This was the one most important lesson that Derek Christopoulos had taught him:selflessnesswas sometimes just another word for cowardice, for fear of rejection. Sometimes, true love – or at least fighting for it – required one to be shameless. Selfish. Dishonorable.
Like what he was doing now,Marcus thought with an inner grimace. The moment he had seen Anneke again, he had known that the sexual chemistry between them was there. And he might be an emotional fuckup because of his parents, but his parents were also the people who had taught him about the drugging power of sex.
And if that was what it took to get Anneke to say yes to letting him spend more time with her—-
“I just want to talk,bambina.” He held her gaze captive as he spoke and didn’t hesitate to use the endearment he knew she loved. And when she looked visibly torn, he didn’t hesitate to press his advantage, reaching out to hold her hands in his—-
The moment their hands came into contact, it sent a simultaneous jolt into both of their bodies, its strength taking even Marcus by surprise, and he sucked in his breath just as Anneke gasped out loud.
Unable to help it, his grip tightened on hers—-
He expected her to pull away, but she didn’t.
And even though it terrified him to death—-
He couldn’t help but hope.
Ah, these hands of hers.
Perhaps...he still had a chance to hold on to them, forever.
Five
Anneke fidgeted restlesslyon her seat, unable to believe that she had allowed Marcus Ravelli persuade her into having coffee with him. This was such a bad idea, a really, really bad idea—-
So was why she was still here, waiting on the table like a good girl just because Marcus had told her to?
She took hold of her luggage, but as soon as she rose to her feet, she heard the Italian billionaire drawl from behind, “Thinking of running away,bambina?”
Crap.Pride forbade her to admit the truth, and as soon as he came into view, she said stiffly, “Actually, I was thinking to check ifyouhad run out on me.” And then she heard herself add, “Which you’ve already done in the past –oh!”Her hands flew to cover her offending mouth as soon as Anneke realized what she had just blurted out.Dear Lord, where had that come from?
She held her breath, mentally cringing at the many things Marcus could say, but instead he only handed Anneke her coffee, and she took it, stammering, “T-thank you.”
“Shall we?” He gestured to their seats.
She nodded jerkily and as soon as she took her seat, Marcus followed suit.