Page 115 of Symphony for Lies

His gaze shifted from my eyes to my palm with a flicker of amusement and something shadier in their depths.

Still, I held my ground.“If you have enough energy for this, then you have enough energy to take a shower.”

Zane straightened, tilting his head to stare at me through thick lashes.“Will you help me?”

My lips parted. My mind blanked. And I nodded.

He exhaled, the tension in his shoulders easing, and followed me to the bathroom.

Steam wrapped around us in thick, humid waves, and the sound of running water filled the silence.

Zane stood in front of me, broad and tall. A quiet hunger lurked beneath the surface, lurking behind his composed expression as he surveyed me.

I swallowed, my fingers trembling slightly as I reached for the hem of his shirt.

He lifted his arms, allowing me to peel the fabric off him, revealing every toned inch of his body. The warm, damp air made his skin glow.

Then, I helped him out of his pants. I told myself it was because he was injured and that he needed my help.

But my heart was racing.

“Sit,” I murmured, gesturing to the tub’s edge.

He obeyed but never stopped watching me.

My gaze flickered over his toned arms, the firm ridges of his chest, and the faint scars scattered across his skin. He was breathtaking and too quiet.

I let the warm water run over his body before taking a wet cloth and running it softly over his face, careful not to touch his wound.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” I whispered.

He leaned forward, and his fingers traced the curve of my waist, sending a heat wave to my core.

My breath caught as he tilted his head up, making our noses graze together. His hands slid under the hem of my sweater, and he slowly pulled it over my head, letting it fall to the floor.

His gaze roamed over my bare skin, drinking in every inch.

It was like a claim. Possession.

As if a switch was flipped, everything changed. I was suddenly in the shower. Warm water was soaking through my clothes, and Zane towered over me, one hand pinning my wrists above my head, his grip unyielding.

Water streamed down his face, making dark strands of hair plaster against his forehead.

I gasped.

His injury—

His lips crashed onto mine, and his tongue slid into my mouth, taking advantage of my shock. With teasing strokes, he devoured me, kissing me so fiercely I had no time to breathe. No time to think.

My knees buckled, and his grip on my wrists as he pushed me against the cool tile kept me upright.

His free hand slid down my body, fingers working at undoing my pants and dragging them down in one swift motion. The fabric stuck to my skin, damp and clinging, but Zane was relentless.

A sharp whimper escaped my lips, but it was quickly swallowed by his mouth.

I barely registered what was happening until I felt him hard and heavy between my thighs.

I was still wearing my underwear, but that didn’t stop Zane. He didn’t care.