LOGINI wake up to warmth.It's not just the physical warmth of another body pressed against mine.It's something that settles in my chest and makes it hard to breathe.Marcus is still here, naked in my bed.. And so am I.His arm is draped over my waist possessively, his breath fanning the back of my neck.For a moment, I let myself imagine what it would be like if this was normal.If I woke up like this every morning.If Marcus was mine and I was his without all the complications.The thought should terrify me.Instead, it feels... right.I turn carefully in his arms, not wanting to wake him yet.In his sleep ,he looks different…he looks young and less guarded.His face is relaxed and I find myself reaching out to trace the line of his jaw.God, he's handsome.I have always known he is but there's something about seeing him like this… vulnerable and in my bed… that hits different.My fingers trail from his jaw to his cheekbone, then down to his lips.Before I can stop myself, I am leaning
Talia POV Marcus groans like I've physically hurt him."You know I can't say no to you," he replies with a tortured smile.He fixes his clothes then steps out.I remain laying there, not bothering or attempting to move.“ You don't want to join me at the front? You could keep me company.” Marcus proposes but I chuckle.“ Unless you want to drive with your cock inside my mouth.” I reply and he chokes on his saliva.The car pulls away before speeding towards my house.The drive to my apartment is the longest fifteen minutes of my life.Marcus's one hand manages to remain at the back on my thigh the entire time, his thumb drawing circles that are both soothing and maddening.Every red light feels like torture.Finally,we pull up to my building.We barely make it through the lobby, into the elevator and down the hallway.I fumble with my keys, my hands shaking with need.The door swings open and we stumble inside."Bedroom," I gasp between kisses. We shed clothes as we go, my dress hi
Talia POV Marcus pulls back slightly, looking at me with those dark eyes that have always undone me."Talia, are you sure? Because if we do this…" Marcus starts."I'm not asking you to stay forever," I interrupt, my voice sharper than I intend. "I'm not saying we are back together. I'm just saying... I miss you in my bed. And I'm tired of denying myself that just to prove a point." I reveal because that'd the truth.I want him. I fucking want him as my fuck mate right now and not what he is trying to prove himself because he hasn't passed for that yet.That doesn't mean we can't have fun, right?"What point?" Marcus asks, his thumb brushing against my jaw in a way that makes my breath catch."That I am strong enough to walk away from you," I say honestly. "But Marcus, I don't want to be strong tonight. I just want you." I confess.He studies my face for what feels like forever and I can see the war in his expression."If we do this, I need you to know it means something to me. This
Talia POV I don't know if I am being too cruel but I am sure of one thing…I am being truthful.Everything I have said so far is what I feel deep inside and if we are going this, I have to table everything clearly."I know," Marcus replies and I'm my mind I'm like…at least he has the decency not to argue."But..." I continue, and I hate that there's a but.I hate that part of me wants to give him credit for tonight. "This was a good start. You showed up. You were honest. You listened."I take a breath."That's what I need." I confirm."You'll get it," Marcus promises, and there's something in his voice that makes me almost believe him."Talia, I know I have to prove myself. I know it's going to take time. But I'm ready to put in the work. However long it takes." He adds.God, I want to believe him.I want to believe this isn't just him on his best behavior for one night. That he will actually follow through.But I have been burned by him before.Words alone won't fix shit."We should
Marcus POVThe waiter appears with water and menus, giving me a brief break from that look Talia is giving me.That look that says she is watching every move I make and waiting for me to slip up and prove I'm still the same asshole who let her walk away.I honestly can't say I blame her."Can I start you off with any drinks?" the waiter asks."I'll have a glass of Pinot Noir," Talia says without hesitation. "The 2019 if you have it."That's her favorite. The same wine she always ordered when we went for business dinners.It's funny how I would end up taking her to such dinners even with a personal assistant.The more I think about it, the more stupid I realise I have been."Make that two," I say.The waiter nods and disappears.Talia raises an eyebrow. "You hate Pinot Noir." She points out and I cringe at her bluntness.She is not saving my ass or giving me any face tonight I can see that."I know," I admit. "But you love it. Tonight is not about what I want. It's about showing you t
Marcus POVI've changed my shirt three times.Three fucking times, can you believe it?It's like I am some nervous teenager going to prom instead of a grown man who's been on plenty of dates before.Well, except this isn't just any date.This is my last chance with Talia.My only chance, actually.It's the only chance I get to ‘prove’ myself to her and to some extend, prove to myself that I am capable of loving honestly again.Truth be told, I am fucking terrified that I am going to fuck it up.I am nervous that I might not meet her standards.I stare at myself in the mirror…dark grey button-down shirt, black slacks, leather shoes that I polished twice because I couldn't sit still.Looking at myself, I can’t help but wonder if this is too much or… not enough or completely wrong."Get it together," I mutter to myself but sadly, that doesn't seem to help.My phone buzzes on the dresser.It's a message from Orion asking me to not overthink…as if he is reading my mind.Right. Don't overth
Orion looks at me, a burning desire evident on his face and eyes."You," I gasp as his thumb circles my nipple.His other hand slides down my stomach. "I want you."His hand reaches the button of my jeans and for a moment I think he is going to pop it open and slide those skilled fingers exactly wh
Bailey POVWhen we step inside Orion’s apartment, the first thought that crosses my mind is classy and minimalistic.It's nothing like I expected.I had imagined something modern; maybe all glass and chrome.I mean that's the typical bachelor pad you'd see in a magazine spread about successful at
Orion leads me to the seafood stall and a young waiter approaches with menus.I don't miss how his eyes widen slightly when he recognizes Orion. He must be wondering why the infamous hockey captain is doing in a small seafood stall downtown."Table for two?" he asks, trying to play it cool but fail
Bailey POV I wake up to sunlight streaming through my window and the smell of coffee. Talia is sitting on the edge of my bed, holding two mugs and wearing the biggest grin I have ever seen."Good morning, sunshine," she sings. "Care to explain why there are photos of you and Orion Hayes all over







