Chapter 4: After the Fall—A New Claim

I was about to answer, to thank him, but—

The next moment, his lips were on mine—a soft, sudden warmth, heat blooming between us. I stiffened, surprised by the tenderness, but didn’t pull away.

Uncle Mark’s lips pressed gently against mine, the taste bittersweet, a strange mix of grief and comfort. I clung to him, needing the reassurance, letting myself fall into the sensation.

I was terrified, my body tense, but Uncle Mark wasn’t finished. He deepened the kiss, his hands cradling my face. I gasped, caught off guard by the intensity. My heart raced—fear and something else tangled together.

I stood frozen, barely breathing, as he pulled back, his eyes searching mine. The look he gave me—soft, intent—sent a shiver down my spine. I felt wanted, cherished, and it scared me.

Meanwhile, Tyler was still watching, trapped on the phone screen. His face was a mix of shock and anger. I glanced over, guilt and relief crashing together. But I didn’t look away. I wanted him to see exactly what he’d lost.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Tyler’s mouth moving—probably shouting—but no sound came out. He looked desperate, powerless behind the mute button. I watched him, weirdly satisfied that he couldn’t touch me anymore.

I reached for the phone, wanting to turn it off in embarrassment, but Uncle Mark pulled me into a tight embrace right in front of Tyler’s stunned face. His arms locked around me, holding me close. I pressed my face into his chest, letting the tears come. For a moment, nothing else existed.

"Hey, just listen to me, okay?" His voice was soft, a gentle command. I nodded, trusting him. The pain faded, replaced by his warmth.

Uncle Mark’s sudden tenderness made my knees weak. I just let myself be held, not moving, letting him keep me safe. The fear and anxiety ebbed, replaced by peace. I closed my eyes, breathing him in.

He didn’t say another word—just kept kissing my tear-streaked cheeks, gentle and steady. Each kiss was a silent promise. I leaned in, letting myself relax. The world outside could wait.

"Brianna, your face is all blotchy from crying. Makes me feel bad for you." His words were soft, full of concern. I managed a watery smile. He brushed a stray lock of hair away, his touch feather-light.

Tyler was still talking, but Uncle Mark and I couldn’t hear him. His voice was just a silent blur. I tuned him out, focusing on Uncle Mark, letting myself hope for something better.

But everything Uncle Mark said, Tyler could hear—loud and clear. The thought made me almost laugh. Tyler was forced to watch, forced to listen. Maybe now he’d realize what he’d lost.

On the other end of the call, Tyler’s face went beet red, eyes blazing as he glared at us. He was furious, but still totally silent. He banged his fists on the bed, but it didn’t matter.

Uncle Mark stroked the back of my neck, his tone playful as he said, "So, Brianna, you still not over him?" His fingers traced lazy circles, sending little shivers through me. He smiled, eyes twinkling with mischief. The tension in the room shifted, turning almost light.

He turned my head gently, guiding me to look up at him. I found myself staring at his throat, at the steady rise and fall of his breath. I looked up, surprised by the intensity in his eyes.

I met his stern gaze, searching for some hint of what he wanted. My breath caught, nerves jangling. I felt exposed, but not afraid—not with him.

"...No..." The word slipped out, barely a whisper. I was just about to deny it, but the truth was written all over my face. I shook my head, tears still falling.

Uncle Mark smiled, then pulled me close, holding me tight. He chuckled softly, his chest rumbling against my cheek. I melted into his arms, letting myself be held. For a moment, it was just us, the world outside forgotten.

"Then let me punish you in front of him, alright?" His voice was gentle, teasing. The words made my heart skip. I nearly fainted, panic prickling across my skin. I looked everywhere but at Tyler, not sure where to land my gaze. My heart pounded, fear and something else twining together.

I tried to convince myself Uncle Mark was just trying to scare me, push me to finally break things off with Tyler. I held onto that hope, needing it to be true. The idea of being punished in front of my ex was humiliating—and, weirdly, a little thrilling. I didn’t know what to expect, but I trusted Uncle Mark to keep me safe.

His palm slid over my skin, heat blooming everywhere he touched, making me shiver. It was electric, overwhelming. I gasped, surprised by how much I felt. The fear faded, replaced by anticipation.

Uncle Mark’s half-smile lingered, his gaze fixed on my lips, a possessiveness in his eyes that made my breath hitch. I felt claimed, wanted, and for the first time since everything fell apart, I didn’t feel alone.

My boyfriend Tyler could only...