Free Taking Over by S.J. Maylee

She picked at a chip in her nail polish.
    “Do
you have a problem with that?”
    “Well,
no. But it would be hard to explain.”
    “You're
a lucky bastard, Dale.” Marcus released some of the pressure. “Keep making Mrs.
Fontaine happy and return Keller’s funding. That's all you need to do.
Understand?”
    “Yes.”
    “That's
better.” Marcus let go completely.
    Dale
stumbled around the bar. “You're both fucking crazy.”
    “You'll
have to get used to me. I'm sure I don't have to add that you'll keep your hands
off my Gina, correct?”
    “Whatever.
Just stay the hell away from me.”
    Marcus
held up his hands and then pulled Gina close to him. “You keep your end of the
deal and I'll keep mine.”
    Before
Dale tripped out of the room, Marcus reminded him to ensure Keller's funding
was returned first thing in the morning.
    “Dale
was right.” She squeezed his arm. “You are fucking crazy. I'm not sure your
plan is going to work.”
    “We'll
come up with another plan if it doesn't.”
    “We?”
    “I
may have come here to get Keller's funding back, but there's more to this.” He
kissed her. “A lot more.”
    “You
might have to actually marry me if he mentions it to my mom. I don't know what
possessed you to say such a thing.”
    “You're
not alone anymore.” He drew her closer. “If he starts to spill, you’ll hear
about it and we’ll get back up here.”
    The
moment was tender and a million other things she never would have expected from
Marcus. She didn't want to analyze any of it. She wanted to roll around in it.
A shiver ran up her spine.
    “I
know the idea will make your mom happy. That is a priority, right?” He caressed
her cheek.
    “Exactly. You're right.”
Her mother was the priority, by her repeated request. She squeezed her eyes
shut, forcing away her rising hopes of something more and focused her thoughts.
“If he decides to tell her, it will make her very happy.”
    “See,
it’s not so hard to agree with me.” He grabbed her hands.
    “It’s
not when we have the same goal. Did you see Dale run from you?” Gina shook her
head. “I can hardly blame him.”
    “I
shouldn't have been so rough. I'm sorry.”
    “I'm
not.” She dipped her chin. “I should have given him a reason to back off a long
time ago. I hope this works though.”
    “I
just kept thinking about all the times he must have tried something with you.”
He leaned his forehead against hers. “I had every intention of breaking his
arm. I can see why Keller wants you to bring someone. I don't like the idea of
you coming up here by yourself.”
    “It's
not like I get a lot of volunteers.” She strolled away and fixed herself a
glass of water, as tension spread like fire through her muscles. There were too
many things she wanted from this man.
    “Until now.”
    “What
are you talking about?”
    “Well,
we are getting married.”
    “That
was just for Dale.” She sat on the couch, crossing her legs. “You don't need to
keep that up. I'll be fine. I'm not actually your responsibility, remember?”
    “That's
not the way I see it. You said it yourself. We can't predict what Dale will do.”
    “We
had a nice time with our heart to heart, but let's not push it.” She sat down
her glass and strutted towards him. “You hate me and I hate you. That's how it
is.” Her heart felt like it was beating in her ears. The lie tasted sour as
well.
    “I
can admit when I'm wrong.” He pressed his body against her and ran his fingers
through her hair, pulling her back. “Can you do the same?” He kissed her neck.
    “Of course not. I'm a bitch,
remember.” She rubbed her leg up along his thigh. Between the tingle on her
scalp and his firm grip, he drove her desire to hot and needy.
    “A damn sexy bitch.” He nipped at
her lips.
    “Maybe
we should stop now.”
    “Don't
fight what you know we both need.” He brushed his lips over hers.
    She
wrapped her arms around him and gave in. He claimed her mouth,