Every Rose has a Thorne (last chapter being redrafted & all editing being done)

Chapter 9

***PROCEED WITH CAUTION - THIS CHAPTER EARNS ITS RESTRICTED RATING***

Making arrangements to get my car back from Kim, I tried to take as long as possible with the cash up. I was hoping Marco would get irritated and leave. Every time I looked out the window I could still see his town car, well I guess that idea wasn't working. I really wasn't keen on the drive home with Marco. At least this time we wouldn't be alone, the driver could save me if Marco tried any funny business.

I said goodbye to everyone as I locked up, walking to the car I saw Marco get out of his side and open the door for me on the opposite side of the car. No matter how much he grates on my last nerve, he does have impeccable manners.

"Thank you Marco, and thank you for waiting. I'm sorry if I took up too much of your time." 

"Not a problem Roxanne, I have my laptop with me so I was able to keep myself occupied." he looked to the driver and instructed him to take us home.

"Roxanne, I was hoping to speak to you before your sister did. Hence all the missed calls on your cellphone. I did not want you to think I was overstepping my boundaries." Marco seemed genuinely concerned that he had upset me.

"Thank you Marco, I was offended at first, but I do miss her terribly and I am very grateful for your consideration." Wow look at us having a normal conversation with no sarcastic puns.

"We need to discuss the other night." Marco just spoiled the moment, I did not want to rehash it all. I wanted to forget about it and move on. I did not need to be reminded of the way he sent electric shivers up and down my spine as he kissed me. I did not need to be reminded of the way his eyes full of lust made me want to jump him in the street in front of everyone.

"I don't think that is a good idea Marco, but I can see that it has been bothering you. I'll start first." I replied.

"The kiss, yes it took us both by surprise. But it was a once off thing. Chalk it up to being in the heat of the moment and you being a little bit drunk. Then Viola, yes I was taken aback when I heard that approximately a month ago you were planning on marrying a woman who looks like a Greek goddess, but then I remembered that I have no say in your past, your present or your future. So I got over myself. I do request that if you plan on continuing to see her. Please wait until I am at least out of sight, people may start wondering why I allow my husband to cheat on me with his ex." I didn't know I had all this in me, looking at Marco I noticed his mood get darker and darker, but I wasn't finished.

"Lastly, the drunken visit. I think we need to set boundaries, I can't be afraid someone is breaking in every time you feel the need to check on me and I also don't need you constantly checking on me. I survived without your protection before I met you and I am sure I will survive without it now. I am still very grateful for your assistance with Max, but I don't want you to get the idea that I am a damsel in distress who always needs rescuing." Taking a deep breath, I noticed we were pulling into the mansion already. Marco had said nothing. He just sat their staring at me. I swear this is the first time a man has truly listened to me when I was talking. It felt good.

We pulled up to where my section of the mansion was, Marco insisted on walking me to my door. It being the gentlemanly way and all. He leaned in and spoke to the driver, I was already walking up the steps so I couldn't hear what it was. Marco quickly caught up. He still had said nothing about the topic he brought up.

"Marco, have I upset you? You wanted to talk about it but now you giving me the silent treatment." I think silent Marco scared me even more than arrogant beastly Marco.

"Not at all Roxanne, I don't wish to continue our conversation in the hallway. Some of my staff have the tendency to hang around where they shouldn't and as you know they are not informed of our arrangement."