Chapter 25: Chapter 25

By 8:00 in the evening, Jane had all the evidence she will need to win against whatever accusations Mr. Robert might bring her way. She and Marcus meticulously went through the iPad. They got access to messages between Suzan and Mr. Robert, Mr. Robert planned to eliminate Emilia because she was getting too nosey, and plans to do the same with Jane if she didn’t back off soon, and also Marcus. Huge amounts of money are shared between Mr. Robert and Suzan, and the plan is to blame it on the account who was arrested a few days after Emilia was stabbed. Apparently, the party was thrown so Jane could feel satisfied and stop trying to frustrate their plane. The security camera’s tape was enough to clarify that Jane did not poison Suzan. And as a bonus, Emilia had videos of Mr. Robert physically abusing his wife—the woman Jane had run into some time back.

The night was perfect and Jane suggested she and Marcus celebrate. She was happy she would be able to clear her name and restore the glory of her father’s company in Berlin. And also the consciousness of Emilia.

Jane and Marcus sat on the edge of the pool letting their legs stay in the water. It was one of the best moments any of them had ever had. They talk about business, family, friends, and past relationships. Jane opened up about the pain Cletus had cost her more than she ever had. Marcus patiently listened to her vent and as usual, he stated how much he liked her and wanted to take her out—as a date, and as usual, she refused, giving him all the usual excuses.

“You will have to do better than that next time…”

“What do you mean?” Jane asked, hugging her knees to her chest and was intently looking at Marcus.

Marcus grinned and placed his arms around her shoulder. He wasn't wearing a shirt and as his strong arms touched her bare skin, she felt her body tense the way it always does under Marcus’ touch.

“Oh my Jane, what I mean is, it is obvious your excuse of how broken you are is not holding anymore. You will have to come up with something stronger and more believable than that next time I ask or you will not have a choice but to go out with me.”

Jane snickered. “You realise that my father will fire you and disown me if he finds us in this position right?”

Marcus smiled his crooked smile that always warmed Jane’s heart. “I will own you the second he makes the mistake to disown you.”

“I am not some kind of property Marcus.”

Marcus bent his face so he could see her eyes. She tried cringing away but he held her chin up. “You may be the most arrogant spoilt human being I have ever met, but you are still the most amazing person I have ever met. I do not know how you do it Jane, but you mess me up—in a good way. I have made thousands of resolutions to stay away from you, to be nothing more than your bodyguard, but each time, I have failed miserably. You are not a property Jane, you are an asset, you are the reason I wake up each morning—literary. I know it is my job to protect you but I feel like I still have to protect you even if I lose my job.”

Jane was looking deeply into Marcus’ eyes—into his heart. At first, she felt like an intruder looking so deep into another person’s heart but the more she looked the more she see herself, the amount of care in Marcus’ heart for her was immeasurable.

“No,” she began to whisper, shaking her head. “I am sorry, I am sorry I cannot do this anymore.” She stood to her feet shaking Marcus’ arm from around her shoulder.

“What are you talking about?” Marcus asked, also standing up with utter panic written on his face.

“I can see the amount of affection you have for me in your eyes, and I cannot take it, I will only do you more harm.” She stopped. “I think we can’t be friends anymore.” She said softly. The amount of pain that clouded Marcus’ eyes made her feel worse than she already felt.

“I am sorry Jane, please don’t do this.” The pain in his voice was raw, too raw it almost hurt physically. “I promise never to talk about this anymore, just please don’t call off our friendship. She attempted to put his hand on her shoulder but Jane shifted. Her uncalculated movement made her trip and was about to fall into the pool Marcus caught her by her hand.

“You need me, Jane, say it”

Jane was bewildered. “Marcus, what are you doing?” Panic shone in her eyes.

Marcus giggled, he was mocking her. “Just say it Jane, say you need me.”

Jane turned to see the water behind her, it was cold and the Pajama she wore was her favourite, she did not think it would be wise to get them wet. She looked back at Marcus who was smirking wickedly. She was not about to tell him she needed him even though it was true she did need him—at least to keep her from falling into the pool now.

Her eyes suddenly turned apologetic. “Marcus please don’t do this.” She cried.

“I’m sorry what?” Marcus yelled. “I do not speak that language!”

“Marcus please…” she begged.

Without warning, Marcus dropped her into the pool and followed right after. He caught her by the waist and she wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck.

“Hi,” he breathed on her face.

“How can you be so cruel?” She whispered, shivering partly from the cold of the pool but mostly because of how close she was to Marcus.

“Let’s just say it’s payback…” he said softly.

“For what?”

“Making me fall for you without warning.”

Jane twitched her lips. “How do I punish you for what you just did?”

“You can kiss me.” Marcus' face was serious; he was looking at her intently, Jane felt like he could see into her inmost being.

Jane shook her head. “I can’t,” she said in a choked voice.

Marcus did not answer. He slowly placed his lips on hers. Jane felt betrayed by her body, it was like someone was living through. She responded to the kiss more than she wanted to. Marcus pulled away and she almost died. She tried to read his emotions but failed. He carried her out of the water and gave her a dried towel.

“Hey,” She touched the tip of his elbow.

“Yes,”

“Can I say something?”

Marcus' eyes were mocking again. “Use the language I understand.”

“What language is that?”

“Kiss me.”

Jane looked down shyly, the butterflies in her belly threatening to eat her.

“Yes Jane, speak.”

Jane took a step forward.

That was all the invitation Marcus needed. He wrapped his arms around the small of her back and let his lips and tongue do the rest. By the time they pulled away, they were both breathless.

“Wow!” Jane muttered, taking a few steps backward.

“That was the best moment of my life.”

Jane nodded in agreement.

“Shall I walk you to your room?”

Jane nodded. They walked in silence to Jane’s room. Marcus stopped by the door.

“I will see you tomorrow.”

“This is wrong,” Jane muttered.

“Why?” The pain from earlier was back in Marcus’ voice.

Jane didn’t respond. She wrapped her arms around his neck and slowly brought her lips to his. They were breathless on her bed by the time they were away.

“We should stop here, for today,” Marcus whispered.

Jane moaned dissatisfied but agreed.

Marcus stood up and began walking towards the door, he stopped and looked back at Jane. “Does this make us a thing?” he asked shyly.

Jane shrugged. “I do not know, do you want it to make us a thing?”

Marcus nodded slowly. “I will like that.”

“You will have to take me to a proper date first.” Jane teased.

“That should be the least of your problems milady.”

“Alright then, I should take this off.” She replied pointing at her wet clothes.

“Really, right now?” Marcus asked excitedly, making his way back to the bed.

Jane chuckled. “I mean to get into drier clothes Marcus.”

“Oh,” Marcus muttered disappointed. “But can I at least give you a good night kiss?”

Jane shrugged, biting her lower lips. “If you want to.”

Marcus' lips were on herself immediately after she completed the sentence.

They said their good nights after another round of good night kisses.