Chapter 119-Putting It Aside

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Marcus held me, kissing the top of my head and giving me the comfort I so desperately needed in that moment. She was out to hurt me in every way she could. These riddles were not just opening old wounds, but also filling them with buckets of salt. Each one seemed to cause me more grief than the one before it.

“We have to go to Eden Woods Memorial Gardens,” I said quietly.

“What’s…” he didn’t need to finish that sentence when it dawned on him what I’d said. Marcus wrapped his arms tighter around me and I welcomed the embrace.

“I’m going to take you home and I’ll go.”

“No,” I said pulling away. I wiped the tears from my eyes. “I can do this.”

“Amari, you don’t have to.” He stepped closer to me and for the first time since I got home I felt the warmth and caring I used to get from him. “My attitude hasn’t helped and I’m sorry. I’m angry and hurt and when this is all over, there will be a lot we’re going to have to talk about. I don’t know what the future holds for us, but right now, you need me and my support and you have that. Fully.”

I looked up at him and gave him a weary smile. I had to focus on the right now because it may be all I’d have. I stretched up on my toes and pressed my lips to his. I expected him to pull away, but he didn’t. His arms tightened around me, his mouth took control. Our tongues danced, the kiss was desperate. 

I pressed my body against his hoping he could feel how much I needed him, how much I loved him. His fingers tangled in my hair, yanking my head to the side as he broke from the kiss. His nose ran down the side of my neck, my hands clawed at his back, all senses heightened. The deep woodsy scent of his cologne tickled my nose. I wanted him in that moment more than I’d ever wanted anything in life. I felt his fangs scrape my neck, his other hand moved down to cup my ass, giving it a hard squeeze. My body prepared itself for what it hoped would come; the scent of my arousal was mingled in the air around us. Marcus let out a low groan before leaning up to look at me. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

“We should go.”

I felt instantly cold and alone without his body pressed to mine. I put my hand on my tingling lips, recalling the passion we’d shared just moments before and nodded in agreement. The ride to the cemetery was quiet, but Marcus held my hand, softly stroking my knuckles with his thumb.

When we arrived, Marcus held my hand as we walked to the graves where the twins were laid to rest. The hydrangeas were in full bloom creating a beautiful back drop. A gentle breeze blew causing the tall sunflowers to sway. Light, floral scents were dispersed into the air. The cool air caressed my arms causing goosebumps to pop up on my skin. The sounds of birds chirping in the distance was the only thing that disrupted the silence. I pulled my hand free as we approached. There was a rose and a note sitting atop one of the tombstones. I placed a kiss on both, then handed Marcus the items before taking a seat in the plush, well manicured grass.

“It’s been too long since I visited last.” I said softly. “I should do better, but you’re always in mommy’s heart.” I brushed away stray leaves that were scattered around. Running my hand over the cold, smooth marble I traced the outline of the baby booties that were engraved on the name plates.

Marisol was an evil bitch. It’s not that I didn’t like coming here, I had on different occasions, but they should never have been used in this sick game of hers. She already had one of my children and now she’d trampled over their memory. I couldn't understand how someone so heartless could exist in this world. Whatever plan Mulo had in place I hope called for her slow and painful death.

I stood, wiping tears from my eyes. “What does it say?”

Marcus opened the note. “Lies and deceit did heartache bring, she is now the one that wears the ring.”

I felt myself frown. “Ring? What that makes no sense.”

Marcus clenched his jaw for a moment before speaking. “Did…Mulo ever give you one?” I shook my head. “Maybe he gave one to her then.”

An irrational ping of jealousy went through me that I quickly pushed away. “It’s possible, but…”

“But what?”

“I need to talk to George first. They use to date, that’s why this all started, so it’s possible maybe they were engaged.”

Marcus looked relieved that I wouldn’t have to see Mulo, at least not yet. Who knew how many more clues I’d have and where they’d lead me. My only prayer in all of this was that Marisol hadn’t done anything to Ceula. Mainly restoring her memories of her time with David. I didn’t want my baby to relive that.

When we got home, George was gone but he’d left a number with Aric. After having dinner and checking on the babies, I went to my room to call him. The sooner I got this over the better. He answered on the fourth ring.

“Did you ever give Marisol a ring?” He was silent on the other end. “George, did you hear me?”

“I wish you wouldn’t call me that, Amari. I am still your father.”

“You lost the right to be called father when you traded the lives of both me and my sister to keep your lie going.”

Marcus walked in and took a seat on the bed. He didn't say anything, his presence alone was enough to give me comfort.

“Will you ever forgive me for what I’ve done?” George sounded so different now. Gone was he anger and hostility he’d held onto even when faced with his actions. Now he sounded like a dejected old man looking for solace.

 “You were my father. You, above all else, should have protected us from harm.”

My statement was met with silence and I waited not so patiently for him to answer the question I’d first asked.

“We’re going to have to go to Riverview,” he said finally.

“Why?

“Your mother has the ring.”

I took the phone away from my ear and stared at it for a moment.

“Amari what is it?” Marcus asked.

“I…I think my father just admitted to giving the same ring to my mother that Marisol once wore.”

I hoped I was wrong, I hoped that he would have at least had the decency to buy another ring, but no denial came from the other end of the line.

“Amari, you call your mother to make sure she’s alright and I’ll make plans for us to fly out tomorrow, hopefully.”

