Dangerous Desires

46

Mark's expression softened as he saw the vulnerable look in my eyes. He reached out and gently took my chin, tilting my face back up to meet his gaze. "You don't have to say anything," he said, his voice gentle but firm. "You don't have to thank me for treating you the way you deserve to be treated. That's all I want to do - cherish and love you like you deserve."

He let his hand slide down from my chin to my neck, gently caressing the skin there. "Arsenio didn't deserve you," he said, his voice filled with certainty. "But I do. And I'll spend the rest of my life showing you that you're worth every bit of love and attention."

Mark's arms instinctively wrapped around me, pulling me closer to his chest. He held me close, his hand rubbing soothing circles on my back as I cuddled into him. He pressed a gentle kiss to the top of my head, his voice soft and affectionate. "You're so loved, you know that?" He murmured against my hair.

I nodded slowly "Now I'm seeing what love really is," I said weakly.

Mark's heart ached as he heard the emotion in my voice. He held me a little tighter, his arms providing a warm, protective embrace. "And you'll know love for the rest of your life," he promised, his voice filled with determination. "With me and with our little family."

He paused for a moment, his chin resting lightly on the top of my head. "You're not alone anymore, baby," he murmured. "You won't ever have to feel alone again. I'll always be here for you and I'll always love you."

The day finally ended and it was night. We were both asleep, the clock turned 2 am when Tenebroso started to cry. I heard his subtle crying and I slowly got up.

Mark stirred beside me as I got out of bed, his sleep-addled mind slowly coming into focus. He lifted his head from his pillow and rubbed his eyes, a sleepy frown on his face. "What's going on?" He asked groggily, his voice raspy with the remnants of sleep.

"He's crying," I said gently.

Mark's frown deepened as he heard Tenebroso's soft cries. He sat up in bed, the remnants of sleep still clinging to him. "Alright, I'll come with you," he said, pushing back the covers and swinging his legs out of bed. He stood up, stretching a little to wake himself up.

Mark, who had been following me to the nursery, immediately picked up on my surprise and looked around for the source. When his eyes landed on Arsenio, his expression hardened. "What the hell...?" He muttered, taking a protective step forward and placing himself slightly in front of me.

"What are you doing here?" Mark asked, his voice low and filled with cold anger. He stepped forward a little more, his body tense and alert.

Arsenio, hearing Mark's voice, turned to face him. His expression was calm, if a little amused. "I just thought I'd come by to see my family," he said, his voice smooth and nonchalant. His eyes flicked over to me, still holding Tenebroso in my arms, before returning to Mark. 

"It's not your family anymore," I said sternly.

Mark's jaw clenched as he heard my firm response. He took another step forward, his body positioned between me and Arsenio. "You heard her," he said, his voice cold and unwavering. "You're not a part of this family anymore and you're sure as hell not wanted here." On the other hand, I was texting Antonio about the situation.

Meanwhile, Arsenio just chuckled, seemingly unbothered by Mark's aggressive demeanour. "Oh, calling your little guard dog are you?" He sneered, his gaze flickering between me and Mark.

Antonio appeared in the doorway, his expression cold and focused. He quickly scanned the scene, taking in Mark's protective stance, my presence with Tenebroso, and Arsenio's casual nonchalance. He fixed Arsenio with a cold stare, his voice low and dangerous. "You're trespassing."

"I'm just here to see my family," Arsenio replied casually, his voice as smooth as ever. "Last I recall, we're still tied together through Tenebroso."

"You said you didn't want anything to do with him? Did one of the women slept with see your horrible side?"

Arsenio's gaze darkened slightly at the comment, a hint of irritation showing through his carefree facade. He bristled at the mention of his past relationships, but he held his tongue, not wanting to give away any further weakness. 

He tilted his head slightly, a slight smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "I never said I didn't want anything to do with him," he said smoothly. "Just that I didn't want to bother taking care of him. But that doesn't mean I don't still care about him."

Antonio's expression remained stony, his eyes fixed on Arsenio. He didn't say anything, but the tension in his jaw and the tautness of his muscles showed his readiness to intervene if necessary. He took a moment to glance at me, checking to make sure I and Tenebroso were okay.

Mark felt my grip tighten on his arm and he instinctively reached out to hold my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. He kept his body positioned in front of me, his stance protective and determined. His eyes stayed fixed on Arsenio, watchful and wary.

Antonio picked up on what I was silently communicating to him. His gaze hardened, his jaw muscles tensing as he looked at Arsenio. In a flash of movement, Antonio lunged forward and grabbed Arsenio by the collar, shoving him roughly against the wall. "You've got two options," Antonio growled, his face mere inches from Arsenio's. "You leave, quietly and peacefully. Or you leave by force. Your choice."

Arsenio, caught off guard by Antonio's swift action, let out a muttered curse. But he quickly composed himself, his expression cool and unruffled once more. "Let go of me," he said smoothly, his voice deceptively calm. "I'm here to see my family, that's all."

"He's being nice, leave or you will die," I said firmly but deep down I was scared.