Chapter 29. Branded for Life

Marcus sat with his head in his hands, unable to get any work done. Hurting Cara wasn’t his aim, but she was being stubborn and had refused him point-blank. Marcus felt insulted, and her words pierced his heart more than anyone else’s. Did she think that low of him? Surely he didn’t have the best of reputations, but he couldn’t stoop that low! He would never force her to his bed. He liked her! Why was that so difficult to understand?

The silence all around the house made him fear the worst. Had she left him? He slowly got up and walked out of his studio to check. Not finding her in the kitchen or living room, he walked over to his bedroom and found the clothes he had bought for her, neatly folded, and kept on a couch. 

His heart sank with dread as his worst nightmare came true. Cara had left him forever! Where would he now get his inspiration to paint? He was back at square one. All his hopes of being able to recover from his painter’s block were dashed now. Feeling