Page 19 of Forbidden Desire

“Forced?” He scoffs, half-laughing. “You’re in serious denial. You were giddy up there on the altar. Youwantedthis.”

A lump forms in my throat. “I don’t remember any of that. I was drunk.”

He closes the distance between us, his breath warm against my skin. “But you remember three nights ago, do you not?”

I say nothing, though I know exactly what he’s talking about. He’s speaking of the pull, the chemical attraction, and the way I can’t get enough of him when he’s near.

His orbs are intense and unwavering as he softens. “When we consummated the marriage, I felt things I’d never experienced before. Why would you want to end that?”

Looking away, I bite my lip. I have no answers.

His shoulders drop. “Damn it, Bianca. Am I the only one who feels this?”

The question cuts through my poise. I sigh and lay the truth out there. “Zack, the sex was out of this world, and yes, I’m heavily attracted to you, but this is complex as hell. We have entirely different personalities.”

He nods, his brows creasing. “So, I’m alone in this, then?” His voice is thick with emotion.

“No,” I blurt, shaking my head. “This all happened so fast. I’d like time to consider whether we should continue this marriage or annul it.”

I speak in a clear tone, but there is zero conviction behind my words. Not when every cell in my body wants him.

“Okay.” His masculine hands rise into the air. “Fine. I’ll give you time, Bianca. But I won’t beg.”

With that, he turns and walks away, leaving me standing there.

And then there was one.

Chapter 8

Zack

Ipacebackandforth in the vast halls of my mansion, my footsteps echoing off the marble floors. Bianca’s scent still lingers here, tormenting me. How could I have been so stupid in front of that reporter? I’ve sent her a thousand texts, but she won’t answer.

I glance up at the clock, impatience boiling inside me. Five days of silence is driving me mad.

My thoughts torment me as I walk the empty halls, Bianca’s lingering aura a constant reminder of what I’ve lost. Five endless days of silence since the interview where I acted like a mindless fool.

But the look of pain in her eyes when she said she needed time to think… that kind of look could break me.

I check my phone again, hoping for a response to my countless apologies. Nothing. My texts remain unread, and my calls go unanswered. Gripping the phone tight, I resist the impulse to hurl it against the wall. Patience was never my strength.

The screech of tires outside cuts through the oppressive silence of the mansion. Through the window, I see my brothers Ethan and Tristan pulling into the driveway.

A glance at my reflection in the polished grand piano confirms my suspicions. I don’t look or feel like my usual self, but everything has lost meaning these days.

Peeking through the living room door, I rake through my messy hair and pull up my sweatpants. I’m a wreck, but maybe they can offer a clue about Bianca.

The servant opens the door, and my brothers stride into the foyer.

Ethan’s shoulders are wide and muscular, stretching the material of his well-tailored suit. The fabric hugs his frame, drawing attention to his strong build.

Tristan’s eyes scan beyond the large entry room, searching for me. He looks up to the mansion’s stairway banister, showing his sharp and angular face.

“Zack?” Ethan’s booming voice echoes through the house, laced with a concern that makes me wince.

“In here,” I call out, heading back into the living room.

Ethan and Tristan stand at the living room door, their sculpted features etched with curiosity and disapproval.

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