Page 85 of Fractured Fear

“It’s not like you locked the door,” he comments without looking up.

I take him in and my jaw drops. Drool probably drips from my mouth. He’s shirtless with a pair of gray sweatpants hanging low on his hips. He has a fucking six pack and that glorious Adonis belt. His skin is smooth with a smattering of chest hair. He has a small tattoo that I can’t quite make out across the right side of his ribs. His ankles are crossed as he leans back leisurely against my pillows, and he’s reading a book on the far side of my bed. Not just any book. He’s readingNew Moon. A pair of simple, black rimmed glasses sit perfectly on his perfect face.

It’s like he was put on this Earth to draw me in, to pull me closer. I almost go to him, but then I remember I am wearing less than he is.

My hand tightens around my towel and he finally notices it’s all I’m wearing. His perusal sets my skin on fire. My legs are on full display as my towel only goes to my upper thigh, barely covering my ass. My hair is combed but still dripping. I feel a droplet part from my hair, landing on my chest and sliding down between my cleavage. Zane’s gaze follows its path and his eyes darken with desire.

Breaking the moment, I clear my throat. “New Moon, huh?”

“Yeah. Have you read it?”

“That’s like asking if I was a teenager,” I scoff. Zane just stares back waiting for my answer. “Yes, I read it when I was fifteen.” He nods his head in understanding. Needing more information, I ask, “What made you want to read the series?”

“Solana asked me to read it.”

Jealousy quickly makes its way into my bloodstream. I want to ask who the fuck Solana is and how she could get a grown man to read a YA fantasy romance series, but I resist. I have no claim over him, and I can’t just ask questions about the women in his life.

He smiles to himself, but doesn’t ask why my face looks like I ate a lemon. Instead he asks, “Are you team Edward or team Jacob?”

“Neither.”

He gives me a confused look. “How does that work? You wanted her to end up with Mike?”

I bust out laughing. “Oh God, no. He was sweet, but in romance books no one wants the sweet guy when you can have a billionaire vampire or a warm-blooded werewolf. No, I’m all for Charlie.”

“The dad?” His eyebrows raise so high it’s like they’re trying to disappear into his perfect curls.

“He’s a small town, grumpy sheriff and he’s a single dad. He’s what smut is made of.”

Zane smirks and lets out a small chuckle. “You looking for someone to call daddy?”

“What? That’s not what I said.” My toes curl at the thought and I can feel the tips of my ears turn red.

A predatory look spreads across his face. “You can call me daddy.”

My feet shuffle side to side and my toes curl. I would totally call him daddy, but I will never admit to it.

He rises from the bed and approaches me like he’s getting ready to pounce. The simple act of him walking to me has me hypnotized. His muscles are strained as he stands a breath away as if it’s taking all his willpower to keep himself from touching me.

Does he think I wouldn’t welcome his touch? Did he find out about my kiss with Asher? Oh God. Did he find out about the second kiss? Does that mean I’m off limits? He said he was fine with me and Rio. Is he not okay with me and Asher? Not that there’s ame and Asher, or even ame and Zane and Rio.

How long can I resist these men? The answer is, not much longer. It’s going to make leaving all that more painful.

“Hey. Where did you go?” Zane searches my face for the answer.

Clearing my throat, I reply, “I’m right here.” I plaster a halfhearted smile on my face.

“I’m talking about here,” he cups the side of my head and soothingly rubs his thumb over my temple. “You left me for a second there, Angel. Where did you go?”

“You can’t keep doing that.” I sigh, enjoying the feel of his warm hand.

“Doing what?”

“Reading me so easily. I’m not an open book,” I argue

“I’m sorry to break it to you, Spencer, but you couldn’t be more open if you tried. I notice everything about you. Everyflinch, every smile, every lustful gaze. You have pulled me in without even trying. I’m locked in your orbit and I’m not going anywhere.”

He brings his other hand up to cradle my face. My knuckles turn white with how hard I’m gripping my measly towel. His eyes drop to my lips, and I lick them on instinct. Slowly, ever so slowly, he lowers his face to mine.

---