SLIM SHADY The Butcher of Detroit 3 ∆M

Marshall looked into her eyes, his expression turning earnest and sincere. There was a beat of hesitation, like he was carefully choosing his words. Then, he spoke, his voice a bit shaky.

__Marshall: "About that kiss," he began, his voice low and serious. "It wasn't a game, you know? I didn't just do it to mess with you or anything like that. I meant it. I... I really like you. I have for a while now."

Emily's heart skipped a beat at his words. She had been so confused and uncertain about his intentions, but hearing him say that he genuinely liked her… it was almost overwhelming.

She studied his face, looking for any sign of insincerity or deception. But all she saw was sincerity and vulnerability in his eyes. He looked at her with a strange mix of intensity and tenderness, and it made her insides flutter.

Her walls slowly started to crumble. The doubts and suspicions that had plagued her days began to melt away as she looked into his eyes. He was so close to her now, their bodies almost touching.

Marshall took another step forward, bridging the small gap between them. He reached out and gently cupped her cheek, his fingers tracing the curve of her jawline.

__Marshall: "You have no idea how much I've thought about you these past few days," he murmured, his voice husky and low. "I couldn't get you out of my head."

Emily felt a shiver run down her spine as his fingers brushed against her skin. His touch was gentle, yet it sent tremors through her entire body. She leaned into his touch, her guard completely dropping. Her gaze was fixed on him, her mind unable to form any coherent thought.

His thumb traced the outline of her lips, and Emily's breath caught in her throat. He was so close, so intense, and she was powerless to resist. He drew even closer to her, their bodies now only inches apart. His gaze was steady and unwavering, his eyes drinking in every feature of her face like he was trying to memorize them.

Emily's heart was pounding in her chest, her body tingling with a mix of anticipation and desire. She felt a strange mixture of vulnerability and safety, powerless against the feelings he was awakening in her and yet strangely secure in his presence. It was a bewildering contradiction, and it made her head spin.

__Marshall: "And that kiss… God, I don't think I've ever wanted anything as much as I've wanted to do that again." he whispered, his breath warm against her ear.

His fingers slid from her jawline to the nape of her neck, his touch sending tingles down her spine.

Emily's heart quickened, her pulse racing. His words, his touch, his very presence were overwhelming her senses. It was as if the rest of the world faded away, leaving only the two of them in this electric charged bubble of intensity.

__Marshall: "I want you to know, I have no intentions of playing games here. I honestly like you, Emily, more than I've liked anyone in a long time. And I'm not playing around. I want to prove to you that I can be serious, that I want something real with you."

His fingers continued to caress the nape of her neck, his touch possessive yet gentle. He leaned in closer, his lips mere inches from hers, their breath mingling.

__Marshall: "Give me a chance," he whispered, his voice a mix of pleading and determination. "Give us a chance. I know you're worth it, that we'll be good for each other. Just… give me a shot, Em. Please.

Emily felt the weight of his words. The vulnerability in his voice, the genuine desire in his eyes, it all reached something deep within her. She nodded, giving in to the feelings that had been building up inside her for days.

__Emily: "Yes," she heard herself saying, her voice a soft, breathless whisper.

A slow, heart-stopping smile spread across Marshall's face, his eyes lighting up with triumph. He pulled her closer, his arms wrapping around her, holding her snugly and possessively against him.

___Marshall: "You won't regret this," he murmured against her skin, his stubble scratching deliciously against her cheek. "I'll make you happy, Em. I swear."

Emily leaned into him, feeling the hard planes of his muscles against her soft curves. His scent, a mix of musk and something distinctly him, filled her nostrilsl. She closed her eyes, letting herself sink deeper into the warmth of his embrace, the last ounces of resistance melting away.

His words were like a promise, a pledge that she desperately wanted to believe. She could feel the rapid thump of her heart in her chest, the heat of her own desire coursing through her veins. She wrapped her arms around his waist, her fingers fisting into the fabric of his shirt, holding onto him tightly.

Marshall reluctantly pulled back slightly, his hands still on her shoulders. He looked into her eyes, his gaze soft yet intense.

__Marshall: "I should walk you home," he said, his voice a bit gruff. "It's getting late, and I don't want you walking alone."

Emily smiled, appreciating his thoughtfulness.

__Emily: "I'd really appreciate that," she said, looking up at him. "And honestly… with everything that's been happening lately, I'm a bit unnerved. Two other women disappeared in Michigan while you were there, and it's making me a little paranoid."

Marshall's expression shifted, a hint of concern flashing across his face. He wasn't expecting her to mention the disappearances, and he had to work hard to keep up the façade.

__Marshall: "Yeah, that's a bit worrisome," he responded, feigning empathy. "But I'm here now, and I'll make sure you get home safely."

Emily nodded, grateful for his understanding. She knew she shouldn't be so paranoid, but she couldn't shake off the unsettling feeling that had crept up on her since the disappearances. As they began walking, she unconsciously stayed a bit closer to Marshall, her hand nearly brushing against his.

Marshall glanced at her, noticing how she had inched closer to him. He felt a pang of satisfaction, knowing that she felt safer in his presence. He continued to walk beside her, his steps measured and careful. He could practically feel the tension and fear radiating off her, and he relished in it.

Marshall could feel Emily grasping his sleeve, her hand a slight trembling. He saw a flicker of unease cross her face, and without thinking, he reached out and took her hand in his, intertwining their fingers together. The gesture was surprising to them both, but Emily didn't pull away. In fact, she held on even tighter, her fingers gripping his like a lifeline.

Marshall and Emily continued to walk, their hands firmly linked. Emily's initial unease slowly faded as she focused on the sound of his footsteps and the warmth of his hand around hers. He made small talk, asking about her day and making her laugh, and his efforts to keep her mind off her fears seemed to be working. Soon enough, they arrived at her apartment building, the familiar sight bringing a wave of relief to Emily. He walked her to the door, bidding her goodnight.