SO MUCH, FOR LOVE

Chapter 7

Lizzy

He bought me flowers, he bought me fucking flowers! And I lashed out at him, on what basis? I'm an awful person. I'm focusing so much on protecting myself all the while people are hurting because of me. But the words are out of my mouth now and I regret them already. He has been nothing but polite to me since the very beginning, the anger and hurt in his eyes is evident but he is doing a better job than me to hide it. I need to make this right, I'm not this person "I'm not this person" that is the only thing that comes out of my mouth. I lower my eyes and look down, I am ashamed and embarrassed with my behavior this is not me I'm judging him on the basis of my past when Mark is nothing like him.

"I know" Mark says softly and I look up at him in surprise, I've been nothing but rude to him and now he's acting all cute and sweet and making me feel more guilty. "I'm sorry" I say but my voice is choking and I'm on the verge of shedding tears, I blink rapidly hating the fact that Mark gets to see me vulnerable. He sighs and walks toward me, he places one strong palm on my shoulder to get my attention "I get it" he says and I blink up at him in surprise "you do?"

"Yes, I know something is bothering you and I know you wouldn't tell it to me now, take your time Lizzy because when you are ready I'll be here to listen" he pauses and takes a deep breath, "I want to be there with you for as long as you'll have me Lizzy and I want to be more than just a billionaire playboy for you" then the shop goes quiet and I am left with too many emotions swirling in my mind.

The memory of the first time I laid eyes on this gorgeous man comes flooding back, that easygoing billion dollar smile he aims every time we are together, something he doesn't do in front of the cameras. The way he always makes time to visit my shop even though I know he has a busy schedule, every time he was here he helped me pack I know he's been here only for two days but he's been more of a gentleman than any man in my life has ever been. These thoughts linger in my mind while I prepare myself to give him the answer he most certainly has earned. I've been in my comfortable little bubble for too long now, it's time to end that it's time to live my life again just like I did before, it's time to overcome my past and make space for future in my heart.

"Markus?" it was supposed to get his attention but it came out more as a question so I clear my throat, "you are right, there are things that bother me but they are my past and I've lived in their shadows for too long, I won't let them control me anymore, I won't let my past decide my future" at that he smiles, his first genuine smile towards me and I decide I need to take a mental picture of him in this smile because it's the most gorgeous sight I've ever encountered. I smile back at him and take both of his hands in mine.

"I'm still processing a few things, it's all new to me and I would really like to take it slow" I say this part very carefully "I've wanted you since the first time you stepped foot in my shop Mark, I was scared shitless because you were the first person to awaken feelings in me and I thought it wasn't good for me but now I want to try, to give you a chance, to give us a chance" I say hopefully and wait for his answer. Markus tilts his head and looks at me with the same adoration in his eyes that was there a week ago, my heart melts.

"We can go slow my little vixen, as long as you don't end up breaking my heart in the process" I swear my heart just squeezed at the nick name he gave me.

***

Markus

I hadn't exactly forgotten the way she insulted me but some part of it was true, I 'WAS' a playboy (emphasis on was) but I had every intention of changing for her. What made me happy were her words accepting the fact that there was mutual attraction involved and that we could work on it and change it into something more, because I wanted more. I also learned that my girl was trying to be brave for me and that couldn't have made me happier. Now, all I have to do is show her that this is a good idea, which doesn't seem so easy but I've always loved a good challenge.

After that, we worked in silence, within fifteen minutes the place was clear and we were ready to leave. Lizzy locked the doors and set the alarm, then turned to look at me "are you hungry?" she asked, "very" I said because I was extremely hungry, she smiled at me "you want to try Jimmy's food cart?" she looked hopeful and I didn't want to disappoint her, "of course, why not, how long is it from here?"

"Around five minutes, I usually walk there after closing" she said, "You walk there at this time of the night? There are literally no street lights here, do you think it's safe?" I asked genuinely concerned. "Well....I am standing here alive in front of you, aren't I?" she says giving me her best smile but I'm not convinced, this place looks like a creep show if she stays somewhere nearby then I'll have to make sure I install security near her building. I can't possibly entertain the thought of losing her now, just when I have her. "Alright, but we'll take my car for now" I said in a tone that left no room for argument, I'll make sure I'll be here to pick her up every night so my mind is at ease.

She didn't argue, just followed me back to the car, she was uncharacteristically quite so I broke the silence "not having second thoughts, are you?" my tone teasing, she looked at me and smiled "nope, I was just thinking about something" she said almost distractedly, "want to share?" I wanted to know everything there was to know about this woman, the silliest things she would want to tell me. "You are something different Markus Espinoza, I saw the way you were with your niece it was nothing like the tabloids described you to be. That's what I want from you, to be your true self with me, to give me one genuine smile instead of the hundred fake ones. I want you to tell me when we aren't working and not cheat on me because that shit hurts" Lizzy's eyes were suddenly too glassy and her throat caught at the last bit.

I looked at her, seeing the pain in her eyes for the very first time, the shattered pieces of her soul made my heart swell for her. I shifted in my seat and looked straight into her eyes, taking her hands in mine I said "Elizabeth Cooper, I promise you I would never show anything but my true self to you, and the thing about cheating, why would you think so little of me?" I wasn't angry just curious "I'll tell you this, all the women I've slept with, knew I wasn't a relationship kind of guy and they knew what they were getting themselves into" I paused for a breath before continuing "loyalty has always been my priority, whether it is business or in our case relationship. I would never do anything behind your back and in return I need you to do the same for me."

"And lastly, do you really believe I would cheat on you for some worthless piece of pussy, that's not happening in this lifetime Lizzy. I'm all in with you and I'll make sure I show it to you from time to time."

She was quite for some time but then she leaned forward and gently gave me a peck on my lips, just a small act of adoration and I knew I was in trouble. The kind of trouble I didn't mind getting in.