Page 63 of Hunted Omega: Part Two

“Nice place,” he comments, his gaze lingering on the stacks of books. “Very you.”

I laugh softly, some of the tension easing from my shoulders. “Is that a compliment or an insult?”

Zane’s smile widens, his eyes crinkling at the corners. It’s a rare expression for him, and it makes my heart skip a beat. “Definitely a compliment. It’s warm, inviting… and complex, like its owner.”

His words hang in the air between us, charged with unspoken meaning. I feel my cheeks flush and look away, unsure how to respond. My gaze lands on a framed photo of me with Cayenne and Ginger, reminding me of their support and encouragement. I draw strength from that memory.

“Aria,” Zane says gently, taking a step closer. The floorboards creak under his weight. “We don’t have to do anything you aren’t comfortable with. We can just talk if that’s what you want.”

I meet his gaze, seeing the sincerity in his eyes. I take a deliberate step toward him, closing the distance between us.

“I want this, Zane,” I say, my voice stronger than I expected. “I’m scared, yes, but I’m not letting fear control me anymore.”

A flash of admiration crosses Zane’s face. “You’re braver than you give yourself credit for,” he says softly. Then, with a hint of his usual enigmatic nature, he adds, “But bravery isn’t the absence of fear. It’s acting in spite of it.”

I take a deep breath, the scent of lavender and Zane’s unique musk filling my lungs. “I’m afraid of losing myself, of not being enough, of… of getting hurt again.” I pause, then add, “But I’m more afraid of not living at all.”

Zane’s expression softens further. He reaches out slowly, telegraphing his movements, and takes my hand in his. His skin is warm and slightly calloused, a testament to his training and strength. “Aria, you are more than enough, and I promise you, I will never intentionally hurt you. We can take this as slow as you need.”

His words wrap around me like a warm blanket, soothing some of my fears. I squeeze his hand, taking a small step closer. The scent of leather intensifies, and I find it oddly comforting. “Thank you,” I whisper.

We stand there for a moment, just holding hands and looking into each other’s eyes. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, the air between us changes. The tension shifts from nervous to something else entirely. I’m acutely aware of every point of contact between us and the warmth radiating from his body.

A memory flashes through my mind—Quinn’s gentle touch as he showed me his latest invention and the way his eyes lit up with excitement. The contrast between his quirky charm andZane’s brooding intensity is striking. I push the thought aside, focusing on the present moment.

Zane lifts his free hand, gently cupping my cheek. His touch is featherlight, giving me every opportunity to pull away. “May I kiss you?” he asks, his voice low and husky.

I nod, not trusting my voice. Zane leans in slowly, and I feel his breath on my lips. When his lips finally meet mine, it’s soft and sweet, a question more than a demand. It’s nothing like the harsh, demanding kisses I’ve known before.

I respond, pressing closer, resting my free hand on his chest. I feel his heart racing beneath my palm, matching the frantic beat of my own. The steady thump is reassuring.

The kiss deepens, and with it, memories of my past start to surface—Noah’s harsh grip and his cruel words. I tense involuntarily, old fears threatening to overwhelm me. The scent of orange creamsicle spikes, filling the air with my distress.

Zane pulls back immediately, concern etched on his face. His hands move to my shoulders, steadying but not constraining. “Are you okay? Do you need to stop?”

I take a deep breath, forcing the memories back. “No,” I say firmly, surprising myself with my resolve. “I don’t want to stop. I just… need a moment.”

Zane nods, his eyes never leaving mine. “Take all the time you need. I’m not going anywhere.”

His patience, so at odds with his usual intensity, touches something deep inside me. I step forward, closing the distance between us again. “Hold me?” I ask softly.

Without hesitation, Zane wraps his arms around me, pulling me close. I bury my face in his chest, breathing in his comforting scent. The steady beat of his heart grounds me, reminding me that this is Zane, not Noah. “I’ve got you,” he murmurs, running a soothing hand down my back. “You’re safe here.”

We stand like this for several long moments, my racing thoughts gradually calming. The ticking of the clock fades into the background, and time seems to stand still in the circle of Zane’s arms. When I finally look up at him, the tenderness in his eyes nearly undoes me.

“Thank you,” I whisper, my voice slightly hoarse.

Zane smiles softly, his thumb gently wiping away a tear I hadn’t realized had fallen. “Always. Do you want to talk about it?”

I consider it for a moment, then nod. The weight of my past feels lighter somehow, shared between us. “Noah hurt me in more ways than one, and sometimes when I think too much, the memories…”

“Come back at the worst times,” Zane finishes for me. I nod, grateful for his understanding. “Aria…” His hands move to cup my face, gentle but grounding. “I want you to know you’re in control here. We won’t do anything you’re not comfortable with. If you need to stop at any point, for any reason, just say the word. Okay?”

His words wash over me, soothing my frayed nerves. I nod, feeling a surge of affection for this man who’s being so patient with me. “Okay,” I agree, my voice stronger now. “I trust you, Zane.”

The smile that stretches across his face is breathtaking. It transforms his usually brooding features, making him look younger and more vulnerable. Slowly, giving me time to object, he leans in for another kiss. This time, when our lips meet, I let myself melt into it.

As the kiss deepens, I feel something shift inside me. The lingering fear and doubt start to fade, replaced by a growing warmth and desire. I press closer to Zane, sliding my hands up to tangle in his hair. The silky strands slip through my fingers, and I revel in the small gasp this elicits from him.

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