EPILOGUE PT.2

Y A S M E E N

Marital bliss only lasts so long before we go back to being normal. Marcus only let it last a couple of days before he dashed out, working his usual odd hours.

But, God, is he so perfect? Just seeing him, even if it's just a glimpse, makes me giggle like a school girl. That man is all mine to devour whenever I please.

With that being said, I've devoured him enough times yet I can never get enough of him. I'm always on a high around him yet he's so laid-back. A perfect match, I suppose?

Nowadays, Zara is being watched like a hawk by Alejandro because she's a couple of months pregnant. This also means I get to spend less time with her because he barely ever leaves her side and I don't get to talk about the fun stuff while he's around.

I've mentioned children to Marcus but he's definitely not ready and I'm totally fine with waiting because I'm very content with his full attention towards me right now.

Maybe sometime in the future.

Can you imagine? A little me running around? It would drive Marcus insane and I'd thrive. Or maybe it'll be a little Marcus running around, then it would drive me insane instead.

I chuckle at the thought of us being parents. I think we'd have the most beautiful family, mostly because I have the most beautiful man who'd be providing me with half the facilities to create a baby.

Damn, I'm completely smitten by this man. Someone stop me before I end up too deep because Marcus has the tendency to shut down when he gets too much love. And that freaks me out for a moment before he quickly realizes what he did.

And what does he do to apologize? Fucks the living hell out of me. Nothing to complain about there, truly.

"Marcus!" I grin, running towards him.

"You're home!"

He extends out his arms for me to run into and wraps them around me once I reach him. "My little dove," he murmurs into my hair.

"I've missed you," I sigh a breath of relief.

There are times I'm afraid he won't make it back and the thought terrifies me. I've asked him multiple times to find work somewhere safer or even better, don't work at all because I'm fully financially capable of taking care of both of us.

But, of course, he wouldn't hear it. He doesn't want to leave because he says this is where he belongs and will always belong. Gosh, he drives me crazy sometimes.

"I can see that you've missed me," he says, not letting me go.

He also hates being too lovey-dovey. He doesn't often tell me that he misses me or loves me, instead, he shows me. And, damn, when he shows it, I can't walk for the next couple of days.

He's mentioned it before, that he never really learned how to be affectionate. He didn't have a mother to teach him how to gently love someone or show affection, and his father was anything but loving.

Cuddling, kissing, and words of affection are things that he can't wrap his head around. He's a rough lover—anything but gentle.

Our first night was magical, he was an absolute pleasure. He was gentle and kind but even then, I knew he was doing everything to hold himself back. When I was ready to take more, he really didn't hold back. He was all types of rough and intense. Honestly, I enjoyed it more that way anyways

However, I've told him we'll work on his casual affections because I want to hear 'I miss you or 'I love you often enough, whereas Marcus barely says it. It shouldn't be something I'm deprived of because I do deserve to feel loved or hear that I'm loved outside of sex.

"Freshen up. It's my night to make dinner," I say softly.

"Come with me," he mumbles.

"Into the shower?" I raise up my brow as if I haven't been in the shower with him before.

"Marcus Wang, is this your way of saying you missed me more than I did you?"

It is.

Whenever he comes back from a long trip, he does everything possible to keep me in his sights.

"I'll fuck you good," he whispers into my ear.

I feel chills run down my back but hold my ground. "And I'll let you once you're fed and energized. You look like you haven't slept in weeks."

He sighs and obliged.

Fifteen minutes later, I have the table set up and ready to dine. I bend over the counter the marble counter to wipe off the other end without physically walking there because work smart, not hard.

Just as I bend over, I feel Marcus hard against my behind, catching me by surprise. I jolt up slightly in surprise but realize I can tease him a little.

I bend down again, trying to clean the spot I was trying to reach as Marcus's hands slide up my sides as he pushes his erection against my back further.

"Feeling a little worked up, darling?" I draw out my words sweetly.

He grunts, flipping me over and pushing me onto the counter in one smooth manner. He pries my legs open, the motion easier since I'm in a damn dress.

I squeal, not expecting such fast movements. "Marcus!" I protest, trying not to giggle as he leaves kisses up my leg.

"Not now!"

"Now!" He murmurs against my skin. His lips trail closer and closer to the middle and I throw my head back in absolute indulgence.

Suddenly, I remember that there's a table full of warm food that I just made and I refuse to let it go to waste.

