“I don’t know, maybe because I didn’t know if you felt a modicum of what I feel for you, and that is fucking terrifying.” He pauses, dragging his hand down his face. “Because the last time something happened between us, it just seemed like you were looking for a distraction and I was the nearest option.”
“Do you really think I would lead you on if I didn’t feel the same? That I would hurt you like that?”
“You’re the only one who can,” he says, tossing me a desolate look. “It would be so easy. You could crush me.”
“Your faith in me is truly inspiring.” I rip my boots off and toss them aside.
He groans in frustration. “I’m just trying to keep up here. This is a lot to take in.”
“Look, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you what Margot said sooner. I just—I didn’t know how. And I was so afraid that if I did…your feelings for me would change.”
“That’s what you were worried about? That I would change my mind once you told me?” He pushes to his feet.
“I wouldn’t blame you if you did. You made it clear that you want me—all of me.”
“Of course I do, Serena. But I would rather have some small part of you than nothing at all because that is how badly Ineedyou.”
I feel his words deep in my knees.
“Zadyn, you deserve so much more than?—”
“Listen to me.” He takes a few slow steps toward me, leaving the cane resting against the nightstand. “We deserve each other. We deserve to be happy.”
“And what if I can’t make you happy? What if I let you down?”
What if I find a way to ruin this?
“There is no world in which being with you doesn’t make me the happiest I’ve ever been.” His words are sincere and heartbreakingly honest, melting away my resistance. “Just answer me one question. Do you want me?”
I let my gaze drag over the map of his face—the bronzed skin, the hollow of his cheeks, the sharp curve of his jaw, the caramel hair shadowing those earthy, depthless eyes.
Want doesn’t begin to cover it.
I give him a nearly imperceptible nod.
“Then the rest we can figure out in time.”
“And what if there is no time? Two weeks is almost up. What if this is the worst idea in the world?”
His voice is so confident, so sure, that I almost believe it. “We will have time. Because I will make sure of it. And like you said—on brand.”
I bite my lip, contemplating.
“You can’t keep looking at me like that if your answer is no.”
“I’m not looking at you like anything.”
“Serena.” He gives me a doubtful look, crossing his arms over his broad chest and sweeping dark promise into his voice. “You’re looking at me like you want me to bend you over that chair and fuck you stupid.”?*
My jaw hits the ground.
Actually, that doessound pretty good.
He takes another slow step toward me.
“What’s it going to be?” His hand slides into my hair, tipping my face up to his. “Because I can’t go much longer without tasting you.”
Heat slashes across my cheeks and pools in my belly. I pull him closer, the need for him growing painful.
