The Skin Thief

Chapter 101

Waking up in Marcus's arms is like a dream. The golden morning sun streams in through the windows with a gentle warmth. I smile and close my eyes once more, snuggling into him. His arm tightens around me.

Memories of last night swirl in my mind. I bite my lips to stop myself from giggling. 

I'd had a couple of relationships whilst at the academy, but none of them had ever been like this. No other relationship has made my heart flutter with pure excitement and joy. No one has ever made me feel so special and beautiful as Marcus does. And no one has ever made love to me the way Marcus did last night. Not even Eva.

He shifts behind me. I tilt my head back as his fingers glide along the skin of my neck, making me shiver and leaving goosebumps in the wake of his delicate touch. He pulls my hair away and leans down, pressing soft kisses on my neck. I can't help but moan. He chuckles deeply, his bare chest rumbling.

"Morning," he says.

"Good morning," I reply and shift to look up at him. I'm immediately lost in his grey-blue eyes as he stares down at me adoringly.

Guilt stirs inside me, twisting in my stomach with a wave of nausea.

"Is everything okay?" Marcus asks.

I smile softly, trying to push it all from my mind and focus on only him.

"Everything's perfect," I reply.

I've gone too far. I'm in over my head.

I gulp, hating those niggling thoughts that won't go away.

Marcus leans down, pressing his lips to mine. I lean into him with another moan, acutely aware of his hand on my bare waist, pulling me into him. He pulls away, our faces still close.

"We have to go to work," he sighs.

"Can't we call in sick?" I joke. He chuckles, pulling me into a tight hug, his strong, muscular arms wrapping around me. I sink into him, revelling in the feeling of his protective, gentle embrace and the feel of his naked body against mine.

"Unfortunately not," he replies.

"Such a shame," I say, and we fall into pleasant quiet as we spend a final few moments in each other's arms.

Eventually, we have to get up. We shower together, which results in a lot more kisses and giggles, before rushing to get dressed and eat breakfast as we're running late. Luckily, after all my stays and visits here, I have a few work outfits stored in Marcus' drawers and wardrobes.

We arrive just in time. Luckily, no one seems to notice our slight flush, and we quickly part ways to go to our separate work areas.

Now away from Marcus's intoxicating presence, clarity swells through me. I feel the blood drain from my face, and my vision blurs slightly. I lean back in my chair, gulping as a lump forms in my throat.

What have I done?

My hands shake as I feel panic swell inside me, hot and bubbling. The lines between what's real and what's all part of my mission are beyond blurred. He's more than just my target to me. I really care about him. It hurts that I'm betraying and using him. Just thinking about it makes a cold sweat break out across my clammy skin. When I think deeper about the real reason I'm here, to get close enough to kill him, that panic inside me rises further. Tears sting my eyes, and my hands shake in my lap. The thought of putting a bullet in him makes my body hurt.

What if I can't do it?

What will Mr Day do to me if he thinks I've been compromised like this? What will they do if they knew I'm feeling this way toward an enemy?