The elevator doors opened, and Darius walked out. He held one side to prevent it from shutting. “Going up?”
Her pulse quickened. Marcus focused closely on Carina. Her heart pounded, and there was a fine shine of perspiration on her skin. She was on the verge of panicking. He pulled her close and shook his head at Darius. His clansman nodded and disappeared.
Marcus rubbed his hand over her upper arms. “You don’t like elevators?
“Sorry. I don’t do metal boxes suspended by cables. Can we walk?” Carina looked up and down his powerful body.
Marcus enjoyed how her gaze lingered on his muscles and the bulge in his pants. “The security vantage point is a long way up.”
“I bet we could race up there,” she challenged him.
She was tipsy enough that he wouldn’t risk her falling. Another time, he’d allow her to win. “We could,” he agreed. “Or I could carry you.”
Before she could protest, he scooped her up in his arms and sped up the stairs. Marcus preferred this mode of reaching the summit but hadn’t wanted to tax his Little girl. Carrying her up the three-story, winding staircase was the perfect solution. Conscious of how much she’d imbibed, he did slow down to avoid making her sick. When he set Carina on her feet, her stomach grumbled as she ran her hands over her hair, smoothing it back into place as she looked around the observation deck.
Someone, bring one of those big pretzels with cheese dip to the observation deck, please.
Got the munchies, Marcus?Darius asked in an amused tone. Their finance guy had reclaimed his spot, holed up in the office separated from the fun. He obviously suspected he was missing out.
Just a Little girl who’s had too many Carinas. Titus, you understand after this you’ll have to create a new drink for every Little girl we find,Marcus growled mentally.
I will celebrate each mate found with my own magical concoction.
Approval flooded in from every direction as the clan weighed in on that promise. Now, it was written in stone. If anyone could be that creative, Titus would meet the challenge.
Carina wrinkled her nose at him when she finished fixing her hair. “I’ve never gotten windblown from speeding up stairs. And you were carrying me.”
“You must have worked up an appetite with all that dancing. I’ll get us something to eat,” he said, ignoring her comment on his fast pace.
“Hey! It’s neat up here. You can see everything.” She rushed to the clear railing to lean over. Marcus steadied his Little girl, afraid she would lose her balance after too many Carinas.
“Welcome to the observation deck. Some security guards are stationed here to communicate with others on the ground. Other employees also work on this level.”
Immediately, Carina spun to wave enthusiastically to everyone before looking back at him. “I like it up here.”
Enchanted by her positive nature, Marcus leaned down to kiss her and loved how Carina scooted close, as if she craved touching him. His body reacted to her wandering hands as he deepened the kiss.
Hearing a mental ahem, Marcus lifted his head and guided her toward the man who approached to introduce her. “Carina, this is Darius. You saw him before at the elevator. He’s brought you a treat.”
She blinked at Darius, who stood in front of them with a bottle of water and the pretzel. “Thank you?” she said tentatively.
“Of course, Carina. I am glad to meet you.” He handed everything to Marcus and excused himself.
“Where did he come from?” she whispered.
“Greece.”
“I mean…. Is he a waiter or something? He has to be one of you guys to get up here that fast."
“He takes care of the clan’s finances. And, yes, he sped the treat here for you.”
“It’s still warm.”
“It cooled slightly as he held the pretzel while your hands were exploring.”
“He didn’t notice that. Did he?” she asked, as her cheeks bloomed with an adorable shade of pink.
“Darius doesn’t miss very much, Little girl. He also would never tell your secrets. Except to me.” Somehow Marcus knew that was a wise addition to make to his statement. “Come explore. This is where I stay unless there is a problem.”
