27. Lauren
27
Lauren
Where is that goddamn sleep when I need it?
Pushing up on my knees, I groan, the sound muffled by the pillow around my face. I spent the entire day doing everything in my power to keep busy: checking up on Mikey, logging my impromptu leave with my cousin Meghan, our HR director and cleaning parts of this massive cabin. I should be exhausted. Instead, I’m wide awake.
Thinking.
Wishing.
Horny.
I hate this. Hate that, despite Marcus’ blatant rejection, I still want him. My entire body aches for him. Why did he come back? I wish to God he’d stayed away, spared me this torture. Having him two doors down with my body burning like this, it’s cruel. I scream into the pillow.
And why the hell did he put those pants on? Tight at the crotch, hugging his thighs, showing everything. Ugh. It’s like he wanted to get back at me for wearing that crop top and panties .
Rolling onto my back, I chuckle. Yes, I caught that look on his face when I stood up. Yes, I was also aware that my panties were see-through. It’s not like I expected company. The guards never come into the house, so I thought I had privacy.
Would I change my outfit if I knew he was on his way back? Absolutely not. I wouldn’t want to miss out on the loaded stare confirming that, despite his rejection, Marcus wants me just as much.
Maybe even more.
I wet my dry lips then turn on my side to grab the glass of water I keep there at night. It’s empty. I forgot I’d downed the entire thing earlier when I stormed in here, my body on fire after seeing his cock outlined in those pants. I shimmy from the bed with the glass. Maybe I should’ve taken a cold shower instead.
As I emerge from the bedroom, I see a pale light coming from the room across the hall. I’d turned the TV off earlier, which means Marcus is still up. I glance down at myself. I’m still wearing the lace panties and I kept the tank top on. A trip to the kitchen and back will take no time. I hurry past the entrance and head downstairs.
The sound of the TV cuts off as I make my way back. I quicken my steps and get to the end of the hall as the room turns to total darkness. My bedroom door is only a couple steps away. I’ll make it.
Or not.
From a light at the end of the hallway, I make out his huge silhouette as he emerges. He stops short at the sight of me, and I remain frozen, my hand on the doorknob. I wait for him to keep going, but he doesn’t. His thick chest bounces. He’s breathing hard, just like I am. My heart pounds so violently that I fear it’s going to burst from my chest any second now. Why is he still standing there? What is he thinking?
“Lauren…” His voice sounds so painful. “Get inside. Please.”
I should obey him. He has given enough warning that this wouldn’t end well for me, hasn’t he? Yet, I remain where I am, gripping the doorknob so tightly, my knuckles hurt.
“Lauren…”
With a slight shake of my head, I grip the hem of my tank top and haul it over my head.
“Jesus fucking Christ,” Marcus gushes.
The light down the hall behind him makes it hard to see his face, but his voice tells me everything I need to know. Marcus likes what he sees, and what Marcus likes, Marcus takes. I know that much.
Squaring my shoulders, I wait for him to take me.