Chapter 10 I want your lips...!

A week passed swiftly, and once again, Marcus was nowhere to be seen or heard from. Martin fulfilled his promise to pick me up from the College, even though I repeatedly reminded him that it was okay not to do so. However, he insisted, and I eventually gave in.

Every time we passed by the construction site, I couldn't help but look around, hoping to catch a glimpse of Marcus. He didn't send any texts or calls me anyway. I felt guilty, but I hesitated to approach or even text him.

But I wanted to see him!

I lingered outside our house, sitting on the steps while reviewing my notes. We had a long quiz the next day. While reading, I noticed Niloy passing by. I quickly stood up and chased after him. "Niloy!"

He stopped and turned to me, smiling when he recognized me. I noticed he was carrying a plastic bag, presumably with rice and viand.

"Oh, Claudia, it's you. Sorry, I didn't notice you. What's up?"

I hesitated in asking what I wanted to know. There probably wasn't anything wrong since I just wanted to check on him. "I just wanted to ask if... Marcus went to college?" My question was soft, as if shy, but I knew he heard me.

"Oh, Bossing? Well, he's stuck at home. He's sick! Fever's been burning him up, no rest for days. He's been obsessing over every detail at the construction site. He's not Iron Man, so his body finally gave in. I scolded him, but he's stubborn."

Anxiety surged within me. "He's sick? What's wrong with him?"

"Yeah, he's burning up with fever! He won't rest; it's been days. He's meddling in all the work on the site. I don't know what he's doing at home; he's all alone. I'm trying to visit but he might not even be able to cook his own food."

"I'm coming with you!" I said without hesitation. He raised an eyebrow, seeming unsure about my statement. But I was determined. It was still early, and the night wasn't too deep. I could still ask permission from my grandmother.

"Well, it's up to you. But..."

"Where does he live?"

Niloy looked at the street he was about to take. "Two blocks away from here. He's renting from Mrs. Zelda."

I furrowed my brows at his words. Even though I wasn't an outgoing girl, I knew some people around here, especially those referred to as Mrs. Zelda. She was a wealthy Chinese woman with various businesses, including some rental properties. I've seen a few of those rentals in our area, and I'm sure they were pricey.

I followed Niloy to visit Marcus at his home. It was my first time going there, so I had no idea he stayed there. "There's Bossing's house!"

I glanced at the house he pointed to. It was a bungalow-style house, painted in white and lavender on the outside, with an air conditioner. Considering he was a construction worker, I wondered about his budget and whether he had other income sources to afford such a place.

We approached the door, and I thought Niloy would knock, but to my surprise, he opened the door and entered. I peeked inside. "Come on, Claudia," he invited me, so I stepped inside. Marcus wasn't in the living room. I noticed a door that seemed to lead to a bedroom. My heart pounded at the thought of seeing him, and I felt a flutter in my stomach. I couldn't decide whether to sit or stand. His house was clean and spacious. Everything seemed to be in place, from furniture to appliances. I could even see the kitchen from the living room, complete with a microwave oven and coffee maker. I was aware of the costliness of such items. I found myself pondering on Marcus's situation.

"Wait, let me check if Bossing's still awake," Niloy said as he placed the plastic bag on the table.

"Uh, I'll do that, Niloy," I offered to make the situation less awkward.

"It's okay, go ahead, it's up to you," he replied.

I approached the table and peeked at its contents to know how many containers I should get.

"Hey, Bossing, how are you feeling? Can you still handle it?" I heard the door open. I thought Niloy entered, but his voice seemed to be coming from outside.

I froze in my spot. My heart raced faster, and the tickling sensation in my stomach returned. Should I turn around or continue as if everything were normal? The last time we saw each other, it wasn't pleasant. I worried he might ignore me or be angry with me. After all, I practically kicked him out of the house.

I heard Niloy chuckle softly. "By the way, Claudia is with me. She found out you're sick, so she joined me in coming here. I didn't force her, though. She volunteered, hehe."

I took a deep breath before turning to him. However, my eyes widened when I first noticed his imposing figure. He was shirtless! I bit my lip as my gaze traveled down his body-his well-defined abs, the gray pajama with white stripes on both sides, and no slippers. I knew he had a good physique, but it was more evident when you could see his broad shoulders and firm muscles up close. Was this the result of lifting countless bags of cement?

My eyes moved up to his face. It was only then that I realized how embarrassed I felt for scrutinizing his body. He looked sick, pale, and weak, with disheveled hair that clearly indicated he had been lying down.

I saw surprise in his eyes, but he continued to stare at me. I didn't know whether I should feel hurt, but I expected this, considering his gaze towards me last week was lively and full of life while he was singing.

I smiled faintly and approached him. He followed me with his eyes. "Uh, Niloy said you're sick. Maybe that's why you haven't been in touch. Hmm... Grandma and Leroy have been looking for you. How are you feeling?"

His phone rang, and Niloy moved away to answer the call, but Marcus kept his gaze fixed on me.

"I'm okay. You shouldn't have come. I mean, it's already late." His voice was cold, and it stung my chest. I should have expected this, but it still hurt.

