Page 60 of Symphony for Lies

Zane’s grin returned. His other hand gripped my waist, pulling me in and pressing me so close that not even a breath of space remained between us.

My heart pounded violently as I tried to control my breathing, but it was impossible. The air between us was thick and intoxicating.

“Do you really think you’re not worth the effort?”

My brows shot up. I couldn’t answer that.

“And then there are men like that officer… or Tristan.” His voice dripped with mockery.“And suddenly, they think they have the right to be close to you.”

I blinked, caught off guard, but Zane didn’t give me time to think.

“I don’t care who they are. I don’t care who thinks they deserve a place in your life.”His gaze dropped to my lips just for a second before his dark eyes locked onto mine again.“Because I don’t wait for others to step aside.”

My breath hitched.

“I take what I want.”

Heat coiled deep in my stomach. His lips were a mere breath away from mine.

“And what I want… I’ve known for a while now.”

Completely lost in his stare, I remained frozen ashe let go of my neck and lifted my hand to his lips. He placed the lightest of kisses on my skin. A whisper of warmth. A touch so fleeting, yet so devastating.

Zane’s lips curled slightly. “Looks like I’ll have to do more to seduce you. But for tonight…” He exhaled against my skin. “…I’ll let you go.”

I was speechless.

He stepped back.“I’ll pick you up tomorrow. So, we can solve your little riddle.”Even as he said he’d let go, he still had a hold of my waist. “You’ll be at work?”

I nodded foolishly, still thrown off everything that had just happened.

“What time do you finish?”

“Three p.m.” The answer came out too breathless.

“Good.” His fingers finally let go.

I stood there staring at him, confused and overwhelmed. Still feeling his phantom touch.

Zane’s grin widened just slightly.

He knew. He knew exactly what he was doing to me.

Without another word, I turned to escape into my house.

The second the door shut behind me, I released a shaky breath. My hands touched my warm cheeks, desperate to cool the rising heat.

Why did he say those things? Why did he look at me like that? Why? No, I knew why. I just didn’t know what to do about it!

With a frustrated groan, I grabbed my phone and scrolled through my unread messages.

And waiting at the top was one from Mrs. Cole.

Confused, I tapped on it.

And just like that, reality slammed into me like ice-cold water.

Mrs. Cole: