155AN 1: Thank you to everyone who reviewed.
AN 2: This chapter contains sexual content. Please skip if you're uncomfortable.
Chapter Fifty-Six
As the days bled into weeks, Sophie soon found herself in a new rhythm. Her friends never came to Brooks, not after promising to steer clear of the bakery and Sophie had never invited them over to her place. Some days, after her shift was over at the bakery, she would drive to Camden and visit them for a few hours. But she never slept over and never visited them every day. She made sure to still keep to her old routine of babysitting Faith once a week and having a few nights to herself to relax. She was too scared of losing herself in the three men again as she had in the past.
Sleeping was becoming easier for her, so was eating. Sophie knew what that meant and though the thought still scared her, she was trying to accept it. She was coming alive and feeling emotions for the first time in six years. Anna teased her incessantly, telling her that she was becoming human after being a robot for the past six years and when Sophie had laughed, Anna had burst into tears again. Even Irene had been shocked by Sophie's laughter.
One day, Sophie had smiled encouragingly at Irene and had been disgusted when the teenager screeched and jumped up and down with glee as though she had won the lottery. After that, Sophie made sure to be gruff and stern with the teenager, though Irene still grinned foolishly at her.
Sophie still hadn't found her replacement and she worried Anna's baby was going to arrive before she could find a new baker to take over for her. She still hadn't told her three friends she was planning on leaving Brooks soon. They would argue and she didn't want to fight. Not after they had finally found common ground again.
She spent some of her days off with the families having brunch or Sunday dinner. She was learning to reacclimatize herself to them and getting used to being around large crowds again. On her other days off, she spent them with her three friends in Camden. They had shown her around the city, gone picnicking, and even taken her hiking. Sophie was learning to enjoy herself more and more and she knew she had the three men to thank for her.
After kissing Dakota that one day a few weeks ago, she began to physically show her affection to them. A quick kiss, a brush of the hand and tight hugs. They never pushed her for more and though she wished they would, she was also grateful they were letting her dictate how fast she wanted to go with them.
Sophie had always been attracted to the three men—that had never changed. Even over the six years, there hadn't been anyone that sparked her interest. It hadn't been intentional but it seems she had been waiting for them to come back into her life. Even when she had been angry and bitter, she still felt interested and desire near them.
Now that she was thawing and coming alive, her lust was growing exponentially. At first, she had denied it, refusing to acknowledge its presence. But then the sex dreams had begun and she decided she wasn't going to fight it anymore. She wasn't going to struggle with her desires as she had in the past. They were adults and she was ready to take the next step with each of them. She wasn't quite ready to make love to all of them at once but individually she would. She just had to seduce them first.
At first, Sophie had revolted against the thought of having sex with them again. But she wasn't going to deprive any of them when they all wanted this. Why hold back when she wanted more? She knew they did too. This next step was inevitable. But she needed to make it clear that she wasn't ready for a relationship, only sex.
She had invited Marcus over to her apartment one Sunday afternoon and she was jittery all morning as she waited for his arrival. Her apartment had always been a safe place for her and having one of the men over would feel intimate; it would mean she was finally allowing them back into all aspects of her life. And she was finally ready for that to happen. Aside from preparing lunch, Sophie had bought and hidden a box of condoms in the nightstand beside her bed. She was giddy at the prospect of sleeping with Marcus and felt silly being so excited.
Her phone rang and she answered it, pressing a button to unlock the front door of the apartment building. She was almost trembling from her nerves and had to count to fifty before she felt calm enough to answer the door with trembling hands.
Sophie unlocked her apartment door and pulled it open, butterflies fluttering in her stomach at the sight of Marcus smiling at her. She swallowed and gripped the door in her hands as she stared up at him.
"Hi," Marcus murmured.
"Hi," Sophie said softly, shaking the fog from her head. She stepped aside and motioned for Marcus to enter her apartment. She was acting like a shy teenager, she thought derisively.
"How was the drive over?" she asked as he stepped into her apartment and closed the door behind him.
"I blinked and suddenly I was here," he winked at her and Sophie smiled.
