The End Where I Begin (Book Four of the Glen Power Series)

Chapter 17

The dreaded week is almost over. And everything is going great. I haven't had a single attack. Nothing at all. It's almost like I'm a brand new person. And with Glen back tomorrow, I'm even more excited than ever.

To make things even better, I've been able to hang out with Mark without any awkwardness. It's like everything has been forgotten. The banter is back. The insults, the curses. Even the cuddly moments that we've always had together. Everything is back to the way it was.

We're sat on the settee, watching a film. But I can't get comfortable. For some reason, my neck is absolutely killing me. It could be because I'm starting to worry about how I lie when I sleep, so I need to force myself into a safe position for the babies. And that could be hurting my neck somewhat. I try stretching it, but nothing I do seems to work...

“Stop fucking fidgeting! I'm trying to watch Ann Hathaway discovering how fabulous she looks in these shiny new clothes!”

I smirk to myself. Not only have I managed to force him to watch The Devil Wears Prada, but I've practically got him hooked to it! Who would have thought it?

“Sorry, I just...It's my neck...”

“Did you sleep funny?”

“Probably...trying to keep the bump safe...”

“Get between my legs then.”

“That's a bit forward, don't you think?”

“Do you want this massage or not, girl?”

I grin at him and gladly slide off the settee, easing myself in between his legs. One thing you need to know about Mark: he is the most amazing massager. Like...seriously. Weak at the knees kind of stuff.

His hands knead into my shoulders skilfully and I melt into him. I have to mentally control the whines of pleasure that want to spew out of my mouth. But I don't fool him. He knows just how much I appreciate what he's doing for me. In every aspect of our friendship.

“Thank you, Mark.”

“What for?”

“Everything.”

“It's alright. It's what friends do, right?”

“So friends are supposed to cheat on their loved ones just because one of them has some sort of hormone imbalance that makes her want to attack people for sex?”

His hands hesitate for a second, but it's not too long before he carries on.

“Friends? No. Best friends? No. You and me? Yes.”

“Very quick to answer there.”

“Well...You know...If it keeps you alive, then I'll do it.”

“It's a good thing you don't need to then.”

“Yeah.” I can hear the smile in his voice. At least, I think it's a smile...

“I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I did that to Glen. He's been through so much with me. Every awful thing that I've done to him and he still wants to spend his life with me. He's perfect, Mark. He's my everything.”

“I know.”

“It would ruin our friendship too, you know? We wouldn't be able to look at each other the same way again.”

“We've done it before. And we're closer than ever. And like I said, I would be saving your life.”

“You just want to be a hero, don't you?”

He chuckles and I know the seriousness is over.

“You got me. I'm just a sucker for those damsels in distress.”