Day one hadn't been too terrible, and Alexei made himself scarce.

The majority of the day was spent just herself and Amber. There was security around. Alexei had popped up here and there, but he doesn't say or do anything frightening. Tammy knows he is the one from the other night. It had been a decent day. Some shopping happened, but Amber promised more tomorrow. How much did they need for this trip?

Tammy is glad to be home.

Home, she shakes her head. Tammy's already thinking of this apartment here with Mark as home. It is interesting. It still blows her mind how quickly she has adjusted to a new normal. Ever since Alexei and Amber have shown up, Tammy feels a sense of dread. Something in the pit of her stomach feels a change is on the horizon that she will never come back from.

Mark sits at the counter.

He looks up; as she enters, Amber had a key and lets Tammy in. Tammy sat bags down. She feels weary after a day full of panic attacks. Every time she was in the presence of Alexei. The secrets and the changes are already weighing heavily on Tammy's mind and heart.

Things are moving fast in every direction, and every moment feels like a constant battle to survive.

Although Alexei kept scarce, Tammy underwent high anxiety knowing his presence looms. Tammy looks away as her cheeks warm. The way Mark looks at her brings a flush to her pallor complexion. Mark lingeringly states at her as though she's the best thing he's seen all day.

At the same time, there is much sorrow in his eyes. Mark is pensive most days, and in a new mood, Tammy couldn't place her finger on.
His family being around wasn't seeming to make Mark any better than he usually is. If anything, she feels his family has made him greatly unhappy, and he doesn't seem to want to go to Russia either.

Tammy clears her throat. Cookie just died, was murdered, and no matter how odd Mark's grief, now isn't the time to be all over him.

Tammy tries to resist being all over him, but Mark doesn't make it easy. He always finds a reason to touch her or kiss her. He's glued to her, and Tammy has to admit she loves the way he can make her feel in her body and her feelings.

They've become oddly bonded, that moment on the couch changing things between them. Mark appears to completely embrace it while, for apparent reasons, Tammy is apprehensive but feels out of control of Mark's assertion and her natural inclination to submit to him. She wants him, and it feels natural to have him.

Whatever between them, suffocating at times and massive, feels more immense feeling than themselves and bare. Tammy walks over to Mark. Her presence is bringing him instant relief and satisfaction. They are still figuring out when intimacy is reciprocated.

"Is everything okay? " Her voice sounds soft and unsure to her ears.

Looking down, Tammy spots a bandage, on his wrist, with fresh blood showing through. Tammy doesn't want to notice, as Mark moves the wrist out of view, with slight movement. Had he done that to himself?

Why is that her first thought?

What about Mark lets her know he could be destructive against himself? Tammy knows there is more to his family than she knows. Mark has a secret, and he avoids it, but with his family being here, it is almost as though he can't run.

Mark nods, acknowledging her worry. "Yeah, everything is alright. I don't like being around my family. I need to get my head straight and get out my feelings. "

Tammy moves closer because she feels Mark willing her to. "I guess every family has its problems. Come on, let's get high as fuck, and watch movies. It's weird seeing you sad. "

Mark gives her a sad smile, but Tammy can tell he's coming around. "Come on; I got something you might like. "

Mark takes Tammy by the hand, and they go to his bedroom; it's more like their bedroom now. Mark doesn't like her too far. He hasn't said he, but it's how Mark acts; she knows he always wants her close.

Mark goes into the closet before handing Tammy a box. There's a brand new pair of custom sneakers contained. Tammy instantly warms again at the intimate gift. She never had anyone make something for her. She's grown up with money, and Mark has money to buy things, but he made this. Her excitement is barely at Bay as she removes the box's top.

The sneakers are high tops, white, having completely gold glitter soles encapsulated with epoxy, the tongue is gold glitter that ombres to a silver glitter at the top, and the shoelaces are white but have a gold ribbon Intertwine with Them. The shoe is beautiful but straightforward and her size.

Glancing upward, Tammy notices gold and silver glitter dusting Mark's black sweats. It causes her stomach to revolt with embarrassment. Once again, it's a subtle bomb that shows Mark's infatuation with her. Tammy slightly wonders if something is wrong with her. On the one hand, she's happy with how Mark makes her feel and fantasizes about all these moments with him, but on the other hand, she finds herself slightly put off by his attention at times.

Mark made these for her today.

A warm feeling spreads throughout her. It is incredible to Tammy that she inspires him to make beautiful shoes. Yet, she feels that disgusting embarrassment to be a part of the romantic intent.

Mark, standing in front of Tammy, watches her expression closely. Finally, her stomach settles, and she can face him, so she lifts her eyes. Tammy, seated on the bed, looks directly into Mark's eyes.

Tammy isn't looking to hide her reaction from him. Mark is looking to see what she thinks and feels. Biting her lip, Tammy revels in the eye contact, and yet, her stomach flips once again.

