After a delicious dinner, Helen had the chance to consider her options. She would be in a relationship with a man with a military past, who still clearly bore the scars of his ordeal. Helen didn’t have a clue as to how she would assist him in putting the past behind him, but she did know what she had to do first. Valuing family more than anything in this world, she would do precisely what she had asked of him the night before: try to convince him to get in touch with his father. Apart from being Marcus’s only family, David Donovan was a very powerful man. He had the resources and the manpower to seek the truth about his son. As much as Helen wanted to believe that Rick’s nephew, Peter would be able to discover clues concerning Marcus’s case, she couldn’t. The entire idea of a 20-year old hacking into the Pentagon’s database felt a little too unrealistic and even if he could accomplish such a feat, the chances of him finding anything were rather slim.

Eventually, Marcus’s shift was over. As soon as he emerged from the kitchen, Helen tried to take him by the hand, but she was in for an unpleasant surprise.

“Not here.” He murmured, passing her by. “Walk behind me.”

Baffled and somewhat irritated, she did as told. On his way out of the restaurant, he took a few, furtive glances around him. When the two of them were out, Helen couldn’t help but voice her frustration.

“Ok, what was that?” She wondered, her voice squeaky as she stepped outside.

“My father’s lawyers have a soft spot for pasta.” Marcus said in a firm voice. “They frequent this place. One of them was staring at me the other day. I like that, though.”

“What’s that?”

“The whole ‘ultrasonic’ thing with your voice.” He laughed, turning to her, as he unlocked the helmet case, mounted on his Harley. “You sound cute.”

“Thanks.” She rewarded him with a short smile. “Sorry about that. I was just surprised, that’s all.”

“Don’t mention it.” Marcus said his calm baritone as he handed her over her helmet. “Just remember that, ok?”

“Ok.” Helen chirped. “Where do you live?”

“A few blocks east.” He replied, mounting the Harley. The sound of the thunder-headers resounded through the busy neighborhood, as the engine roared to life. Helen placed her right foot on the foot peg and swung her left leg over the saddle, before putting on her helmet. They rode off into the warm night and, seconds into the ride, she could feel something was very different from the other two times she had been on the motorcycle. Helen had experienced the sense of freedom that it offered; yet, this time, it was much more intense. Perhaps it was the anticipation of a relationship with him that intensified the sensation, or the fact that she would finally see where he lived. At any rate, Helen was so excited that she wouldn’t bother searching for an explanation. She simply closed her eyes and rested her head on his back, savoring every second of the ride, as the cool wind rushed over her.

A few minutes later, he turned right and into a small neighborhood. Just as Helen expected, it was filled with large, old apartment buildings. Marcus was trying to hide his identity; living in an expensive mansion would draw too much unwanted attention. Easing on the brakes, he let his Harley roll to a halt.

“Don’t say you like it.” Marcus joked, hopping off his motorcycle.

“I don’t think my opinion matters.” Helen smiled up at him, the buzzing of the thunder-headers still ringing in her ears, as she stepped off. “I don’t live here. You do.”

“Why don’t you tell me more about where you live?” He said, as they started towards the entry door.

“Ah, Shandaken.” She spoke, a hint of sadness in her voice. “My house is drowned in greenery. Oak trees, balsam fir right under my front porch, great views of the mountains all around it. I can even see your friend’s cabin from up there. It’s really peaceful. Quiet. So quiet you can hear a pin drop.”

“Sounds amazing,” Marcus commented, turning the key in the lock.

“I’m kind of tired of it, really.” Helen’s voice came out hesitant, as she entered the building.

“We always want more. People, I mean.” He said, as they climbed up the stairs; “Always.”

“I’d love to live here.” Her tone was lower and even sadder, “or New York.”

“Don’t say that.” Marcus uttered in a stiff baritone, as he looked down at her over his shoulder. “Cities just suck people dry.”

“But a person has so many options in the city.” Helen persisted. “Anybody can do pretty much anything.”

