<em>~ Marcus, in Mari’s bedroom with everyone ~</em><br/><br/>As Bo and Nicci settled on the floor getting comfortable, Marcus felt himself relax a little more.  This felt right, this little powwow in the bedroom with all of them together and teasing each other.  A smile graced his face when Bo made his comment about knowing the truth.  It was another tease but coming from the ex-soldier, it meant he was relaxing a little with each interaction that occurred and that gave Marcus hope.  He’d liked Bo the moment he met him that night and took no offense from his comment.  In a way, they were comrade at arms, though the playing field was very different than any either had played on before now.<br/><br/>Nicci’s words drew him back from his thoughts about Bo and he grinned, watching her pull the first truffle out and offer it to Mari, who took it with a sensual grace that made Marcus’s mouth water just a little bit.  The images of what else Mari could do with that mouth of hers flooded his mind momentarily but like smart men everywhere, he kept his thoughts to himself…this time.  He laughed when she mentioned Angus, knowing his friend’s ears must be burning right then.  It was the kind of comment he’d expect from the woman, who always displayed wit and intelligence to go with her beauty.  She was the kind of woman Marcus knew he could fall for easily and hoped just a little bit of magic was already starting to build.<br/><br/>The antics continued with the truffle parade passing to Mila next, followed by a dusting of chocolate on her nose that looked so cute.  When Nicci turned to him, holding the dessert lightly against his lips, he let heat flood into his gaze.  Opening his mouth, he slipped his tongue out and rolled the treat from her fingers into his mouth.  As the taste of her skin, from the brief touch of his tongue, warred with the taste of the truffle, Marcus closed his eyes and sighed contentedly.  Finally opening them, he flicked his tongue out again, cleaning his lips thoroughly before smiling.  “Mmm, delicious” he said, though it wasn’t clear if he meant the chocolate or the beautiful woman in front of him.  As he leaned back, he glanced around, enjoying the playfulness between Bo and Mari also, letting it all wash over him.  For the first time in his life, a close personal dream was slowly coming together and it was the most wonderful site in the world to his eyes.<br/>