Page 58 of Symphony for Lies

He took my hesitation as an opportunity, effortlessly grabbing me by the waist and hoisting me onto the bike.

I gasped, “Zane!”

“Relax.” His hands released me, moving to the handlebars. “Hold on tight.”

I gripped the metal handles behind me.

Zane hummed in amusement, “Better idea.”

Before I could stop him, he wrapped my arms around his waist instead. Suddenly, I was pressed flush against his back. I could feel everything.The steady rise and fall of his chest, the warmth radiating through his clothes, and the solidness of his muscles under my fingertips.

A rush of heat shot up my body, my pulse slamming against my ribs.

“Trust me, this will be fun. And I’ll drive carefully.”

“Drive slowly,” I corrected.

Zane didn’t let go until he was sure I wouldn’t pull away. “Slow and careful,” he murmured, grabbing the handlebars.

The engine roared to life, and everything seemed to tremble, the bike, the road, him.

Wind whipped past us, cold and crisp, but his warmth struck me the hardest.

Every slight movement and every breath of his vibrated through me.

I should have been scared.Not of the speed but of the way my stomach fluttered.That feeling, that strange, exhilarating rush, was far more dangerous than anything else.

I loosened my grip around his waist slightly, creating a small gap between us. Cold air rushed into the space, but at least I could tilt my head and look at the passing city.

Streetlights blurred into streaks of gold. The buildings and trees raced by like ghosts. The town felt different at night, like a melody played on an old record, something haunting yet familiar.

The wind should have erased all scents, but it didn’t.The faint smell of gasoline mixed with Zane’s cologne mixed into something that made me dizzy in a way that had nothing to do with the ride. It seeped into my helmet and tangled with the night air. Was it the wind stealing my breath? Or was it him?

A hand on my thigh dragged me from my spiraling thoughts. It was just resting there as if he was making sure I wouldn’t slip.

The second he made contact, I forgot how to breathe. Heat flooded my skin, chasing away the chill.

Without thinking, I inched closer again, and Zane slowly, almost reluctantly, withdrew his hand.

I closed my eyes for a brief moment, trying to steady my racing pulse, and leaned my head against his shoulder.

My grip on his waist loosened slightly as I gazed at the road ahead.

I didn’t know how much time passed, how many streets, buildings, and minutes slipped by.

I just… let myself feel it. Let myself enjoy the quiet hum of the night. Let myself forget, just for a little while.

“You ride like someone who’s used to running away.” I wasn’t sure if I meant it as a joke, but Zane laughed softly anyway.

“Maybe I am.”

I should’ve been surprised, but I wasn’t.

He was like the ocean. Unpredictable. Uncontrolled. And yet, somehow, a part of me wanted him to pull me under.

Eventually, Zane pulled up in front of my home. No lights were on inside.

Even my neighbor’s house, which always glowed with a warm golden hue until late at night, was dark.

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