Fight Back (Third Book To Total Control)

An Unexpected Visitor

Your POV

I woke up early and showered, when I came down Sèan was already munching down on breakfast while Mark's back was turned to the coffee pot. Sèan looked up at me when I entered the kitchen and smiled with chipmunk cheeks. I laughed at how he looked and Mark turned around to see me and what I was laughing at. He looked at Sèan and gave him a look.
"God, Sèan, chew and swallow. And stop stuffing your mouth, you're not a turkey"
He swallowed and grinned at Mark, he shook his head at him and turned back to the pot.
"Good mornin' lass" Sèan said and I replied the same.
"Good morning y/n, sleep well?" Mark asked, placing a cup of steaming hot coffee in front of me.
"Yeah, how about you guys?" I inquired, remembering hearing them mumbling through the walls.
"Ah, same ol' same ol'. No nightmares this time?" Sèan asked and I was confused.
"Me?" I questioned, Mark turning back to me, looking as confused as I was.
"H-how did you...I never told you about that" I said.
"No, but you did fall asleep on the couch yesterday after Mark left and well, it didn't sound like you were dreaming of bunnies and rainbows. It's been kind of like a routine" he said and Mark inputted
"Routine? She doesn't fall asleep when I'm here" I honestly didn't know why I knocked out every time Mark leaves to do whatever it is they're doing.
"Hmm, really. That's weird" Sèan said.
"So, nightmares?" he added, asking again. I shook my head.
He smiled then said
"That's good to hear"

We ate the rest of breakfast with not much chatter. I could tell Mark was nervous to let me head out. He kept pushing around his food before taking small bites, then it repeated.
When we were done, Sèan disappeared upstairs for a few minutes.
"Why didn't you tell me about the nightmares?" Mark asked me smoothly.
"I didn't think it'd be a problem, it's mostly just memories of..." I trailed off and he caught the drift. He didn't ask anything further about it and I'm glad he dropped it.
Not long after, Sèan came down again and handed me his phone.
"Remember, no running" he said. I chuckled
"You know, if people hear you two, they'd think I'm being held hostage."
He snickered and shook his head.
"Well, I'm sure we're the best at being hospitable to our hostages" he said making both Mark and I laugh.
"Alrighty, I'm off, see you guys later. I'll bring you back another book" he told me
"Make it two" I said and he chuckled but nodded.

He left and I was left along with Mark. He seemed on edge.
"Is everything ok?" I asked. He sighed and spoke after a brief silence.
"I just don't want anything to happen to you again, you've been through enough as it is" there was sorrow and worry in his voice.
I placed a hand on his shoulder and he looked up at me, smiling sadly.
"I'll be ok Mark, nothing is going to happen. We've been safe for look at how long now. One day isn't going wreck everything" damn, Sèan's positivity is rubbing off on me.
He nodded to himself and took a deep breath.
"You're right, everything is going to be fine, it'll all work out as we planned"
I smiled at him and he looked at me briefly before hugging me tightly.
"I really do like you a lot y/n, I hope you can too, when this is all over, of course" I didn't reply verbally but only smiled. To be perfectly honest, I do like Mark, but I'm not so sure it's as much as he seems to like me. I'm sure one day I can, but right now, I don't think I'm even remotely ready for something like that.

It was silent for a short bit before he up and said
"Well, you should get going, I don't want you to be out late. I'm giving you three hours, nothing more, less would be preferred"
"Mark" I complained and he snickered.
"Three hours, or else I'm coming out to find you, and I will be able to track Sèan's phone" he warned. I nodded
"Yes yes, whatever, I'll come back in time" he smiled.

I went back upstairs and got changed in the only clothes I had which was suitable for going out in public. I passed Mark at the bottom of the staircase and he pulled me back by my wrist gently.
"Hang on Missy, here, don't go crazy now" he laughed while handing me his wallet. I looked at him like he was mad. I wasn't exactly going out to buy anything, I just needed the time away and a little space.
"Take it, if you see something you want, buy it. I don't mind"
"But-" I was about to protest but he cut me off
"No buts, just take it" he's as stubborn as ever. I saw he wasn't going to take no for an answer and just decided to give in and take the damn thing.
And again, as I was about to go, he held my wrist.
"Remember, three hours. Watch behind your back, if you think you're in trouble of any kind, call me and I'll come. Be where there's a lot of people but be aware of who's around you. Stay away from the bars-"
"Mark, I'm not a kid" I told him with a slight laugh.
"I know, I just want you to be safe"
"I will be" I said, reassuring him. He nodded in understanding.
"I know you will be" he said and then hugged me tightly, I hugged back. He almost seemed like he didn't want to let me go.
"Uh.. Mark, you need to let go" I said and he chuckled and let go.
"Right sorry"