Chapter 12
Marcus
It took all my strength to walk away from Lily and not pull her with me.
I’ve kept my distance after I put down my bid; my blood boiling with arousal since.
I even took myself outside to cool off, but it did nothing to tamp down the fucking need I have for this woman.
The way her body pressed up against my chest, her pebbled nipples straining against the fabric of her dress.
My head instantly went to how I wanted to taste them, tease and suck them, making her squirm and pant as I brought her to the edge of an orgasm.
Jesus, that dress should be illegal. No woman should look that enticing. My eyes have trailed her all evening, making it impossible to stop thinking about all the things I want to do to her.
Joder.
I shift slightly and shake my head, feeling my cock start to thicken. Now’s not the time.
My gaze finds her again as she gives me a coy smile. She confidently walks over to a crowd from the network, each of them welcoming her with a warm smile or friendly hug.
She’s captivating. Everyone wants to be near her, enraptured by what she has to say. She keeps looking over at me, but when I thought she would avert her eyes, she doesn’t. Almost testing me.
Fuck it. I’ve held back long enough.
Stalking over, my eyes are trained on her.
“You've been avoiding me?” Grazing my palm against her exposed back, loving the way her breath hitches as I lower my voice so only she can hear, before slipping in between her and Mr. Fraser, one of the directors.
I hold out my hand for him to shake. “Evening, sir.”
“Good evening, Diaz.” He takes my hand, giving it a firm shake.
“I was just discussing this year's season with Miss Chambers. I have to say it's extremely refreshing to hear her thoughts.” He turns to Lily, and she looks up at him through her lashes. “It really has made me look at each team differently. But as eye opening as this discussion has been, and I would love to stay and chat more, I have to show my enthusiasm for the other shows on the network, not just sport.” He lifts her hand and kisses her knuckles while giving her a seductive smile. “I’ll find you later, Miss Chambers.”
Like fuck he will.
I used to like this guy, but now he’s on my shit list. He walks away with that effortless swagger that men who believe they hold all the power have. Lily’s watching him, her bottom lip tucked into her teeth while she assesses him, and it irks me. I need her eyes on me.
The night drags on and I haven’t seen Lily since she slipped away after our brief encounter with Mr. Fraser.
I wanted to have her full attention, but I was dragged away, everyone wanting to know more about the tournament, and when I finally managed to get away, I couldn’t see her anywhere.
Every flash of red had me turning to see if it was her, but she vanished.
“She ran out front with a petite blonde about ten minutes ago, followed by the son of that investor.” Harris interrupts my thoughts.
“Hmm? What are you on about?” I try to act calm and collected as I sip my whiskey.
“The delightful Miss Chambers.” Obviously not as inconspicuous as I thought then.
“Who says I was looking for her?”
“Don’t play dumb with me. You’ve tailed that woman all night.”
“I haven’t.” He gives me a ‘who do you think you’re kidding look.’ I give up. “Fine, yes, I was looking for her.”
“Well, I believe you’ll find her out front. But she looked quite upset.”
I’m heading toward the doors before he finishes.
Who upset her?
I know I’ve been particularly difficult tonight, but I would never want her upset. I just enjoy pushing her buttons.
Bursting through the front doors of the hotel, I take in the scene in front of me.
She’s sitting next to another man, the same man I saw Damen speaking to.
Hunter Stone. She has an arm around his shoulders while he holds his head in his hands.
A rush of jealousy hits me square in the chest at their closeness.
“Jade will understand, Hunter, just give her time.” She tries to soothe as she runs circles on his back.
“Lily, I fucked up. I wasn’t with her when she needed me.” Hunter turns to Lily as he pleads, “You must believe me, nothing was going on, I swear.”
“I know. I see the love you have for her. But this is more than that; she needs to process what’s happening. Her mum is her priority right now.” Hearing the slight hitch in her voice, my feet are moving before I engage my brain.
“Chambers? What’s going on?” My tone is sharp as I approach. “Is he upsetting you?”
“I’m so sorry, Hunter.” She smiles warmly at him before she stands, glaring at me as she strides towards me.
“What the fuck do you think you’re doing, Diaz?
You have no right to worm your way into a private conversation.
” It’s only when she’s standing in front of me under the gentle glow of the streetlamps I see the tear stains on her face.
I reach out to wipe away a stray one, but she bats my hand away. “Answer me,” she shouts.
“Harris said you ran out upset, so I thought I better check on you,” I say softly.
“Well, thank you for your concern, but I’m in good hands.
” She spins to leave, and I try to pull her back by wrapping my fingers in hers.
“Marcus, will you please just go.” Her voice breaks slightly, and I see her bottom lip wobble.
I’m stunned into silence seeing her like this.
She’s strong, a powerhouse, so to see her quite literally breaking in front of me, I’m unsure what I’m to do other than to do as she asks.
Dropping her hand, I let her walk away from me… Again.