Melanie

My heart races, pounding in my chest as Marcus utters those dreaded words: "There's something we need to talk about." I look at him, trying to gauge the seriousness of the conversation that's about to unfold. Marcus's eyes are intense, focused on mine, and I can't help but feel a sense of vulnerability.

My mind races with possibilities, and a wave of anxiety washes over me. What could it be? Did I do something wrong? Is there a problem between us that I haven't noticed? Ugh, my imagination runs wild, conjuring up the worst scenarios.

Trying to sound composed, I set my coffee down on the table and look at Marcus. "Okay, Marcus. What is it?"

He meets my gaze, his expression a mix of sincerity and concern. "I know you need time, and I'm more than happy to give it to you. But I want to be honest with you, Melanie. I don't want anything getting between us again."

I manage a small smile, appreciating his sincerity. Cupping Marcus's cheek, I feel the warmth of his skin beneath my fingertips. He leans into my touch, and for a moment, everything feels right. "I'd like that too," I say, my voice soft and reassuring.

Marcus smiles, a hint of relief in his expression. "Good. First of all, you have to meet my sisters. They're nosey and annoying, but they're going to love you. And I think you'll like them too."

I chuckle, the tension easing slightly. "I really want to meet your sisters, Marcus."

He grins, but then his smile falters. A pang of worry creeps back into my chest. "There's something else you should know," he says.

My unease returns. "What is it?"

Marcus takes a deep breath, and I can see the weight of the words on his shoulders. "Do you remember Karla?"

The name sends a chill down my spine. Of course, I remember Karla. How could I forget Natalie's gorgeous friend who seemed a bit too interested in Marcus? My mind races, but I manage to keep my expression neutral. "Yeah, I remember her."

"Well," Marcus continues, "I've made it clear to her that I'm not interested and never will be. But she keeps pursuing me."

My heart skips a beat, and I feel a mixture of anger and jealousy bubbling within me. "What do you mean?" I ask, my voice sharper than I intended.

Marcus continues, "I went home the other night, and I found her on my bed. Natalie wasn't even there. Karla just let herself into my bedroom and onto my bed." A wave of dizziness washes over me, and I grip the edge of the couch to steady myself. "And this morning," Marcus adds, his voice tinged with frustration, "I woke up with Karla next to me. I threw her out, and Natalie will never bring her into the house again. But I felt that you needed to know all of that."

My mind whirls, trying to process everything Marcus just shared. On one hand, I feel a surge of sympathy for him; the violation of someone invading his personal space must be horrifying. On the other hand, an intense anger bubbles within me, and I can't help but want to punch Karla for attempting to claim something that doesn't belong to her. Marcus is mine, not Karla's.

Marcus sets his coffee on the table and takes my hands in his, a look of worry etched on his face. "Melanie, talk to me," he implores.

I take a deep breath, locking eyes with him. "I'm a bit shocked, Marcus. Though I guess how I feel doesn't measure up to your shock when you woke up and saw Karla next to you."

Marcus shakes his head, a shiver passing through him. "I don't even want to remember it. I just want to shove that memory to the furthest and darkest part of my brain."

I can't help but chuckle softly. "Well, I appreciate you telling me."

Marcus lets out a relieved breath, and a hint of uncertainty lingers in his eyes. "So, it was a good idea to tell you, right? You're not mad at me or anything?"

I squeeze his hands, reassurance in my touch. "No, Marcus, it was definitely a good idea to tell me. I'm not mad at you. I'm mad at Karla for overstepping boundaries."

Marcus leans back on the couch, letting out a relieved sigh. I slide under his arm, snuggling close to him. He tightens his arm around me, and I feel the soft press of his lips on the top of my head. My head rests against his chest, and I listen to the rhythmic beat of his heart slowly calming down. He must have been really anxious about my reaction.

A surge of protectiveness washes over me, and the thought of Karla's intrusion infuriates me. I could really punch Karla. I can't let it happen again. No, I won't let it happen again. I lift my head and look at Marcus.

"You know, maybe Natalie telling Karla to never come to your home isn't enough," I say, meeting Marcus's gaze.

He looks at me, his eyes widening. "What do you mean?"

"Karla did show up when Natalie wasn't there, so she doesn't exactly wait for an invitation, right?" I suggest.

Marcus nods in understanding. "True, but I doubt my parents will let her in anymore."

I smile, a mischievous glint in my eyes. "Well, just to be sure, I think you should spend the night here tonight."

Marcus raises an eyebrow, his lips twitching into a smirk. "Oh really?"

I playfully punch his arm. "For safety reasons, of course. I can't have Karla waltzing into your place uninvited."

He chuckles, pulling me even closer. "I like the sound of that. Besides, spending the night with you sounds like the perfect solution."

My head rests back into Marcus' chest, finding comfort in the steady beat of his heart. I notice that his heart rate has picked up, but this time, I'm sure it's not anxiety; it's excitement. I share that excitement, thrilled at the thought that he'll spend the night here too.

Marcus's hand traces soothing circles on my back, sending a delightful shiver down my spine. I look up at him, and our eyes lock. His gaze is intense, full of longing and desire, raw emotions that disarm me.

Marcus leans in, and our lips meet in a soft and tender kiss. But soon, the kiss becomes desperate, and Marcus pulls me closer to him. Without breaking the kiss, I find myself straddling him, pressing my body onto his. I can feel his arousal, and a moan escapes into his mouth as I start to grind against him.

Marcus's grip tightens as my hands reach the hem of his hoodie. Our connection deepens, and just as things are about to escalate, my phone rings. We break the kiss, both panting, and I glance at my phone, frustration evident on Marcus's face.

"This is getting ridiculous," he mutters.

I quickly kiss his lips before unmounting him and reaching for my phone. "It's Mallory," I say, turning around to find Marcus adjusting his dick in his pants. I bite my lower lip, and Marcus registers the move, his eyes darkening with desire.

I answer the phone, and Mallory's voice comes through, "Hey sis, how's the new place?"

"It's great," I reply, stealing a quick glance at Marcus. "Can't wait for you to see it."

Mallory suggests, "That's the reason I called, I was thinking, why don't we all get together at your new apartment tomorrow? We can order in."

"That sounds good," I agree.

"Great! We'll talk tomorrow then," Mallory says.

"I miss you," I add before saying goodbye. We hang up, and I turn to Marcus.

"We're doomed to be interrupted," he says, a hint of frustration in his voice.

I chuckle, sitting next to him and snuggling close. "Maybe it's a sign that we should take things a bit slower."

Marcus wraps his arm around me, pulling me closer. "Or maybe it's a sign that we should turn our phones off and ignore everyone when we are alone."

I laugh, playfully pushing Marcus's shoulder. "That's not right."

He looks at me, deep in the eyes, and says, "I don't care. I only care about being with you."

His sincerity leaves me breathless. I smile and kiss his lips softly. Marcus reciprocates by kissing my forehead, and we snuggle closer to each other. I don't know if I should be happy or not for Mallory interrupting us. I genuinely want to take things slow with Marcus, savor each moment, but resisting him is proving to be a formidable challenge.

The mere thought of feeling his skin against mine, tracing the contours of his hot body, has me all hot and bothered again. I need to decide whether to obey the rational part of my mind or succumb to the undeniable pull of my body. The struggle between what I want and what I think I should do plays out in the quiet moments as we snuggle, leaving me in a state of internal conflict.