7. Mark
The next few days pass by in a lusty, blissful haze. I cook Anna breakfast, we work together on lunch, then she surprises me with a home cooked dinner. In between meals, I help her study for her GED exams during timed breaks of my CPA work.
Any time she brings up returning to the diner, I assure her that my paychecks can cover the both of us, despite how true or untrue that may actually be.
Over the years, I’ve worked two jobs to ensure that I could cover both my own bills and whatever of Anna’s that I could. Once, I even went without groceries for a week so that her power bill got paid on time. It was an inconvenience, sure, but she needed power more than I needed a hot meal.
She doesn’t know about any of this since I never paid her bills in full. I paid 70% of the total amount and left her to pay the remainder. Any time she got close to a deadline and worked extra shifts to cover the expenses, I put more things in her care packages to ease some of the load off her shoulders. Packages of easy-to-make meals. Bags of rice. Bathroom supplies. Whatever it was I figured she was running low on.
Working long hours while watching Anna travel to and from work, however, was the real challenge. I paid for a premium hotspot from my cell phone company to ensure I could work on the go from my truck. Anywhere Anna was, I needed to be.
Now that Anna is under my roof, though, it’s easier. There’s only one set of bills to pay. I can watch her from the comfort of my own home and ensure that she has everything she needs without putting together any anonymous care packages.
And best of all, she’s not pressured to take care of her father before her own needs are met. Now that I’m here, I can make sure that she’s fed, clothed, bathed, loved. Everything she needs. I can be it all for her.
There’s no one she needs but me.
I can tell that Anna’s getting ideas, though, about going back to work. She mentions it each day when she sees me typing away on my work laptop.
“Can’t I help more? You’re doing so much for me. At least let me repay you. I could cover groceries or rent or something—”
Each time, I’m forced to remind her that she doesn’t owe me anything. I’m happy to take care of her.
Eating out that sweet pussy is as much for me as it is for her, though. I can’t get enough of her taste, and distracting her with delicate swipes of my tongue is a delight I’ll never tire of.
Tonight, though, there’s a determined gleam in her eye when I lay her down on the bed. “What is it, sweetheart?”
“I want to do something for you.”
“As long as you’re not—”
She rolls her eyes and says the words with me, “—doing something out of obligation, I know, Mark. Jeez, you’re a broken record sometimes.”
Pride spreads through my chest at how open she’s becoming the longer we stay together. She’s more confident and sure in herself, and her speech reflects it. I couldn’t be happier with how her mending is going. It’s rare that I find her retreating into herself to think about things her father has said over the years.
She told me once, the things he used to say to her.
You’ll never live up to your mother, you stupid bitch.
No matter how many hours you toil away at that damned job, you’ll never make a thing of yourself. You might as well give up now.
Too dumb to graduate high school, huh? Figures that your mother took everything precious with her and left me with the worst parts of either of us.
And other things that make my blood boil. If Henry were still alive, I’d kill him twice over for what he’s said to Anna. For the damage her did to her self esteem and her psyche.
And what did Anna do all those years but give and give and give?
Pushing herself up on her elbows, she licks her lips as her eyes travel down my body to the tent in my sweatpants. “You never take those off. I haven’t ever seen you without any pants on. Ever.”
“There’s a reason for that,” I reply quickly, pulling her ankle so that she slides across the mattress and closer to the edge of the bed. “You’re not ready for that yet.”
She huffs in irritation and I can’t help the smile that curves onto my lips. She’s gaining an attitude, that’s for sure.
“Impatient, are we?” I tease, throwing my shirt over my head and tossing it onto the ground. “I can’t give it to you yet, Anna. I don’t want to break you.”
In truth, I don’t want her to run from me. If I give her all of me - even the darkest parts, the ones she doesn’t know about - I know she’ll panic and leave. No one wants to be with a man that fucked up.
And if I fuck her, really give her the brunt of my desire and let her see the monster within, I know she’ll leave. There are dark, violent things I’ve done to another human being that I’d do a thousand times over if it meant keeping her safe, and I don’t care what the world thinks of me.
I care what Anna thinks. Having her reject me would be the end of me playing nice. I’d have to lock her up for real if it meant keeping her with me. Keeping her safe.