Marcus felt his stomach clench at the sight of her smile and he grinned at her. He was never going to get tired of her smiles, he thought happily. When she swallowed and looked away, he cocked his head to the side. She was nervous though, and he wasn't sure about what.
"Is everything okay?" he asked gently, handing her a bottle of sparkling apple juice.
"Of course! That's very sweet of you," Sophie grinned and accepted the bottle.
"I know," he teased.
Sophie shook her head in amusement and went to the kitchen to chill the bottle of juice. "Feel free to look around, though my place isn't as heavenly or as big as yours."
"What are you talking about? It's wonderful," Marcus retorted, his eyes catching sight of the large oil painting on Sophie's wall above the couch. "Did Jimmy paint this?" he asked, already knowing the answer.
Sophie nodded; it was getting easier to hear his name without having the grief crash into her. She was also able to speak of him more now but it still hurt to remember the day he died. That pain would never go away, she knew. "It was his last piece before he..." she trailed off.
"It's beautiful," he said and smiled at her.
Sophie nodded. The abstract oil painting was a study of colour and she knew Jimmy had been thinking about life and death when he'd painted it. It was beautiful and she had told him so the last time she had visited his grave.
She stood beside Marcus and grasped his hand, tugging him away from the painting. "I'll give you a quick tour. It'll be over in thirty seconds though," she teased.
Marcus chuckled and interlocked his fingers with hers. He allowed himself to be pulled behind her, enjoying the eagerness in her voice. She was proud of the apartment, it was hers and she wasn't struggling to pay rent as she had in the past. He felt pride swell in his chest and he told her how happy he was for her.
Feeling warm at his words, Sophie stopped and turned around to brush her lips over his. When she felt heat settle between her legs, she deepened the kiss, sliding her tongue against his. When Marcus pulled away, his eyes searching hers, Sophie leaned up and captured his lips again. He made a noise at the back of his throat and pulled her against him. Sophie sighed and cupped the back of his neck with her free hand, holding him against her.
The kiss deepened until Sophie was writhing against Marcus, needing to feel his skin against hers. He made a noise at the back of his throat and pulled away reluctantly. His eyes—darkened by heat—searched hers and Sophie found herself smiling shyly at him. She was disappointed he had ended the kiss but knew she had him all to herself for the whole day. She would be patient, she told herself.
"Baby," Marcus cleared the husk from his throat. "Are you seducing me?"
"Do you want to be seduced?" Sophie teased.
"Did you invite me over for lunch or seduction?" Marcus grinned suddenly, holding her tightly against him.
"Both," Sophie said unrepentantly. "Are you objecting?"
"You know you have me wrapped around your little finger. But are you sure?" Marcus didn't want Sophie to feel pressured to sleep with him. He was patient and waiting for whenever she would be ready to take the next step.
"Don't you dare try to talk me out of it, Marcus. You tried years ago and it didn't work and it won't work this time either," Sophie said with a frown.
Marcus ran a hand down the length of her hair and kissed her forehead. He couldn't seem to get enough of her. "Baby—"
"I'm sure, Marcus," Sophie said firmly. "I want you."
With a groan, he leaned his forehead against hers. He knew over the past few weeks Sophie began to feel the tension between them all. She had suddenly become aware of them again and felt the underlying desire that hung between them during their interactions. He and his friends hadn't wanted to push her but she definitely had tried all of their patience, teasing them with brief kisses and brushes of her hands. He wasn't going to delude himself though. If Sophie wasn't ready for a relationship, he would be okay with that and if she only wanted sex, he was fine with that too.
"Onto the apartment tour, I guess," Sophie said and reluctantly pulled away but kept her hand tucked in his.
Marcus swallowed down the urge to pull her back in his arms and followed behind her. "You did a good job decorating the place," he murmured.
"That was all Anna. If I had it my way, there'd be a bed and a suitcase," Sophie shot him a wry smirk over her shoulder.
Marcus frowned but remained silent. He knew Sophie enjoyed her nomadic lifestyle but the thought of her leaving again made him cold. He wanted to barrage her with questions about their future but he wasn't sure if he wanted to hear her answers.
