the mirror, head held high. That’s my girl, he thought proudly. Stepping up behind her Marc stood close enough to hear her rapid breathing, but did not touch her.
“Marc Says: unbutton your blouse.”
Lily slowly moved her hands to the buttons on her blouse, easing them one by one from their holes. Marc reached around and gently parted the silky material, exposing her creamy breasts, barely covered by a lacy bit of nothing. Her dusky rose nipples were already beginning to harden in the cool air of the room. He bit back the groan that almost bubbled to the surface.
“Marc Says: unclasp your bra.” Lily hesitated for a few precious seconds and he wondered if she was going to call a halt to their game. But surprisingly, she raised her hands and unhooked the front clasp, allowing the tiny scraps of lacy to fall to the sides. Marc controlled his urge to touch her.
“I want you to touch yourself.”
“You didn’t say ‘Marc Says.’” Lily’s quick rejoinder almost had him laughing.
“Marc Says: I want you to touch yourself.”
Lily moved with newfound courage as she brought her hands up to her breasts. With deft fingers Lily teased her rose-tinged nipples to rigid peaks. Her eyes watched his as she toyed with herself, arousing her body for both of their pleasure. With bated breath, Lily squeezed her nipples, closing her eyes for a moment, as if she was lost in her touch.
“No, Lily,” Marc ordered softly. “Watch. Always watch.”
“Is this a … new rule?” Her words were shaky as she continued her self-pleasure.
“Yes.” Marc moved closer to her, so the bulge in his trousers touched her bottom. “You are a thing of beauty. A woman, a lady, an object to be worshipped. Never doubt it, Goldie, and never be ashamed to see your pleasure.”
Reaching out, Marc captured her fingers and stilled her movements. With her hands in his, Marc lowered them to her sides, releasing them to move to the back of her skirt to pull down the zipper. The zipper parted, revealing her lush ass framed by the sexiest red thong he’d ever seen. Pushing down her skirt, Marc watched as it slid down her legs and puddled around her feet.
“You are beautiful.” Marc moved his hands back to her side. Resisting his own urges, Marc didn’t touch her newly bared skin. Instead, he placed his hand on top of hers, moving her hand until it rested on the waistband of her panties.
“Marc Says: stop.”
“Stop?” Lily’s face was a combination of arousal and shock.
“This is your punishment, Lily. I want you to think about your body, but do nothing more.”
“Punishment? Punishment for what?”
“Don’t forget you lied to me, Lily. Don’t ever lie to me.”
Turning to him, Lily’s face was filled with anger. “Is this some kind of sick joke? Is this how you get off?”
Marc grabbed her hand and pressed it to the bulge in his pants. “Does it feel like I’ve gotten off to you?”
“Then why stop?”
“Because this isn’t just about getting off, Lily. It’s about building something more.”
“Well, what if I just want to be fucked?” The crude word was so out of character for Lily, Marc wanted to laugh. She was aroused and angry. Perfect.
“When the time is right, Lily, we’ll fuck, but we’ll also make love, have intercourse, and do things you’ve never imagined.”
“But …”
Marc placed his fingers over her lips to silence her. “If you want to continue, meet me at my office tomorrow at four. Marc Says.”
Redemption: Lily’s Surrender
Chapter Five
Lily was at war with herself. Part of her rebelled at the thought of obey
ing Marc’s commands, but another part was completely aroused by them at the same time. She was turned on that he wanted to control her, and even more turned on because she wanted to obey. She’d always been determined to be a strong woman, someone completely different from her mother. And she was worried her willingness to give in to Marc’s orders so quickly meant she was as weak-willed as she had feared.
Growing up in the Weller house hadn’t been easy. Her mom had taken the brunt of the abuse from her dad. In fact, as long as Logan and then Steven were still at home, they had shielded her from most of it. But after Steven left, Lily began to realize just how much her dad belittled her mom. He practically treated her mom like a slave, always telling her what to do. Lily had vowed she would never allow herself to ever be pushed around by a man like that. And yet, here she was, waiting outside his door. Like a fool. Like an idiot. Like a woman who craved more.
“It’s not the same thing. It’s not the same thing.” She opened her car door. Maybe if she said it enough, the rest of her brain — the part that wasn’t mentally aroused — would finally give in and shut up.
“I can do this,” she whispered to herself as she closed her car door.
“Do what?”
Jumping, Lily turned around and backed up into her car, hand to her pounding heart. As if she had conjured him out of her doubts, Marc stood before her with an amused smile on his face.
“How long have you been standing there?”
“Not as long as you’ve been sitting here, that’s for sure.” Reaching forward, he lightly brushed his fingers against her hair, worn down as he had instructed. “I was afraid you’d back out.”
Lily bit her lip to keep from telling him she almost had. There was no use in letting him know how much he affected her. Instead, she put on her smart-ass façade and tried to bullshit her way out of it. “What, worried I wouldn’t want to come play sex games with you?”
Marc simply stared, not saying a word, yet his glare was as searing as any words could ever be. Lily felt instantly ashamed. There was no need for her barriers with him, yet she couldn’t stop erecting them.
“If you feel forced, Lily, don’t let me keep you.”