Chapter 36
Marcus choked on his words as he pulled Cordelia into his arms. Her waist fit easily in his hand, and he tilted her chin up, gazing into her eyes. They were clear, like pools of spring, and her cherry lips parted slightly, silently tempting him. A ball of flame stirred within him, the heat rising as he stared at her.
Cordelia, flushed and out of breath, averted her gaze, feeling the heat from his chest, his powerful heartbeats, and the overwhelming manliness emanating from him. It made her feel as if she were melting under his touch. Just before his kiss reached her, she pushed him away gently, a soft smile tugging at her lips, though she was embarrassed. “Don’t,” she said, her voice soft. “I still have to cook.”
Marcus halted, a dark glint flashing in his eyes. Her words had struck something deep within him.
“Tonight…” Cordelia’s voice was barely a whisper, her cheeks flushed bright red. “Don’t sleep on the couch tonight. It’s uncomfortable. Sleep in the room.”
Marcus paused, stunned by her request. It was possibly the boldest thing she had said, and he could barely suppress a chuckle. His thumb grazed her flushed ear as he replied hoarsely, “Okay.”
After dinner, Marcus headed to the bathroom for his usual shower, but this time, he stayed in for nearly an hour. Cordelia had already cut some fruits and was watching television, but she still didn’t hear him emerge. The sound of running water was all that filled the air.
Feeling her face heat up, Cordelia excused herself to change into her pajamas. As she sat on the bed, her hands fidgeted nervously, unsure where to place them. Her thoughts were spinning—what would he do later? Marcus was tall, strong, and certainly more capable than the average man…
She giggled, but quickly lowered her head, embarrassed by her thoughts.
Just then, the sound of running water stopped, and Cordelia tensed. She grabbed the edge of her pajamas, heart racing as footsteps approached.
Her chest thudded with nervous anticipation. She had only read about wedding nights in novels, imagining a romantic, unforgettable night with the person she loved. Though it wasn’t technically her wedding night, it was still her first night with Marcus. She couldn’t help the blissful smile that tugged at her lips. She hoped it would be everything she’d dreamed of.
But then, an urgent knock on the door broke the moment.
Surprised, Cordelia opened the door, only to find Carter standing there with a battered face, crying as soon as he saw her.
“What happened?” Cordelia pulled him inside quickly. “Did you get into a fight?”
Carter, sobbing uncontrollably, couldn’t get out a full sentence. Panic rose in Cordelia as she forgot about Marcus. It wasn’t until Marcus cleared his throat that she remembered her surroundings, her heart skipping a beat when she turned to see him standing there with a confused frown.
She quickly regained her composure. “T-this is my younger cousin,” she said with a forced smile, discreetly giving Carter a look to signal him to play along.
Carter, understanding immediately, glanced nervously at Marcus. The man in front of them was her husband, the man who had married her in place of Yelena. Marcus didn’t know his true identity, and Carter couldn’t risk revealing it.
“Carter,” Cordelia said softly, “Greet your cousin-in-law.”
Carter, still nervous, obediently greeted Marcus, shrinking behind Cordelia with a fearful look. He felt an inexplicable authority radiating from the man. How did his sister manage to live with someone like this every day?
Marcus nodded, unphased. He retrieved the first aid kit, his actions smooth and efficient as he sat Carter on the couch to tend to his wounds.
Carter was seriously injured, his forehead bruised and swollen, and a large patch of skin scraped off his leg. The wound had stuck to his pants, causing him immense pain with every movement. Even as Marcus handled him gently, Carter winced in agony.