“No, Helen. No one can.” He disagreed, unlocking his front door. “Maybe you think that’s the way it is, but it isn’t. People in the city don’t have time to do much.”

“But…”

“All I’m saying is you have to take the good with the bad,” Marcus interrupted, closing the door behind him. “That’s how ‘adjusting’ is done.”

“Point taken,” Helen said with a nod, as he scanned her body, from bottom to top.

“Hot curves;” he said, his voice raspy as he took one short step towards her. “I’d love to stay right here, but I need to take a shower. I smell like food.”

“What?” She gave a snort of amusement, lifting her hands to his chest. “You smell like pizza; I love pizza.”

“Keep your hands off,” Marcus smirked. “Wait here. I won’t be long.”

“Oh, man…” A sigh of frustration fled her lips, as he turned around.

Nah, I shouldn’t complain. I have him right where I want him. I don’t mind waiting for a few minutes. He’s going to come back, smelling minty fresh. Let’s have a look around.

Curious about his bedroom, Helen quickly crossed the living room. She started down the hallway that led to it, her ears picking up the sound of the water running, as she sped past the bathroom. When she found herself in his bedroom, she was in for yet another, much more pleasant, surprise. Three guitar cases, each one lined up next to another, were leaning against the far wall. A gorgeous, sunburst acoustic guitar was lying on Marcus’s bed, to the left. Immediately, an idea flashed through her mind.

Marcus and Mr. Grumpy are both playing the guitar; Michelle is singing … Oh my God; that would be fantastic!”

The pictures on his desk caught her gaze. There were five frames, all containing him and a few of his army buddies. Behind each one, Marcus had written their names. One of them even included the two men who had been executed in front of him. It was at that moment that Helen realized how much he missed them and his career as a marine. However, the presence of those pictures made her understand why he had been unable to move on all this time: Marcus had been clinging to his past. If he had any chance of healing, he would have to put them away, along with any other relics in his apartment.

“Semper fi…” She whispered, easing that frame down on the desk.

“Helen!” His deep voice snapped her out of her thoughts. “Come here. I need to show you something.”

Smiling to herself, she quickly turned around. She had a very good idea about what that “something” was. Helen couldn’t wait to touch him. With her pulse increasing more and more by the second, she pushed the bathroom door open. The sensual scent of alpine filled her nostrils, as she walked inside. Marcus was lying in the half-full bathtub. Foam was covering his legs and his groin. The water was shining on his chiseled abs and his chest.

“I’m waiting.” He smiled up at her.

“A bubble bath?” She laughed. “Really?”

“I just thought I should be there for you,” Marcus maintained, leaning his back against the far short side.

“With a bubble bath?” Helen could still not believe what he had done.

“It’s more than just a bubble bath.” He spoke in lazy tones. “Come on. Get in here.”

“Yes, sir.” Intrigued by the insinuation, she began to take her clothes off. Marcus’s shadowy eyes took her in, as she unbuttoned her shirt. As much as Helen desired him, she took her time, loving the attention being paid to her body. Kicking her high heels off, she ran her gaze down his face, as he stared at her big, supple breasts. The sight of his wet chest turned her on, but something else aroused her even more: Marcus was licking his lips, his right hand dangerously close to his manhood. Helen pulled her pants down and off her feet, aching for his touch. She raised her right leg over the edge of the bathtub, returning her gaze to his face. The sensation of the cool water on her skin raised every hair on her body. Bending her knees all the way down to the bathtub floor, she leaned forward, with a sexy smile on her face. The water rose up to Marcus’s chin, as she settled down into the water. Feeling his cock brushing against her right inner thigh, Helen laid a firm kiss on his chest. Marcus put his hands on her hips and gently pulled her closer.

