Page 67 of Mark

She places a hand over her chest. “I’m just looking out for you.”

“Well don’t!” I snap.

She laughs bitterly. “I’m going back to my husband. You should go back to… oh wait, you have no one to go back to.”

She walks off, and my gaze moves back to the bar. I was stupid to think he liked me. I’m just a vagina that’s available.

I take a step back before I’m noticed. Then another one. My throat tightening with each step.

I spin around and keep going. Before I know it, I’m back inside, making my way inside the lift.

I’m so stupid.

So fucking stupid.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Freya

My chest feels heavy as the lift descends. Mark and I have done nothing but argue since the day we met, and a few sweet gestures and kind words made me fall for his act. I’m letting a man get to me, a man I’ve only really known for a few days.

I let out a bitter laugh. “Fucking hell. Get it together,” I grumble.

The doors open and I step out, dodging a few drunken men stumbling by. “Watch it,” I snap.

“Love, come back up to the party with us,” one slurs as his mate tries to reach for me.

I move my hand aside. “No thanks.”

His mate pushes him inside the lift. “Stop hassling women, asshole.”

I make my way down the hallway that leads to my cabin, freezing when I spot Lily sitting on the floor, her legs curled up. Rose is clutched to her chest.

I sober up quickly at the tears streaking her cheeks. “Lily,” I call out.

I kneel down when I reach her, placing my hand on her shoulder. “Lily, are you okay? Has someone hurt you?”

The baby begins to fuss. “Please take her,” she pleads, her words breathless.

Her complexion is pale; so pale it scares me.

Her breaths come faster, deeper, and my heart aches for her when I realise she’s having a panic attack. I gently push her forward from the wall, coming in around her until she’s between my legs. I hold her, pressing my chin to her shoulder.

“Rose is a beautiful name,” I begin, hoping my words distract her. “She looks like you, but I see Jaxon too. Do you want more children?”

“I… yes,” she rasps.

“How many do you want? Personally, I would like three. Three’s an unlucky number for some, but not for me.”

“I want two. Jaxon wants four,” she answers, her tone steadier now.

“I bet you want a boy,” I muse.

She nods. “I want him to look like Jaxon,” she whispers.

When Rose begins to settle, I run my finger along her cheek. “I’ve never seen a more content baby. Has she always been like this?”

“Yes. Aiden hates it because Sunday cried a lot as a baby.”