I pause at the window, staring out at the city below. It looks so peaceful, so normal. But I know the dangers lurking in the shadows, the monsters wearing suits and ties.
A sense of urgency crashes over me like a tidal wave. Time is no longer a luxury I can afford. Every second that passes is another opportunity for someone to get to Zara before I can protect her.
I have to keep her safe without revealing the truth. And in this moment, there’s only one way I can think to make that happen.
Chapter 12 - Zara
The scent of rich coffee pulls me from sleep before I even open my eyes. I blink awake to a call from Abram, asking me to open the door.
Surprised, I pull on a robe and head to open it, only to find him standing there with breakfast.
"Good morning, Solnyshko," he murmurs, a hint of a smile playing at his lips.
I look at him with a tilt in my head, eyebrow raised. "Uhhh—what’s going on?"
He quirks an eyebrow. "Does a man need a reason to see the girl always running through his mind?"
A thrill runs through me, in sheer disbelief at his thoughtfulness. I let him in, accepting the coffee. "You're full of surprises lately."
"You have no idea," Abram says, his voice a low rumble.
***
Later that day, I'm barely through the door of my office when my phone chimes.
Abram: Dinner tonight. I'll pick you up at 7.
It's not a question. My fingers don’t hesitate over the keys before I type back instantly: Okay.
***
The days blur together in a whirlwind of Abram's constant presence. He appears at my favorite lunch spot during work hours, sliding into the seat across from me with a wolfish grin. "Fancy meeting you here."
I laugh despite myself. "Are you following me now?"
"Always," he says, and I can't quite tell if he's joking.
That weekend, Abram whisks me away to a hidden cove for a moonlit picnic. The next, it's front-row seats at the opera. Then, a heart-pounding helicopter ride over the city.
"How do you keep coming up with these ideas?" I ask as we stroll through a night market, the air heavy with spices and sizzling meat.
Abram's hand finds the small of my back. "I have a lot of resources at my disposal. And a powerful motivation. Time with you."
His eyes burn into mine, and I feel myself falling deeper into whatever this is between us. It's exhilarating and terrifying all at once.
"You're not bored of me yet?" I tease, trying to lighten the moment.
Abram's grip tightens possessively. "Never," he growls. "You're mine now, Zara. Get used to it."
A shiver runs down my spine at his words. I should be scared,I think. But all I feel is a dizzying sense of anticipation for whatever comes next in Abram's world of danger and desire.
***
My heart races as Abram's fingers trail down my arm. "I want to give you everything, Zara," he murmurs, his voice low and intense.
I swallow hard, caught between exhilaration and unease that this all might be moving too fast. "Abram, I—"
"Shh," he says, pressing a finger to my lips. "Just feel."