I close my legs, gaining a look of annoyance from Marcus. "Not now!" I slip my dress down my legs again, smoothing it down.

"You have to eat."

He pulls my legs apart again, staring down at me with intensity of more than I can handle. "I want dessert before my meal."

"Marcus..." I say with a warning but in reality, my insides are throbbing. I'm this close to letting the man have me for dessert.

He sighs and pulls himself away. "Fine. Whatever," he says in a moody tone.

"Eat your meal properly and I'll give you the most magical night of your life," I wink. "I promise."

He raises a brow.

I lean down to his ear to whisper, "You can do whatever you please to me tonight. Just eat first."

That gets him to jog to our dining table. I laugh at his needy reaction, God, I love this man.

He's not much of a talker so I tell him everything he missed since he was gone. He listens intently, as he always does, inserting his opinion when needed.

"Do you want to come with me to Shanghai next week?" He asks just after we finished eating. "I have some work to take care of there. We'll be there for a week."

My mouth drops open. He's never asked me to come with him when he has to travel for work because he refuses to put me in a situation like before.

"Are you serious?" I ask, mouth agape.

He nods. "There's no pressure. It's just an offer."

"Just an offer? Can't live without my pussy, Marcus?" I smirk, I really need to stop messing with him because it never ends well for me. He goes extra hard on me when I tease him.

Okay, okay. I lied, it does end well for me. It's much more fun to get him worked up because he tends to never lose his composure. Always so icy and emotionless.

His expression doesn't change and I frown. Did it not work this time? Maybe I do it too often and he's starting to get used to it.

He stands up to put the dishes in the sink and I stand up along him to do the same.

"I'll go, I'd love to go with you," I say.

But he doesn't say anything back.

I start to feel a little unsettled and reach out to touch his cheek but he grabs my wrist mid-way. "Marcus?"

That's when I see it and try to hold in my grin. I did have an effect on him, I can see it in the way his eyes are trailing my body.

I win. Again.

He pulls me into a kiss, his tongue finding mine as he touches my body with absolute greed. He picks me up and I wrap my legs around his waist, our lips still locked.

He places me down on the cold marble island, my dress is already on the ground.

"Bedroom?" I ask in between our kisses.

He shakes his head, his lips trail down my neck to my collarbone.

I roll my eyes. He has no patience.

His fingers draw small circles around my cunt, teasing it to its fullest extent. How the hell am I already so wet? He brings his lips back to mine and I can barely hold the kiss as my body writhes beneath his fingers.

I can't take it, damn it. I tug at his pants, pulling them down. His very hard erection springs free and I felt my body almost give out. Almost.

My fingers trail over his hard cock, teasing him just as much.

Two can play this game, Mr. Marcus Wang.

"I can't live without you, my little dove," he moans against my lips. "Your pussy is just an added bonus."

Two cannot play this game. I repeat, two cannot play this game. I lose. I lose. I lose.

"Put it in me, Marcus, please," I say breathily as I wrap my hand around his cock, stroking it. His fingers move faster inside of me, making me my limbs go weak. I wrap an arm around his neck for extra support. "I'm fucking wet enough... I can't take it anymore... Fuck me, Marcus. Please, please, please."

"Take it like a good girl," he whispers in my ear before dicking me down to another dimension.

And I did. I took it like a good girl.

• • •

"What's the mile high club?" I ask while fastening the seatbelt on our flight.

Marcus booked us into first class because he said the flight will be a long one with one stopover. The cabin itself is pretty empty, maybe just four or five more people besides Marcus and I. I assume no one really travels this time of the year.

"Why do you ask?" He raises a brow.

"Alejandro mentioned it," I say. "He said you'll probably make sure I join the mile high club. Is that some kind of elite air traveling club?"

Marcus only smirks. "Sure, you can call it that."

I frown. "When do I get to join?"

He kisses my forehead. "Let the plane take off and I'll make sure you've joined the club, my little dove."

I grin excitedly, completely naive to what would happen to me in 30 minutes.

• • •

Approximately an hour later, I'm stumbling out of the airplane washroom, unable to feel my legs.

"I was tricked!" I whisper to Marcus who can't wipe the damn smug smile off his face. "Deceived! Hoodwinked! Bamboozled!"

A flight attendant catches my eyes, then her eyes trail to Marcus, who's leaving the washroom right behind me. She gives me a small nod, looking away while trying to not smirk.

I cover my face in utter embarrassment and bolt to our private suite. I slip into the bed and hide under the blanket.