"Here's the bathroom—it's less impressive than yours," Sophie said as she stood in the doorway of a tiny bathroom. She pointed to a closed door and grinned suddenly, "That's my bedroom...and that concludes the tour."
"It was a wonderful tour," he said with a wide grin.
Sophie shook her head and stepped closer to him. "Are you hungry?" she murmured.
"For you or for food?" Marcus asked as he stared down at her. He always enjoyed this playful Sophie. She was doing her best to seduce him and he was becoming hot and bothered just by her smiles.
"Food," Sophie replied.
"I guess," Marcus sighed.
Sophie chuckled and tugged him after her as she walked to the kitchen. She felt lighter than she had in years, brighter too. She thought back to how she had been when the men had first reentered her life and had to fight back a sigh. She had been a hurt and cold creature, wanting to lash out at them. It had taken her weeks to finally allow herself to relax. She felt more than she had in years and though a part of her was terrified, she was enjoying it.
The three men had been nothing but patient and understanding with her and she was humbled by their trust in her. Even when she had said cruel things to them, they had remained steadfastly beside her, waiting for her. She may not be ready to think about a future with them but she was more than ready to take the next step in their relationship.
"Have a seat," Sophie motioned to a small kitchen table with two metal chairs.
"You always cook for us—it's my turn to help," Marcus shook his head.
Sophie kissed his cheek and went to the refrigerator to pull out a plate of sandwiches she had prepared earlier. "But lunch is already done."
"Oh?" Marcus asked as he searched the cabinets for plates and utensils.
"Salad and sandwiches. Is that okay?" she asked as she placed the plate in the middle of the table.
"Baby, you could give me a slice of bread and water and I'd be happy," Marcus retorted with a grin.
Sophie smirked at him and shook her head. Marcus wasn't making it easy for her to remain unaffected. She was itching to have him over her but she wanted to enjoy having lunch with him first.
Marcus placed the utensils on the table and studied Sophie as she prepared their salad. He wrestled away his grin as she chopped a cucumber. Her eyes had gone dark with hunger and her cheeks were flushed; he knew she was slowly losing control every time he teased her. Enjoying himself immensely, he stepped behind her and ran his hands over her arms.
Sophie shivered and slowly leaned back against him. She had to concentrate on cutting the cucumbers but her hands still trembled. Marcus sighed and took the knife from her, slicing the cucumber.
"If you keep that up, you would've cut yourself," Marcus gently admonished.
"I can't help it, you're distracting me!" Sophie retorted.
"Am I?" he asked innocently.
"Jerk," Sophie muttered with a smirk.
With the salad assembled, they sat down at the kitchen table and began to eat. The table and chair were too small for Marcus and he had to extend his legs, entangling them with Sophie's in order to sit properly. Sophie snickered at the disgruntled look he shot her but continued to eat.
"How's work?" she asked.
She was starting to become more comfortable asking about their jobs and answering questions about hers. She was opening up more about the past and though a part of her still felt bittersweet at the memories, she wasn't too bothered when they brought it up. It was a part of her and she was learning to accept that. After six years of trying to run away from the past, she was finally facing it with their help.
"It's been going great," Marcus replied and though he kept his client's name confidential, he did tell her an amusing anecdote that had her chuckling.
Sophie watched as Marcus finished his lunch, enjoying the sight of him. "Are you happy?" she asked suddenly, wondering where the hell the question had come from.
Marcus blinked as he contemplated the answer. He hadn't been happy in years, not since Sophie had left. He had built an empire he should be proud of, even built a home for them, and yet, he hadn't felt happy or satisfied. But now that she was sitting across from him, a curious smile on her face, he was happy. He was finally happy.
"I think I am," he replied and reached for her hand. He gave it a gentle squeeze and asked, "Are you?"
Sophie held onto his hand and let out a quiet sigh. She wished she hadn't asked the question because guilt slowly settled into her veins at his reply. Was he happy because she was back in his life? Would he ever forgive her for leaving?
"I'm...content," she replied honestly. She didn't know if she would ever be happy again, but for now, she was content to be living in the moment with them.
