Chapter 21 288 Machine Marco's own arousal stirred , but he held it back , respecting the boundaries they had carefully navigated since their marriage . Delilah , sensing his gaze lingering on her , huffed slightly . " You're crossing the line , " she said , though there was a hint of amusement in her voice . " Crossing what line ? " Marco replied , his voice teasing as he raised an eyebrow . Delilah smirked , pushing him lightly , forcing him to shift to the other side of the bed . " That's it . Your side of the bed . Stay there . And don't cross this . " Marco glanced down at what she called " this " -a pillow she had placed down the middle of the bed , dividing it into two clear halves . He hadn't even noticed it when he first climbed in , too focused on her . With a sly grin , Marco leaned over , grabbed the pillow , and tossed it to the floor without a second thought . 0.00 % 13 160 Chapter 21 1288 Vouchers " I married you , " he said , his tone playful yet firm , as he shifted closer to her , pulling her against him . " That means I'm allowed to do this . " Delilah's breath hitched as Marco's warmth enveloped her . His arm wrapped around her waist , and his chest pressed against her back . It wasn't an aggressive move , but a possessive one , something she hadn't expected to enjoy as much as she did . Still , she wasn't going to give in that easily . " Marco , " she began , trying to sound stern , but her voice betrayed her as it softened . " You're not supposed to- " " Supposed to what ? " he interrupted , his voice low and smooth in her ear . " Hold my wife ? " She could feel her face heat up , the blush creeping up her heck as his breath brushed against her skin . His lips grazed her ear , making her heart race faster than she'd care to admit . " We have rules , Marco , " she tried again , though her protest was growing weaker by the second . 18 27 13.150 Chapter 21 11 24h her Marco chuckled softly , his grip tightening just a little , but still gentle . " The only rule tonight is this , " he murmured , turning her slightly so she was facing him , their noses almost touching now . " You and me . Together ." Delilah stared at him , her eyes searching his for any sign of humor , but all she saw was sincerity . His gaze was intense , but it didn't make her feel nervous or threatened . Instead , it made her feel ... safe . She didn't want to admit it , but the closeness - the warmth - was comforting , especially with the rain pattering against the windows , stirring up memories she'd rather avoid . She sighed , finally giving in . " Fine , " she muttered , though she wasn't really angry . " But don't think I'm just going to let you do this every time . " Her words sounded firm , but inside , a quiet storm was brewing . She wasn't used to feeling this way - like she could let her guard down without paying a price . 38.18 % 17 160 Chapter 21 It had been so long since she'd trusted someone this deeply , let alone a man who could easily crush her heart if he wanted to . But Marco was different . ** Wasn't he ? ** 28 Vogahers There was a possessiveness in his touch , but it didn't come with the suffocating weight she feared . Instead , it felt ... protective . Secure . A warmth that wrapped around her without demanding too much . Maybe that's what scared her the most - the way she was already softening under his embrace when she should be pulling away . ** What if this was all a game to him ? ** The thought flickered in her mind , a defense she'd used countless times before . Yet , when she looked up at Marco , all she saw was sincerity , his eyes watching her with something that made her chest tighten in a way that was both unfamiliar and oddly comforting . Marco grinned , clearly pleased with himself , and pulled her even closer , pressing a light kiss to her temple . " I'll take my chances . " Delilah rolled her eyes , but a small smile tugged at her lips despite herself . 13.16 Chapter 21 126 Vsudiers She couldn't deny the way her body had relaxed against his , the warmth and security of being held by him easing the tension she hadn't even realized she'd been carrying . For a while , they stayed like that - quiet , with only the sound of the rain outside and their slow , steady breaths filling the room . Marco's hand rested on her hip , and her fingers absently traced the patterns on his pajama sleeve . She stole a glance up at him . " You really are something , you know that ? " Marco smirked down at her , his eyes glinting in the low light . " You're just realizing that now ? " " Maybe , " she said softly , her eyelids growing heavy as sleep finally began to pull her back under . Marco's smile faded into something softer as he watched her drift off , his fingers still gently caressing her side . He could feel her steady breathing , the way her body relaxed into his , and for the first time in what felt like forever , Marco felt ... at peace . 70.86 %