Mark lay back, chest still rising and falling with uneven breaths. His skin glowed with the aftershocks of pleasure, and his body trembled slightly as he turned his head toward David. A flushed, dazed smile tugged at his lips.
I haven't felt this good before," he said, voice low and raw. "It was just me, but—God, having you watch me… It was everything. He said that shamelessly, he felt so good David.
He stretched out on the bed, sinking into the sheets like he never wanted to move again, his eyes half-lidded and heavy with satisfaction.
"I needed that," he whispered, looking at David with something fragile and real in his gaze. "More than I thought."
David sat beside him, brushing a hand through his hair but before he could say anything, his phone buzzed on the nightstand.
He glanced at the screen, his expression tightening. Without a word, he stood up and picked up the call.
"I have to take this," he said, already heading for the door.
Then he was gone, leaving Mark alone in the dim room.
After ending the client calls. he descended the stairs, tucking his phone into his pocket, his expression unreadable. The scent of polished wood and gardenias lingered faintly in the air a detail he might've noticed if his mind weren't still upstairs with Mark.
He reached the ground floor just as the front door creaked open.
Soft footsteps echoed across the marble floor, light and familiar. A teasing voice followed, laced with amusement.
Hello, Your one and only Dnie Marcos is back?"
David turned toward the foyer, and there she was Dnie, standing confidently with a travel bag slung over one shoulder, sunglasses perched on her head, and a mischievous grin tugging at her lips. Her sharp eyes swept over the house like she was inspecting her territory.
"Dnie," he said, a touch of disbelief in his voice. "Is that really you?"
She smirked. "In the flesh. I'm back."
David stepped forward, surprised but visibly pleased. "How did you get here?"
"Mimi dropped me off, but she left already," Dnie replied casually.
Without hesitation, she stepped inside, letting her bag fall beside the wall and slipping off her shoes like she'd never left like this was still her domain.
David gave a faint smile and opened his arms. "You could've at least texted."
Where's the fun in that? she said, pulling him into a quick hug. Then she pulled back, eyes scanning the stairs. Alright, now where is he?
David blinked. Who?
She scoffed. "Don't play dumb. Where's my baby?
There was a beat of silence.
David's shoulders stiffened slightly. "He's upstairs."
She started toward the staircase.
Don't, he said quickly, stepping in front of her. "Give it… thirty minutes.
Dnie stopped, her head tilting. She narrowed her eyes at him. Why?
Just wait.
Her brow arched. "What did you do?
Nothing.
That was too fast, she shot back, folding her arms. You definitely did something.
I didn't, David snapped, a little too sharply.
She smirked. You're so defensive. I know that tone. Her voice dropped into a teasing murmur. What happened? Did you finally eat him up?
"Dnie."
Did you eat him or break his heart which one? she said, poking his chest. Tell me the truth, or I'm going up there right now.
I said nothing happened, he growled, stepping back.
But Dnie just laughed, following him like a cat chasing a mouse. Your face is red, David. You totally did something.
David groaned and turned on his heel, storming back up the stairs, muttering under his breath.
Dnie stood in the hallway, giggling to herself, when a shadow moved behind her.
Tony lingered near the archway, arms crossed, eyes cold and unreadable. He had watched the entire exchange in silence. His jaw was set tight, his posture stiff.
He said nothing.
But the resentment burning in his eyes was louder than words.
A few minutes later, soft footsteps padded down the hall.
Mark had just finished showering. His damp hair clung to his forehead as he buttoned up a loose shirt. The room still smelled faintly of soap and steam when he heard a knock at the door.
"Come in," he called out, running a towel through his hair.
The door creaked open.
"Surprise," a playful voice said.
Mark paused mid-motion, his breath catching. That voice…
He turned, slowly, almost afraid he was imagining it.
Then his eyes widened. "Oh my God… Dnie? Is that you?"
She leaned against the doorframe, grinning with her usual spark. "Back in the flesh."
Mark broke into a smile and rushed to her. "I missed you so much!"
They hugged tightly, his arms clinging to her like he never wanted to let go.
"I can't believe it," he said breathlessly, pulling back just enough to see her face. "Did you just get back today?"
She chuckled. "Truth is, I've been back for four days.
Mark blinked. "What? Then why—?"
"I told your brother I arrived today. Don't rat me out," she grinned. "If David finds out I lied, I'm toast."
Mark chuckled. "Wow. Classic Dnie." I get it, David can be dangerous, I know he hates lies.
She winked and dropped onto the edge of the bed, kicking off her shoes. Dnie's expression shifted, her playfulness giving way to concern. "So tell me, how have you been coping?
He nodded, then sat beside her, shoulders brushing. For a moment, neither of them said anything. The silence settled between them comfortable, but heavy.
Dnie glanced at him, Mark how are you doing?
Mark stared ahead, then exhaled slowly. "I'm fine."
Dnie frowned. "You always say that."
He gave her a tired smile. "Because it's easier than the truth."
Her tone softened. "It's been three years, Mark. Three years in this house. No freedom. No outside world. I can't even imagine…"
"I'm used to it," he muttered.
"I know you're not fine, you are not used to it, you just doesn't have a choice." she whispered. "I can feel it just being near you."
Mark looked at her then, eyes filled with something he couldn't quite say.
Dnie placed a hand on his arm. "I wish I could get you out but I don't have power over David But this time… I have a plan."
His brows drew together. "What kind of plan?"
She shook her head. "Just trust me. I'm going to talk to him again, and I won't back down this time."
Mark hesitated. "Don't push yourself too hard. He's not going to listen. You know how David is."
She looked straight at him. "Then I'll just have to be louder than him."
Dnie laughed, the sound echoing through the room like old times. She plopped down beside Mark, tucking one leg beneath her.
"Okay, okay," she said, still grinning. "Now let me tell you everything you've missed—because trust me, it's a lot."
Mark leaned in with interest, his eyes lighting up as Dnie launched into one story after another—talked about everything life outside, people Mark used to know, the world that had kept moving without him. He'd listened closely, soaking in every detail like sunlight, even when it hurt a little.
Eventually, Dnie steps slow, thoughtful.
"Well," she said, smoothing a crease from her jeans, "I should let you rest a bit."
Mark gave a small nod, his smile tinged with something bittersweet. "Thanks for today. For just... being here."
"You don't have to thank me," she said gently. "I'm your sister too, remember?"
She turned toward the door but hesitated, glancing back at him.
"I'll be back, okay? Just need to handle something."
Mark met her eyes and nodded. "I'll be here."
She gave him one last smile quiet and full of understanding then slipped out, the door clicking softly behind her.