Page 148 of His Fury

If I didn’t know him so well, I would never have seen the slight hesitation in his step as he walked down the stairs. “I don’t know what I did to deserve hearing it again,” he murmured.

I laughed. The installation of the yurts was driving everyone in my life crazy.

Zayn turned and watched me, his eyes drinking me in, shining with promise. “You are never not beautiful.”

My cheeks flushed even though he’d told me that before. “You’re going to make me cry again.”

He pulled me into his arms, brushing a strand of hair from my cheek. “I don’t ever want to be the reason you cry, Is.”

My heart swelled with so much love I was sure it would burst. “I don’t cry that much,” I said with a soft smile.

It was Zayn’s turn to laugh. “You cried the first time I told you I loved you. You cried when we moved you in here permanently and you sublet your apartment. You cried when Rye gave us matching monogrammed mugs.”

I sniffed. Yeah, I did that. “He said it was a wedding present.”

“We’re not married yet.”

I lifted an eyebrow. “You planning on changing that soon?”

“Is.” His voice dropped. “I’m counting the days.”

We stood there on the stairs in the hush of evening, like we’d been frozen in time. For the first time in my life, I didn’t need to chase control to feel safe. I was building something with him. Something unshakable.

“Are you hungry?” Zayn asked, his eyes darkening.

My mouth was dry with anticipation, so I shook my head slowly, knowing exactly what that look meant.

“I’m hungry,” he whispered, leaning forward, his lips trailing over my jaw. “Let’s go back upstairs.”

I didn’t argue. In fact, I led the way.

Later, Zayn was asleep beside me, his hand on his chest, his other arm over his head. The dim morning light cast a shadow over the room, but I could see him clearly. God, he was so stunning to look at. How did I get so lucky? My life was almost perfect.

The familiar pang of sadness against my chest at the thought of Julian’s absence made me reach out for my phone.

I don’t know why you left, but I miss you. I miss you every day. I love him, Julian, and I’m sorry if that upsets you, but please just let’s talk about it. You didn’t need to leave. We have a lot to resolve but know that I love you x

I was drifting off to sleep when my phone buzzed on the nightstand. I glanced at it.

I didn’t know I was leaving town until I was already gone. I fucked up. I hurt Zayn. You got hurt because of me, and then I hurt you again when I left. I need time to fix myself. I need time away. I know he’ll keep you safe… I know how much he loves you. Don’t worry about me. Take care of each other. I miss you too x

I stared at the message for a long time, reading and rereading it. I felt movement beside me and knew Zayn was awake, so I tilted the phone towards him, showing him the text.

His expression didn’t change much. Just a slight tightening of his jaw. “He’s doing the right thing.”

“Is he?” I said softly. “I don’t know.” I put the phone down and snuggled into Zayn’s side. “I still wish it were different.”

Zayn’s arm came around me, squeezing lightly. “I know.”

We lay in silence, and then I looked up at him. “You’d be the same if it were Rye.”

Zayn smirked, shaking his head. “I pray every day for that fucker to leave town,” he grumbled. When I giggled, he gave me an exasperated sigh. “Why would you askhim?”

Ducking my head, I hid my grin. “Why would I ask Rye to plan our totally relaxed, no-big-deal wedding?”

“Because you know he’ll drive me insane,” Zayn said gruffly.

I giggled. “Because I think he’ll do a good job.”

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