***thank you all so much for the great reviews. It's certainly more than I expected and it's spurring me on to write more!***

Chapter nineteen

It was another fifteen minutes before the two of them made it downstairs and Vince looked pointedly at his watch when they sat at the table to have breakfast.

"I had to dry her hair, didn't I?" Mark asked. "We wouldn't want her flu getting any worse, would we?"

Vince gave him a deadly look and then studied Amy's averted face, not missing the flush on her cheeks or the marks on her neck where Mark had been kissing her there. He saw Linda glaring at him and gave a slight nod, knowing she was warning him not to say anything to embarrass them. He looked from one of them to the other as they kept giving each other covert glances and then Mark entwined his fingers through hers and rested their joined hands on the table, giving Amy such a loving look that Vince felt he was intruding on them.

He opened the newspaper and began to read it, ignoring them as they got on with eating breakfast.

Mark had heaped his plate up so high that the food was in danger of toppling off onto the table and Amy couldn't help giggling, comparing her own meagre portion to what he was about to consume.

"Well, look at me," he defended himself, one hand going to his waist and patting. "I'm wasting away! If I don't feed myself up I'll soon be too thin to wrestle!"

"Yeah sure you will," she scoffed, looking him up and down incredulously. "I'm surprised the chair can take all that weight!"

"Hey!" he said, looking offended. "Are you saying I'm fat?"

"Oh, just huge!" she agreed, eating her food slowly and realising she still didn't have any appetite.

"Well, you've told me that once already," he murmured, referring to something else entirely and she blushed, quickly looking at Vince and Linda to see if they had noticed his comment. But they were engrossed in their separate newspapers and hadn't heard him.

"Just eat your breakfast," she said, frowning at him as he grinned unrepentantly.

She watched him put the food away with incredible speed while she just pushed hers around her plate. "What's up, not hungry?" he asked her, nodding to her plate.

"No, not really. This is the first solid food I've had for days, but...I just don't feel like eating," she shrugged.

"Yeah, well you're going to," he said, finishing his and then taking her fork away from her, loading it up and then holding it to her mouth.

"Mark, I really don't think I can..." she began, only to find the fork being put in her mouth as soon as she had opened it.

"Yes, you can. You've lost enough weight since I last saw you, now I've gotta feed you up. A man likes something to grab hold of ya know!"

Vince's paper hit the table and he glared at the other man. "You're not grabbing hold of anything!"

"Not at the moment," Mark agreed pleasantly, smiling at the older man.

"Not ever," Vince grumbled.

"Well, then, how are you ever gonna be a grand-god-father...or whatever the hell you call it?" Mark asked, raising an eyebrow.

Vince was speechless for a minute and his eyes darted to Amy, seeing the look of astonishment mingled with longing that she couldn't quite conceal.

"That sounds pretty serious," Vince murmured, trying to gauge Marks' feelings.

"Doesn't it though?" he replied, smiling slightly and continuing to feed Amy, the conversation obviously over.

Amy obediently opened her mouth for the food each time he put the fork near her and pretty soon she had finished the entire plateful. In all honesty she was still bemused by his mention of children and all she could see were images of a miniature him running about, and she couldn't help smiling.

He eyed her curved mouth and then narrowed one eye. "What are you smiling about?"

She shook her head, the grin getting wider. "Nothing. Thank you for feeding me," she said, looking at her empty plate.

"That's my pleasure, darlin'. About time someone fed you up. Now I'm gonna make it my mission to get you healthy again, starting with a bit of gentle exercise to get those muscles going," he said, pursing his lips as he picked up one of her arms and squeezed the non-existent bicep. "Like a bit of spaghetti," he grumbled, sounding disgusted.

"What sort of exercise? Don't you go wearing her out," Vince warned him.

"Nothing too strenuous, I thought maybe some swimming. Your pool's heated right?"

Amy sat listening to them and felt her stomach turn over when he mentioned swimming. She had been hoping not to ever be pressed into going into the pool and she didn't know what to say, especially with everyone sitting there listening. She would wait and talk to Mark on his own later.