Her lips crashed against his, as she gripped his sides. She spread her legs and put her knees down on the bathtub floor, the feel of his firm skin in her hands fueling her desire, as his hardening shaft began to rub against her pussy. Extending her fingers on her right hand, she slid it up his body, as she pushed her tongue into his mouth. There was something strange about him, something that she didn’t understand. Marcus’s kiss was not nearly as demanding as hers. He did not move his hands, either. He seemed passive, but Helen did not care. Aroused by the intoxicating scent and his masculine body, she thought nothing of it. Lost in their kiss, she stroked his stomach, her long fingernails lightly scratching his flesh. Helen ran her tongue along his lips, his breath heavy as she squeezed his skin. All of a sudden though, he tightened his grip on her hips. A playful scream escaped her, as he rolled her over onto her back. Marcus pushed her body upwards, bringing her head closer to his face. Helen smiled playfully, resting her head on his left shoulder.

“I said I wanted to be there for you.” He whispered in her ear, just before flicking his tongue over her earlobe.

“I’m yours.” She said in a voice riddled with unbridled lust, as she reached back for him. Helen rolled her head to the right, seeking his lips as she tangled her hand into his hair. Marcus snaked his arms around her waist, as their mouths joined in a long, fiery kiss. Feeling his cock trapped between her ass cheeks, she knitted her fingers through his hair, as his hands slowly traveled up her stomach. He flicked his tongue against her upper lip, as she grabbed a fistful of his hair. Helen was starting to quiver under his sensual touch. He had not done much and yet, she could feel her wetness inside her growing by the second. Her free hand grabbed and held onto his hip, their tongues connected and swirling one another in a sexual mating dance, as Marcus’s fingers drew lazy, feather-light circles around her breasts. Helen dragged her nails up his leg, her body arching upwards, as their kiss left her breathless. She bit his lower lip, running her fingers through his hair, as he curled his fingers around her breasts.

“Oh, God…” Helen whimpered, shivering as she leaned slightly back. “What do you want to do?”

“Don’t you know?” Marcus whispered, his chest rising up and down, as he brushed his lips lightly across her chin.

“Say it.” She urged, her voice husky, as she gazed deep into his lust-filled eyes.

“I want to play you with only my fingers until you come.” He breathed, cupping her breasts, as he planted one more, sensual kiss on her cheek.

“Awwwww, my God…” Helen moaned, tilting her head back, as he pressed them together.

“Just relax.” Marcus whispered in her ear, laying yet another, soft-lipped kiss on it, as she released his hair. Sliding her hand down the side of his neck, she stroked his skin, breathing hard, as his fingers ran small circles around her rock-hard nipples. The sensation of his lips on her jaw sent shockwaves down her spine. Helen squeezed her eyes shut, as he rubbed his fingers over her nipples, trapping her sensitive skin between his teeth. Bringing her left hand up to his chest, she sank her fingernails into the firm flesh of his shoulder, as she slid back and forth against his shaft. She could feel herself growing wetter by the second. His sensual moves had awakened a slow burn inside her, one that she had not experienced before. The mere thought that a man like him was taking such good care of her needs sent her to heaven. This was more than just foreplay. Marcus seemed willing to give her all the pleasure that she needed, without thinking about himself at all. Helen placed her hand over his, as he squeezed her breasts at the same time. She pressed it down onto her, feeling his hot breath on her face, as he trailed more, hot kisses along her jawline.

“Your body feels so good in my arms.” His raspy voice ran through her like an electric current. Desperate to taste his mouth once again, Helen rolled her head to the right again, as he lightly pinched both of her nipples at the same time.

“Say more things like that.” She whimpered, claiming his lips, as she ran her hand across his shoulder.

“So creamy…” He whispered in her mouth. “So curvy … So sexy…”

Marcus’s compliments overwhelmed her, as he let go of her right breast. She gripped his arm, moaning louder, as his hand traveled down her body. By now, Helen could feel her insides clench with desire, as she surrendered herself to the magic of his demanding kiss. Marcus explored her mouth with his tongue, stroking her breasts one at a time, as his fingers got closer and closer to her pussy. Helen took her left hand off of him and slid it down his side. Stopping it at his hip, she squeezed his flesh first and then pushed him upward, intensifying the sensation of his stiff cock between her butt cheeks. Helen couldn’t wait to feel him inside her; the friction between their bodies was driving her crazy with lust. At the same time however, she wished that his sensual games would go on and on.

