Page 64 of Bound By Valor

Damn, you clean up good, Leora Mateez.

I had always worn clothes that were more boyish. Most of my wardrobe back in Toronto consisted of cargo pants, sweatpants, hoodies, and denim. I was pretty sure I had a dress or two cooped upsomewhere in there, but I hardly wore them.

I couldn’t help but smile at my reflection. I was definitely liking the look, and driving Zarek a bit insane wouldn’t hurt, either.

I put on some light makeup and headed to the lounge. I was told it was on the second floor, right above the rooms. As I walked into the lounge, I took in the beautiful decor. Much like the rooms, the lounge had dark teal walls with gold accents. The clusters of suede black couches cut through the color, and I immediately spotted a large black marble dining table with golden legs surrounded by twelve golden chairs. The room emanated effortless wealth. Maybe Alpha one needs to contact Blackthorn’s interior designer.

I saw Kabir and Amelia talking to each other and laughing in one corner, with flutes in their hands. Amelia wore a beautiful strapless red dress, showing off her toned arms and her huge falcon neck tattoo. Sitting on one of the large couches were Dylan, Sebastian and Delara. Zarek was chatting with Zane and Logan sat at the bar looking bored. All the men wore dark coloured suits and looked good in them. Hell, they looked irresistible in them.

Zarek had his back towards me when Zane’s eyes turned and locked with mine. He smiled and signaled Zarek to turn.

It was almost as though all the air left his body. He didn’t move, didn’t breathe for a good few seconds and finally took a deep breath. His eyes wandered over my dress that hugged all my curves in the best way, and a sultry smile took over his lips. He strode towards me, his steps determined. I closed the distance too, meeting him halfway.

His arms snaked my waist and his lips brushed my ears.

“You’re a temptress,Mi Corazón,”Zarek whispered, “Trying to drive me wild?”

“Oh, I’m sorry. Did I do something wrong, Mr. Rivera?” My voice was husky with pure desire.

“Fuck, don’t call me that right now,” he leaned back to face me. His eyes tracing each part of my face.

“Did I make a mistake again?” I smirked.

“Yes, and you will be punished, Dr. Mateez.”

“Oh, is that so? How will you be punishing me?”

“Well, I have a few ideas—”

A throat clearing caught our attention. We both turned and saw Logan wiggling his brows. I was pretty sure both Zarek and I rolled our eyes.

“Leo, you look stunning,” Logan walked up to me and almost snatched me away from Zarek and kissed my cheek. I heard Zarek growl.

Zarek snatched me back and tucked me against his chest.

“Mine,” He scowled.

“Territorial ass,” Logan whined.

I stepped out of both their vicinity, “Let me go meet the others…cavemen.”

I blew Zarek a playful kiss before drifting over to join Dylan, Sebastian, and Delara. As I settled in beside them, they chimed in with warm welcomes, complimenting my outfit. Dylan stayed silent, but his slight nod spoke volumes. I was beginning to appreciate his quiet nature more and more.

“So, Sebastian,” I ventured with a curious tilt of my head, “I heard Dylan calls you Seb. You guys go way back?”

Sebastian chuckled softly, the sound rich andwarm. Dylan cracked a rare smile, and I felt like I’d won some secret prize.

“Yeah, we go way back,” Sebastian confirmed. “Dylan was my next-door neighbor after I moved when I was fifteen. We ended up at the same high school and later shared a lot of miserable days in military training.”

Dylan picked up the thread, “And yeah, Seb here was always either saving my ass or getting us into trouble. Good times.”

Sebastian threw a glance toward Logan, who was deep in conversation across the room. “Logan was my partner for a few training scenarios back in the day. Always pushing the limits, that one.”

I leaned in, intrigued by the camaraderie. “So, you guys all served together? With Logan and Zarek too?”

“Not exactly,” Sebastian clarified, swirling the drink in his hand. “I ended up in PAG, the Political Action Group, mostly dealing with intelligence and diplomatic cover. These brutes,” he gestured at Dylan and then broadly around the room, “stuck with the Special Ops Group. More direct action.”

“Interesting,” I mused, tapping my fingers on the table. “Then what’s your beef with Logan?”

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