"These are so beautiful. I could never buy something as beautiful as these. You're really talented mark. "Tammy says the words meaning them with her whole heart.

Mark smiles shyly. He licks his lips before kneeling. They are eye to eye. He has a white cube in his hand that he puts near her lips.

Never breaking eye contact, Tammy opens her mouth. He places the cube in her mouth, and it begins to Desolve. His thumb traces the outline of the corner of her bottom lip. His eyes caress over the area with restrained intent to kiss.

"you really like them?" Asking with false disinterest before planting lingering kisses on Tammy's neck.

"of course I do. They're amazing. " Tammy says with a tiny breathy moan. Suddenly, Mark tickles her. "Mark, stop!" she squeals out, giggling from his assault of tickles.

He stopped, leaning over her, and smiled a boyish smile. He was so handsome and so relaxed. "You love it, Tammy. "

Tammy smiles up at him while regaining her breath. They smile, goofily, at one another for a minute. It feels so delicious to see one another, honestly. Next thing, Mark took off running, and they play tag.

After running through the apartment twice with him, they made a fort and ate snacks. Soon, they would have to leave for Russia, and Tammy didn't feel as worried as she did before. They smoke, whatever it is Mark passes. Tammy knows Mark wouldn't give her anything crazy.

She feels so warm and close to Mark, but should she... though?

Mark pulls the grey hoodie off his head. "We should get some sleep soon. We have a long day tomorrow."

Tammy wraps her thighs around Mark's waist, throbbing from his claims of her all over the apartment. "Aww, you tired already."

Mark leans down, pecking her cheek. He moves a piece of hair from her face. He gazes down, mesmerized. "You know I don't get tired. Are you sore?"

Tammy bit her lip. She was a little sore. They had made love all over the apartment and even in the fort. "I am a little bit. "

Mark rubs on her stomach and then back to her eyes. "You think we could fall in love with each other? I mean, like if I hadn't kidnapped you and all...do you think..."

His words are jumbled.

It is like he was speaking as fast as possible, and he didn't have courage. It's adorable, this sudden shriek of boyish shyness. The red flutter of pink in his cheeks. His beautiful brown eyes sparkle. His flushing enhances the freckles over his nose.

Tammy cuts Mark off with a peck on his lips. She holds his chin, forcing their eye contact. "Are you in love with me, Mark? "

His jaw flexes in resistance to her firm grasp. There is a subtle resistance in the way he bites his lip at the condescending tone of her question. Tammy never breaks eye contact, holding his jaw tighter; daring Mark to answer.

Longingly, Mark's eyes rest on Tammy's lips before initiating a kiss. Tammy has to allow her to hold to soften and melts into the kiss, and he sinks into her moist flesh. "Answer it, Tammy, you're always sassy. . ."

Mark smooths hair out of her face and moves delicately.

She's been so thourally made love to by him that it doesn't take much stimulation to have her ready and going again. Mark doesn't hide marvel in his eyes as he looks over her face, blinking like a camera's shutter. Although embarrassed, Tammy can't break the hold of his gaze, compelled to see him.

"That's right, baby, don't be sassy right now..." Mark's voice in her ear causes Tammy to shudder.

She rolls her eyes to show precisely how 'sassy' she can be and enjoy the sounds of pleasure Mark makes as he moves slow, deep, and long with no rush. His lips flutter butterfly-like kisses on her cheeks and shoulders. For a moment, Mark is lost within her. It's a decisive moment for Tammy to witness Mark become truly consolidated with her, more than just their bodies.

"I think even with you kidnapping' me, that maybe if you keep your asshole levels low, I can love you. " Tammy admits as he stops and gives her a pinning stare.

His eyes mechanically scan her. It's as though he can sense truth.

Mark smiles brightly into the crook of Tammy's neck. "So it's safe to say this can be something? "

Tammy's smile fades as Mark presses the issue.

Why is this so important to him? Suddenly she's feeling trapped by everything about him. He holds her hands firmly above her head, and she has to breathe deeply to prevent panic. The movement seems to speak volumes that not only is she physically trapped underneath him, but he's not letting go.

There is intense fear in the realization of Mark not letting go.

Suddenly, there is unexplained fear of the unknown again. Why does it feel she agrees to something bigger if she says yes to him. Doesn't he know they can never be real?

Mark is pretty good-looking and obviously from a different world than she. "Mark, I don't like when people play with my feelings..."

He parts her legs further and begins to make his strokes deep and roll his hips with perfected control to command her compliance. Tammy holds onto his shoulders, and Mark kisses her as they are pressed close. Mark kisses the side of her face.

"Good, I don't play when I tell people they are touching my heart. " He moans the words before claiming her swollen lips in a passionate kiss that takes her breath.