Chapter 25 Climbing the Line Natalie opened her drowsy eyes and glanced toward the door . 37 ) Finished The sofa was right next to it - but what she saw first wasn't the door . It was the figure lying on the couch . When her eyes met the man's , they widened in shock . " Mar- " Before she could finish , the man cleared his throat softly , cutting her off . He gestured toward the door with his eyes . Only then did Natalie quietly slip out of bed , her brain working at full speed to piece things together . Finally , she remembered how she'd ended up in this room ... So this was Marcus's room ? The knocking on the door next to them had only gotten louder - and it had even drawn Stella's attention . If she left through the main door now , it would be a disaster . Natalie rushed toward the balcony , only to find Marcus following her . He pulled the glass door shut behind him and leaned against the railing , expression calm . " Ms. Foster , don't you think I deserve a proper explanation ? " The knocking continued next door , louder and louder . " Mr. Collins , this is just a misunderstanding . I'll explain everything later , but right now I need to get out through the other room ... " Natalie turned , ready to climb , but then hesitated . It was broad daylight . Climbing over a glass railing - right in front of Marcus - was anything but graceful . " You're not really going to climb over that in front of me , are you ? " His voice came from behind her , low and unhurried . 1/3 19:35 Fri , Sep 19 Chapter 25 Climbing the Line Natalie turned back , forcing an awkward smile . 37 Finished She bit her lip and finally asked , " Mr. Collins , would you mind ... turning around for a moment ? " To her surprise , a faint smile lifted the corners of his lips . For someone so famously cold and aloof , it was the first time she'd ever seen such a soft expression on his face . He didn't say a word . Just looked at her quietly , not moving . " You want me to help you ? " Natalie blinked . " What ? " Marcus walked over and stopped right in front of her . Help her ? How ? Just as she was puzzling over it , he bent down - and swept her off the ground in a bridal carry . Her heart leapt into her throat . " Mr. Collins , this isn't appropriate ... " " What's inappropriate ? " His eyes narrowed , faint amusement flickering in them . " Aren't you two about to get divorced ? " In other words , if the marriage was ending , nothing else mattered . Still , the moment made her pulse race . This was Marcus . Jackson's Uncle Marcus . Technically , since she was still married , she should be calling him Uncle too . He seemed to notice her nervousness and wasted no time . Holding her firmly , he stepped right over the railing and set her down gently on the other side . She had been worried - would he really be able to carry her over ? But for Marcus , it was effortless . He placed her down with perfect precision , her feet landing softly on the floor . 2/3 19:35 Fri , Sep 19 4337 37 Chapter 25 Climbing the Line She turned to him , a trace of gratitude in her eyes . " Thank you , Mr. Collins ." Finished He quickly pulled his hand back and nodded toward the door . " If you don't go now , your son's going to knock the door off its hinges ." Only then did she realize how hard Aiden was still pounding on the door . Without wasting another second , she turned and rushed over . Behind her , Marcus watched her leave , lips curving into a quiet smile he didn't bother to hide . When Natalie finally opened the door , Aiden and Stella were both standing there . " Mom , I knocked forever ! Why did it take you so long to answer ? " Aiden looked up at her , a little annoyed . Just then , the door to the room next door opened from inside . " I drank too much last night , " Natalie said quickly . " Slept like a rock ... " She trailed off as her eyes met Marcus's , standing behind them . His gaze was dark and unreadable , lips tilted in a faintly amused smirk . Stella turned at the sound behind her . " Oh , Marcus , you're up too ," she said warmly . Send Gifts 20 B