“Awww, yeaaaaaaah!” She groaned on an exhale, as his middle finger made contact with her hard, swollen clit. Unable to continue their kiss, Helen nuzzled her head in the crook of his neck and his chest, her breath blissful, as Marcus began to rub deliberate circles around her clit.

“That’s it, baby.” He uttered, gliding his hand over her chest. “Lay down on me.”

Once more, his raspy voice sent wave after wave of electric sensation pounding through her veins. Helen wished that she could climb on to him; yet, she could not find the strength in her muscles to do so. Loosening her grip on his arm and his leg, she kissed the base of his neck, as his finger satisfied her lust. Marcus tilted his head down, caressing her left breast, with her loud, pleasurable moans filling his ears. Helen brought her hips up, as he stuck his tongue out. Slowly running it across her chest, he rolled her nipple between his thumb and index fingers, as he rubbed her clit harder. A guttural grunt fled his lips, as she sank her teeth into his flesh. If anything, her gentle bite appeared to turn him on even further, as Marcus gave a firm squeeze to her breast. Helen could feel her orgasm was close. His fingers felt like magic on her. His soft lips were worshipping her chest, as she lay helpless in his strong arms, savoring every single second of the experience. Pulling her arms out of the water, she placed her hands on his hand, as if she wanted to take control of the action. But Marcus did no such thing. Instead, he slid his fingers down her quivering body, as he caressed her breast. Then, he parted her pussy lips with his thumb and middle fingers, as Helen swirled her tongue over the skin between his neck and his chest. Her juices soaked the tip of his middle finger, as he moved his hand over her pussy.

“Awww… Awwwww, yeah, baby! I’m going to come!” Helen’s loud, lustful moan resounded through the walls of his apartment, as Marcus slipped his finger past her entrance. Feeling it deep inside of her, Helen began to rock against him, taking her right hand off of his, as he massaged her breast. She reached up and cupped his cheek, as his fast-paced penetration coaxed her closer and closer to orgasm. Running her fingers through his beard, Helen pressed her hand onto his, his finger splashing with each thrust, as he wrapped his free arm around her. Helen lifted herself up, crying out, as her mind-blowing orgasm washed over her in wave after wave of intense pleasure. Hot, sticky juices poured out of her, enveloping his finger, as Marcus held her tightly in his embrace. Slowly sliding it out of her dripping wet pussy, he planted a kiss on her hair, as she struggled to catch her breath. Still, he didn’t move his hand away from her body at all. On the contrary, Marcus continued to trace circles around her entrance.

“Oh, my God…” Helen gasped, as a blissful smile formed on her face. “That was so intense.”

“I’m glad you liked it,” Marcus muttered, moving his lips down her head.

“Liked it?” She spoke, a hint of surprise in her voice, as she rolled over onto her chest. “I loved it.” She added, her eyes shrieking her desire, as their gazes met.

“I hope you’re ready for round two.” He said, his deep voice tempting her so much that she considered sex in the bathtub. All the same, Marcus soon made it clear to Helen that he had very different plans. Reaching up and to the right, he pulled a blue towel from the rack on the wall. Water rolled down his muscled body, as he rose from the bathtub floor. The drops that dripped from his swollen cockhead were thicker and whiter, mixed with his precum. She couldn’t resist the temptation. Her body was still trembling from the incredible orgasm he had given her and the sight of his big, hard cock sent her over the edge. Longing to taste him in her mouth, Helen sucked in a deep breath, licking her upper lip, as she put her hands on the bathtub floor. Locking her gaze on his manhood, she sat up and tucked her legs under her. Marcus was still wiping the water off of his chest, when she wrapped her fingers around the base of his shaft.

“Oh, I am,” Helen said in a husky voice as she looked up at him. Without wasting any more time, she smiled at him, before closing her eyes. Bending her head down, she ran her hand up his cock, parting her lips. The feel of his bulging veins in her hand made her pussy throb in eager anticipation. Reaching up, she cupped his chiseled abs, swirling her tongue around his cockhead.