Marcus squeezed her hand and pulled her to her feet. She stood against him and he held her, both of them silent as they comforted each other. He knew she had been irreparably changed by their abandonment and Jimmy's death but he just hoped there would be a day in her future when she could be happy.
Sophie stood beside Marcus until her side touched his as they washed the dishes together. He bumped his hip against hers and she smiled up at him, contentment bursting in her chest. She didn't know what the future held for her but for now, this moment is what mattered the most to her.
After finishing the dishes, they settled on the couch, Sophie nestled in Marcus's arms. She rested her head against his shoulder and flipped through channels on the television, wanting to find something interesting to watch with him. She wanted to take Marcus to bed but she was so comfortable in his arms as they watched a television show that she didn't want to ruin the moment.
Marcus kissed the top of her head and smiled to himself. He was smiling like a clown but he didn't care. Sophie was back in his life and in his arms. Was there anything that mattered more?
"Take a nap, baby. I'll be here," he murmured.
"I'm not tired," Sophie said, shaking her head. She was too turned on and content to feel drowsy; sleep was the farthest thing from her mind. A part of her was afraid to fall asleep—what if she woke up and all of this was a dream? No, she didn't want to lose one second of this moment to sleep.
"What if I asked you to make love to me right now?" Sophie asked suddenly, staring straight ahead. An explosion went off on the television and she jumped, nestling further into Marcus's arms.
Marcus swallowed and tightened his arms around her. He was so hard it bordered on painful and all he wanted to do was take her to her bedroom and spend the rest of the night in her arms. But he had to take it slow.
"Of course I want to make love to you. But what are you really asking?" he asked, gulping when Sophie's thigh nudged his cock straining in his jeans.
Sophie glanced down at his lap and a slow feline smile curved her lips. He was just as affected as she was, she thought eagerly. But they needed to have this conversation first.
"What will happen afterward..."
"Are you worried that something will change between us?" he asked softly, cupping her head in his hands.
Sophie turned around and slowly straddled him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and met his searching gaze. "I want you. Can't that be enough for now?"
"Are you scared for the future?" he asked gently, brushing her lips with his thumb.
"Yes," Sophie whispered, flicking her tongue out to lick the tip of his thumb. Marcus shivered, trying to ignore the image of her on her knees sucking his cock that flashed through his mind.
"I can't promise you forever," Sophie murmured, wondering if Marcus would be angry with hearing that.
Marcus knew Sophie wasn't ready to talk about their future together and he wasn't going to push her. He was letting her dictate the speed of their relationship, letting her decide what she wanted and needed from him and his friends. He was happy—as long as Sophie was beside him.
"Just give me here and now," he whispered against her lips.
"Here and now," Sophie promised.
She reached under the cocktail table for her purse and awkwardly pulled out a small box. She sheepishly handed it to Marcus and winced when he chuckled. She shouldn't be embarrassed but she was.
"You planned this quite well," Marcus teased as he opened the box of condoms and pulled on out. He set aside the box and pulled her closer until she was nestled against his chest. He nuzzled her neck and smirked when she shivered and murmured his name.
"Marcus," she whispered and shuddered when she felt his teeth scrape the side of her neck.
"Are you sure, baby? I don't want you to feel pushed into making a decision you aren't ready to make. I've waited six years, I can wait longer," Marcus said quietly.
Sophie felt warmth unfurl in her gut and she kissed the corner of his lip. Hearing his tender words filled her with a flurry of confusing emotions that she wasn't quite ready to deal with. She gently eased off his lap and stood before him.
With their gazes locked, she slowly pulled her green t-shirt over her head and tossed it aside. Just as she had done six years ago, she undressed in front of him, nervous and exhilarated when his eyes raked over her. She kicked aside her underwear and black slacks, shivering when Marcus lifted his hand and caressed her bare hip.
"Stand up," Sophie said huskily, energy and heat deepening her voice.
Marcus pushed himself up from the couch to stand before her, mere inches separating them. Sophie ran her hands down his chest, smirking when she felt a shudder work through him. She still couldn't get over the realization that this large man trembled under her hands. She gently tugged the hem of his shirt from his slacks and slid her hands underneath, running her hands over his bare chest.