Unfortunately, later was a bit optimistic. It had barely been an hour before he hustled her upstairs and told her to get changed into her swimsuit and that he'd wait for her by the pool. Vince and Linda had gone to the company offices and Mark had the day off, so at least there would only be the two of them. She stared at herself in the mirror, tugging at the costume as she tried to get it to cover a little more flesh, then she gave up and slipped on a robe over it before grabbing a towel and making her way down to the indoor pool. Mark was already in the water and Amy found herself staring at him enviously as he swam cleanly through the blue water, his arms propelling him swiftly from one end to the other. He stopped at the edge and wiped the drops from his eyes, before giving her a grin. "Don't just stand there, get in," he said, waiting for her to do so. When she showed no signs of taking her robe off he frowned, watching her move nervously from foot to foot.

Amy's eyes shot from the water to him when he hauled himself out of the pool, her fascinated gaze taking in the sheer size of him as he walked towards her. His torso was all rippling muscle and tattoos and he had the most beautiful legs she had ever seen on a man, not that she had ever really looked before. But he was perfect to her eyes, and she couldn't stop looking at him. He stood in front of her, one hand coming to grab her chin gently. "What's the matter?"

"I...er...isn't there some other sort of exercise that I could do?" she asked, delaying the inevitable.

"No, this is the best sort, it works the whole body," he explained, undoing the belt of her robe and slipping it from her arms to throw it on a nearby lounger. His eyes did some looking of their own and he had to force himself to remember she was still too weak for what he wanted to do, because the amount of creamy skin he could see was turning him on quicker than he would have imagined possible. He took her hand and started pulling her towards the edge of the pool and she completely panicked, trying to tug her hand out of his.

"Whoa, what's wrong?" he asked, surprised by his reactions.

"You're not going to throw me in?" she spluttered, her eyes big and wary.

"Why the hell would I throw you in?" he said, frowning and then narrowing his eyes as a thought occurred to him. "Honey, can't you swim?"

"Not really," she said quietly.

"Not really? So, no then. Do you want to be able to swim?" he asked her, not bothering to find out why she couldn't swim in the first place.

"I think so, I don't know. What if I sink?"

"Then I'll be there to catch you, won't I? Come on, we'll get in the shallow end and take it slowly," he said gently, leading her to the steps and helping her down them into the warm water.

Amy had to admit she enjoyed the feeling of being in the water, but she knew that as soon as she tried stretching out to swim she would sink like a stone and she couldn't hide her trepidation from Mark.

"Do you really think I'd let you drown?" he asked her, pulling her inexorably out from the shallow end until she could no longer touch the bottom. "Don't panic, just let yourself float."

She tried to do as he said, but not being able to put her feet on the bottom was making her feel nervous. She grabbed hold of his shoulders, holding onto the only solid thing in the vicinity, and let out a shaky breath once she felt safe again.

"Now don't be a coward, sweetheart, you gotta learn sometime," he said, unwrapping her arms from his neck but putting his hands under them so she still felt safe. "Right, now I'll take you in so it's a bit shallower okay? Then you're gonna lay on your front in the water to get used to it. I'll hold onto you okay?" He was speaking to her as if she were a child, but she didn't mind at that moment, his voice sounded soothing.

After fifteen minutes of practising floating and kicking out with her feet, Amy was delighted that she could actually move in the water and not sink straight to the bottom. "I can swim!" she said when she regained her feet again after another floating session, trying to ignore the heat of his palm where he had been supporting her stomach.

Mark couldn't help grinning at her enthusiasm. "Well, not quite yet, but we're getting there. Want to keep going or are you too tired?" he asked her, not having missed the fact that she was getting more than a little puffed out.

She grimaced. "I am a bit tired, but I don't want to get out yet," she admitted.

Mark pulled her towards him and placed his hands on her waist, grinning wickedly down at her. "I could suggest a few things we could do!"

"Pervert," she said, her lips curving in a smile.

"How do you know it was something rude? Who's the pervert here, you or me?" he asked, trying to sound outraged.

"If I am becoming perverted then it's only because of your bad influence!" she retorted, laughing at his thunderstruck expression.

"Oh you've done it now!" he roared and began walking out into the deeper water, still clutching her. "Now what are you gonna do?" he asked, once he was up to his neck and she had no hope of touching bottom.