Everything we’ve been doing these last few days - this is me playing nice. Having a home together. Cooking her breakfast and dinner and studying with her and keeping her safe and happy in this perfect little bubble - this is nice.
I can be a whole lot of mean if it keeps Anna by my side.
“You won’t break me, Mark,” she insists, pursing those perfect lips. “I’ll prove it to you.”
“Oh?” Now I’m intrigued. “What do you have in mind?”
“Lie down.”
It’s not often my girl gives orders, but the delightful shiver down my spine shows that I like it.
The lock on the bedroom door clicks into place as I turn the knob. Normally, I leave Anna so bone-tired after I’m done tongue-fucking her that she sleeps soundlessly through the night. If we’re changing things up tonight, I want to make sure that she’s still safe in the house if she decides to stir and go for a glass of water or something.
If she finds it suspicious, she doesn’t let on. Patting the space beside her, she motions for me to join her. “Lie down, Mark. Please.”
“What if I lie down on top of you, sweetheart?”
Her body flushes from her collarbone to the edge of her hairline, and her eyes dilate before she shakes the image from her head. “No, I want you on your back.”
I’m skeptical, but she’s been growing bolder and more comfortable with each passing day, so this is somewhat expected. “Alright,” I say slowly, kissing her lips on my way down to my back. “So long as you don’t forget—”
She grabs my visible hard-on before I’ve finished my statement, and the bite of her nails through the soft cotton sweats makes me hiss. “Easy, girl,” I grumble, my cock twitching in her palm despite the slight pain. It’s been so long since I’ve been touched - and never by my girl - that it doesn’t matter how hard she man-handles me. I’ll enjoy it no matter what.
But the problem isn’t me enjoying it or not - it’s me enjoying it so much that I go too far. “Anna—”
She ignores me and lays her body down, arching her back beautifully to present her rounded ass in the air, as she scoots her chest up my calves until her virgin mouth is exhaling hot air onto my very erect, very eager dick. Even through my sweats, I can feel the moist air around me, and I know that if she does what she thinks she wants to do, this will go very wrong, very quick—
Anna must sense some part of this unspoken danger and my hesitation to give it to her, because she moves fast as she tugs my waistband below my cock, making the thick flesh bounce freely against my abdomen, and wraps her palm around the shaft.
“Anna,” I warn, cupping her cheek in my palm, “think before you—”
As her mouth recklessly descends upon my rigid length, choking as she takes in too much too soon, my hand slides from her cheek and into her hair, my fingers fastening themselves at the nape of her neck.
She holds herself there, half my cock sealed within her wet warmth, before she pulls back and dives back down, just as fearlessly, just as foolishly, and I love her even more for it.
As she bobs her head and gets used to the feel of me, I press my palm against the back of her head and encourage her to take more. At first, she protests, growing rigid and trying to pull back, but I hold her there, catching her eyes and groaning when she finally complies and takes in every solid inch I have to give.
“Such a good girl,” I murmur, swiping my thumb across her cheek as a tear slides from her eye. “But you can take more, can’t you?”
Her eyes widen as I thrust upwards slowly, locking her head in place with my hand as I take her mouth the way I dream of taking her pussy. “Fuck, that’s good, Anna,” I groan. “You couldn’t wait to take this cock, could you, sweetheart?”
I release her from my grasp and her head whips up immediately, saliva dripping down her lips and chin as she takes big gulps of air. Tears pool in her eyes and my beautiful, innocent Anna looks positively ruined, and I can’t help the cruel smirk on my lips. “So beautiful, baby, so fucking—”
It’s my turn to gasp as she suddenly grasps my cock and jerks up the same moment she plunges her lips over me, taking me down that sweet throat as she glides her palm up and down my length, working me with both her hand and her throat.
Both my hands lace around her head as I pump my hips up, my own end coming soon, and the smug pride in her narrowed eyes as she takes my cock repeatedly, harshly, knowing that she’s the one driving me crazy—
I come with Anna’s name on my lips as I force her head down and feel her swallow my piping hot load, each spurt a gift that I’ll gladly keep giving.