“Oh, fuck.” Marcus groaned, tilting his head back, leaning his back against the wall, as Helen put his manhood into her warm, wet mouth. Grazing her fingers down his stomach, she started to stroke it, feeling his length pulsing over her tongue. She slid the point of her tongue around the edge of his cockhead, the taste of his precum getting stronger, as she sank her nails into his flesh. Marcus let his head fall back, moaning in sheer pleasure, as Helen flicked her tongue over his cockhead. She loved the sound of his enjoyment. Her nipples tightened, as she licked with eagerness, making his breathing deepen. A hungry moan escaped her, as she pushed his cock further down her throat. Marcus tilted his head forward and opened his eyes, his grunts audible over her muffled groans. He pushed her hair back from her face, watching as she bobbed her head up and down on his cock. Placing his hands on either side of her head, he began to gently rock into her mouth, as she lapped up the precum that was oozing out of the tip. Helen felt his veins throbbing beneath her fingers, as she jerked him faster and faster by the second. Knowing that she was bringing him closer to his climax, she would not stop. This was exactly what she wanted: To give him the pleasure he had offered her earlier. Sliding her hand down his groin, she sucked on him harder, sending him into ecstasy. Marcus tossed his head back, his body tensing as she gripped his cock with both hands.

“Mmmmph, I’m coming, baby…” He groaned and his leg muscles flexed as she pulled him out of her mouth. Helen ran her tongue down the side of his cock, moving both hands up and down his length, as she breathed hard down on his skin. She opened her eyes and glanced up at him, before his entire body stiffened. Marcus’s juices shot out of his cock, as he shuddered through an aggressive orgasm that left his legs shaking. A broad smile lit up her face, as she squeezed the last drop out of his quivering shaft. Letting go of his cock, Helen grabbed the side of the bathtub of support and stood up, staring up at him.

“I should punish you for that.” Marcus panted, desire written all over his face, as she leaned in towards him.

“Go ahead,” she encouraged, her voice sexy. “I’ve been a bad girl,” Just when she finished her sentence, Helen raised her leg over the side of the bathtub. “You’re going to have to catch me first.” She went on, stepping onto the floor. Willing to tease him, she sprinted across the bathroom and then turned right and into the hallway. Running into his bedroom, Helen picked up Marcus’s guitar and eased it against the wall to the right, as his footsteps became louder. She jumped into bed and rolled over onto her back, wondering what he meant by “punishment”. Whatever it was, she was too aroused to venture a guess. Spreading her legs, she fixed her gaze on the door to the right, as he stopped under the doorframe.

“I’m ready for that punishment,” Helen whispered, looking up into his hungry eyes, as he closed the distance between them.

“Some other time,” Marcus uttered, climbing into bed. “No more teasing for tonight.” She spoke no more. All Helen did was stare at him, as he lay on top of her. Bending his head towards her, he pressed his lips against her mouth. Feeling a burning lust inside her, she curled her arms around his masculine back, as he cupped her right cheek. His other hand landed on her hip, before she wrapped her legs around his waist. Helen could feel the moisture on his cockhead, as it rubbed against her stomach. Much to her optimistic delight, he was raging hard. Her hands glided over his back, as he slid his right hand across her stomach. Marcus grabbed his cock and aligned it with her entrance, as their kiss grew in intensity.

“Oh, yeah…” Helen whimpered, as he pushed through her tightness. “Come on. Fuck me, baby. Fuck me hard.”

Shoving his manhood deep inside her, he licked along the seam of her lips. She tilted her head back, as he slipped his hand up and into her hair, stroking her with fast, hard thrusts. Helen squeezed her eyes shut, feeling his every inch in her depths, as she grabbed and held onto his back. Marcus knitted his fingers through her hair, his warm breath on her skin making her body tingle, as he laid a long, fiery kiss on her chin. His muscles flexed beneath his skin, as his sensual penetration quenched her desire. Leaning back, he pulled his hand out of her hair. He ran his gaze down Helen’s curvy body, as she flexed her leg muscles around him. Marcus reached towards her, groaning louder as she grabbed his wrists. She led his hands to her breasts, biting her lower lip as she gazed up at his gritted teeth inside his mouth.

