“Tyler, relax. I took care of Lillie.” Marcus gestured to the bed. “Get back into bed.”
If it wasn’t such a serious situation, Marcus might’ve laughed at the expression of shock and fear on Tyler’s face.
“What do you mean, you took care of her? Where is she?” A horrified expression crossed his face. “You didn’t bring her to the club, did you?”
“Don’t be an asshole; of course not.” Injured or not, Marcus had no problem snapping back at Tyler’s ludicrous suggestion. “I called your house and that lady, Mrs. Kirsch, was happy to stay with her the whole day.”
Tyler nodded with relief but didn’t get into bed. “Okay, yeah, thanks, but I have to get home.”
“No.” Marcus planted himself in front of Tyler. “You can’t go home and live by yourself and take care of a little girl. That apartment is up six flights of stairs. You don’t even have a bed to sleep on.”
A muscle jumped in Tyler’s jaw, and Marcus wanted to cover it with his mouth and lick it. “I’ll be fine.”
“I know you will be, because I already arranged for Mrs. Kirsch to bring Lillie to my house, and you and she can stay there while you recover.”
“You’re out of your fucking mind. I’m going home, and if I need anything, Sylvia—Mrs. Kirsch—will help me.”
This was more like it. He enjoyed sparring with Tyler, and watching him get all self-righteous was a big turn-on for him.
He folded his arms and looked into Tyler’s angry eyes. “Too late.”
To his shock, Tyler shoved him backward. “You can’t take over my life, Marcus; you don’t own me.”
Careful of Tyler’s injuries, Marcus slid his hands around Tyler’s neck and pulled him close. His skin felt soft and warm, and the silky curls at the nape of his neck slid through his fingers. Despite the heat in the room, Tyler shivered, and Marcus suppressed a smile with the knowledge that his touch affected Tyler.
“Trust me, when I do own you, you’re going to know it.”
Chapter Ten
‡
Life was provingto be one series of disasters after another for him. Tyler fumed, but during the night when he’d been knocked out cold by the medication, Marcus had charmed and befriended everyone in the hospital, so not only did everyone agree he should go home with Marcus, they all believed they were a couple.
The doctor had come by to give him medical clearance to leave, and Marcus, sensing he would bolt at the first likelihood, stood sentry by the door, talking to his doctor friend, Micah, who had arranged for his care. After finishing in the bathroom, Tyler approached the two men.
“Thank you for all your help last night. I really appreciate it.” He held out his hand. The doctor took his hand.
Micah Steinberg, as his name tag identified him, reminded Tyler of Marcus. Not only in the physical appearance– they both had a similar self-confidence in their mannerisms.
“Not a problem. I’m glad Dr. Lerner could help.”
He ran an assessing eye over Tyler, but unlike Marcus, whose frank gaze sent a multitude of confusing, sexual responses through his body, Micah Steinberg’s look was purely professional. Tyler caught a glimpse of a wedding band on the man’s hand. Micah noticed his stare and gave him a surprisingly sweet smile.
“Sorry,” said Tyler, his face growing hot. “I didn’t mean to stare.”
“Not a problem. My husband is a lawyer, and Marcus was telling me you have your niece living with you. If you ever need any legal help, give us a call.”
His heart stuttered to almost a full stop, and furious, he rounded on Marcus. “Why would you tell a complete stranger about my life? You have no right.”
Micah took him by the arm and walked him back inside the room. “I may be a stranger to you, but I’m Marcus’s friend, and I have two young children of my own. If you ever need anything, my husband, Josh, and I are happy to help.”
“It’s not you I’m upset with; it’s him.” Tyler indicated Marcus, who’d remained at the door. “He swooped in and thinks he’s in control of my life.”
Micah chuckled. “Yeah, he’s like that with everything. His way is the only way.”
“Right?” Tyler nodded in agreement. “He’s impossible. I don’t need someone like him to run my life. I’m fine as is.”
“Are you, really?” Micah’s silvery eyes bore into him. “Marcus told me a little about you, so understand that I’m not passing judgment. But this isn’t only about you; there’s a child involved.”
