Page 102 of Symphony for Lies

“What do you want me to say?” he asked, voice cold.

I didn’t know.

Maybe reassurance or a lie. Maybe an admission that he was just as lost as I was. But I knew Zane wouldn’t say any of those things.

“Amelia.”

The dangerous edge in his tone sent a shiver down my spine.

He pushed me back against the couch, his body hovering over mine, gripping my thighs and spreading them around his waist.

“I don’t care.” His fingers dragged up my sweater, lifting it in one swift motion and tossing it to the floor. His cold hands met my heated skin.“As long as he stays the hell away from you.”

His lips traced the sensitive skin along my stomach, making me suck in a sharp breath. His mouth reached the curve of my neck. A soft kiss. A bite. He sucked hard on my skin, and my body burned.

Heat pooled deep in my stomach, my thoughts short-circuiting.

DING DONG.

Zane froze, andI could hear his teeth grinding.“You’ve got to be kidding me.”

I was still trembling, still reeling from the way his lips had branded me.My skin tingled, every nerve ending screaming at the interruption.

The bell rang again.

Zane exhaled sharply; he bent down, snatched my sweater from the floor, and pulled it over my head. “Stay here.”

I barely managed a nod before he strode to the door, his steps quick and angry.

With a shaky hand, I pressed my throbbing neck, struggling to steady my breath.I still felt dizzy, but that sensation was quickly replaced with trepidation, as if my body was drenched in ice water.

“Mother.”

My stomach plummeted.

The sharp click of heels against the hardwood preceded Mrs. Cole’s disgusted voice.“I cannot believe this.” The woman stood behind the couch, her expression carved from stone.

And behind her was Simon.

Oh,shit.

Zane followed them in and stepped in front of me, blocking me like a shield.“I wasn’t expecting you.”

“Since when do I need an invitation?” Mrs. Cole’s voice was dripping with arrogance.

Simon’s gaze flickered between his mother, Zane, and me.

And after a moment, he stepped forward with a kind smile. He extended a hand.“Hello, Amelia. Nice to see you again.”

I hesitated but returned the gesture, giving him a handshake.

Mrs. Cole scoffed.

“Good evening,” I greeted evenly. “I think I should leave.”

Zane sent me a look of frustration. Of pain.“Sit back down.” He turned back to his mother. “You two should leave.”

The air thickened with tension so dense it felt suffocating.

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