Page 65 of The Rivals' Touch

He makes a tortured sound as if in pain and rubs his face. “Fine, I’m leaving.”

“Zayd,” I call after him when he opens the door, and he looks over his shoulder.

“I need my phone.”

He digs inside his pocket and pulls it out. “You’re not phoning Bennett.”

I give him a look, then point at the open door. “Get out!”

He surges back over and plants his hands on the bed. His face is inches from mine. “I’m fucking serious! You belong to me!”

I’m not having this conversation with him now. “Leave, Zayd!”

His eyes flick down to my lips and linger until I can barely breathe. He straightens up, tosses my phone on the bed, and walks out, taking his scent with him.

I unlock the phone: ten missed calls from Bennett.

Chewing my lip, I glance back up at the door.

You’re not phoning Bennett.

Well, screw you, Zayd!

I dial Bennett’s number and bring the phone to my ear.

“Remi!” he answers on the third ring. “I’ve been fucking worried about you!”

Eyeing the door, I nibble on my thumbnail. “I’m sorry, I lost my phone.”

“Are you okay?”

I get off the bed and walk up to my door to close it. “Yeah, I’m fine. How are you?”

“I’m fine, babe.”

“Are you with Cali?” It’s like ripping off a bandaid.

He’s silent for a moment. “What?”

“Are you with Cali?” I repeat, sitting back down on my bed. I place my foot on the edge and prop my chin on my knee. “I’ve heard rumors.”

He blows out a breath. “You believe in rumors?”

Do I? Was Legacy trying to hurt me with her comment, or is there truth to the rumor? My eyes drift to the wall connecting my room to Zayd’s. “I don’t know, Bennett.”

“What about Cali? She’s your best friend!”

There’s something in his voice, an unfamiliar edge. “You never answered the question.”

“Of course I’m not with Cali!”

I don’t believe him. “Okay.”

He sighs. “I’ll be around tomorrow afternoon.”

I nod even though he can’t see me. “Great.”

He’s silent, and so am I. There’s a tension between us, a crack in the foundation of our badly-constructed house.

“I have to go.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow.” He hangs up, and I stare at the screen in my hand.

I want to believe him, but there’s a gnawing feeling in my gut that I can’t ignore. Besides, who am I to talk? My lips still tingle from Zayd’s kiss.

“Fuck!” I growl, throwing my phone down on the bed. My life is a clusterfuck!

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