I hung up and quickly called Mom. She was fine, for all intents and purposes. I started to tell her I was coming, but that would have opened up questions I didn’t know how to answer at that moment.

“Are you going to be okay traveling with him tomorrow?” Marcus asked once I got off the phone.

He wrapped his strong arms around me and I leaned into the embrace, grateful for the temporary truce that was called.

“Three hours on a plane with the man that set all this in motion. Why didn’t he love us? We were his children, his flesh and blood but we were so easily disposed of to make his life easier. How could he….he let my sister die, he let my life be destroyed…” A sob escaped my throat.

 I’d spent a lot of time forcing myself to not acknowledge what he'd done, what he'd allowed to happen. I put my energy instead into trying to take care of my children, to protect them and love them to the best of my ability. But now everything was being shoved in my face, forcing me to confront it. If only he had loved us more than he loved himself, none of the pain and heartache I’ve gone through would have happened.

Marcus carried me over to the bed; I clung to his neck not wanting to be alone tonight. I feared he’d leave me, going to sleep in the boys’ old room like he had been, but he settled down next to me. I clung to Marcus, needing the comfort, needing to feel loved and wanted, even if it was only temporary. He stroked my hair and held me close.

“Sometimes it’s the ones we love that we hurt the most,” he said, pressing his lips to my hair.

I nodded my understanding. He wasn’t just talking about my father, that statement was about us as well. We’d both caused each other heartache and I hated my role in the breakdown of our marriage. I knew he was putting our issues aside for now, but I prayed that once we got Cece back he'd give me another chance. I needed a chance to make it right with us. Marcus tilted my chin, his lips came crushing down.

Marcus' hard body covered mine as our mouths continued to move in perfect sync. Our bodies quickly became entangled. Fabric was ripped as we impatiently torn at the barriers of our clothes. With his knee, he forced my legs apart, I could feel his pulsating erection pressing against me. The desperation, passion, and need from earlier was back full force and this time I prayed he wouldn’t pull away. Everything stopped when Marcus pinned me down. He loomed above me, bare chested, eyes blazing, fangs fully extended.

“You no longer have a choice!” he growled.

A shiver of fear and anticipation ran through me. I didn’t need him to elaborate, so I simply nodded my agreement. He leaned down, running his nose along the column of my neck. I heard him take a deep inhale before roughly sinking his teeth into my throbbing vein as he thrust forward, claiming me. Each forceful pump into my body claimed me. Mind, body and soul. I wanted my hands free but he held me tight, so I wrapped my legs around his waist; needing to hold him in some way.  

The gentle sucking motion on my neck drove me wild. Just as I was close to losing all control, Marcus pulled away and kissed me hard. The taste of blood filled my mouth and I needed more. I needed his. Using the strength in my legs, I lifted my hips to meet his powerful thrusts. I broke from the kiss, lifting my head just enough to sink my fangs into the soft flesh of his shoulder.

As soon as the warm liquid filled my mouth every touch, every move became intensified. Our bodies moved in perfect sync, each of us knowing exactly what the other wanted. What we needed. The feeling of being completely connected to him was unlike anything I’d ever experienced. Euphoria.

I felt his tongue lapping at the liquid that still dripped from my wounds. Every nerve ending was on high alert as he moved within me. I closed my eyes, biting down on my lip trying to keep my moans contained. Marcus shifted, both my wrists were held tightly in one hand, the other on my chin forcing me to look at him.

“Look at me!” His voice rolled over me like warm caramel and my eyes popped opened. A small shiver rolled down my spine at the sight of his piercing gaze which caught me by surprise.

“You will not hold back!” he growled.

Marcus pulled back then drove forward, harder, deeper, the rigid form of his shaft hammering my hilt. I cried out and writhed beneath him, the pleasure intensifying, my body floating with a tingling sensation; I knew I was close.

“That’s it baby! Give in, let go!” 

Marcus pounded into me harder, sliding faster against my chest. His muscled pecs caused slight friction on my already taut nipples and a ragged moan escaped my lips. Unable to hold it back any longer, I finally did as he commanded. The long-building orgasm broke loose and I screamed loudly as it washed over me. My body shook and shuddered, my hips bucked wildly and a gloating smile captured Marcus’ lips. I sighed heavily as the sound of my heartbeat pounded in my ears. Leaning up, I seized his mouth again longingly. Marcus kissed me back with an equal force and passion as I curled fingers up his back.

My hands were free, and our positions were now reversed. I sat atop him, staring deep into his beautiful eyes as I rode him hard. I moved myself along his massive shaft, each place he touched me set my body on fire. Marcus sat up, thrusting his hips upwards. My arms wrapped around his neck. I needed this, I needed him. Our lips met in fiery passion as we pushed each other further and further, our sweaty bodies connected in a primal coupling, saying all the things words could not express. My nails dug into his shoulders, his fingers gripped my hips. Marcus groaned out my name as I continued to grind against him pushing us to the edge until finally our climax broke free in perfect unison.

The two of us clung tightly to one another as our orgasms slowly subsided. Our ragged breathing filled the air. We were an exhausted tangle of arms and legs. Two bodies still as one.

“You’re mine, Amari. Now and forever!”

I hugged him tighter, tears streamed quietly down my cheeks. I nodded and I felt him kiss the top of my head and we quietly drifted off to sleep.