Page 91 of Mark

Later that night, we shower, where he brings me to orgasm on his knees. I return the favour, loving the control I feel when I give a blow job. It’s why I like doing it so much. It’s the most sensitive part of a male’s body. It can hurt or be pleasurable. I like knowing I can bring a man to his knees with my mouth. There’s just something about a man losing their mind over your mouth on their cock. It makes me feel sexy and wanted.

Both of us crash not long after the shower, but it’s not long until he’s waking me up. The first time is to him bringing me toorgasm with his mouth on my pussy. The second time I wake to him inside of me. That time is slow, controlled, but nonetheless erotic.

When I wake up the next morning, he’s lying on his front, his leg cocked up. I quietly slide out of bed, not wanting to disturb him.

I don’t think my pussy could take another round. I am truly spent and sore in the best way. Grabbing my clothes, I head into the bathroom, making quick work of getting dressed and freshened up.

When I step out of the bathroom, I glance back at the bed. He hasn’t moved an inch.

I never expected him to seek me out last night. I thought our one night was just that. One night.

It wasn’t until he stormed over to our table that I realised the real reason why I put distance between us. He might make me angry, might push me to want to commit murder, but he also makes me laugh. He stood up for me, something only Summer and my nanna have ever done. He didn’t mind his words, or coddle me. He treated me the same as he would anyone else, and I didn’t realise just how much I needed that.

And every time he goes head to head with my sister and Danny, the wall I built around my heart to protect me from further hurt, crumbles.

He has the power to bring it all down.

I lied to him last night. Not on purpose. I just didn’t realise it was a lie until he took me again at four this morning. I truly don’t want a fling with him. I also meant it when I said I didn’t want a relationship. But after he took me slow last night, feeling how gentle and attentive he can be… it’s not that I don’t want a relationship. I’m scared he won’t want one with me. But I’m also scared that he might.

There’s no denying the attraction between us, but there’s more there. It’s not superficial or centred to the bedroom. I like him as a person.

And that could be bad.

Really bad.

With that last thought, I sneak out, putting some much-needed distance between us for a little bit.

CHAPTER TWENTY

Freya

Breakfast on a cruise is louder than it is at dinner time. Aside from those hungover, everyone seems to have more energy. Loud chatter and laughter bounces off the walls as I move down the buffet counter. It makes me feel better about missing breakfast yesterday. I would have died slowly inside at the sound. Just like I am today. I might not be hungover but being exhausted feels no different.

A small child races past me, screaming at the top of her lungs as a worn-out mum chases after her.

“Good morning, sweetie,” Mum greets, stepping up beside me. “Thank you for gracing us with your presence this morning. You can tell us how your night was over breakfast.”

“Good morning, Noodle.”

I slide my tray further along the counter, picking up some bacon, before addressing my parents. “Morning,” I greet. “I hope you don’t mind, but I’ll be eating breakfast alone this morning.”

“Can you at least sit with us for a moment. Everyone is eating outside this morning to give us privacy. Please,” Mum pleads.

I glance at my dad, whose expression is also pleading. I sigh. “Five minutes.”

“Thank you. We are sitting in our normal place,” she replies.

I grab a large orange juice before leaving them to dish up their food. I’m already digging into my bacon when they arrive at the table. Placing their plates down, they take a seat opposite me.

“We’ve been thinking, honey. Our time has been monopolised with so much of the wedding arrangements and making sure everything is perfect for Esther. Because of that,we’ve not really spent much time with you. We want to change that,” Mum begins.

I glance to my dad, who nods in agreement. “We want you to know that you have us too.”

“I know I do,” I admit. Even though there are times when I feel like they pick Esther over me, I know they love me. I know they would drop everything if I ever truly needed them. I just haven’t, not in the same way Esther has needed them. Still, hearing they want to spend some quality time with me does take me by surprise. “I’m not feeling left out if that’s what you’re worried about.”

“Still, we would like to spend some time with you,” Mum replies.

My brows pinch together as my conversation with Esther last night runs through my mind. “I’m not complaining, but what has brought this on?”