"Sophie," Marcus murmured, watching her hands roam with half-lidded eyes.
Sophie paused for a moment and stared up at him. "Are you sure you're okay with this, Marcus?" she asked hesitantly. "I don't want you to agree to this if it's out of some sort of misplaced guilt over what happened between us."
Marcus shook his head and ran his hands up her back, smiling when she shivered. "I'm sure, baby."
Sophie nodded and with Marcus's help, tugged the shirt above his head. She flung it over her shoulder and shared an intimate smile with him. She leaned up on tiptoe to kiss him and Marcus caught her face between his hands and kissed her slowly until she was shifting against him with need.
Her fingers slid into the waistband of his slacks and settled over his fly. She was clumsy as she attempted to work the zipper down and finally gave up with a sigh. "Take them off," she whispered against his lips.
If he weren't so hot and bothered, Marcus would've chuckled at her fumbling. Instead, he unzipped his slacks and stepped out of them. Though he didn't need the help, he let Sophie tug his briefs down. He shuddered when she hummed in appreciation as her eyes settled on his cock and he had to gulp in the air to keep from reaching for her. Sophie was feeling playful and damned if he wanted to ruin her mood.
Sophie reached around and slid her hands down his back and curved her palms over his tight buttocks. She hummed when she felt another shiver work through Marcus. She spent the next few minutes trailing her fingertips over his spine as she kissed him, swallowing his moans with her mouth.
Her hands hovered over him before she slowly reached for his cock, startled by the heat he radiated. She curled her fingers around his thickness and began to stroke and caress the length of his cock.
"Sophie," Marcus groaned, his head falling forward as he watched her hands slide up and down the length of his hardness.
"Let me play," Sophie gently admonished.
She stepped further into him until his cock was between their stomachs. His hands skated up her arms and over her shoulders to her neck. He massaged the tight muscles beneath his gentle fingers and smiled when Sophie froze, a moan slipping from her mouth.
"You like that, baby?" Marcus whispered.
Sophie's hands tightened around him and they both groaned their pleasure. Marcus cupped her face, curling his fingers behind her ears, and dipped his head to kiss her in a devouring kiss. It was warm and tender but intimate and searching, leaving her breathless and shivering.
This is what Sophie wanted—had craved. She hadn't meant to but during those six lonely years, she had been waiting for him. After all of this time, she had waited for Marcus, just as he had waited for her. Though the future wasn't promised, for the here and now, they belonged to each other, he was her safe haven away from reality.
Her hands left his cock and skimmed over his taut abdomen to his chest. She nudged him backward until he landed on the couch with a soft thump. Sophie waited for him to settle onto the couch before she straddled him.
She began to litter kisses over his stubbled jaw, feeling the bristles on her swollen lips. She found the pulse at his neck and kissed it before she nibbled at the skin. Marcus's head fell backward and he groaned, his eyes closing as pleasure assaulted his senses.
Slowly—almost torturously slow—Sophie kissed a pathway down his chest, savouring the taste and feel of him beneath her mouth. She lowered herself to her knees as her mouth pressed to his navel. The tip of his cock brushed the underside of her chin and she shifted her head, rubbing her cheek down the length of his cock as she settled onto her knees.
Sophie met his gaze and kissed the base of his cock, hiding a pleased smile when Marcus let out a loud pained curse. She slid her hand over the top of his thigh to his pelvis before she curled her fingers around him. He jerked against her as she tightened her grip. He was a dichotomy of softness and hardness as his cock burned in her hand as she stroked upwards to the tip.
"Sophie baby, I'm too close. Let me make love to you—" Marcus protested.
Ignoring him, Sophie braced her other hand on his thigh as her mouth hovered over the head of his cock. When he opened his mouth to protest, she licked him in one long stroke. Marcus arched off the couch and he blindly reached for the cushions beside him to keep from reaching for her.
His warm and musky scent surrounded her as she closed her lips around his cock and eased him deeper into her mouth. Her hand moved down as her mouth did, engulfing him. He was soft on her tongue and yet, so hard and strong. She marvelled at the sensation of him in her mouth as she sucked him.
