The stepdaddy’s secret

Chapter 3

Vaelora’s POV

I moved my body to the beat of the songs and tried to enjoy as much time as possible. Everything was going extremely well for me except for the fact that Jace was all up in my face and every time he opened his mouth, I was filled with so much irritation that I had to drown it out with more alcohol.

He spent the better part of two hours shouting over the music about his father’s new yacht and how he was top of the list for some internship I knew he didn't deserve. He probably said all this to make me more interested in him but honestly, I didn’t care. I just wanted a nice night. I leaned into him, letting his hands rest on my hips while my mind remained miles away, as I wondered what Marcus might be up to at that time. Every time Jace’s touch made my skin crawl, I told myself it was worth it. I was a scientist conducting a dangerous experiment and even though I hated the process, I just needed to know.

"You're so hot when you're quiet, Vae," Jace yelled into my ear, his breath stinking from whatever he was drinking.

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes but then I let out a dry laugh instead as my body hummed with the alcohol I had been pushing down my throat. We danced for a couple more minutes before I became completely exhausted and my head began to ache from dancing for too long. Shaking my head slightly, I began to walk off the dance floor but Jace was right behind me.

“Baby, are you okay?” He asked.

"Take me home, Jace," I slurred, grabbing his collar to steady myself as someone bumped into me. "I’m done."

“Sure, baby,” he replied before leading me out of the club and back to the car. The ride back to the house was filled with Jace’s annoying voice and overly loud laughter, while I slumped against the seat, trying to keep my eyes open.

When we pulled into the driveway, I looked at the window and realized the lights were still on.

"Whoa, easy there, babe," Jace chuckled as he helped me out of the car. He draped my arm over his shoulder, his grip uncomfortably tight around my waist. I stumbled and held him tighter as I let out a giggle because somehow, he sounded funny. "Shh, you’ll wake the dragon," I whispered as Jace led me to the door.

Jace was drunk on his own but not as drunk as I was. He practically hauled me toward the front door, his own movements clumsy but somehow we didn’t fall. He fumbled with the handle and to my surprise, it was unlocked. We spilled into the foyer with Jace laughing loudly at some joke he had told himself. I leaned my head back and looked around and that was when I saw him.

Marcus was sitting in the chair facing the door. He wasn't reading or drinking. He was just sitting there with a grim expression as his cold eyes settled on us. Even from this distance, I could see his jaws were clenched tightly as he stared at us.

"You’re late," Marcus said, his voice low but dangerous.

"Hey! You must be the stepdad," Jace said, his voice dripping with an arrogance he shouldn't have possessed in this house. He didn't let go of me. In fact, he pulled me closer with his hand sliding down from my waist to the curve of my hip in a way that was clearly inappropriate. "Vae and I had a... very long night. Right, babe?"

I felt the air in the room vanish and the silence that followed was heavy enough to make a fool come back to their senses. Marcus still didn't move, but I saw the way his knuckles turned white where they gripped the chair. He was sustaining his anger, holding back the tide, but the sight of Jace’s hand roaming all over my skin was the needle that broke the camel’s back.

Marcus stood up slowly with a pose that showed he was furious but Jace was still oblivious. I tried to speak but Marcus beat me to it.

"Get your hands off her," he commanded coldly.

"Chill out, man, we’re just—"

Jace didn't get to finish as Marcus moved with a speed that made my already blurry vision worsen. In just two strides, he was across the room. He didn't hesitate. He grabbed Jace’s wrist roughly and tightly before twisting it away from my body. Then, his other arm reached out and caught me with a possessiveness that made my breath hitch. Jace winced in pain from the sudden attack but Marcus didn't let him say a word.

“I told you to get your hands off her," Marcus hissed, his face now only inches from Jace’s.

“Please…” Jace whimpered, when he couldn’t contain the pain anymore.

"Get out of my house. Now."

Jace had to take only one more look at Marcus before he realized Marcus wasn't playing. His eyes were dark and his jaw was set. He staggered backwards in fear and only then did Marcus let him go.

“I—I was just leaving.” Jace stuttered when he was released. “Sorry. See ya, Vae," Jace stammered, nearly tripping over his own feet as he scrambled toward the door.

When the door slammed shut, only then did I realize I was still flush against Marcus. I tried to pull away but Marcus didn't let go. His arm remained locked around my waist with his fingers digging into my dress and since I was very close to him, I could feel the heavy thump of his heart as he breathed loudly as if he was trying to reign in his temper.

I turned in his arms, my head spinning, and looked up at him. I was provoking him and he still had no idea. I was the one who had stayed out. I was the one who had brought that boy here. And looking at the dark, possessive hunger written across Marcus’s face, I knew he had finally fallen into my trap.

"You’re late, Vaelora," he whispered, his voice rough and deep, sending shivers down my spine.