Page 86 of Symphony for Lies

Zane was beside me, one hand resting lazily on my waist, his thumb stroking back and forth against my skin.

His breathing had slowed, but his dark, passionate eyes were still open, still locked on me. “Finally awake?”

I needed a moment to process his words before I finally nodded.

“It’s past midnight.” His fingers traced patterns up my arm.

I swallowed. “Already?”

A slow smirk tugged at his lips like he’d been expecting that.

I sat up, and the sheets slid down to my waist. The cool air against my heated skin sent a shiver down my spine.

Zane’s eyes scanned my body, his smirk widening.“Now, that’s something I don’t want to miss.”

He grabbed my wrist, pulling me back down onto him. His bare, warm chest pressed against mine.

“Stay with me,” he requested in a husky whisper. Underneath it was something raw, a pleading inquiry.“I haven’t closed my eyes once, Amelia.” His thumb brushed over my cheek. “Because I was afraid you’d disappear again.”

My breath hitched.

“Stay. Please.”

He planted a soft, lingering kiss against my forehead, making the tension in my muscles slowly unwind. I closed my eyes, huddling closer to his warmth, and I didn’t leave.

Chapter 19

Morning sunlight streamed through the windows as I slowly drifted back to consciousness. The warmth tingled along my skin, but what truly woke me was the steady rise and fall beneath my cheek.

My breath caught in my chest for a second before the memories of the night came rushing back. My face flushed.

I was lying on Zane.

His arms were still loosely wrapped around me, his bare skin warm against mine. His scent, a mixture of musk and something undeniably him, filled my senses. His heartbeat pulsed steadily, a quick, soothing rhythm.

Something hard poked insistently against my side.

My thighs clenched on instinct. Oh God. I wouldn’t survive another round.

Slowly, I lifted my head, only to be met with a devilish smile. His brown eyes, still heavy with sleep, softened. Without a word, he leaned in and planted a lingering kiss on my forehead, his lips warm and possessive.

Languidly, he stretched, his body flexing beneath me, even as he kept me in his arms.

Heat exploded beneath my skin.

“You know, I wouldn’t mind if you just stayed like this,” he suggested.

I swallowed. “I-I need to go to the bathroom.”

A dramatic sigh left his lips as if letting me go was the most difficult thing in the world. But eventually, he loosened his grip. Or so I thought.

Just as I was about to slip away, he scooped me up effortlessly like I weighed nothing and carried me toward the bathroom.

“Zane! I can walk.”

His grin was pure mischief.“I know.”

Setting me down with infuriating care, his fingers lingered at my waist, his nose brushing against my cheek as his voice dipped lower.“I’m showering with you.”