"Don't you dare let me go," she said, looking worriedly down.

"Honey, I haven't got any intention of ever letting you go," he murmured, pulling her arms around his neck and staring pointedly at her mouth. "You could always wrap those beautiful legs around me, just to make sure you don't drown."

She dropped her own eyes to his sensuous lips and hoped he was going to kiss her again, even though she knew she could initiate it herself if she felt brave enough. She decided she did, and she leant forward the inch needed and pressed her lips to his, flicking her tongue out to lick curiously at the corners of his mouth, learning him. His shape and his texture intrigued her and she pushed her mouth up against his harder until he parted his lips for her and allowed her access inside, his chest rumbling in a deep groan when she instantly delved inside and traced the edge of his teeth, meeting with his own tongue and rubbing softly against it. She lifted her legs up and slowly wrapped them around his hips, using the buoyancy the water gave her as support, stilling the involuntary withdrawal of her body when she felt how hard he already was.

Mark had allowed her to do her own thing, but as his body became more aroused he couldn't help taking over from her and deepening the kiss, thrusting his tongue repeatedly into her mouth much as he would like their bodies to join, holding her tightly against him so that her breasts were pressed hard against his chest and he could feel every curve and outline of her warm body. Before too long he was grinding himself against her softness, and it was only the faint whimpers she was making that brought him to his senses.

He broke off finally and took a deep shuddering breath, closing his eyes as he buried his face in her neck. "Honey, you do things to me I'm not sure are legal!"

"I only kissed you," she pointed out breathlessly.

"Yeah, and if you weren't still recovering..." he broke off and lifted his head, puffing out a soft breath. "Come on, let's get you dried and dressed, I don't want you having a relapse."

He lifted her out of the water with him as he got out, and slowly set her on her feet, his eyes dropping to her breasts. She heard his breath catch and wondered why, looking down herself to see what he was so entranced by. Her nipples had hardened due to the cold air making contact with her wet body and his eyes were riveted to them, his gaze so intense and full of meaning that she blushed and went to cover herself.

"No, don't you dare," he murmured, pulling her arms back down and lifting her up so his face was on a level with her chest. "I think I have a death wish, but I can't help myself..." he broke off and then put his mouth directly over one hard peak, suckling her through the cloth.

Amy arched backwards so violently that he had trouble holding her there, not that it once stopped him from enjoying her body. Her hands went to his head and threaded through his wet hair, half holding him to her and half attempting to tug him away, but eventually all such thoughts left her head. The pleasure his mouth caused her was intense and she was shuddering and nearly crying from frustration when he finally stopped and stared at her with glittering eyes. "I guess I'd better stop," he said, smiling grimly at her dazed expression, his breath panting out roughly. "Even if neither of us really want to. Come on," he continued, putting her down on her shaky legs and taking her quickly out of the room so she could cover her tempting body with clothes.

Amy had just come back downstairs after dressing when the telephone started ringing. She glanced up and down the hall and then shrugged, deciding to get it herself since Maggie was nowhere to be seen.

"Hello?"

"Well, well, well. Hello pretty, think I'd forgotten about you?"

Amy jumped and gasped, her hand going to her throat. It couldn't be, could it?

"Still there? Well, don't think you can run away this time. You should be more careful what shows you happen to appear on," the voice went on and she felt the blood leave her face. "Seeing those stupid dumb wrestlers carry you out there, I thought all my birthdays had come at once. I know where you are now, pretty, so make sure you wait up for me alright?" he said and then there was a click in her ear, letting her know he had put his telephone down. She shakily followed suit and stood staring at it like it had grown two heads.

She had hoped she'd never hear Tony Castrogiovanni's voice ever again, but it seemed her hopes had been futile. He had found her again. Now what did she do? She had to tell Vince, he would know how to deal with this.

Mark found her in the hall still standing staring at the telephone and he frowned, taking in her pale colour. "What's the matter?"

She jumped at the sound of his voice and cleared her throat. "My ex-boss just rang me."

"Ex-boss? What ex-boss?" he asked, puzzled.

"The one who was following me," she said quietly, chewing her lip.

