Chapter 0327
“I told you, we’re not going home,” Marcus said curtly. “You and I are far from fine. We’re not going anywhere until we deal with this.”
After several tense minutes on the road, Marcus and Valerie arrived at the St. Regis Eterna. Marcus had already reserved a suite. Going home wasn’t an option–not after the events of the day. He had already scared Serenity with his behavior; he wouldn’t risk the same happening with John.
As they stepped out of the car, Valerie caught sight of the hotel and felt a small wave of relief. A public place meant Marcus was more likely to restrain himself. Heated arguments didn’t go unnoticed in places like this.
“Let’s go,” Marcus said curtly, helping her out of the car.
Valerie noticed his grip was less forceful now, and as they entered the hotel, his demeanor seemed to shift slightly. He held her hand as they walked to the front desk, retrieved the key, and headed to the suite. The room was beautiful, as always when Marcus made reservations.
Once inside, Valerie hesitated. Marcus seemed calmer now, removing his jacket and tie, rolling up the sleeves of his shirt. He poured himself a drink, then poured her a glass of wine and handed it to her.
“Marcus, I don’t feel like drinking tonight,” Valerie said softly, her exhaustion clear. “I just want to take a bath and go to bed.”
“Take it,” Marcus said firmly, his tone leaving little room for argument. “We had a bad day, Valerie. Tomorrow we’ll talk when we’re calmer, but tonight I want you to sit with me and have a drink.”
“Marcus, I-“Valerie began, her voice tinged with unease
She was afraid. She had never seen this side of him before. The Marcus she knew had always been composed, caring, and steady. This man in front of her was someone else entirely–a stranger.
“Just a drink,” Marcus said, his voice dropping, though the tension in it remained. “Like you were with Maximus, just talking. Isn’t that what you said?” He downed his drink in one gulp, his movements sharp and angry.
Valerie’s expression shifted from fearful to defiant. She knew Marcus was upset–he had every right to be–but this was no way to resolve things. She decided not to entertain his demands and turned toward the bedroom and bathroom instead.
Her defiance snapped something in Marcus. In a few long strides, he caught up to her, grabbing her from behind and forcing her onto the bed.
“Fine! If you won’t sit with me for a drink, then I know something else we can do,” Marcus said, his voice low and dangerous. He yanked at her dress, pulling it off with ease.
Valerie panicked. This wasn’t Marcus–her Marcus. He would never force her into anything she didn’t want. She cried as he kissed her exposed skin, his touch rough and desperate. Before she realized it, he had shed his own clothes, his intentions unmistakable.
“Marcus, stop!” Valerie pleaded through her tears.
She pushed him with all her strength, sending him tumbling off the bed and onto the floor. Scrambling to her feet, she grabbed her clothes and bolted for the bathroom. Shaking, she dressed quickly and grabbed a vase, ready to defend herself if Marcus tried to stop her when she came out.
Cautiously, she opened the door. To her relief, Marcus was standing by the window, now fully dressed, his back to her. He turned slowly to face her, his expression one of regret and shame.
Chapter 0327
+25 BONUS
“Valerie… I–I don’t know what came over me. Please, forgive me,” Marcus said, his voice breaking.
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