Page 14 of Symphony for Lies

“Tutor…” Zane’s voice was quiet. Deep. Unrelenting. “You’re scared?”

I couldn’t answer.

It was late, and I just wanted to go home. And he wasn’t going to let me leave.

I didn’t have the energy to fight him. So, I lifted my eyes to his and was surprised when our gazes locked.

Had he been staring at me the whole time?

A strange, uneasy feeling spread through my chest.

My voice was barely above a whisper when I said, “Please drive carefully.”

Zane only chuckled.He swung his leg over the motorcycle, pulled his helmet on, and gestured for me to get on behind him.

I hesitated.

Whenever I rode with someone, I always asked them to drive slowly. I trusted them, but somehow, I didn’t trust Zane.

My fear lingered and tightened around my throat like a vice.

Impatiently, he tapped his foot against the pavement.

I exhaled shakily and climbed onto the seat behind him, gripping the side handles instead of touching him.

“Drive carefully,” I demanded again.

“Hold on tight,” he countered. “Now… where to go?”

I gave him my address, and he nodded in confirmation.

“Good. Now don’t let go.” he repeated. And suddenly, we were moving.

My soul nearly left my body, and my hands flew forward to wrap around his torso. I felt the solid muscle beneath my fingertips. The steady rhythm of his breath.

A scream got stuck in my throat as my entire body tensed.

“Please… please slow down,” I pleaded, but he didn’t react. He only went faster.

The wind whipped past me, pulling at my clothes. The streetlights blurred into a single, endless streak.

“Zane!”

I pushed myself tighter against him, clutching onto his body with everything I had.

My heart pounded violently in my chest.

Until finally, he slowed down. Not by much, but just enough to know he had done it for me. His body reacted to my touch. His breathing deepened. His back tensed, and just for a moment, there was a low, dark chuckle. I felt it more than I heard it.

“So scared, yet you’re holding onto me like you’ll never let go.”

My face burned. I wanted to get off the bike. Immediately.

I squeezed my eyes shut. Each second seemed to stretch into eternity until we finally arrived at my home.

The moment he stopped, I let go. My hands trembled as I swung my leg over the seat and nearly stumbled onto the pavement.

Shakily, I pulled off the helmet, inhaling sharp, desperate breaths.