CHAPTER 27
Having the power to read each other's minds without being a fairy-tale creature was rare or almost non-existent, but as I walked toward Zane, I could read him like a book.
It was a dance of unspoken connection, a silent capoeira, where our gazes intertwined in the rhythm of fresh beginnings.The sun shone brightly, and the unusual February warmth enveloped us.
Zane stood by the school gates, clad in his signature black leather jacket, faded grey skinny jeans, and a black hoodie, hands tucked casually into his pockets.He seemed to possess the same ability to sense my thoughts, his smile reflecting that understanding.
I had chosen a light blue long-sleeve top paired with loose-fitting light jeans and a soft grey windbreaker.My hair was pulled back into a high ponytail.I strode confidently toward him.An air of calm surrounded me.My heartbeat was steady, reassuring me that he was mine.
As soon as I drew closer, I didn't hesitate; I craved to merge with him.Our lips collided in a fervent kiss that brought the world around us to a standstill.Some onlookers stared in surprise, a few chuckled, and others whispered, but their reactions were irrelevant.This moment was perfect, and I reveled in it.His lips felt as if they were made solely for me.They were mine.
His hands wrapped around my waist, pulling me nearer, while I entwined my arms around his neck, drawing him in even tighter.His scent enveloped me, and the taste of him ignited an uncontrollable desire that clouded my thoughts.
The world spun away, and I wished time could slow down so I could savor this bliss for longer.The kiss softened and slowed, and as our lips parted, an invisible thread of craving lingered between us.Our eyes locked, each reading the other's unspoken language—words became superfluous.
Then, he stepped back and extended his hand toward me.
“Come with me,” he murmured, his voice laced with a hypnotic charm.
“Where?We have school,” I replied, my mind protesting.
“Let's enjoy the morning together just this once.The weather is too beautiful to waste inside,” he coaxed, his tone gentle and teasing.
“I've never skipped school,” I confessed.
“So let me be your first—” he paused, his eyes holding mine, “—who would let you do this.”A smirk played on his lips that sent my heart racing.And just like that, he took my hand, and I found myself following him, ready to walk to the edge of the world.
I didn't ask any questions as he guided me toward his car, swiftly removing my backpack and tossing both of our backpacks onto the back seat.
He instructed me to climb in, and I complied without hesitation.The engine roared to life, and we were off.I couldn't help but steal glances at him now that I had the freedom to do so.
“What's up?”he chuckled, catching my gaze.His dimple was prominently visible in the soft light.
“Just admiring the view,” I replied, relishing the feeling of being candid.He turned a shade of pink.
“There's nothing to admire, really.You're just distracting me,” he said with a grin.We both knew we looked a bit silly, unable to stop grinning at each other.
“Where are we headed?”I inquired, intrigued as we left the town behind.
“To a place where no one will question you skipping school,” he replied, sparking my curiosity.Time seemed to fly as we dived deep into conversation, sharing stories about our lives, hobbies, and favorite memories.The connection was electric.It was all so different, so free.I still thought this was just a dream.I could touch him whenever I wanted; I could look at him, speak to him, and ask questions.I just couldn't wrap my mind around the idea of him, or the idea of us.I felt like I was losing my grip on reality, scared that all of that might just dissolve like smoke.
I spotted a large sign, and my jaw dropped.
“Are we really going to Rome?”
“Absolutely.”
“But I need to be home by 3 PM!”
“Don't worry, I'll drop you off right after.We'll have a few hours to explore,” he assured me, easing my concerns.I decided to push thoughts of consequences aside for now, opting to deal with them if and when they arose.
Finding a parking spot was trickier than expected, but he managed to squeeze into a garage.We stepped out, and the sun enveloped us in warmth.People hurried by, scooters zipped past, and cars honked—chaos reigned, yet it felt beautiful.
“I love big cities,” Zane said, inhaling the vibrant atmosphere.
“Why's that?”I asked, genuinely curious.
“Because I can do this, and nobody will care,” he said, pulling me in for a quick kiss before picking me up and spinning me around in his arms and setting me back down.I needed a moment to recover.“You see?”he gestured around us.“No one cares.”We both laughed, continuing our stroll with his arm around my shoulders, stealing kisses whenever he felt like it.I didn't mind one bit.
