Page 57 of All The Pretty Little Lies

Oscar clears his throat, clearly annoyed at my interruption. Good. Let him stew for a bit. "We should head back," he says, glancing at his watch. "The others will be wondering where we are."

I nod, but my eyes never leave Vesper's face. "You go ahead, Oz. I'll walk Vesper back."

For a moment, I think he might argue, but then he shrugs and starts walking towards the house. As he passes me, he mutters, "Play nice, Z."

I wait until he's out of earshot before turning back to Vesper. She's staring at the ground, her toes digging into the sand. "Hey," I say softly, tilting her chin up with my finger. "You okay?"

She nods, but I can see the conflict in her eyes. "Zaire, I...I don't know what I'm doing."

I chuckle, pulling her close. "Join the club, sweetheart. We're all just making this up as we go along." I press a kiss to her forehead, inhaling the scent of her shampoo mixed with the ocean air. "But I meant what I said. You don't have to choose."

As we walk, I can't help but steal glances at Vesper. Her steps are hesitant like she's walking on eggshells instead of sand. I know her mind must be racing, trying to make sense of everything that's happened. She's so innocent in many ways despite the world she comes from. A virgin, if the whispers at that godforsaken auction were to be believed. The thought of her being sold like property still makes my blood boil.

"You're thinking too hard," I say, nudging her gently with my shoulder. "I can practically hear the gears turning in that pretty head of yours."

She looks up at me, those green eyes wide and vulnerable. "How can you be so calm about all this?" she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "Years of practice, sweetheart. When you grow up in this world, you learn to roll with the punches." I pause, choosing my next words carefully. "But I know it's different for you. You've been sheltered, protected."

Vesper scoffs, a bitter sound that doesn't suit her. "Protected? Is that what you call being groomed for an arranged marriage?"

I wince, regretting my choice of words. "Fair point. I just meant...you haven't had the chance to explore, to figure out what you want."

We've reached a secluded cove, hidden from the view of the main beach. I stop walking, turning to face her. The sun paints her skin in shades of gold and pink, making her look almost ethereal. I resist the urge to reach out and touch her, to see if she's real or just a mirage.

"I see the way you flinch sometimes," I say softly. "When someone moves too quickly, or when a door slams shut. I know you've been through hell, Vesper. And I know your body and your mind aren't always on the same page."

She wraps her arms around herself, suddenly looking small and vulnerable. "Is it that obvious?" she asks, her voice trembling.

I shake my head. "Only to those who know what to look for. Trauma, it leaves its mark, even when the scars aren't visible."

Vesper takes a shaky breath, her eyes filling with unshed tears. "Sometimes I feel like I'm going crazy," she admits. "One minute I'm fine, and the next...it's like I can't breathe. And then there are times when I want...when I feel..." She trails off, her cheeks flushing.

"When your body wants to feel something good, but your mind won't let you," I finish for her. She nods, looking relieved that I understand.

I take a step closer, close enough to feel the heat radiating from her body, but not touching. "It's okay to want things, Vesper. It's okay to feel desire, to crave touch.”

I watch as Vesper's eyes widen, a mix of fear and longing swirling in those emerald depths. She's like a wild animal, poised to flee at the slightest provocation. I keep my movements slow, deliberate, as I reach out to brush a strand of hair from her face.

"Z-Zaire," she stammers, her breath catching as my fingers graze her cheek. "I don't...I've never..."

"Shh," I soothe, cupping her face gently. "I know, sweetheart. And we don't have to do anything you're not ready for."

The rising sun illuminates the beach around us in a soft. The light softens Vesper's features, making her look even younger, more vulnerable. My heart aches for her, for all she's been through, for the innocence that was stolen from her long before she ever had a chance to give it willingly.

"But what if I want to?" she whispers, her voice barely audible over the crashing waves. "What if I want to feel something good? Something that's mine?"

Her words ignite a fire in my veins, but I force myself to remain calm. This isn't about me or my desires. It's about Vesper, about giving her the choice she's been denied for so long.

"Then we take it slow," I murmur, my thumb tracing the curve of her jaw. "We go at your pace, and if at any point you want to stop, we stop. No questions asked."

Vesper nods, her eyes fluttering closed as she leans into my touch. I can feel her trembling, but whether from fear or anticipation, I'm not sure. Probably both.

"Can I kiss you?" I ask, my lips hovering just inches from hers.

She hesitates for a moment, then nods again. "Yes," she breathes.

I close the distance between us, pressing my lips to hers in a kiss that's soft, gentle, nothing like the heated exchanges I'm used to. Vesper sighs against my mouth, her body melting into mine as if she's finally letting go of some of the tension she's been carrying.

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