Page 34 of Symphony for Lies

The tension thickened.

It was evident by their irritated expressions that they hated each other.

“What would I even tutor Tristan in?” I asked, forcing my voice to sound normal.

But that was a mistake.

Zane’s full attention snapped back to me, and his gaze was heavy as if he was undressing, studying, and pulling me apart. A slow smile stretched his lips. It was not a kind one. “Hmm… you tell me.”

Tristan’s grip tightened around my hand.A silent gesture. Like he was trying to pull me back.

In one smooth motion, Zane was suddenly too close.

Close enough to smell. Dark. Rich. Oud and leather. It was a delicious scent, even though the stench of the cigarette made my nose scrunch a bit.

“Watch yourself,” Tristan warned firmly. “Don’t think you can do whatever you want.”

Zane’s eyes darkened, scrutinizingTristan like he was nothing more than a footnote in his story.

“Should I be scared?” he asked me with a hint of amusement.

Tristan tensed beside me. “I came here to get away from you,” he muttered, sounding tired.

Zane smirked. “You took a little too long. Thought I’d check on you.” Then, with deliberate slowness, his eyes found mine again. “And your company.” His voice was calm. Too calm.

My stomach tightened.

Tristan gave my hand a gentle tug.

But Zane moved first, sliding the jacket off my shoulders and forcing Tristan to catch the garment.

My breath hitched. The heat of Zane’s fingers lingered on my skin even after he removed his hand.

Zane never took his eyes off me. “Don’t mark a territory if it’s not yours to claim.”

Tristan’s hands curled into fists around the fabric but remained silent; he seemed to understand exactly what Zane meant while I was still trying to understand what was going on.

“I won’t say it again. You should know your place.”

My breath caught, and Tristan’s face paled.

“Come.”Zane held his hand outstretched toward me. Not in a command. It was an invitation.

I swallowed hard and shook my head.

“What a shame.”

I forced myself to snap out of my daze, stepping towards my friends. “I already have a ride home.” I turned to Tristan. “I’ll see you tomorrow. I’m sorry we have to say goodbye like this.”

The moment was too tense. I just wanted to enjoy a night out with my friends… and not whatever this was.

My friends muttered a halfhearted goodbye, and without another word, we headed toward Stacy’s car.

When we were out of sight and earshot, the silence exploded.

“What the hell was that?”

“You better explain everything!”