Page 84 of Until We Meet Again

"Come on, I'll join you for one or possibly four if you can keep up."

I hang up the phone, secretly hitting the red button to end the call with Zane, but guilt gnaws at me as I turn and walk away with Tobias.

Chapter 36

Zane

Jealousy. Rage. Desperation.

She was right there in front of me, but it felt like she was a million miles away. I felt powerless.

We were talking one minute, and I almost said things to her that I never imagined I'd say to anyone. The next, she was joined by a guy. I recognized his voice immediately from the multiple times he tried to convince Tessa to go out with him before she walked into class that morning—the morning I demanded her panties—panties I've had in my hand every single time I've fisted my cock since.

Once they're both out of sight, the word "Fuck"escapes me, and jealousy, insane jealousy, rushes through me at a rate I've never experienced—it's an ugly fucking emotion, but I guess it shows how far my feelings are starting to run.

"Are you okay, Zane?" I hear Nancy from behind me, and my eyes close momentarily due to my need to be alone, but here I am, feeling trapped in a place I'd rather not be.

"Yes, I just… I’ve got some stuff going on, but I’m fine."

I'm definitely not fine.

"If you want to talk about it, I'm a good listener." It takes everything in me not to flinch as she strokes my arm.

I don't want to be touched or spoken to right now.

Honestly, all I want is Tessa. I want the peace I feel when she's by my side. Yet I'm constantly fighting to suppress the ache I feel for her, trying to follow the rules I set for myself a long time ago.

For a moment, I allow grief to seep in as a reminder of why I never want to leave my heart open, and I brace myself, knowing that this torment will serve a purpose. I welcome it, and in these few precious seconds, as the tsunami of emotion within me rages, a feeling of calm eventually comes over me, and I regain control of myself.

"Do you want to go somewhere a little more lively? I love this bar, but I need to let loose a little."

"What about over there? They've got music." She points to the bar that Tessa just walked back into.

"Perfect."

It's not the best idea I've ever had, but it can't be worse than the visions I have in my mind of this good-looking prick all over my girl.

Is she still my girl? I have no idea, but I'm not leaving here tonight without finding out.

As soon as Nancy gathers everyone, we head toward the packed out bar. Vibrant neon signs dangle above the rear wall, casting a luminous glow throughout the place. People here are mostly in their early twenties, and we're clearly out of place, but I couldn't give a fuck.

I'm only here for Tessa.

Within five seconds of walking in, my focus is drawn to her beautiful face, and I feel as if I'm suffocating again, trapped inside my own personal hell where I can see her but can't touchher. It's as if I can feel her all over me, and I crave her so deeply that it feels like physical pain. Watching her sit so close to someone who wants her in a way that belongs to me has me halfway to losing it and dragging her out of here.

"Oh Jesus, there's a student in here. I recognize one of them." Catherine lets out a frustrated groan and rolls her eyes.

"If you prefer, we can go somewhere else," Nancy says.

"And miss an opportunity to make these assholes feel uncomfortable? We're staying where we are." I might not like David but I'm grateful for him speaking up because I refuse to leave here without her.

Looking around, I know Callum would like it here; this is his kind of place. Kimberley would've liked it too—anywhere loud and crowded—and she was there, thriving in the chaos.

After what took way too long, we all have a drink in hand and find a table. I make sure to sit in a position where Tessa is directly in my line of sight.

Yeah, I'm fucking insane.

"How are you finding the women here, Zane?" David asks as he sips his beer.

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