Page 18 of Forbidden Desire

I blow out a hasty breath before twisting my neck to free my trapped hair. “Let’s focus on the clubs, shall we?”

Zack plasters a bubbly smile on his face and glances at me. “Of course. We’re one hundred percent committed to our clubs.”

The reporter loosens his tie. He looks flustered. “We uh… have a lot to look forward to from both of you.”

The cameraman flashes a few more eager shots at us, capturing every heated exchange.

I scratch my head and then try to smooth down my hair as my upper lip breaks into a sweat.

The reporter’s pen dances across his notepad, scribbling what looks to be more than just the words we fling at each other. He’s writing the story of our unraveling, and soon we’ll be the laughing stock of the entire city.

My chest tightens as my shaky fingers grip the stem of the empty champagne glass so hard I could break it.

While staring at us, the journalist stops writing. “Looks like things are getting pretty intense.”

Zack’s strong, angular jaw ticks. “Marriage is… complex,”

The reporter jots down another note and arches a brow. “Indeed.”

I won’t sit here any longer. My breaths have become shallow and my skin is tightening at the neck. I squeeze a smile out to the reporters. “It was such a pleasure speaking with you today. Thank you for stopping by.”

Standing, I lean into Zack’s ear. “I’m done with this interview.”

His brows crease before his shoulders drop.

After smoothing out my dress, I stride toward the ladies’ restroom with as much grace as I can muster.

The door of the restroom swings shut behind me, and I am suddenly alone with my racing thoughts.

Inside, I lean against the black slate counter and wash my trembling hands under cold running water. The fragrance of lavender from the soap does little to calm the unease raging within me. How did we get here? How did a night of reckless abandon morph into a public marriage neither of us planned for?

With a deep breath, I pat my face with a wet paper towel, allowing the cold sensation to cool my body heat. Closing my eyelids, Zack comes to mind—his confident swagger, his seductive eyes, and the way he ignites something wild within me.

I stare at my reflection—composed on the surface, but a hot mess of confusion and desire underneath. Why do I need him so badly? Just one touch has my core drenched.

Footsteps sound outside the restroom and the door swings open to reveal a crouched woman scurrying to a bathroom stall.

I draw in a deep breath.Get it together, Bianca.

Blotting my complexion dry, I reapply my lipstick, and push open the door to step out into the dimly lit corridor that leads back to the chaos of Pulse.

The soft thud of my heels is like a battle drum, marching me into the unknown. But I’m ready to face whatever comes next with grace, even if my heart and body betray me with their constant yearning for the one man I can’t forget about.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Zack’s deep voice cuts through the thudding music, and I freeze in the dark hallway. He’s leaning against the wall, arms crossed, the very picture of brooding intensity.

“Zack…” His name is a whisper, a plea, and a curse all rolled into one.

His eyes search mine, demanding a response. “Answer me.”

I’ve never seen him look this serious. After licking my lips, I try to compose myself. “I just need time to think about things.”

He sighs, running a hand through his dark hair. “Look. I’m sorry about the interview. You were right. We’re not ready. I was just trying to maximize this situation.”

A grimace tightens my complexion. “Sure, but at what point do we tell people the truth?”

He steps closer. “Okay, then. What’s the truth?”

My lips press together as I raise my chin. “I never once considered getting married before you forced me into it.”

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