“God, your hands feel so good.” Helen moaned, as he squeezed both of her breasts. “Faster, baby.”

Her encouragement put an intense smile on his face. Tucking his legs under him, Marcus quickened his pace, watching her breasts bounce up and down, as she released his left wrist. Helen brought her hand closer to her face, as he rubbed her nipples with his thumbs. She slipped her index finger into her mouth, forcing a deeper groan out of him. The fact that her simple move aroused him so much made her stomach churn. But, she was not done teasing him. Helen cast her eyes down his sculpted body, sucking on her finger, as he plunged deeply into her. The sight of his muscles, flexing with every thrust sent her to heaven. Still, something else sent waves of molten pleasure, coursing through her body: Marcus’s big, stiff cock as it went in and out of her. Pulling her finger out of her mouth, she rested the tip between her lips, as her gaze shot up to his face.

“I’m going to come …” She exhaled with a moan, as he lightly pinched her nipples. “God, I’m going to come so hard.”

“I’m coming, too.” He groaned, licking his upper lip. “It’s so hot in your pussy; so fucking hot and wet.”

“Awww, yeaaaaah!” Helen whimpered as she tossed her head back, as his statement sent her over the edge. She spread her legs wide, desperate to feel his massive cock deeper, as he squeezed her breasts once more. Clenching her vaginal muscles around his shaft, she was suspended in a haze of breathtaking lust. Helen’s moans turned into screams of pleasure. Her entire body stiffened and shuddered in orgasmic bliss, as he pounded her dripping wet pussy. Marcus pulled out, his own body trembling as he gripped his cock. He jerked it fast and hard, before his powerful orgasm catapulted through him. Two streams of his juices landed on Helen’s stomach, as he struggled to catch his breath. He tumbled into bed beside her and rolled over onto his back. She rewarded him with a kiss on his chest and snuggled up against him, with a smile of contentment on her face.

“Be there for me, huh?” She purred, as he circled his left arm around her back. “You were amazing.”

“Thanks. What was I supposed to say?” Marcus wondered, “…the actual words? Nah. You were pretty great, too.”

“I wasn’t expecting this tonight,” Helen admitted, grazing her fingers up his stomach. “I thought you were going to shoot me down again.”

“Actually, I was hoping you’d show up.” His words forced her to look up at him.

“You were?” She asked in a voice filled with surprise.

“I think I overreacted last night.” Marcus gave a sad nod. “I mean, sure, dating each other won’t be easy, but we can be careful. Besides, you won’t be here long.”

“Would you, um…” Helen faltered. “Consider playing the guitar on the beach at night? I’m only asking because you said we need to be careful.”

“It depends on the beach,” Marcus replied, his voice calm and steady, “… and the day. Most of them are swamped on weekends. Why?”

“Because, I think it would be great for you and James to play together.” Helen made her voice sound sweeter “Michelle can sing. I think it’s going to be really wonderful.”

“We’ve been talking about that since he got here.” He told her. “We haven’t played together since high school. We were going to play tomorrow night. Tomorrow’s my day off.”

“That’s great!” She chirped, as her eyes sparkled with excitement. “Where would you play?”

“Butterfly Beach,” he was quick to answer, “At my cousin’s beach house.”

“I’m looking forward to it.” Helen laughed. “I’d love to see you guys play.”

“You should get some sleep.” Marcus suggested, his voice coming out a little drowsy. She gazed deep into his eyes, but she would not speak. Helen chose to close her eyes and rest her head on his chest, as he caressed her hair. A feeling of security washed over her, as she drowned in his scent. Her mysterious biker had given her an incredible night; she could not be happier.

Everything about tonight was just unbelievable. Great food, hot sex… I couldn’t have wished for anything better. And tomorrow? Well, I think that’s going to be just as great.”