It’s just me and Zach now, standing beside my car, the night humming around us.
He looks at me like he’s still ready to fight for me.Like he would’ve taken on all of them alone if he had to.
Zach’s eyes are shadowed, hungry, filled with something raw and undisguised.It’s desire, pure and unmistakable.
Heat rushes to my face, staining my cheeks in what I’m guessing is a deep crimson.I can’t believe what I’m seeing, can’t believe that Zach, the infamous Devil Souls enforcer, is looking at me like he wants to devour me whole.
“You didn’t have to do that,” I finally manage, my voice barely above a whisper.“Fight for me.”
Zach steps closer, eliminating the space between us.“Yeah, I did.”His voice is rough, lower than usual.“Been wanting to do a lot of things when it comes to you, Doc.”
I swallow hard, my pulse racing.“Like what?”Instead of answering, Zach reaches up, his thumb brushing across my lower lip, leaving a trail of fire in its wake.“You really need me to spell it out?”
“Maybe I do,” I challenge, finding courage I didn’t know I possessed.“Maybe I’ve been waiting a long time to hear it.”
The confession hangs between us for a heartbeat before Zach growls low in his throat and backs me against my car door.“Been watching you for years,” he admits, his body pressing against mine.“Driving myself crazy wanting what I thought I couldn’t have.”
“Why couldn’t you have it?”I ask, my hands tentatively settling on Zach’s waist.
“You’re too good for this life.Too smart.Too clean.”Zach’s eyes track over my face like he’s memorizing every detail.“And I didn’t think you’d want someone like me.”
I laugh, the sound tinged with disbelief.“Are you kidding?I’ve had a thing for you since high school.When you’d come to football practice, wearing that leather jacket…” I shake my head.“You have no idea how many fantasies started that way.”
Something dangerous flashes in Zach’s eyes.“Tell me more about these fantasies, Doc.”
Before I can respond, a shout from across the parking lot breaks the moment.
“Yo, Zach!We need to move before the cops show up!”One of the MC prospects is waving frantically.
Zach curses under his breath but doesn’t step away.“This isn’t over,” he promises, his voice pitched for my ears only.“Not by a long shot.”
“It better not be,” I reply, surprising myself with my boldness.
With one last burning look that promises everything, Zach reluctantly pushes away from the car.“Give me your phone,” he demands suddenly, holding out his hand.
I comply without hesitation, watching Zach punch in his number.“Call me when you get off shift tomorrow,” Zach says, handing the phone back.“I think we’ve got a lot to talk about.”
Our fingers brush during the exchange, the brief contact sending electricity up my arm.“I will.”
As Zach walks away to join the others, I lean against my truck, heart pounding, body still humming with awareness.I still can’t believe what just happened, can’t believe that the man I’ve wanted from afar for so long might actually want me back.
“What was that about?”Samantha asks, appearing at my side with a knowing smirk.
I can’t tear my eyes away from Zach’s retreating form.“I think I just got asked out by a Devil Soul member.”
“About damn time,” my sister replies, nudging me with her shoulder.“You’ve only been pining after him since forever.”
“I haven’t been pining,” I protest weakly.
“Sure, X.Whatever helps you sleep at night.”She glances between me and Zach, who’s now mounting his motorcycle.“Though after tonight, I’m guessing sleep isn’t what’s on your mind.”
I don’t bother denying it.Because she’s right, sleep is the furthest thing from my thoughts.All I can think about is tomorrow, and the call I’ll be making as soon as my shift ends.
As the party bus pulls away, filled with cheering, battle-worn women, and Zach’s motorcycle roars to life, I allow himself a moment of pure anticipation.The night may be ending, but something else, something I’ve wanted for longer than I care to admit, is just beginning.
* * *
Zach
