Perhaps, henceforth, Marcus would find her repulsive. Once she repaid him, she vowed to vanish from his presence, sparing him any further distaste.

Marcus retreated to his hotel.

He had abstained from food since noon, and a subtle ache throbbed in his stomach.

Yet the more pronounced pain resonated in his head.

As he leaned against the sofa in front of the French window, smoking, he internally ridiculed himself. "Marcus, you are truly contemptible.