Page 13 of Forbidden Desire

Drivingthroughthegateto Zack’s mansion, my heart is a pitter-patter of nerves and anticipation. After yesterday’s discovery and subsequent kiss, we’d decided that it would be wise to get to know each other better—especially if we were going to pull off this fake relationship thing without anyone suspecting.

The atmosphere of Zack’s home fills me with a sense of wonder. As I approach the grand entrance, the fragrance of blooming roses fills my nostrils while I watch three swans glide across a series of ponds. The sound of water splashing from fountains mingles with the calls of peacocks wandering throughout the rocky landscape.

Zack stands tall at the door, his very presence demanding attention. He is clad in a sharp suit that hugs his sculpted muscles, showcasing his strength and authority. His jaw is sharp and angular, exuding a sense of unbreakable determination.

Inside, the mansion showcases eclectic decor, with discreet servants bustling through grand hallways adorned with eccentric art pieces.

His smile is disarming as his amber eyes light up. “Welcome to my humble abode.”

As warmth pools in my belly at his nearness, I’m unable to resist a tease. “Your humility is astounding.”

He laughs, a sound that vibrates through the cavernous space, and leads me into the dining room. Candlelight flickers, creating shadows that dance along the walls. The dining table set for two speaks of an intimacy that can only happen between him and I.

The aroma of roasted meats and savory spices fill the air, making my mouth water with anticipation.

He pulls out a chair for me. “Hope you’re hungry.”

Something about this—about him—makes my body tingle with an awareness I’ve never experienced.

I settle into the plush velvet seat. “Starved.”

After the meal is served on multiple silver trays, we indulge in a lavish feast, savoring the decadent food and wine as we laugh and discuss the chaotic events of the past few days.

Zack’s demeanor shifts as he takes a deep breath, his usual confidence momentarily eclipsed by vulnerability.

He sits back in his chair, gesturing with his wineglass as he says, “You know, I haven’t told many people this, but when my father died, it really messed with me. Dad was always so hard on me, pushing me to take over the family business instead of pursuing nightclubs. I could never live up to his expectations.”

Zack pauses, swirling the dark red liquid in his wineglass. “I think deep down, I’m still wanting to prove I’m good enough. That’s why I get so competitive sometimes.”

His sudden vulnerability surprises me. Zack Wolfe, forever the life of the party, has old family wounds that money can’t heal? Who knew?

He hesitates, then confesses, pouring out the pain of a father’s disapproval like wine from a long-sealed bottle. “Father never thought I’d amount to anything, and now, everything I do is to prove him wrong.”

As his confession draws me closer to him, my heart aches at the raw honesty in his voice.

I reach over the table, touching his hand. “Well, maybe your father’s lack of support was exactly what you needed. I mean, look at everything you’ve built. You certainly proved him wrong.”

His amber eyes, usually brimming with misconduct, now hold a depth of emotion that resonates within my guarded heart.

My fingers trace the stem of my wine glass. “Your courage to share that… it means a lot.”

He chuckles, and it’s an indistinct sound that reverberates through the room. “You make it easy to be open, Bianca.”

His body shifts as he leans forward, his pupils locked with mine. An unfiltered truth is there, speaking volumes more than words ever could.

“I know all about wanting the attention of someone important to you. There was somebody in my past. When he was with me, he gave me all the attention in the world, and when he wasn’t …” I swallow hard, pushing past the lump in my throat. “He gave that attention to another woman.”

“Betrayal cuts deep,” Zack replies softly, his orbs not leaving mine. “It forces you to question your judgment and makes you build walls.”

“Exactly. Since then, I’ve been careful, protecting my heart like a fortress.”

“Sometimes, those walls we put up…” Zack leans forward, resting his elbows in front of him. “They block more than the pain. They keep people out, too.”

We sit in silence for a beat like two kindred spirits acknowledging the scars that have shaped us.

Heat coils in the pit of my stomach as he rises from the table and stands behind my chair.

His fingers move a lock of my hair before touching the nape of my neck. It’s a simple touch, but it’s like a spark igniting dry tinder.

---