Chapter 118
1533words
Mark clicked his tongue petulantly, his piercing blue eyes being narrowed at me. "You were talking about camaraderie a few moments ago, but you're no hair better. How are we supposed to have a harmonious marriage life when you can't even trust me when I say that I'll take care of this?" He grumbled accusingly, but didn't lower his arm and neither did I.
"Well how are we supposed to have a harmonious marriage life when you keep laughing in the face of danger!?" Gritting my teeth my voice came out strained, forcing my body to keep advancing despite Mark's hand that worked like an impeccable wall.
For a second Mark stilled. He retracted his hand that was placed on my shoulder. His sudden movement caused me to fall over as the force that I had put down against his hand had nowhere to go except forward. I yelped surprised, but was swiftly caught by Mark as his arms looped themselves around my waist, pulling me against his chest. My legs were now straddling Mark's, his legs imprisoned between mine. My torso was flushed against his torso and my face found itself in the crook of his neck with my hands resting on his shoulder.
Groaning I pushed myself slightly away from him, mumbling under my breath, "A warning would have been sufficient-"
A pair of blue orbs were twinkling like orbs of ambers reflected on the surface of the sea at night; brimming with excitement. Lips that were wobbly as if they were trying their hardest to suppress a smile from braking out. A face that would normally be stoic and unfazed had now a childish expression.
At the sight of Mark's thrilled expression my throat clamped up and my heart squeezed as I had never seen this behavior before. My throat suddenly felt dry and I croaked wearily, "what?"
Not able to hold back anymore his face broke out in a grin as he spoke with excitement that refused to be diffused. "So you have already accepted the fact that we are going to get married?"
A streak of dusted crimson went from one cheek to the other. "W-What? No! Where did you get that idea from?" I stuttered, praying that Mark won't feel my hammering heart against his chest.
"You said it yourself, how are we supposed to get married if I keep laughing in the face of danger?" He reiterated what I said, putting a lot of emphasis on 'we' and 'married'.
I glowered. "I think that you're reading too much into what I said." The red streak on my face spread out and dyed my whole head in deep red, covering my freckles.
He hummed amused and commented, "That's strange, you're heart has been thudding really hard though."
Shit!
"That's how my heart normally is." I blurted out a blatant lie.
His eyebrows quirked up and his eyes twinkled with mirth. "Is that so? Perhaps we should test it out if your heartrate is indeed like this normally." He commented before his eyes slowly drifted off to my lips, their gaze darkening at the sight of them and I had to will my heart to calm down to prevent myself to faint from heatstroke.
Waiting for me to produce any words in response to his suggestion he raised his hand and brushed few lost hair locks that were blocking my sight behind my ear whilst his other hand rested on my waist keeping me in place, the phone still in his hand. His fingers wove gently in my hair, playing with them before laying his hand on the back of my neck propelling me gently down to him. As my face hovered above his face my hands still resting on his shoulders, stubborn hair strands that refused to stay locked in place cascaded down; their tips touching Mark's face softly and I realized that it was the first time that I was able to look down on him.
My position allowed me to gauge and scrutinize his face features in detail. From his thick bushy brows that were naturally arched framing his clear blue eyes perfectly to his stubble beard that had increased itself in length after one night. I couldn't help but be in aw how this man was blessed with good looks. But it were the ones whose looks could challenge the Gods that were the most dangerous ones.
Perhaps it was a curse bestowed on them in exchange for their good looks. I sighed internally. And I'm the poor soul who got herself tangled with such a dangerous person.
"Hmmm I must be really boring for your mind to wander off to somewhere." I snapped out of my daze and my breath got stuck in my throat noticing the proximity between us. Our lips were inches away from each other, close enough for us to share the same air.
Oh God, when did we get so close? Panic filled my body, the blood in my veins being pumped harder as the core of my body started pulse insanely. Seeing me all flustered brought a mischievous smirk on Mark's face. "There you are again! Maybe I should quicken the pace so that I can keep your attention here." He hummed in jest, but I knew that he wasn't joking and that he would go through with whatever he intended to do to me and I knew that I wasn't sure if I was strong enough to resist it.
BUZZZZ!
On cue, like a guardian angel, the phone that was forgotten rang relentlessly again, tearing both our attention away from each other. Reminding us that there was still a raging Casper waiting at the other side of the line.
Mark tched, displease washing over his face, bringing the phone to him as he loosened his hold on me. I instantly scrambled myself away from him, sitting back against the headboard as I exhaled relieved. Face still flushed as I placed my hand above my chest.
Mark answered the call after cursing slightly under his breath.
"Where the fuck is he Mark!?" Casper roared into the phone, shaking the whole room with his thundering voice. From where I sat I had a good view of the phone screen and I was flabbergasted at this unprecedented behavior of Casper. His platinum white hair that normally would be neatly combed back was in disarray as if he raked his fingers through it many times in frustration. The normal poise sarcastic voice which was both annoying and daunting was dropped together with his condescending smile as if he wasn't able to keep on his act, looking animalistic.
I don't know who that person was that Casper was anxiously searching for, but they have my condolence. Casper was obviously a person who lacked any form of empathy. I had only met him once but I can bet that he doesn't even understand the concept of love. Compared to him Mark seemed human.
'May God be with you.' I prayed inwardly for the poor soul who caught the eyes of this irrational man.
Mark only stared at Casper with a subtle smile that was difficult to decipher, saying nothing. Casper's chest was heaving from anger, letting out elaborated breaths. Seeing how Mark wasn't planning to give him the information that he wanted he exasperated and ushered through gritted teeth, "Fine, let's hear more of this truce that you were talking about." His fingers running through his already tousled hair as he closed his eyes to bring back his composure before folding his arms in front of his chest.
Mark's lips twisted into an even wider smile, reaching the bottom of his eyes. "Sure." Mark listed out the exact pros and cons that he thought of, focusing on the arguments that would lead to potential profits. At the end of the explanation Casper had on a thoughtful expression, considering each points that Mark had mentioned.
Stroking his chin he hummed before speaking, "So aside of telling me where he is hiding what makes you think that I will not go after you anymore in exchange for a bit of manpower?"
"Because you know that I'm able to bring you enough profits to cover the damages of your hotel and any other past damages." Mark deadpanned.
Casper's seriousness dissipated and his old condescending smile was back. Snickering he said, "Okay sure let's do this. I didn't come to New York for you to begin with. I just thought that killing you was a nice..."He paused thinking of a nice way to put it. "perk to pass time. I was pissed for being stabbed, but I'll let bygones be bygones!" He laughed.
"So we have a deal?" Mark asked. "You don't come after April anymore and leave us alone?"
Casper waved a dismissive hand. "Sure, sure. Now tell me were Snake is."
