Chapter 5: Temptation and the Hotel Room

On the drive to the hotel, Marcus said nothing. The city lights blurred by, and he leaned against the window, eyes closed, fingers working the torn hem of his shirt. Sweat soaked his shirt, even in the dim light.

Once inside, he pressed me hard against the wall, his breath hot at my ear, voice rough: "You want to keep me?"

He seemed half out of his mind.

My heart pounded, but I tried to stay calm, patting his face. “Marcus, do you know who I am?”

He gave a low, dark laugh. “I know. The rich girl who wants to keep me.”

It was full of sarcasm—a dare, as if he wanted me to prove I was different. I didn’t know who’d drugged him, but right now, only I could save him.

Veins stood out on his forehead as he fought for control.

His bangs hung over his eyes, shadowing them, those eyes deep as night.

I said nervously, “Does this count as taking advantage of someone in need?”

“Yes.”

He finally snapped, gripping the back of my head so tightly it hurt, crushing his lips to mine.

I was like a drowning fish, desperate for air.

When his hand slid under my clothes, I realized his palm was icy with sweat.

Though drugged and desperate, he still let me go.

"Aren’t you going to keep me, Miss?" His voice was hoarse and wounded. "You can do anything you want to me now."

Was that okay?

My pulse skittered. Was I saving him, or just taking what I wanted because I could?

I looked down, scratching my head. "How about you hang on a little longer? The doctor will be here soon."

His eyes darkened instantly.

Cold sweat beaded on his forehead, brows furrowed.

"Or…take a cold shower first?"

Marcus: "…Do you even know what you’re saying?"

He looked utterly lost, shame and frustration mixing in his expression.

He looked like a virtuous man being teased, and my wicked side surged up. Anyway, he wasn’t thinking clearly now. Any antidote would do.

Forget it. I called the housekeeper and told her not to bring the doctor. My hands shook as I set the phone down, and for a moment I wondered if I was about to cross a line I couldn’t uncross.