Chapter 6 She's marking Her Territory

Anna's POV:

I watched as Claire rummaged through the cabinet, finally emerging with a worn leather photo album clutched against her chest. She practically skipped back to the couch and plopped down beside me, sitting unnecessarily close.

Claire's eyes sparkled as she turned to me. "Anna, do you want to see some childhood photos of me and Blakey?"

"Of course," I replied with a polite smile, genuinely curious despite sensing Claire's underlying motive.

She flipped open the album with practiced familiarity, pointing at a faded photograph. "Look, this was Blakey's sixteenth birthday, when I was just nine. And here we are horseback riding together. And this one. This was from my tenth birthday, and Blakey surprisingly sang me 'Happy Birthday.' You know how rarely he likes to show off his singing voice. "

I nodded and maintained my smile, though I couldn't help noticing how her eyes darted between me and the photos, gauging my reaction. She's marking her territory, showing me their bond predates mine.

"You two had such a close relationship growing up," I said, keeping my tone steady, not letting any emotions slip through.

Caroline arrived just in time, carrying a velvet box with her.

"Anna, dear," she said warmly, "these are some earrings from my personal collection. I've been waiting for the right moment to give them to you."

I stared at the stunning diamond earrings in shock. "This is too precious, I couldn't possibly—"

"Mom!" Claire interrupted, her eyes narrowing. "Aren't those your favorite ones?"

Caroline smiled serenely. "That's precisely why I'm giving them to my most beloved daughter-in-law."

I glanced at Claire, noting her increasingly distressed expression, and pushed the box toward Caroline. "Caroline, perhaps Claire would like them. She seems to appreciate them."

Caroline firmly took the box back and returned it to me. "No, Claire is too young for such valuable pieces."

Hearing Caroline's refusal, Claire's lower lip trembled.

Blake reached over and took the jewelry box from my hands, placing it in front of Claire. "Mom, just keep your jewelry for Claire. Anna has plenty of jewelry from me."

Claire's mood transformed instantly. She threw herself into Blake's arms, beaming. "Blakey, you're the best!"

Seeing that, I stood up with a bitter smile. "I'm feeling a bit tired. I think I'll head upstairs to rest."

Caroline seemed to call out to me, then she said something to Blake and Claire. But I kept walking further away, unable to hear, and honestly, not wanting to.

Fresh from my shower, I sat at the vanity in our bedroom, methodically applying moisturizer when Blake entered.

"Look who's here, the best Blakey," I mimicked Claire's lilting voice with deliberate exaggeration.

Blake's eyebrows drew together. "What are you getting at?"

"Nothing at all," I replied, casually smoothing cream over my face. "You two have such a deep, lifelong bond. Who am I to comment?"

Blake moved closer. "Jealous?"

"What right do I have to be jealous?" I laughed bitterly. "I'm just a convenient shield, aren't I?"

"Say that again?" Blake's voice dropped dangerously low.

In one swift movement, he pulled me from the vanity and pushed me onto the bed, pinning me beneath him. Our eyes locked in a silent battle.

"Anna, what's going on in that head of yours?" he growled. "Claire and I grew up together as siblings."

"Yes, siblings," I retorted. "That's why you do everything she wants, why you cater to her every whim..."

Blake silenced me with a forceful kiss. I tried to push him away, but his grip was too strong, and despite my anger, my body betrayed me by responding to his touch.

When he broke the kiss, his eyes burned with desire. "You don't want this?"

"No, I don't," I insisted firmly.

He only wants my body. He never understands what I really need—security, reassurance that I matter to him.

"Why are you blushing?" Blake murmured, his fingers brushing my cheek. He unbuttoned his shirt, revealing taut muscle, his intent clear.

"Blake, I—" His mouth silenced me, kiss deep and demanding. His tongue stroked mine, pulling a moan from me. My hands gripped his shoulders, anchoring myself.

I turned my head, panting, "Stop."

He ignored me. His knee parted my thighs, pressing against my core, sending heat pulsing through me. My hips moved traitorously, and I clutched his shirt, torn between resistance and need. His lips trailed down my throat, lingering at my collarbone, each kiss stoking the fire in my clit.

My dress bunched at my hips, panties soaked as his thigh rubbed my folds. The mattress creaked as he shifted, mouth teasing my breasts above my neckline. I arched, a whimper escaping—half protest, half plea.

He met my gaze, voice low. "Say you want it."

My resolve faltered, the ache between my legs drowning my shame. His smirk fueled my anger, but his hand slid under my dress, fingers slipping beneath my panties. He grazed my swollen clit, then dipped into my slick heat, making me gasp.

"So wet," he whispered, lips brushing mine.

His finger circled my clit, then pressed inside, stretching me. My nails dug into him, fighting the urge to grind. His cock, hard and slick, brushed my thigh, then nudged my entrance, parting my folds.

"Say stop, or I won’t," he growled, thumb pressing my clit, finger curling inside.

My body trembled, every nerve screaming, his erection poised at my core, ready to claim me—

"Blakey! " Suddenly, Claire's voice called from the hallway, followed by urgent knocking. "Are you there? I had a nightmare and I'm scared..."