Page 30 of Zinnia and the Zombie
At the end of the corridor, a set of double doors stood closed, but they opened when he touched the control panel, surprising them both.
“Some power systems must still be operational,” he murmured, stepping cautiously through the doors.
The apartment—for that’s clearly what it was—took her breath away. Unlike the public areas they’d explored, this space felt untouched by time, as if its occupants had simply stepped out moments ago and might return at any second.
A large open room stretched before them, with panoramic windows offering a sweeping view of the plaza below. Vines had grown across much of the glass, creating a natural curtain that filtered the sunlight into dappled patterns across the floor.
Strange, elegant furniture filled the space—pieces that somehow looked both alien and inviting. The ceiling soared overhead, architectural details catching the filtered light.
“Wait here,” he said, moving deeper into the apartment to ensure it was secure.
She watched as he disappeared through one doorway, then another, his body tense, his eyes watchful. Despite the tension coiled inside her, she found herself smiling. Even now, with desire clearly driving them both, his first instinct was to protect her.
She crossed to the windows, peeping between the curtain of vines to look out. The view was similar to the one from the rooftop garden but more intimate somehow, the ruined city beautiful and mysterious. Strange birds flew between the buildings, their calls faint through the glass. It was peaceful in away that seemed impossible after their previous encounter with the drone.
“The apartment appears secure,” he said, returning to the main room. “Four chambers in total. The power systems are functioning, though at minimal capacity.”
He gestured toward one doorway. “Sleeping quarters.” Another. “Bathing facilities.” A third. “What appears to be a food preparation area, though I cannot guarantee its functionality.”
She followed as he led her through the apartment. The bedroom was massive, dominated by a low, wide platform covered in a material that reminded her of suede but wasn’t quite the same. The bathroom beyond it was equally impressive—a large shower area, an odd shaped bathtub, and what appeared to be storage cabinets built into the walls.
“I believe this will serve our needs adequately,” he said, returning to the main room and approaching the entry doors.
He pressed his hand to a panel beside them, and they slid closed with a soft hiss. Another touch, and a locking mechanism engaged with a decisive click that echoed in the quiet apartment.
They were alone, together, in their own private sanctuary.
The sound of the lock seemed to shift something in the air between them. The urgency that had been building since their kiss suddenly crystallized into certainty.
“I think,” she said, her voice soft but steady, “the first thing I want to do is take a shower.”
She took a deep breath, then held out her hand. “Will you join me?”
“Are you certain?”
She nodded, surprised by how steady she felt. “I’ve never been more certain of anything.”
A slow smile spread across his face, transforming his features from fierce to breathtaking. In two quick strides, he reached her, scooping her easily into his arms.
“Then I would be honored to accompany you,” he said, carrying her toward the bathroom as she laughed and clung to his shoulders.
The bathroom was even more impressive the second time. Her eyes widened as he reached over and activated the shower system from another wall panel. Water began to flow from multiple directions, steam rising gently.
“Hot water? That’s amazing.”
Sunlight filtered through the vines covering a high window, casting the room in a soft, ethereal glow. In this light, he looked like something from a dream—his golden skin gleaming, his glowing like purple jewels as he set her gently on her feet.
He reached for her shirt, then paused, his hands hovering near but not touching. “May I?”
The question, so respectful amid such desire, made her heart ache.
“Please,” she whispered.
He carefully lifted it over her head, then gently unbuttoned her torn dress, letting it drop to the ground and leaving her in her bra and panties. Each inch of skin seemed to fascinate him, his gaze hot and appreciative.
He ran a reverent finger along the swell of her breasts, then frowned.
“I do not know how to remove this.”
