Page 135 of Hidden Echoes

He smiles at my words, his lips gently pressing against my forehead in a soft, reassuring kiss. “Yeah.”

“Good.”

"I can learn to adapt, though," he says, his voice low and steady, carrying a quiet determination. "If it means you’re safe, I’ll figure it out."

I glance at him, a flicker of warmth stirring in my chest. "I know you will, Zane. But I like our bubble. I like the way things are between us, just the two of us. I’m not ready for everything to change."

Zane looks at me for a long moment, his jaw tightening. "You’re impossible," he murmurs, though his voice carries a mix of affection and frustration.

I can’t help the faint smirk that tugs at my lips. "Impossible is what I’d do to you in that lab if we didn’t have an audience," I tease softly.

He chuckles, the warmth of the sound making my chest tighten. "You really are something else," he says, though his smile never fully fades.

I take a deep breath, feeling the pressure lift slightly with his reassurance. "I just need some space to figure this out, okay?"

Zane’s expression softens. "I’m here, Mia. Always."

I nod, a small sense of comfort settling within me. I walk back to Pietro and Laura, but before I can say anything, Zane steps closer, his hand brushing against mine.

“It’s lovely seeing you, sis," I say, forcing a smile, though I can’t help the tension in my voice. "But I will have to decline your offer for protection."

Laura’s eyebrows raise, concern flashing across her face. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, I can handle myself," I say, my voice firm but not unkind. "But I would like to keep in touch. I’m not cutting ties completely."

"Of course," she responds, her tone softening. "We’re always here if you change your mind."

I nod, a weight lifting from my chest, knowing I’ve made the right choice—for now, at least.

I’m not an idiot. I know Laura is probably part of that circle now, and I don’t want anything to do with the people who hurt my brother. I understand that she doesn’t get it—she’s never met One—but I owe him at least that much.

Zane moves closer to me again, his presence a comforting reminder that whatever happens, I don’t have to face it alone.

CHAPTER 27

MIA

I feel restless, and honestly, it annoys me.Ihatefeeling like this—like I need something but can’t figure out what it is. I guess that’s the problem with being me: always searching for the next high, the next spark.

Then, I look over and see Zane on the couch, and—well, that’s it.

Suddenly, I have the urge tocolorhim. Like, color him. He’s got those tattoos, all those intricate black lines on his arms, and I just want to fill them with life.

He’s busy fiddling with his phone, so I grab my case of markers, take a deep breath, and plop down next to him.

I’m close enough to feel the heat of his body against mine but not close enough for him to push me away.

“Be still,” I whisper, my voice a little teasing as I slide the blue marker over the skull of a serpent etched into his skin.

Zane gives a low sigh, but he doesn’t say anything. He glances up at me for a second, his blond lashes lowering, his gaze briefly meeting mine before he turns back to his phone. And just like that, I get the green light.

My fingers move easily, tracing the curves of the tattoos, adding bright pops of color to the shadows. Red for the roses curling up his forearm. Green slid across the dragon on the back of his hand. Every time I move my hand, I feel the warmth of his skin underneath, the solid, alive texture. It’s almost like I can feel every part of him—every part.

The thought sends a jolt through me, but I push it away. Focus on the art, Mia. Focus on the art.

“Are you using permanent markers?” Zane’s voice pulls me back to reality, deep and almost amused.

“Maybe,” I reply with a smile that I’m sure he can’t see, but I feel it anyway.

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