When she lifts her mouth off me, she’s not gasping for air like I expected, but she’s smiling sweetly up at me, clearly pleased with herself. “You deserve a little love too,” she purrs, crawling up my body to curl up by my side like a kitten who just had its favorite cream. “I’m happy to return the favor after you do so much for me. I want to make you feel good, too,” she amends, knowing I’ll need her to before I have to say it myself.
I take deep breaths, my heart racing, as I try to stop myself from pinning my girl down and showing her where I’d really like to spend my seed. I need to show her that I appreciate what she just did.
So I do what any sane, heterosexual man in my situation would do when his woman pleases him. I kiss a trail down her body, intending to return the gesture twofold.
- o -
The next sound I hear is the rumble of my truck engine starting, and I jump up immediately, one arm outstretched to cover Anna from whatever thief—
Except Anna isn’t there. She’s missing from my arms.
Cursing loudly, I throw on my sweatpants and watch from the window as Anna drives my truck out the driveway and down the street - to the right, meaning that she’s headed for the main road.
As I find a shirt and strap on my handgun holster for the first time since bringing Anna home, I run through our conversations over the past few days.
There’s no reason she would be going back to her father’s house. She hasn’t mentioned it at all. I check the counters for a note she might have left - and in the kitchen, I find her curved handwriting apologizing for leaving so suddenly, but that she’s needed at the diner for her shift. She’s been gone too long and Penny needs the help.
I know damned well that Penny hasn’t been asking her to return to work. Her text messages have been the opposite actually - Penny keeps telling Anna to take it easy on her shifts and not worry about coming back until everything with her dad’s estate has settled. But Anna keeps insisting.
I should have hidden the truck keys. “Lost” her phone charger so that she couldn’t communicate with Penny anymore. Done something other than simply try and assure Anna that we don’t need her waitressing tips.
My thoughts cut to a darker shade as I wonder if I’m not enough for Anna, but I shove that ridiculous line of thought to the side as quickly as it comes.
I’ll make sure that I’m enough for her.
This occurrence has nothing to do with me. It has everything to do with Anna and how she likely feels like she still owes me.
I run a hand down my face and grab my second set of keys, the ones I haven’t used since the night her mother died.
Stepping around the house to my shed, I unlock the double doors and uncover my motorcycle. I haven’t started her in years, but I know that the MC’s mechanic Ember takes good care of both my vehicles when she comes around for routine maintenance, so I’m not worried as I throw my leg over and put the key in the ignition.
I know she’ll start. I also know that I’ll catch up to Anna.
I just don’t know how to convince her that I mean it when I say that I’m going to take care of her - forever. She doesn’t need to work at the diner or even earn her GED - but I’ll let her do those things if they make her happy.
Withproper supervision.
I’m not just gonna let her drive off into the night.
I refuse to lose anyone I love that way again.
- o -
Anna works her shift without incident, even if she did start it late. She got a few hours’ work in, and through it all, she wore a huge smile on her face.
She’s mesmerizing to watch, so I keep an eye on every single one of her customers to make sure they don’t try anything. Even the to-go orders. You can’t be too careful.
As the shift is coming to a close, the new owner Penny takes out the trash and meanders over towards me. She doesn’t seem alarmed, but she sighs as she steps closer, keeping one hand on her very pregnant stomach.
I don’t have anything against Penny. I know her heart’s in a good place, and her husband is a respectable enough cop. They’ve both been looking out for Anna in their own way. But, I don’t like when people meddle in my personal business.
And I have a feeling that Penny’s about to meddle.
“Mark. It’s been a while since you’ve come inside.”
I nod in greeting but don’t take my eyes off of Anna as she wipes down tables. “Don’t need to.”
She sighs again and rubs the back of her neck. “Listen, I don’t know the full story, but people talk, okay?”
“I’m well aware of how things work in a small town, Mrs. Montgomery.”
