Page 67 of Her Ruin

“Just say it,” I grumbled loud enough to be heard over the music.

“You can pretend all you want, Suga tits, but I felt that.This whole room feltthat.”

“Drama queen.” I rolled my eyes, forcing an impish smile. “I didn’t feel a thing.”

Sienna laughed and grabbed my hand, pulling me off the dance floor. “Yeah, right. I need a drink.”

We headed to the bar, where the other girls were standing, and I was determined to ignore the heat still lingering on my skin or the way my racing heart hadn’t quite settled.

A cool hand curled around my upper arm, pulling me to a stop. I refused to look at him as Sienna returned to the bar, unaware I wasn’t behind her. A bottle of water was pressed into my hand.

“Drink.”

No matter how much I wanted to pretend, Zayn wasn’t done with me.

CHAPTER18

ZAYN

Her hazel eyes,filled with a mix of resentment and something she wasn’t ready to acknowledge, burned into me as I pressed the bottle into her hand.

Pulling her closer, I spoke into her ear. “I know you heard me, little Isla.” My smile was hidden as she tried to jerk away from me. “Now, drink the water.”

“No,” she snapped, trying to tug her arm from my hold. I loosened my grip a little—not too much—but she still needed to know who was in control. “I don’t want your water. I’ll get my own.”

I leaned in, my tone low and teasing. “Why? Scared I’ve spiked it so I can fuck you in my office?”

Her mouth fell open in a perfect “O” of shock, and at that moment, I couldn’t help but imagine how my cock would look as it pushed its way into that perfect mouth, claiming what it wanted.

Fuck.

Isla recovered quickly, tequila making her tongue looser than usual. “In your office? I’m surprised. I thought humiliating me in front of everyone was your style.” Angrily, she jerked her arm free of me, stumbling slightly before regaining her balance.

“Still pissed?” I asked, struggling to keep my smile in check as I watched her fight to compose herself. She looked stunning. Elixir was full of beautiful women, but somehow, Isla outshone them all. The moment I’d seen her come up the stairs, her hands nervously smoothing her dress, I knew I wouldn’t be able to stay away from her tonight.

For a heartbeat, she glared at me, eyes flickering with defiance. Then, as if surrendering to the inevitable pull between us, she gave a half smile that didn’t quite reach those stormy hazel eyes. “Yes, I’m a bit pissed,” she muttered, arching an eyebrow. “But you really think spiking water is going to fix that?”

I chuckled at her sharp wit, moving closer, using the crowd as an excuse. “Not fix it,” I murmured, my tone low and teasing, “just reminding you of who’s in charge.” I let my fingers brush hers as I retrieved the bottle, opening it for her. Her skin prickled under my touch, and I saw her wince ever so slightly before she masked it with a snarl. “Don’t get cocky. This isn’t a game.” I handed her the bottle.

“Isn’t it?” she shot back defiantly, and taking the water off me, she took a sip.

Leaning in so she could hear, I spoke in her ear, pulling her body in close. “Every time I see you, I can’t tell if you’re fighting me or…if you secretly want me to win.”

Isla looked up at me, her eyes narrowing dangerously. “You’re impossible, Zayn.”

I tilted my head, watching her carefully. “Am I?” I asked, letting my mouth twist into a smirk. “I think I’m fairly open about what I want.”

Her breath hitched as she met my gaze, the space between us charged with every unspoken word. For a moment, the bustling noise of Elixir faded, leaving only the quiet thrum of our hearts. “And what do you want?” she asked, her voice a mix of challenge and something else…fragility.

You.

Leaning down, I let my lips brush across hers, something dark inside me rumbling with pleasure when she didn’t pull away. “Drink your water, little Isla,” I said as I pulled back. “You’ve had enough tequila tonight.”

“What?” Wide-eyed, she stared up at me, her eyes flicking between mine and my mouth. “You think you can just kiss me and that means you…control me?”

I lowered my head, our faces inches apart, the heat between us undeniable. “Control? No,” I murmured, my tone softening even as I refused to let go of the upper hand. “Simply reminding you to drink water.”

Anger simmered in her gaze, and I could see the war raging within her—a battle between defiance and desire. “You don’t own me.” Isla stepped back, and in doing so, she seemed to regain her sense of self. With a smirk, she held up the bottle. “Thanks for the drink.”

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