Page 13 of Worshiping Faith

He’s just staring at me. There’s no smirk this time. No easy, teasing deflection.

“I’m no angel,” I add quietly. “That aside, I refuse to judge someone for making hard decisions when they’re cornered.”

Zachs exhales through his nose, something almost like amusement. “That’s sweet.” His voice is quieter now, rougher. “I wasn’t cornered.”

I frown, but before I can respond, he tilts his head, studying me.

“I saw what you’re capable of.” He taps a finger on the tray, thoughtful. “I like it.”

Something about the way he says that makes my stomach tighten.

“Like that I killed two men? Or like that I don’t think you’re an animal?” I ask, breaking off a piece of my brownie and popping it into my mouth. It’s dry as hell, but I eat it anyway. For all I know, Zachs had to kill someone to grab the extra one.

“Both.” His tone isn’t as light anymore. “Don’t try to overcomplicate me.”

That earns him a sharp look. Right. Because he’s simple.

“Are you actually considering this?” he asks, gaze steady. “Because I’ll be honest, if you say yes, I’m not Dax. Quince will be on fast fucking notice if he keeps looking at you like he does. And I’ll bring you those eyes for our next date.”

I freeze mid-chew.

“Okay, see, make sure you grin when you say shit like that so I can at least pretend you’re joking,” I say, swallowing hard.

He doesn’t grin. “I’d never joke about you and me. Not like that.” His voice is low, serious. “If you’re mine, you’re mine. That fuckwit said some shit to you, didn’t he?”

He drums his fingers on the tray, his whole body too still, like he’s keeping himself from moving.

“Zachs. Stop.” I set my brownie down. “You can’t kill Quince just for being crass to me. In case you haven’t noticed, we’re on an island of crass men.”

“See, there’s that damned temper of mine.” He clicks his tongue, shaking his head. “Slips out like that and boom, another conviction.”

There’s no humor in it, not really. And I don’t think he’s exaggerating.

I exhale, steadying myself. “Can we do this again?”

Zachs blinks, then raises a brow. “This?”

“Lunch. Talking.” I gesture vaguely between us. “I’m not ready to totally dismiss the idea, but I need space to process this. All of it. The idea. And you.”

His lips twitch like he wants to grin, but he doesn’t.

“I need to talk to Dax. See where his head really is in this,” I say.

“You and me both.” He tilts his head, watching me carefully. “You first, though. I don’t want you pissed at me again, thinking I’m deciding shit for you.”

I nod. “I appreciate that.” My gaze flickers to the tray. “You can eat while I read the rest of these files,” I say, pushing my own food toward him.

“No kiss? That’s crap. All dates end with a kiss,” he says, full smirk now.

“I only kiss on second dates,” I protest without any real hardness in my tone.

“Bullshit. You threw down with Dax on day one.”

My face burns. “Did Dax tell you that?”

“Nope. Just teasing. But damn… did you really?” he asks.

I fold my arms over my chest. “Yes.”