I’ve been skirting the edge of sanity since my talk with Angel that afternoon. I kept my eye on the door for hours, but no one came—not even to demand a cooked meal or to offer me one, for that matter. Maybe he decided to starve me until I gave in to his friends.
The rest of the day passed, and no one came. I decided to take a shower before bed. I used to love showers until Angel used it as a way to torture me. The water was freezing cold, and I couldn’t bear to spend more than two minutes inside. Stepping out into the equally cold air without a towel to dry myself or keep me covered also made me dread them.
But this time, I stepped inside of the private bath and found a towel waiting on top of the vanity. I longingly ran my fingers over the thick white cloth but was smart enough to know Angel had made his move. He thought he could pay me to slut for his friends with a towel. I lifted my fingers and entered the shower, and this time, I welcomed the cold spray. I just hoped it froze over my heart this time.
When I was done with my bath, I ignored the towel and stepped back into the room.
“Mian.”
I screamed my surprise, but it was quickly cut off by a strong hand lightly clamped over my lips. “Shh. It’s just me.” I recognized the playful sound of Z’s voice and tensed even more.
He finally let go of my face, and I sputtered, “Is that supposed to comfort me?”
“I’m sorry if I frightened you.”
“No, you’re not.”
“I am. I won’t argue with you,” he added when I started to tell him off. Instinct warned me that underneath the boyish smirks and mischievous eyes lurked someone who dominated as easily as he played.
“What are you doing in here?”
“I have a proposition for you.”
“Oh, great,” I replied sarcastically. “Another one.”
“You have a wicked sharp tongue, you know that?”
“I’m usually a delight. It’s the assholes and child abductors I have trouble holding back for.” He didn’t get angry like Angel or annoyed like Lucas. He laughed and nodded his head in agreement.
“I can understand the temptation.” The look in his eyes said he was talking about a different temptation. I needed to change the subject fast.
“What’s your proposition?”
“All business. I respect that.” He grinned, and I swear if I had panties, they’d melt.
“Zachariah.”
“No one calls me Zachariah.”
“I do.”
“You are a mother,” he whispered with admiration. I tapped my foot letting him know I was becoming impatient. “I know you want him.” Before I could deny what we both knew was the truth, he added, “But you want to withstand him more.”
I struggled to find the denial that would make the most sense. The one that would sound the most believable when uttered.
“Yes.” I instantly regretted giving him even that much. I shouldn’t trust him since we both knew whose side he was on.
“I could help you.”
“Why would you do that?” How would he do that? He didn’t answer right away. Instead, he lifted me in his arms and carried me to the bed. “What are you doing?” I squeaked when he followed me down.
“Isn’t this where you were headed?” He leaned over my prone body. His hands were planted on each side of me, keeping me caged in. God, he smelled good. Like citrus and smoke.
“Yes, but without you.”
“Relax.”
“Get out and I will.”
“He kissed you, didn’t he?”
I wasn’t even surprised by the abrupt change of subject. “How do you know that?’
“Lucas said you two were pretty cozy this afternoon.” Damn, Lucas and his big mouth. “So?”
I nodded.
“Did you enjoy it?”
“Of course, I didn’t.”
“Don’t lie to me, Mian. I’ll know.”
“Why do you care? Did he send you in here to find out how good of a kisser he is? I’m nineteen, and even I find that completely juvenile.”
“What upsets you more? That he kissed you and left you wanting more, or that he didn’t come back for more?”
“You’re full of yourself.”
“I wish you were full of me right now.”
“God! You’re so—”
“Hot?”
“Looks don’t win over every girl. Sometimes a little chivalry is needed.”
“Let me get this straight.” I didn’t like how his hot gaze traveled from my eyes. Down they went until they settled between my thighs and rested. “The idea of Angel kissing you again while you are full of me,” he spread my thighs apart until I was bared completely for him, “doesn’t make you wet?”
“Z, don’t—”
“You need relief,” he guessed. “I could give that to you.” Without permission, he moved his fingers between my legs. I moved to close them, but he was too quick. His fingers settled over my lips, stroking, and teasing my arousal higher.
“I wish you wouldn’t do that.” The moan that followed didn’t help me sound convincing.
“I could help you, princess.”
I hated how my body grew warm all over when he called me that, and how the ache between my legs intensified under his command.
What an asshole.