She reached lower, moving her fingers over his balls, and gently cupped them in her hands as she continued to work him with her mouth. She closed her eyes and savoured the intimacy and closeness of what she was doing to him.
Marcus did his best to remain still beneath her. It took all of his strength and control not to shift closer as her wet mouth sucked his cock. "Baby," he groaned and forced his eyes open to watch her head bob up and down between his legs.
Sophie glanced up and caught his gaze as she sucked. A drop of silky fluid spilled onto her tongue and she lapped at it as she pulled away, letting his cock slip from her mouth. Her eyes searched his and she saw strain and pleasure on his face; his expression bordering on pain.
His hands moved up her arms and shoulders until he tangled his fingers in her hair. With their gazes locked, Sophie opened her mouth and slowly took him deeper until his crisp hairs tickled her nose. She inhaled, drawing the scent deeper.
"Fuck," Marcus cursed.
She knew he was close, she could feel the tension radiating from him as his fingers gently massaged her scalp. But she wasn't done playing with him yet. Tiny little heated pulses throbbed through her groin and she rubbed her thighs together, groaning around his cock as pleasure rocked through her, her clit swelling and aching with the need for him.
She released his cock and stared up at him as she licked her swollen lips. His dark eyes glittered, and she shivered; at that moment, he looked dangerous and ready to pounce. Sophie stood on trembling legs as she moved to straddle him. Marcus gripped her forearms as she teetered forward and he helped her settle herself over him. He blindly reached for the condom and carefully ripped it open.
With rapt interest, Sophie watched as Marcus slid the condom on his cock. When he removed his hand, she shook her head and pulled his hand back. "Touch yourself," she whispered.
Marcus inhaled and gripped his cock, pumping his fist up and down the length. He watched Sophie's face as she flushed, pleasure sparkling in her umber eyes. "Do you like watching, baby?" he asked.
Sophie nodded, unable to speak. She was enjoying the show too much and knew if he touched her, she would lose control. She inched forward as she positioned him between her legs. Marcus held his cock in his hand and he brushed the tip of his cock over her clit, smiling darkly when she gasped in pained pleasure as she nearly came.
"Marcus!"
"Hmm," he murmured.
"I'm too close," Sophie gently complained.
He placed his cock at her entrance and he inhaled sharply, feeling her wetness against him. She carefully lowered herself onto his cock, sheathing him in a rush of hot, liquid fire. They both groaned in pleasure. Marcus gripped her hips with both hands and she leaned forward to grasp his shoulders. She didn't know what she should do and instead of worrying, she let the pleasure dictate her movements. She rose once, allowing him to almost slide free before she fell back down.
Sophie's eyes flew open and she cried out in shock as pleasure slammed through her. Marcus jerked against her and he tightened his hands on her hips to halt her movements. "Are you okay, baby?" he asked worriedly.
"Yes...I just...you're big Marcus," Sophie managed to say. "But it felt good."
"Don't push yourself, baby. Just relax, you'll get used to me," he murmured.
Sophie nodded and moved closer, wrapping her arms around his neck. The bristle on his jaw scraped over her chest as he nuzzled her breast. His tongue swept over her nipple, sending shock waves down her spine. His teeth grazed the puckered point before he began to suck it between his lips.
"Marcus," she cried out.
She began to rock and grind against him as she wrapped her hands in his mahogany hair, clutching him closer to her breast. With his hands on her hips, he began to move her faster against him until she established a rhythm.
Her orgasm built; tension—beautifully exquisite—grew, blossoming and radiating through her in a steady stream. Each thrust drew her tighter, closer to the inevitable fireworks. The slap of her body against his and wet sucking sounds filled the room. His cock drove deeper, sliding in her.
It was sensory overload. The sounds of their love-making and heavy gasping, Marcus murmuring sweet and tender things in her ears as she held him against her, the unbearable friction that built and built. It was too much, she couldn't bear it. She closed her eyes, shutting them tightly as her face tightened in agony.
"Marcus!" Sophie gasped.
