Page 16 of Revealing Mark

“You have to take this seriously.” He grabbed me by the arms. His eyes darkened and I was unable to speak. His fingers exerted more pressure and I tried to squirm free.

“You’re hurting me.”

Then I was free and he stepped back.

“I’m sorry,” he murmured, rolling his shoulders slightly.

His outburst had shown me a different side to him. Someone who wasn’t all together, everything firmly in place.

“It’s fine,” I soothed, not wanting him to feel bad. I realized he was just concerned and frustrated. He would probably lose his shit if he discovered what I was trying to cover up.

“Promise me you’ll lock the door.” He shoved his hands into the pockets of his trousers.

I nodded. I might forget but I wasn’t going to admit that to him.

His obvious anger receded and we were left in an awkward silence, unsure of how to proceed.

“Why?” I found the courage to ask softly.

He raised a hand from his pocket and rubbed his brow. “Why what?”

“Why do you care?” I whispered, afraid of what the answer would be. I folded my arms. I didn’t know what I was hoping he would say but I held my breath while I waited for his answer. “I bet Sophie doesn’t get this treatment.”

It was something I had never really thought about. He wouldn’t do this to Sophie, but then again Sophie wouldn’t forget to lock her front door. Plus, she stayed in a better side of town in a better building.

His eyes held mine.

“Sophie isn’t like you.”

What did that mean?

He let out a sigh. “She isn’t forgetful.”

My heart sank, reminding me of the power he had over me. To cover up my disappointment, I dropped my arms and lifted my chin.

“I think it’s time you leave,” I said. “I’ve allowed you to drill me with questions and even snoop around my apartment but I’ve had enough. I get that you care but you’re looking for something that isn’t there. You’re used to life and death but honestlythe most I have going on in my life is a relationship that didn’t work out. I occasionally forget to lock my door or do my laundry on time. It’s who I am. I can’t change that.”

His lip tightened into a thin line. “Any idiot can bypass that excuse for security out front.”

I tried to hold my temper. “There is no reason for anyone to do that. Seriously, Mark, you need a vacation, some time away from your job. It’ll give you a different perspective. Not everyone is living in imminent danger.”

The muscles in his jaw tightened. He was digesting my words.

“Can I at least get your door fitted for a new lock?” he pressed.

“I’m not sure my landlord would approve.” I frowned.

“I’ll take care of it.”

He hadn’t listened to a word I’d said but I was too tired to fight him. “Fine.” I threw my hands up in defeat.

Besides, it might not be a bad thing as it would keep a certain ex from stealing any more of my belongings, which reminded me of my missing equipment. As soon as Mark left, I was going to sort Jack out and get my stuff back. After this I was sworn off men. They were far more trouble than they were worth. The thought of growing old with a herd of cats was much more appealing.

He made a call to my landlord. It didn’t take him long to talk him into an agreement as I watched with fascination at how easily he handled difficult tasks. Then he made another call. When I had agreed, I hadn’t thought he would do it immediately.

Instead of making a fuss about it, I let him have his way. Maybe this was the way to appease him and get him out of my apartment.

I was making some tea when Mark appeared in the doorway.