I can barely breathe listening to him.

His jealousy is a shock. And given all this new information, my body trembles. “You told me not to be scared, but I am.” I admit the truth out loud because it’s too much. It’s far too real.

“You’re a good girl for telling me.” Good girl. From anyone else, I would snap at those words. There’s a trigger inside of me wound tight and it would spring free. But from him …

He adds, “We’re going to have to work on that. Lie down and let me help you.”

“What do you want?” I ask and my voice shakes.

“Again … You already know the answer.”

He’s not wrong. I know what he wants; even my body is aware as my nipples harden against the soft cotton of my sleep shirt.

As if he’s read my mind, his nearly silver gaze drops to my chest. “Fear is a funny thing, isn’t it?” he comments but remains where he is. “I bet you’re hot too, aren’t you?”

All I can think about is Cody. Marcus may know things, but Cody may not. And whatever I do here, could come back on a man who has done nothing but protect me.

“Marcus … I’m with—”

“I know. I saw it all. I saw you kiss him again yesterday. Really kiss him like you love him. You do, don’t you?” There’s not an ounce of anger in his voice, only knowing.

“Marcus—”

“I’m not mad. You don’t have to be afraid. But I deserve a chance. I don’t regret much in life, but I regret not taking you when I had the chance.”

“When was that?” I ask only to allow more time to pass. To give space to the moment so I can think.

“Questions. So many questions, my Delilah.” Sitting straighter, his fingers wrap around the arms of the chair as if he’s holding himself back. “I answered you, I gave you more information than I should.”

“You told me not to be scared, but—”

“If you’d like, I can make it easier on you.”

I can only nod.

“Lie down, Delilah.” With trembling limbs I slowly do as he says, lifting the covers for a moment, glancing at the gun that’s still within reach and knowing it was never going to protect me against Marcus. He takes his time giving me orders, and all the while I listen obediently.

“Close your eyes,” he whispers and they’re the most seductive words I’ve ever heard. If only sinning with your eyes closed saved your soul from the devil.

Every little hair stands on edge when I hear the telltale creak of him rising from the chair. My chest rises and falls chaotically, every fight-or-flight instinct within me screaming with pure adrenaline.

“Don’t turn around,” he commands and I’m certain his steps are deliberately loud as he rounds the bed, walking behind me. Ever so slowly, the weight of him is felt when the cool air from a raised comforter kisses my skin.