Page 34 of Zombie

Typically I rode in the car without playing music. I preferred listening to podcasts or just thinking instead of listening to the lyrics of lovesick artists.

I turned on my playlist without looking at what was playing. “Angel” by Sarah McLachlan started to play and I immediately hit the “next” button. I did not need to think of the dogs and cats in the animal shelters right now.

“Aw man, why did you change it?” Arrow grumbled in the passenger seat.

I jumped at the illusion of my best friend. I was still seeing him so often it was hard to tell reality from fiction anymore.

Next “A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton started to play while Arrow sang along. After the first chorus I changed it, hating the way it made me think of Lennie.

The third song came on and this time I groaned out loud. It was Arrow’s favorite Moana song, “You’re welcome.”

Arrow danced in his seat, singing every word. “Doesn’t The Rock remind you of Buddha? I swear this is like his theme song,” Arrow said in the middle of the song.

I ignored his question but internally agreed with him that the Rock did in fact remind me of Buddha.

When the next song turned on, and Avril Lavigne started playing, I looked at my phone to realize that it was Arrow’s playlist. Subconsciously I knew that I was listening to it to be closer to him. But the conscious part was still annoyed by his song selections.

Even with the normal traffic of the city, it didn’t take me long to get to Oasis. I parked my car on a side street before walking to the club. The city streets were bustling with people, but there was only one person that I wanted to see.

I walked into the club, where at least fifty people were already there drinking and laughing. As I looked around, I noticed a sea of people wearing black and red, the colors for the evening. Machine and Kade had done a great job of making the club look moody yet elegant. Black silk cascaded in the main entry, making me feel like I was entering a gala.

I shook myself out of my thoughts and scanned the room, looking for the one person I wanted to see. Machine looked on edge, and Kade and Evelyn had just shown up, Kade fussing over Evelyn even more than usual due to the pregnancy. Buddha wasn’t far behind with Chief, both looking dapper in their black suits. After what felt like forever, I finally found the woman I was after.

My breath left my lungs as I took her in. She wore a short black cocktail dress that hugged her curves. Her hair was slightly curled, and she wore my favorite black-rimmed glasses. She was talking to Bohdi and Jax, though neither was trying to touch her.

Somehow, this woman had taken my world off its axis, and now I was spiraling in uncharted space, unable to stop. I needed this girl. I craved her. Her beautiful soft features and those damn pink tips in her hair almost drove me mad. But I couldn’t have her. I couldn’t have anyone, so why would I think I could have someone who was perfect in every aspect of the world?

I would taint the light she exuded; she would be like an angel falling into hell. No, I couldn't have her. But I would be damn sure no one else could either.

As if hearing my thoughts, Lennie turned toward me. Our connection was instant. Those beautiful blue eyes sparkled in the dim lighting, and her breath seemed to hitch when she saw me. It was as though there was a magnetic pull drawing me toward her, because before I realized what I was doing, we were walking to each other.

TWENTY-FOUR

LENNIE

There Dante was, looking sexy as hell in a bespoke black suit and black shirt with the top button undone. He exuded dominance in the way he moved and the way his hair was tousled just enough to make me want to run my hands through the strands. His eyes seemed to darken behind his glasses as they raked over me while he approached. I felt my feet move of their own accord, drawing me to him like a moth to a flame.

His chiseled jaw was covered in stubble, and although he looked tired, he was still the most breathtaking man I had ever seen.

My inner monologue fought every step of the way. This was wrong. I shouldn’t want this man. He stalked me. He created an illusion that he was a safe space and then broke my heart when that illusion shattered.

But my heart propelled me further, getting closer with every step.

We stopped inches apart and gazed into each other's eyes.

“You came,” I said a little breathlessly. Why had I said that? Why did I want to be near this man so badly? He was bad news. But when I heard his voice, it sent a shiver of pleasure down my spine.

“I did,” he said in his deep, sultry voice.

He leaned down, and at first, I thought he was going to kiss me, but instead he leaned to my ear and whispered, “You look absolutely breathtaking,” before pressing a soft kiss to my cheek. His words were like honey. Smooth and tantalizing.

I felt my cheeks get warm and met his eyes once more. I felt my inner thoughts start to adapt. Maybe this time apart had changed him in some way? I needed to find out so I could stop the war raging within me.

“You don’t look too bad yourself,” I said quietly. I was so turned on by everything about him that I thought I might come if he so much as touched me. This was exactly why I’d avoided him for nine months. Well, that and the fact that he was a crazy stalker.

He gave me a knowing smirk. Was there a thought bubble above my head showing him all the filthy things that I wanted him to do to me?

Dante’s face went solemn, and before I could say or do anything, he spoke. “I want to apologize for everything,” he started as his eyes bore into mine. “You didn’t deserve me keeping anything from you, especially after everything you had been through. I want to be your safe space, I want you to fully understand when I say, I would do anything and I mean anything to keep you safe and free of the nightmares that keep you up at night. I want to be your comfort but I also want to be your undoing. I want to give you so much pleasure that all the bad in this world fades away and never finds you again, Please, forgive me Lennie. I promise on my life I will never lie to you again.” He pressed his forehead to mine. “Let me show you what it’s like to be completely and utterly cherished.”