"The one who sent you those damn letters? He rang you here?" he asked, his voice a growl when he realised who she was talking about. "How the hell did he get this number?"

"I don't know, he found me again."

He noticed she was shaking and he pulled her to him, tilting her chin up with one big finger. "What did he say to you?"
"He said to make sure I waited up for him," she said, taking a deep breath to try and steady her nerves. It didn't work. She laid her head on his chest and closed her eyes, holding onto him as though he could make the phone call go away. "I'm scared."

She felt him close his huge arms around her tightly, his breath puffing out on her hair as he lowered his head to nuzzle against her. "I know you are, honey. Don't you worry about nothing, I'll make sure he doesn't get you!" His voice was harsh and she could feel his muscles tightening in anger, but it didn't scare her, it made her feel safe. "Hell, if I have to stay glued to your side every second of the day, I will," he vowed.

His words made her briefly forget her own worry. "Every second?" she asked softly, thinking of what that would be like.

Mark felt the change in her and pulled back slightly, looking down at her wide eyes. "Yeah, every single second."

"Even at night?"

"Oh, yeah. Especially at night," he murmured, bending down to kiss her soft mouth, frowning in concentration as he savoured her.

By the time he drew back Amy had all but forgotten about the phone call, her entire being focussed on his mouth.

"But that wouldn't be possible," she said softly, frowning as she thought about it. "You have to work and...and..."

He leaned down and kissed her again, shutting her up. "I have time due to me. I'll talk to Vince and then maybe we can go stay at my place for a while. This 'Tony' won't be able to trace you there. Plus it may give Vince time to find out where he is and get rid of him."

"Your place?"

"Mmm-hmm, in Houston...well, just outside Houston. You'll like it I think," he said, framing her face in his big hands.

"What's it like?"

"It's a working ranch. I have people to run it when I'm not there and they live in a house on the estate. My own house is only ever occupied by me," he said, his thumbs stroking her cheeks, "and you, if you agree to join me. I'd really love for you to see the place."

She couldn't keep the pleased look from her face because he wanted her to see his home, and suddenly she forgot all about Tony and gave a brilliant smile, making him catch his breath. "I'd love to come and stay with you," she said dreamily, still smiling.

Mark found himself grinning back at her. "I'd love to have you there," he replied, thinking of just where he would like her to be sleeping when she got there. But not straight away, he didn't want to scare her off. "I'll talk to Vince about that later then. First we have to let him know about this phone call. You sit right there," he said, placing her in a chair just inside the hallway and then taking the telephone and ringing Vince. Amy watched him take charge of the situation and tell Vince what had happened, giving advice now and then and listening to what the older man was saying. When he put the phone down he noticed her concerned stare and smiled reassuringly at her, holding his hand out which she hurriedly rushed over and took. "There, Vince is going to call the police and set the wheels in motion. If this Tony person is anywhere nearby they'll find him, so you don't have to worry anymore okay? For now, do you think you're up to going out for lunch?"

"I think so," she said, not really sure because she felt really tired, but she wanted to stick next to him wherever he went.

"Good. I've got a rental car outside so we can drive to the nearest diner and have something hot and incredibly fattening to eat, just to help you get some meat on those bones," he said, smirking.

"And that's the only reason? It's not because you just want something huge to eat then?" she prompted, smiling at his guilty expression.

"Well, okay, maybe I am getting a bit hungry..." he trailed off and grabbed her up against him again. "Ya wouldn't want me gettin' all thin on ya now would ya girl?" he drawled, grinning unrepentantly. Amy shivered at the deep rumble of his voice, biting her lip and shaking her head, her expression earning a suspicious look from the big man holding her. "Hmm, seems to me ya like when I talk like that," he murmured, thinking back to what she had said once before about his voice being sexy. "I think that I may have to use that to my advantage sometime in the near future!"

Amy blushed but didn't look away from his mesmerising green eyes, loving every thing about this man and wondering if it would be okay to tell him that. She decided that maybe it would just be embarrassing because she didn't know how he felt about her yet. Besides, they hadn't known each other very long, maybe her feelings were just confused. She didn't really think so, but she would wait and see.

