The rush of my blood in my ears nearly drowns out every other sense.

Logically, I should tell him yes to appease his ego, his need for control. I’ve been trained on how to deal with personalities such as his. Although, this is much, much different from any scenario I’ve confronted in the past. The reality, the truth of his question … it’s still a yes. Even as scared as I am, there’s a spark that crackles between us. Knowing what he’s capable of and yet how soft he has been with me draws me to him for reasons I can’t explain.

“Yes,” I say and take a deep breath.

“Another trade?” he asks me and before I can stop myself, I answer yes. More than any other reason, it’s because I don’t want him to leave without knowing more. I need to know what happened.

“A touch for a touch?” he says and my eyes widen at the offer. “I didn’t let you last time and that seems … selfish of me.”

I can’t help the innate fear I feel. The idea of him getting closer to me, close enough to touch, to kiss, all while I stay buried in my bedsheets is both erotic and terrifying.

I know he must see it; I’d be a fool to think I could hide it. Hell, my heart beats so hard, he’d have to be deaf not to hear it staggering with dread. “I’ll sweeten the deal. I’ll tell you how I know your code. I’ll tell you now, if you want.”

My gaze peers deeper into his, and I find myself wishing for more light. His desperation is … not understood. He shouldn’t want me, but he does. I can sense it; his desire caresses every inch of me, preparing me for him.

Marcus wants me and I’m ashamed to admit what that knowledge does to me.

Met with silence for too long, Marcus continues. “I have small cameras on the outside of your building. I can watch who comes and goes and more importantly, I can see you put in the code, Delilah. And anyone else I want.”

“That’s not true. I searched the place down myself.”

With a huff of laughter, he leans back in the chair and responds, “They look like nailheads, so small, and everywhere I want them to be.” The arrogance doesn’t go unnoticed.

“How long?”

“How long have I been watching you? You have so many questions that you already know the answers to, don’t you?”

His taunt prompts me to remember the first week I moved in when there was a day when the power went out. There wasn’t an ounce of me that suspected anything. That was years ago … Years. The answer sends goosebumps down my shoulders that don’t stop until a shiver takes over.

“I have unusual ways, invasive, I know. But I tried to stay away and let you be. This is how I managed. And then … you kissed him. You fucked him. It … it’s taking a lot of effort to not be jealous. He’s been there for you and you’ve seen what he’s done for you. It makes sense. You haven’t seen what I’ve done for you, though.”