Okay, that was absolutely thrilling. Getting fucked mid-air in an airplane washroom was peak crazy. Probably the craziest thing I've ever done, minus almost getting killed while fighting off an assassin. The rush of almost getting caught really spiced up the whole thing.

"Yasmeen?" Marcus calls out as he settles down beside me.

I don't answer him, staying completely still. Why, oh, why is it so much fun messing with him?

"Yasmeen, hey," he nudges me softly.

I purse my lips, trying not to laugh.

"Did you not like that?" I can hear the disappointment in his tone. "We won't do it again. Yasmeen, please answer me."

He sounds so... fragile.

I can never prolong my teasing with him. He starts to take it seriously and it breaks my heart when he gets like this.

I pull the blanket away, settling on his lap as I throw my arms around him, catching him by surprise.

Tucking my face in the crook of his neck, I murmur, "I loved it. I hate you."

He wraps one arm around me while using the other one to sensually massage the back of my neck. "Welcome to the mile-high club." I can practically hear the smug expression in his tone.

I unconsciously begin straddling myself against his thigh while his fingers work down my neck, tracing down my back.

"Please, stop," I say breathily. "I don't think I've recovered from our previous encounter."

He chuckles softly, making my heart flutter. God, I love the sound of his rare laughter.

"We've got a long flight ahead of us, Yas. I think you're..." he pauses, his fingers resting at the edge of my abdomen, "body deserves some extra attention."

His fingers slip down my sweats, making a very audible moan leave my lips. "Marcus!" I gasp.

But he doesn't let me argue and crashes his lips onto mine, shutting me right up.

This will, indeed, be a very long flight.

• • •

"This is what we're here for?" I scrunch my nose as I see floods of people enjoying themselves. "A party?"

He pulls me in closer by the hip, leaving a small kiss on the top of my head. "Bear with me, my little dove. I just owe a friend one appearance."

Marcus has been unusually affectionate ever since we've arrived here. He's been giving me quick kisses, keeping me close by with his hands somewhere on my body. It's making me slightly suspicious of the situation. He seems almost... anxious.

"Marcus!" Someone calls out while approaching us. "Haojiu bu jian, zuijin zen me yang? (It's been a long time, how is it going recently?)" the man asks in Mandarin.

He's an attractive man, I have to admit. He almost looks like the Chinese idol or actor, Wang Yibo. He has those same sultry eyes and—I sense an intense feeling on me and when I look up, I see Marcus staring at me with a burning gaze. Oops. I quickly look away as his grasp on my waist tightens.

He's a little territorial, I guess. I don't mind.

"Hai keyi (not bad)," Marcus answers. "Nine (And you)?"

"Bucuo (quite good)," the man says with a big smile. "A little busy, though."

The man finally shifts his attention to me and raises his brows in surprise. He glances from me to Marcus, then rests his eyes on Marcus's grip on my waist for a moment.

"Nupengyou (girlfriend)?" He asks, barely acknowledging me.

"This is my wife, Yasmeen," Marcus formally introduces me in English. "Yasmeen, this is Andy Wu. An... old friend."

"Qi zi (wife)?!" Andy's eyeballs look like it's about to pop out of their sockets. "You got married?"

"Ni hao (hello)," I greet him, trying to tone down this absurd situation.

"You speak Mandarin?" Andy asks out of curiosity.

I nod. "I'm half Chinese so I'm fluent."

Andy makes an impressed 'huh' sound.

Something about Andy... I'm not liking.

"I never thought you'd settle down. Let alone with a woman," Andy says as if it's a fact.

Marcus raises a brow. "What's that supposed to mean? I've fooled around with everyone."

I don't like this conversation.

"You have, haven't you?" Andy chuckles. "He was a very active man in our younger days," he says to me.

"Oh? You were actually getting laid with a personality of a rock?" I tease Marcus.

"Here I thought I was doing charity work."

Andy bursts out into a fit of laughter. "God, I like her. I like her a lot."

"Eyes off of her, Andy. She's mine," Marcus warns.

"Clearly," he rolls his eyes. "You put a ring on her to prove it."

The two friends catch up as I excuse myself from the conversation. I don't go too far, still within Marcus's sight. I grab a bottle of water from the counter and relax when I see Andy heading toward me.

"Marcus has to see someone. He'll be back in a minute," he says, grabbing a bottle of water himself. "How on Earth did you manage to score yourself, Marcus?"

I smile. "I annoyed the shit out of him until he didn't have a choice but to love me."