Mark smiled at the vast array of emotions crossing her face. "Come on, let's go. Today we have the rental, tomorrow my bike will be here and I can finally get you behind me for a nice ride."

"Your bike?"

"Yep, one of my Harleys. You won't be scared of getting on a bike will you?"

"No, I don't think so. I've never been on one and they look kind of fast, but I bet it's fun too!" she said, brightening up at the thought of going for a ride with him.

"They are fun, you'll enjoy it," he said. he looked down at her as they walked to the car and frowned. "It's cold out here, though, and I don't want you getting any worse. Maybe I'll wait a while, just until you're a little stronger." She looked so crestfallen that he laughed. "It won't be forever, honey, don't look so upset!"

"I don't want to wait," she grumbled as he put her in the car and closed the door. When he got in beside her he grinned.

"I bet you don't want to be ill again either do you?"

"Well, no, but..."

"No buts! When I think you're good and healthy then we'll go for a ride. Not before, got it?" he asked her, trying to look stern and failing miserably because he couldn't stop smiling when he was with her.

"Okay, but I don't like it," she said huffily, folding her arms over her chest.

"Well, well, well. I never knew you sulked. You seemed so sweet," he said, starting the car and driving smoothly away from the house and down the long winding driveway. "Now I find you have an awful temper, you hit people and you sulk. I guess I'm gonna have to sort you out sooner or later."

"Sort me out?" she asked after a few seconds of silence, wondering what he meant.

"Yeah. Maybe if I tanned that hide of yours you would go back to being sweet and lovely to me," he mused, casting her a sidelong glance and smirking.

Amy laughed at his teasing. "Like I'd let you get away with spanking me!"

"Oh really, you think you could stop me?"

"I didn't say I'd be able to stop you, I said I wouldn't let you get away with it," she replied, smirking back at him.

"Oh? And what would you do?" he asked her, scoffing at her ability to make him pay.

"Hey, don't be too confident just because you're bigger than me! I managed to get you down in the ring, remember?"

"True," he admitted grudgingly, smiling at the memory. "But that doesn't mean you'll ever be able to do it again. I always learn from my mistakes, you know?"

"Okay, well, we'll see then won't we?" Amy said, and gave a laugh at his outraged expression.

"You seem to be feeling very brave for someone who happens to be very weak at the moment," he said, stopping at a set of lights and tapping his fingers impatiently on the steering wheel.

"Well, that's because I know you wouldn't be mean to me when I'm not well, so I can pretty much say what I like to you at the moment!" she replied smugly, watching with concealed pleasure the way he handled the car. She loved watching him.

"And that's what you think, is it? You realise I'll only add them all up again and pay you back at a later date?" he replied, equally smugly.

Amy's face fell and she chewed on her lip. "Oh, I didn't think of that."

"Ah, see? Shows you should use your brain more!" Mark said as he pulled into the parking lot of a local diner.

"I use my brain a lot!" she protested as he turned in his seat to look at her affectionately.

He leaned forward suddenly and slanted his mouth over hers, expertly opening her lips and delving inside to taste her. Amy's eyes closed and she leaned helplessly into his embrace, forgetting what they had been talking about as he ravaged her mouth.

"Use your brain now, then," he said huskily as he pulled back, watching with amusement as she stared blankly up at him. "See? I can make you go dumb in less than five seconds," he crowed, laughing when she suddenly realised what he was saying and slapped his arm. "Attacking me again, sweetheart? Okay then, we can start from right now if you like. That's one," he said as he got out of the car.

Amy didn't wait for him to reach her side, opening her door and jumping out just as he got to her and giving him a cheeky grin.

He put his hands on his hips and glared at her. "What did I tell you about that? Get back in the car!" he didn't wait for her to reply before he bundled her back in and then made an enormous show of opening her door for her and offering his hand to help her out. Amy was laughing so hard by now that her eyes were full of tears.

"You fool," she said, giggling at his mannerisms.

"But you love me anyway," he murmured, kissing her fingers. "And that's two," he continued, tucking her hand into the crook of his arm and escorting her inside the diner, missing her shocked expression at his words. Did he know how she felt? Did it matter if he did? She decided not to worry about it right now, and simply enjoy the meal.

