Page 130 of Hidden Echoes

The shadow of a smile flickered across his face, and I took the opportunity to move closer. My fingers trailed over the crisp fabric before gripping the collar, tugging him down just slightly.

“You really do look good in this,” I whispered, my lips barely brushing his.

Zane sighed, and I felt his hesitation in the way his hand ghosted over my waist, almost as if asking permission. It killed me.

He was always so careful, so intense and silent at the same time.

“Mia…” His voice came out hoarse, sending a shiver down my spine.

My fingers traced his jawline before slipping into his blond hair.

“What’s wrong? Can’t kiss me in a lab? Is that against the code of conduct?”

This time, his smile grew, and before I could tease him again, Zane closed the distance between us and kissed me.

It was slow but deep, as if he were trying to memorize me. His firm hands pressed against my waist, pulling me closer, and a delicious warmth spread through my chest. The scent of coffee mixed with the faint chemical tang in the air, making everything feel even more intoxicating.

When he finally pulled back, my fingers were still curled around the collar of his lab coat.

“You know…” I muttered, catching my breath. “This lab seems like a great place to explore some new chemical reactions.”

Zane let out a low laugh, and the way his eyes darkened made my heart stutter.

“You’re a problem,” he murmured, his forehead touching mine.

“And you love problems, husband.”

Zane sighed against my skin, and I felt his smile before I even saw it. My fingers were still tangled in the collar of his lab coat, and I took the opportunity to tug on it again—just to feel that fleeting moment of hesitation before he inevitably gave in to me.

"I can't believe you never told me you had a genius chemistry diploma," I teased, sliding my hands over his chest. The soft fabric of the coat contrasted with the warmth of his skin beneath it. "That changes everything, you know? Now I can call you 'Doctor Husband'."

Zane rolled his eyes, but the corner of his mouth twitched with a smile.

“I’m not a doctor, Mia.”

“It doesn’t matter.” I leaned up on my tiptoes, bringing my lips close to his ear. “It still sounds sexy.”

The way he swallowed hard made me grin. I loved breaking through his walls of silence, loved watching the tension build before he lost control just a little.

“You really don’t know when to stop, do you?” he muttered, sliding his hands down my back, his thumbs drawing lazy circles against my skin.

“Never,” I assured him, biting my lip.

He cupped my face with one hand, his thumb brushing over my cheek while his eyes traced every detail of my face.

My heart stopped.

I had seen that look before—that moment of silent vulnerability, as if he were deciding whether to run or stay.

“You really like seeing me like this?” His voice was low, almost hesitant.

I blinked, surprised by the question.

“In a lab coat? Of course. You look like a sexy scientist who can blow up a building and then tattoo a dragon on someone’s back.”

He laughed, his chest vibrating against mine.

“I meant…” He gestured vaguely with his hand, as if struggling to explain.

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