“Seriously?”I asked, incredulous.He shook his head.I stepped back into his room, which was tidy and devoid of any personal touches.“Who cleans this place?”I inquired, unable to imagine V taking on that task.
“I do,” he replied, raising an eyebrow at my surprise.“Well, at least I did that before you came over,” he chuckled.
“So this is where you live?”I asked, taking in the lack of personality in the space.It felt lifeless.
“Actually, we rent this apartment.It came fully furnished.My dad works nearby, and the commute was a hassle, so we stay here during the week and go home on weekends,” Zane explained.
“And at home, do you have a big bed too?”I teased, smirking.
“Actually, I do.I like having plenty of space,” he said, his words compelled me closer as I touched his forearms.His fists tightened, and I noticed goosebumps appearing on his skin.He remained still as I continued to run my fingers along his arm.
“You've never shared the stories behind your tattoos,” I remarked, tracing the intricate designs on his forearm.
“Would you like to see them?”Zane asked softly, and I had to swallow hard before nodding in response.Without a moment's hesitation, he lifted his t-shirt, revealing his bare skin in an instant.I couldn't help myself; my hand moved instinctively over his tattooed body.
I felt his muscles tense under my touch as I traced the patterns from his arm to his shoulder, gliding across his chest and sliding down his toned abdomen to his waist.I then shifted to his back, following the curve of his spine.I was mesmerized by the artwork—a stunning hourglass cradling a tree within it.
“Do they carry a specific meaning?”I whispered, struggling to keep myself from leaning in closer.
“Yes, they do,” he replied, allowing me the time to take in the details.“It symbolizes the cycle of life and the inevitability of change, as well as the balance between life and death.We don't own time; it's given to us in limited amounts, and we should cherish every moment,” he explained, his words carrying the weight of deep contemplation.
“What about this crack on your right side?”I inquired.
“That one means that life is beautiful and flourishing, but it is also fragile and subject to breakage,” he replied in a gentle tone.I shifted back to his arm, where another tattoo depicted a clock, a skull, and fragmented pieces.
“And this one?”I asked, my fingers dancing over the ink.
“Similarly, it speaks to time, the inevitability of death, and the complexity of life's experiences,” he said, following my fingers with his gaze.
“And the lightning bolts?”I continued, tracing my way to his shoulder.
“My life took a dramatic turn after my parents separated.I had to quickly adapt to those changes, and V’s transformations also played a role in my decision to get these tattoos,” he shared.
As my hand glided to his waist, where another lightning tattoo was freshly inked, he spoke again.
“And this one is for you.You struck my life like lightning, shattering my world once more.”He searched my eyes for a reaction.My mouth went dry, my heart raced, and it felt like it was about to leap from my chest.“The word'hope'was my final addition.It carries many meanings—rising from challenges, resilience, healing, dreams, and aspirations.And…you… you are my hope for the future,” Zane said, his voice thick with emotion.We both felt it—the intensity of our connection.
His desire solidified before me.In an instant, he swept me off the ground, our bodies colliding as I wrapped my legs around his waist.He lowered me onto the bed, positioning himself above me.
At that moment, I craved everything; I wanted to merge with him completely.The overwhelming hunger for him crashed over me like a powerful storm wave, leaving me breathless and weak.
Every muscle in my body tightened with impatience.I yearned to remove any barrier that kept his hot, heated skin from touching mine.Just as I thought my desire would be fulfilled, the doorknob turned, and the door swung open wide.
Chapter 29
In an instant, Zane sprang to his feet, leaving me momentarily paralyzed with surprise.V stood at the doorway, her face a mix of disbelief and simmering anger.
“Are you out of your mind?You brought her here?”V yelled, her gaze fixed on Zane.Then, her eyes dropped, and in an embarrassed fluster, she turned her back to us.“For goodness' sake, at least cover up,” she added.Zane quickly spread his palms to shield himself, trying to mask his embarrassment.
“V, just go and close the door,” he said in a tone that brooked no argument.
“Just so you know, Dad will be here any minute.I just spoke to him,” she replied, leaving the door ajar as she stormed to her room, slamming the door behind her.I remained on the bed, breathless.Zane’s eyes shifted to me.
“I'm sorry, but you need to leave.My dad doesn't like having guests over,” he said, his voice a mix of seriousness and regret.I rose quietly, smoothing out the sheets as Zane hastily slipped on a t-shirt.
When we descended the stairs, the front door swung open, and we froze, locked in a silent exchange.Zane’s father stepped inside, his gaze darting between us, but his emotions were unreadable.
He was a medium-built man in his fifties, bald on top with wisps of gray hair on the sides, dressed in a faded forest green suit, a white shirt, and a brown tie, clutching a brown leather briefcase.His dark, piercing eyes held a menacing quality, reminiscent of V’s—she had inherited those same eyes.