They spent a pleasant couple of hours eating and chatting, Mark trying to make her eat far more than she could comfortably cope with right now. He shrugged when she left a whole heap of food and helped himself to it. "I hate waste," he said, trying to defend himself as he wolfed down the remainder of her meal. Amy watched him happily and then gave a huge yawn, catching his attention.

"You're tired," he said softly, brushing his fingers against her cheek. "I should have seen it earlier, you aren't ready to be out just yet. Come on," he said, throwing a wad of money on the table and getting up, "let's get you home."

"I'm okay," Amy protested belatedly, not wanting him to leave her alone at the house and go off somewhere else. He read her expression correctly and smiled, pulling her against his side as they walked out to the car.

"I ain't going anywhere, honey, so you don't have to look like that."

"You're not?"

"Nope. Vince asked me to stay at your house instead of a hotel and, if it's okay with you of course, that's exactly what I'll be doing. Got any objections?"

"No!" she said quickly before he could change his mind.

He chuckled and put her in the car, joining her there a few seconds later. "Are you saying you'll enjoy me being with you?"

"I might be," she admitted, trying to not sound to eager, even if it was a little bit late.

"Hey, don't try and change your mind now, you're stuck with me!" he said, sounding slightly offended.

For a second she thought he was serious, but then she looked at him and saw the teasing light in his eyes and she couldn't help smiling. "How long will you be staying?"

"Until after Christmas, I've got matches scheduled until New Year. After that I'll arrange for us to go to Houston, and I can finally have you on your own!" He gave her a leering look and started the car.

"What will you do to me?" she asked after they'd been driving for a few minutes.

"You sure you really want to know?" he asked, his voice deep.

She glanced at his profile and bit her lip. "Maybe not."

"Coward," he murmured, concentrating on getting back to the house in one piece before his wayward thoughts made him crash.

Amy sat and watched him drive, content to simply do that. She almost didn't realise that the car had come to a stop and that they were home, it was only the way he sat and stared at her that made her aware of where they were.

"Planning on sitting here all day?"

"I wasn't paying attention," she said, smiling as she reached for the door handle, knowing it would get a rise out of him.

"Don't even think about it," he warned, grabbing her hand and squeezing it. He released it a second later and jumped out of the car, staring at her through the windscreen as he made his way round to her door, opening it with exaggerated courtesy. He raised his eyebrows in surprise when she got out and walked straight past him. "What's this? Not gonna call me a fool again?"

"What would be the point in telling you something you already know?" she said cheekily, grinning at him and continuing indoors with him following her.

"Oh I like that. Well, that's three I guess," he said with a smile, his hand snaking out to rest in the small of her back as he guided her up the stairs and into her sitting room. "What are we doing up here?"

"I thought you might like to rest for a while, watch TV and have a cup of coffee or something?" she said, feeling nervous all of a sudden now she had him in her room again.

"Oh?" he murmured, moving closer until he was towering over her, his eyes narrowing with amusement. "I like the sound of the 'or something'. What would that consist of darlin'?"

Amy was caught by his green gaze and couldn't look away. She tried to think of something to say and couldn't come up with anything plausible, so she opted for the truth. "Just a cuddle, if you wanted to."

"Oh I think I could manage that," he said, picking her up suddenly and then sitting down on the big sofa, settling her on his lap. He reached for the remote control and turned the TV on, flicking through the channels until he found some football and then leaning back with a smile on his face. It soon disappeared when he looked at Amy and found her staring at the television with a grimace on her face. "What's wrong sweetheart? Don't you like football?"

She turned her gaze to him. "Well, yes...but this is American football. Oh, I mean, I like soccer, but I can't get into this for some reason. I don't really understand it all that well."

"Well, that's okay, I can explain the rules for you, then maybe you'll enjoy it, huh?" He proceeded to do just that, explaining what a player was doing when she asked.

She didn't really enjoy it, but she did love the feeling of being on his lap and his big arms holding her and she settled her head on his chest, giving into the temptation that had been with her all day. She closed her eyes and relaxed fully, her weak body finally making her go to sleep.

Mark's arms tightened around her and he leaned his head back on the sofa, letting his eyes drift closed, the football game forgotten.