Page 99 of Symphony for Lies

He scoffed and started to turn his head away, but I held him in place.

“But we don’t have what you and I have.”

His eyes narrowed.

He didn’t believe me. Not yet.

“If you really wanted me to see you the same way I see Tristan…” I swallowed, my pulse hammering. “…then none of this would have happened. None of it. Not the touches, glances, or kisses. And certainly not the way you set my entire world on fire.

“I don’t have this with Tristan, Zane. I only have this with you.” I caught his fingers in mine and guided them to my chest, right over my pounding heart.“Tristan is a friend. Someone I grew up with. Someone I trust. Butyou’re the one who throws my world into chaos, and at the same time, you’re the one who holds me together.”

I searched his gaze, hoping he understood.“So, please, Zane…” I gulped. “Don’t worry about Tristan.”

He exhaled sharply, closing his eyes and nodding.“I’m sorry… for… my reaction.”

I shook my head and slowly leaned in to pressmy lips to his in a gentle, tentative kiss. It was almost hesitant.

But when he kissed me back, it turned deep and consuming. As if he wanted to burn himself into my soul.

My heart was still racing when I finally pulled away to catch my breath.

We got out of the car, and Zane didn’t let go of my hand as we stepped inside his house.He led me to the kitchen, where he removed his hoodie, rolled up his sleeves, and started cooking.

And I sat on the counter, watching the way his muscles relaxed. The way his shoulders finally lost their tension. His eyes flickered toward me every few minutes as if he needed to make sure I was still there.

And in that moment, I knew. I wasn’t just someone to him. I was everything.

Chapter 22

That evening, I sat curled up on Zane’s couch, my eyes locked on my phone as the seconds ticked down to my call with Bella Carter.

Zane sat beside me. His expression was dark as he glared at my screen like it had personally offended him. He insisted on being with me for the meeting, even though I hadn’t invited him. But all it took was one look, that look, and suddenly, there was no room for discussion.

I was nervous, and it wasn’t just because of Miss. Carter. Zane was too tense.

“Are you seriously going to sit there glaring at my phone the entire time?” I asked, adjusting the screen on the table.

Zane shrugged. “Depends.”

I rolled my eyes.

The screen lit up as the call connected, and the video flickered.

Bella Carter was beautiful, with sharp, intelligent eyes and dark hair falling effortlessly over her shoulder. A steaming cup rested in her hand, and her fingers wrapped around it like an anchor.

Beside her sat a man. His arm draped casually over the back of her chair, but his presence was anything but nonchalant. There was something undeniable about both of them—a commanding and intimidating aura.

“Hi, Amelia.”Bella’s voice was calm. But her eyes? They were calculating.

“Hello, Miss. Carter. Thank you for taking the time to speak to me.”

“Call me Bella,”she corrected with a polite smile. Beside her, the man watched her with quiet intensity. The way his eyes lingered on her, the soft twitch of his fingers against the chair was protective. Devoted.

“This is my husband, Nathan.”

His sharp, assessing gaze settled on me.“Hello.”It wasn’t outright hostile, but it wasn’t friendly either.

“Nice to meet you,” I murmured.

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