My throat felt dry. I cleared it. "I just wanted to know how you're doing. Have you eaten?"

"Uh, Bossing, I need to go. Angel's looking for me. You know how it is, hehe. Claudia first?"

Marcus beat me to responding. "Go ahead with Claudia, Niloy. It's late. Drop her off at her house-"

"No, don't. I'll stay here for a while." I interjected. I looked at him, my face questioning. He didn't protest, which was a relief, as rejection would only add to my pain.

When Niloy left, Marcus went back into his room, leaving me alone outside. So, what now?

I arranged his meal. I even checked the fridge to see if there's something I can add to his dinner. Niloy brought two containers of rice and chop suey. That's good because it includes vegetables. I found some fruits in his fridge. It wasn't fully stocked, just enough for one person.

After setting the table, I tried calling him. I knocked softly and then opened the door. The cool air from the air conditioner greeted me along with the pleasant masculine scent of his room. I don't know why, but that scent seemed addicting-pleasant to the nose and comforting. I saw him lying down, covered with a blanket. He had his back turned to me. On his bedside, I noticed some medicine, a glass of water, and a thermometer. I felt a sense of sadness. Just the thought that he's taking care of himself alone made me feel melancholic.

Where is his family?

I stood beside him. "Marcus, stand up, your meal is ready outside." I gently woke him up.

He didn't respond, not even a movement. Is he sleeping? I touched his forehead and felt it. He's still warm. I sat on the edge of the bed and took the thermometer, checking his last recorded temperature. 38.9, quite high! "Marcus, eat before you go back to sleep."

He still didn't move. I bit my lower lip. Does he not want to talk to me, or is he really asleep? Seriously!

I tapped him gently. "Marcus... Marcus..."

He groaned and moved a bit.

"Marcus, stand up and have some food before going back to sleep. Or do you want me to bring it in here? Wait..." I stood up and went out. I looked for a tray for his food. I returned to the room, and he was still in the same position. I looked at the food I was holding. "I should have brought soup. Maybe he doesn't have the appetite for this." I sighed. I went back to the kitchen and checked his cabinet for something with soup. That's where I found instant noodles. "This will do, I guess," I murmured to myself.

After cooking, I went back to his room. I sighed when I saw that he was lying on his back, the blanket lowered to his waist, exposing his bare torso. I ignored the pounding in my chest and placed the tray. I sat again on the edge of the bed. As the bed sank slightly, Marcus opened his eyes a little, still drowsy. His eyes were glassy, and I sensed a deep breath. "Eat, and then you can go back to sleep."

I saw his deep breaths. "Go home..."

I averted my gaze from him because of the ache in my chest. I bit my lower lip. I felt like my tears would fall any minute now. "Eat first, and then I'll leave."

He still didn't respond, and after a while, he got up and sat down, looking at the steaming instant noodles. When he didn't move, I took a cup and spooned some noodles to feed him. I hesitated, thinking he might prefer to eat alone. "Finish it, okay? I'm leaving." I bowed and tried to hide my teary eyes.

He's mad at me that's why he didn't want me to be here to take care of him! But as I stood up, he suddenly grabbed my arm, and I almost screamed in surprise. He pulled me forcefully, causing me to lie on the bed. It felt like a storm of quick anxiety in my chest. As I opened my eyes, I immediately saw Marcus's handsome face. He used all his strength to cage me in his arms.

I was shocked to meet his intense gaze. "M-Marcus!"

He was still staring. His eyes lowered to my trembling lips. I remembered our first kiss in the kitchen. Is he going to kiss me again? I felt excitement. s**t.

He swallowed while still looking at me, and he leaned over me. I felt a mixture of nervousness and excitement. This is wrong, but... I want it too. Such a mess!

"I've been telling you to leave, but you insisted on staying since you came here. Ever since I saw you here, I've been holding back, but you said you'd stay." He whispered.

"B-Because I want us to talk. I-I want..." I was distracted by his gaze on my lips as if he would kiss me in a few seconds. It's distracting!

"What do you want?"

I swallowed. "I want..."

"I want to kiss you, Claudia."

"Wh-what?" I whispered too. s**t.

"I want your lips... I miss the taste and touch of your lips." His hoarse voice compelled me.

***

Forward chapters preview:

"Niloy, the amount we need is too much. Maybe..."

He shook his head. "Claudia, I don't see any problem in talking to the owner of Chateau..."

I looked at him, sensing a deeper meaning.

"The owner of the place I work for is the De Santis family. Claudia, Marcus is the owner!"

I was stunned. "Has that condominium been sold? And he's the one who bought it?"

He nodded. "He really owns it! Even when he was working in construction, Marcus's family already owned it. I just found out now, Claudia. Bossing is really wealthy."

I was taken aback. Marcus was not just an ordinary person? But why didn't he tell us? He pretended. Why? For what reason? I had so many questions swirling in my mind. If that's the case, were the things he showed me before real? Did he really love me? I took out the business card he gave me.

Marcus De Santis

CEO and President - World City Corporation.

***