Page 84 of Unrequited

And then he’s off again, running like the wind, muscle and sweat and fire. Untouchable. Untamed.

There’s something wild and tender all at once about the way he trains. It’s not just strength, but survival. And as I watch, my whole body responds.

I’m watching a man become mine. And with every movement, every flex, every breath, my body burns hotter.

And hotter.

So aroused. So deep in this. My nipples are tight, beaded like pebbles, and my mouth is desert dry. I can’t stand the suspense another second.

I remember the way he touched me that first time, how careful he was, how gentle, and I remind myself that this is who he can be with me. Who cares what he's like with everyone else?

I was raised by brutal men. Vicious, wild, unrelenting. But to me? To me, they’ve always been tender. That contradiction is carved into my bones. I watch him now, my breath catching in my throat.

Heat unfurls low in my belly, blooming, spreading, consuming me like wildfire. I’m burning from the inside out.

I’ve never felt anything like this. It’s not just lust, it’s something electric, something sharp and sweet. Every nerve ending is singing. My mouth is dry, but my thoughts spiral into want, into need, into a depth I’ve never tasted before.

Am I afraid? Maybe. Or maybe fear’s just something I’m used to, something I’ve always mistook for anticipation. But this… he was gentle with me. He listened.

When I trembled, he didn’t mock me. He steadied me. His hands, iron-strong but unyielding in their care, held me steady while his eyes, god, those eyes, looked through me. Past the fear. Past the front. He saw me.

And now? Now I’m aching. I want to be claimed by Seamus McCarthy. I need to be.

I pull myself away from the window, still raw and vibrating from watching him.

I pick up my phone. It’s been off all night, charging on the side table. I hesitated turning it on, terrifiedof what messages might wait for me. Ember. Anissa. Ruthie, Vadka’s wife. People I loved, people I left behind. People who saw.

Ruthie had been soft with me, like a sister. She had her own story, her own pain. And now she’s pregnant. Of course she’d reach out. They all saw me get taken, but I told them, I told them I loved him. Would they even believe me?

My hands shake as I turn on my phone. I brace for a flood, but it’s only four.

One is from Rafail.

Rafail

Even though you're married to Seamus McCarthy, I will protect you, Zoya. I'm one phone call away. I know you said what you did to prevent bloodshed. But if he still lets you keep your phone, if you're still in contact with me, I need you to use it. Please. Text me. I should’ve reached out sooner.

My heart stutters. He thinks Seamus took my phone. Why would he think that? Would Seamus do something like that? Or is that what Rafail would do?

Another text.

Rodion

Hey, sweetheart. Just tell me if you're okay. If he hurts you, if he even lays a finger on you, Zoya, I swear to god, I will drop everything and come.

Then Semyon. Always different. Always distant. His mind works in straight lines and sharp turns, and his texts sound like they were drafted for a military debrief.

Semyon

Zoya. Are you alright? Do you need assistance? Is there anything I can do?

And then, finally, Ruthie.

Ruthie

Sweetie, your brothers are losing it. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Rafail cry. But he did. He’s terrified that you’re only there because you had to be. That you told us you loved Seamus to stop the bloodshed. Are you okay? I don’t think you made it up. Did you?

My hands are shaking now as I answer.