CHAPTER 23

Juliana's pov

"Thank you for today," I say as I get out of Marcus's car. I don't know how many times I have thanked him today, I just can't help myself today has been one of the best days of my life.

"And for the hundredth time, I should be the one thanking you my angel." He says coming around to where I am standing and giving me a light kiss on the lips.

"You are welcome then if that makes you ha…." I don't even finish saying what I want to say when I feel his lips on mine. A tingle runs through my body and I feel the feeling I always feel when his arms are all over my body. I kiss him back with everything in me. He makes a groaning sound that makes me want him even more. He puts his arms around me and pulls me even closer to him. I can feel how hard he is through his jeans. I feel my knees getting weak and I am about to pull away when he does it himself.

"You are going to be the end of me," Marcus says resting his forehead on mine.

"I can say the same," I say still feeling weak in the knees.

"I think you should go before I change my mind and take you home with me." I can hear how hard he is breathing and I know if I stay here another second I might jump him and let him do what he wants to do with me.

"Good night Marcus," I tell him. He looks at me for a few seconds and then lets me go. I walk to my flat very fast like my life depends on it. The door is unlocked Maggie must have unlocked it for me. I rest my body on the door and try to breathe. I stay there for a few seconds and then I open the door to check if Marcus has left. I find him still standing where I left him and he smirks at me. I stand staring at him like an idiot.

"Good night sweetheart," he says after some time. He gets in his car and drives off leaving me standing in the doorway with my mouth open.

As I stand there, still in awe of what just happened, I slowly close the door behind me. My heart is racing, my mind is filled with thoughts of Marcus, and my body is buzzing with anticipation. I can't believe how much I crave him, how much I want to be with him every waking moment. But for now, I need to compose myself.

I walk into my apartment, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. The events of the day play over and over in my mind, like a movie I can't seem to turn off. Marcus's touch, his kiss, his words—they all send shivers down my spine. Part of me wonders if I am dreaming, if this is all too good to be true. I notice Maggie is not in the living room, I am sure she is trying to avoid me. 

I make my way to the bedroom and sink onto the bed. The sheets are cool against my skin, a stark contrast to the fiery passion that's still coursing through my veins. I close my eyes, trying to process everything that just happened. It's overwhelming but in the best possible way.

I think back to the first time I met Marcus, and how effortlessly we clicked. It was as if we had known each other for years, even though we had only just met. Since then, every moment we have spent together has been filled with laughter, adventure, and an undeniable chemistry that I can't ignore.

But today was different. Today our connection reached a new level. The desire between us is real, and it scares me—in the most exhilarating way. I know I am falling for him, falling hard, and it terrifies me. After what happened with my ex-boyfriend I have been guarded, always keeping men at arm's length. 

But with Marcus, it's different. He makes me want to let go, to take a leap of faith and see where it leads. I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. I need to focus, to ground myself in reality. Marcus may be intoxicating, but I need to remember that I have a life outside of him. My best friend, family, work—all of it still exists, even when I'm consumed by thoughts of him.

With a sigh, I reach for my phone and start to text Maggie. She's been my confidant since secondary school and I know I can trust her with my deepest secrets even though we are currently upset with each other. I tell her about tonight, about the kiss, about the way my body responded to Marcus's touch. I don't hold back, laying bare my confusion and vulnerability. I know I should just talk to her but I am sure she is still mad at me, maybe tomorrow we will be able to talk like best friends again.

But for now, I will let myself bask in the memories of tonight. I'll let myself remember the way Marcus's lips felt on mine, the way his strong arms held me close. And I'll let myself dream of what the future might hold for us, hoping that it's as magical as this moment.

I don't know for how long I have been sleeping, I am awakened from my sleep by the ringing of my phone. I look at the caller ID and find an unknown number. I press the ignore button and put my head back on the pillow. The phone starts to ring again after some time. I contemplate cutting the line but I decide to pick in case it's important.

"Hello," I greet but the person on the other side does not say anything. 

"Look, whoever you are, if you don't say anything I will cut the line," I say when the caller continues to be silent.

"I see you still have your temper." I feel my blood run cold the moment I hear his voice. I can remember this voice anywhere, it has haunted my dreams for the past three years.

"How did you get my number?" After the assault, I changed my number. How did Daniel find my number? I don't even use it on social media networks for fear of him finding it.

"I have my ways, sweetheart." Even the endearment sounds terrible coming from him.

"Don't call me that, you are nothing to me but a nightmare that keeps me up at night." I am about to cut the line when he says something that terrifies the shit out of me.

"Well, maybe it's time you confront your nightmares, I am back sweetheart. I will come to see you soon." He cuts the line before I can say anything. My phone drops from my hand as a cold shiver runs through my body. I pick up the phone and call Marcus, hoping he is not busy. He answers the phone on the second ring.

"Marc… Marcus," I call his name before he can say anything.

 As Marcus answers the phone, I can hear the concern in his voice. "Hey, what's wrong? You sound panicked," he says.

"Daniel called me," I manage to say, my voice trembling. "He said he's back and that he will come to see me soon."

Silence fills the line for a moment before Marcus responds, his voice full of determination. "Okay, stay calm. I am on my way. Just lock all the doors and windows. Don't let anyone in until I get there."

I nod, even though he can't see me, and try to steady my breathing. The fear grips me, but I know Marcus will protect me. I have no doubt he will do everything in his power to keep me safe.

As I hang up the phone, I quickly follow Marcus' instructions, securing every possible entrance to my apartment. 

After making sure that the doors and the windows are locked, I rush to Maggie's room and knock but she does not respond, I try the door handle but it's locked.

 I decide to go to the living room and wait for Marcus. The minutes drag on, feeling like hours, as I wait anxiously for him to arrive. Each passing moment brings with it a heightened sense of fear, my mind racing with thoughts of what David might do.

Finally, the doorbell rings, and I rush to answer it. Marcus stands there, his face lined with worry but his presence exuding confidence. "Are you okay?" he asks, concern etched into his features.

I shake my head, tears welling up in my eyes. "I am scared, Marcus. I don't know how he found my number or what he wants from me."

He pulls me into a comforting embrace, holding me tightly. "I won't let anything happen to you. We'll figure this out together, okay?"

As I cling to Marcus, desperation mingled with relief washes over me. I know that with him by my side, I will find the strength to face whatever horrors David has in store.