Her eyes narrow and she pushes on with what she’s here to say regardless of how I might feel about it. “Anna’s a nice girl, Mark. What happened to her family was a tragedy - one I’m told you had a big hand in. Why don’t you leave the girl alone and let her get on with her life? She’ll be happy once she earns her GED and gets the hell out of here.” Penny exhales sharply and stretches her back. “It might do you good to get out of town, too,” she adds gently. “I don’t know exactly what happened—”
“No, you don’t,” I cut sharply, sliding my gaze towards the younger woman. She’s only a few years older than Anna, and she thinks she’s tough shit because she owns a diner all on her own? “You think you know something about it?” I can feel myself sneer as a thick mixture of negative emotions boils inside me like bubbling tar. “Were you there as I watched my best friend get shot right in front of me? When I beat the man responsible - because he laughed as she bled out and died on the sidewalk?” I shake my head, gripping my handlebars tightly so that I don’t dare lift a finger on Penny.
I might be angry, but Penny doesn’t deserve that. It’s not her fault that the whole situation is fucked up. I wouldn’t dare hurt a pregnant woman, either - that’s taking it too far. Not that the town would know that from the way they talk about me. As a former member of the Crimson Kings MC, I get a bad rep regardless of what my actions say about me.
I take a deep breath and shake the hair from my eyes. “Henry blames me for his wife’s death. Because I couldn’t save her. I was standing right there.”
“Henry’s gone.”
“Yeah, well,” I breathe, looking up at the stars twinkling overhead. “Lauren’s dead too. So’s the guy who did it.” At the time, kicking his teeth in felt justified - he’d just killed my best friend. Now I look back on it and although I don’t regret it, I might do things differently if it meant taking better care of Anna earlier on.
I watch a bright star twinkle and catch my breath. Lauren might be up there, watching me watch her daughter. Hating me for defiling her. Or loving me for taking care of her. I won’t ever know what Lauren thinks anymore, and guessing about it won’t do anything for me.
“Does she know?”
“Everyone knows.”
“Anna,” Penny clarifies, her eyes piercing right through my rib cage as she tries to puncture my heart. “Does Anna know what happened?”
“She knows what her father told her.”
“Which is?”
I shrug. I don’t actually know what Henry told his daughter, but it doesn’t matter as long as Anna stays with me. “She doesn’t need to know the truth. It won’t change anything. Lauren and Henry are still dead, and I’ll still take care of Anna.”
“Henry didn’t want you near her.”
I swing my leg over my bike and take a calculated step towards Penny. “Like you said. He’s not here anymore.”
Penny doesn’t even flinch. She stands her ground and stares me down. “Was it your fault?”
“Was what my fault?”
“Lauren’s death. Is it true that the guy was after you for MC business?”
“I’ll kill the person spreading that fucking rumor around,” I growl, cracking my knuckles. “Tell me it’s not you, Penny, so I don’t have to tell Monty I killed his fucking wife.”
“Is it true? Did you get Lauren killed?”
A bitter laugh cracks the ice in my chest. “It doesn’t matter if it’s true or not. I’m not letting Anna go, no matter what you or anyone else says.”
Penny’s lips press into a thin line. “If you really love Anna, you’ll do what’s best for her. Even if that means leaving her alone to live her life. I don’t want you poisoning an innocent girl.”
My lips curve into a smile that’s as wicked as the rumors about me are. “She won’t be innocent forever, Pen. Not living with me. I intend to make her my wife, and I’ll poison her however I choose.”
The three little bells hanging over the front door chime as my future wife rushes out the door towards us. “Mark!” she cries, jogging up to me. “I didn’t realize you were here. Did you want to come in for some coffee?”
“We’re closed,” Penny cuts in, crossing her arms. “I’ll lock up. You take care of yourself, Anna.” Her eyes throw daggers in my direction once Anna’s back is turned. “Watch yourself, Mark. I mean it.”
Anna’s smile falters as she turns to watch Penny’s retreat. “What’s she mean by that?”
“Nothing,” I grunt, running my hand through my girl’s honey hair and kissing her forehead. “You ready to go home?”
“Yeah, let me get your keys.”
“Leave the truck. We’ll pick it up tomorrow.”
“You want me to ride a bike? I didn’t even know you had one.”
I chuckle and grab Anna’s hip to pull her closer to me. “There’s a lot of things you don’t know about me, sweet girl. You trust me, don’t you?”
She nods and wraps her arms around my shoulders. “Of course I do.”
“Good girl.” I steal her lips in a kiss that promises more to come, leaves her dazed and breathless and wanting, just the way I like her.