"That's a good girl, baby," Marcus murmured. "I've got you, baby. You're so fucking beautiful—"
"Marcus!"
They tightened against each other. Sophie grabbed his shoulders, desperately seeking something to hold onto as she splintered apart. She came apart at the seams, exploding into a million jagged pieces as pleasure slammed through her.
Marcus jerked beneath her as his own pleasure assaulted his senses. He felt Sophie's inner muscles tighten over his cock and he came, groaning against her neck. He arched sporadically into her, his hips jerking as he thrust. He moved one hand between them, into her soft, damp folds. He brushed his thumb gently over her throbbing clit and Sophie ground her hips against his.
Her cry of pleasure filled the apartment as she came again. She hadn't been expecting the second orgasm. The first one had slammed through her but the second one stole her breath and left her gasping for air. Marcus groaned as her inner muscles tightened on his cock. His cock pulsated in her as he came again. His first orgasm had been sweet and blissful but the second one had been pained and violent, somehow ripping itself from him.
Sophie collapsed forward into Marcus's waiting arms. He held her tightly against him as his hips spasmed with his release. He murmured soft words into her ear as he stroked her tangled hair. Their chests heaving as they both gasped for air.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him to her. Shockwaves of pleasure still coursing through them both. She lowered her head to his shoulder and she nuzzled closer to him. Marcus tightened his arms around her and he swallowed back his confession of love. Sophie wasn't ready to hear it and now wasn't the right time. He didn't want her to think he only loved her because the sex was fantastic.
Marcus swept aside the strands of hair that clung to her forehead and he brushed his lips against hers. They stared into each other's eyes as their breaths evened out. He was still inside her and when he made a move to pull out of her, Sophie snuggled deeper into his arms and protested.
"No. Let's stay like this for a little bit longer," she murmured.
"With me in you?" Marcus asked softly as he nudged his hips against hers.
"Yes," Sophie said and kissed the corner of his lip.
Something was nagging at Marcus. Something he didn't want to think about but he could no longer ignore. Though the sex had been unhinged and wild and they both had orgasmed twice, there was something about Sophie that seemed off. It was as though she was holding a part of herself away from him. He thought they both had lost control to the pleasure but now he was wondering if there was a small part of herself that she didn't want to give him. He forced the nagging thought from his head and tightened his arms around her. No, he wouldn't let his worry ruin this moment.
As they rested against each other, Sophie couldn't help but feel at that moment. She had planned their entire afternoon together around seduction. She had used Marcus for sex, treated him less than he deserved. He deserved love and she didn't know if she was capable of loving him ever again.
"I'm sorry," Sophie said suddenly.
"For what?" Marcus asked with a quizzical frown. He cupped her head in his hands as his gaze searched hers.
"For using you..." Sophie replied quietly.
"What?" Marcus asked incredulously.
"I should've said all of this before we had sex but...I don't know if I want a relationship and I don't want to give you the wrong impression," Sophie replied softly.
"I'm a willing participant," Marcus brushed his lips against hers, wanting to comfort her. "I know you're not ready and I'm okay with that. For now, use me all you want."
Sophie blinked.
Marcus suddenly grinned and winked at her, his dark brown eyes sparkling with amusement and warmth. "When you're ready, I'll be here. I'm not going anywhere anymore. You're stuck with me."
Sophie liked how that sounded and kissed him, stroking her tongue against his.
"What was that for?" Marcus asked with a curious grin when she pulled away.
"I think you're sweet," Sophie smiled at him. A part of her knew he was too good for her. He had always been sweet and she was afraid she would somehow damage that sweetness.
"You do?" Marcus chuckled.
"I do," she whispered.
Sophie hugged him, nestling against his bare chest as she rested her head under his chin. She wished she could have a fairy tale 'happily ever after'; he made her want to believe in such silly things. But she had learned the hard way that she didn't deserve happiness.
For people like her, contentment would have to be enough. As long as Marcus didn't mind their sexual relationship with no strings attached, then she wasn't going to feel guilty. They were both consenting adults going into the relationship with eyes wide open. No, she was going to enjoy the moment with him and not think about the future.