"Props to you because not one soul here was ever successful at wooing the man, including me," he laughs.

My heart stops beating for a second. "You two...?"

"A very long time ago. In our late teens," he says. "Sorry, I didn't mean to dump the information on you. I'm in a long-term relationship now with a wonderful woman, so no worries."

Oh, Andy's bi, I suppose. A small bit of relief runs through me.

I shake my head. "No, no. It's fine. How come it never worked out between you two?"

"Marcus grew up in a rough home," he explains. "He never emotionally attached himself to anyone because his father always managed to snatch it away from him. Love is for the weak, Mr. Wang used to say. And Marcus being himself, thought it was true, that no good came from it."

"That's awful," I whisper.

"He went into relationships for the hell of it. He'd pretend to be infatuated for a couple of months, then move on as if nothing happened. His cycle was the same no matter if he was with a man or woman. That's why I was shocked when he said he's married."

My stomach twists and turns in angsty knots.1

"You said..." I start but not sure if I should ask. I sigh and ask anyways, "You said you were shocked he married a woman. May I ask why?"

"I don't know... He seemed to be into topping men more," Andy really gives it some thought. "He had more passion—or maybe the right word is intensity—with men. I've noticed that during our time together. He was also very intense, aggressive, and possessive in bed, it required a lot of stamina to keep up with him."

I actually hate this conversation. I wish I never asked because now I have all these unwanted thoughts running through my head. What if I'm just a phase? What if he gets bored of me tomorrow? What if he just wants a family and dips after I give him kids?

"He is very intense," I manage to agree.

"I'm surprised you're still in one piece," Andy jokes.

I giggle, trying to lighten my own mood. "Barely. If you poke my arm, it might fall apart."

He laughs along with me. "He did a fine job choosing his life partner," Andy says.

"Of course, he did. It is I who he has chosen, after all. Only the best for Marcus Wang," I smile.

"But does a grumpy old man like him deserve the best though?" Andy raises a brow.

"That's a very good question. Hm, you'll have to ask the grumpy old man yourself," I giggle.

We have a more casual conversation afterward because I don't think I can hold it together if we continue talking about Marcus.

There's still so much Marcus hasn't told me... so much of himself that he still hides from me. Is it because I'm temporary in his life? Is that why he doesn't bother to say much about his past? I've learned more from his ex in the last five minutes than I have from Marcus in our couples of months of marriage.

Again, I feel that familiar intense gaze in my direction and I look up to see Marcus leaning against the wall with a group of people, staring directly at me. His eyes are burning with irritation and contempt as he watches Andy and I continue our conversation.

The event goes on and Marcus doesn't bother speaking to me for the rest of the night. Is he angry at me? For what? Having a causal conversation with his friend?

"You haven't spoken to me all night," I say as Marcus reverses out of the parking lot.

Silence.

"Marcus, I'm talking to you," my own tongue wants to speak words that would bring nothing but problems right now.1

Silence.

"Marcus—"

"Did you enjoy your time with Andy?" He snaps.

"What?"

"I watched you flirt with Andy all fucking night," he says.

"Oh, for fuck's sake," I roll my eyes. "Is that why you haven't spoken to me all night?

You're jealous?"

"Jealous?" He raises his voice. "I was fucking infuriated!"

"You didn't even bother coming back to get me! You ignored me all night!" I shout.

"That's because you looked like you'd fuck him if anyone gave you the damn chance." His words hold venom.

I go silent, unable to believe the words that came out of his mouth.

"Stop the car," I say.

"No," he says.

"Stop the fucking car before I jump out," I warn.

"No," he grits his teeth.

"Marcus, if you don't stop the car and let me out, I swear I'll—"

He makes a sharp turn, making me hit my head on the window, and stops the car in a dark alleyway.

"Unlock the door," I demand.

"No."

"Marcus, I'm fucking serious, unlock the door," my lips begin quivering as I'm near to all-out sobbing. "You think I wanted to fuck Andy? Fine! Whatever! Let me get out and maybe you'll get lucky and someone will run me over! You were going to get bored of me anyways. Might as well get rid of me early."

He grabs my wrist and pulls me away from the door. "What the fuck did he say to you?"

"He said enough to make me question us," I whisper as my voice cracks. "He told me more than you've ever said to me in the time we've been together." I raise my hand to touch his cheek ever so slightly. "Marcus, am I just a toy to you? Something you'll use and throw away later?