Page 11 of Tainted Hearts

I’m unable to stop the blush that creeps up the back of my neck remembering my thoughts of her when I met her. I thought she was attractive in her uniform, but now? It’s really hard not to stare. She’s stunning; tall, bright red hair, covered in tattoos. She’s in a pair of black ripped jeans and a crop top, her cleavage on full display.

“That I am.” She gives me a cheeky smile and fuck, it has me blushing deeper. “The name’s Francesca, but please, call me Frankie.”

“What are you doing here?” I ask bluntly. Her brows go up, but her smile stays in place.

“Right to the point, I see. Your father sent me. I’m here to keep a closer eye on... things.” She looks to Megan and Libby, not sure how much she’s able to say around them.

“Of course he sent someone,” I sigh, shaking my head. “I just called him a few hours ago. He works fast.”

“He just wants to make sure you're safe.”

“Come in! You came at a perfect time. Supper is almost done. It’s Zed’s favorite, made it special for his birthday.”

Frankie’s brows jump. “Oh shit, it’s your birthday today? Fuck, I didn’t even pay attention to the date. Happy birthday, Rock Star.” She punches his arm, and he winces.

“Thanks, Blood Sucker.” He chuckles.

My jaw ticks at the little nicknames they have for each other; too personal for my liking.

Frankie follows Megan, giving me a lingering look.

“Fuck, Little Bird.” Zed wraps his arms around me from behind, pulling me close to his warm body. “It’s so fucking hot when you're jealous.” He kisses my neck, making my eyes close, and a shiver runs through my body.

“I’m not jealous,” but my protest is weak.

His chuckle has my belly warming. “Yes, you are. And I like it. But you have nothing to be jealous over. If anything, I should be the jealous one.”

“What, why?” I ask, twisting my head to look up at him.

“Because...” He nips at the tip of my nose. “Frankie isn’t into people who have dicks, if you get what I mean.”

My eyes widen. “Oh.”

She’s into women. That makes the jealousy disappear.

“Also, even if she didn’t like girls, it wouldn’t matter because...” he spins me so that I’m facing him. “I only have eyes for one girl. One amazing, sexy, badass girl. And the best mate anyone could ask for,” he growls, smashing his lips to mine in a bruising kiss. His hand cups the back of my head as his lips devour mine. I moan, unable to hold it in, as his tongue dips between my lips, tangling with mine.

“Ew. Enough of that. We have guests here,” Libby gags.

“I don’t mind.” Leo chuckles.

“You don’t count,” she deadpans.

Zed breaks the kiss, both of us panting as he looks at me with half-lidded, hungry eyes. “Later. I’m the birthday boy after all, and the one thing I want the most is you, naked, laid out on your bed.”

“Okay,” I whimper. Now is not the time to be turned on, but can we like speed this dinner up? I’m not really hungry for food anymore.

“Alright, you guys catch up. Libby, help me in the kitchen, please.”

“So, Rock Star, I see you got yourself a mate,” Frankie teases Zed.

“That I did.” His voice is smug as he sits down on the couch and pulls me down into his lap, wrapping his arms around me protectively.

“I bet you never thought that would happen.” She chuckles. “And with the princess of Hell, no less.”

“What can I say? Only the best for me,” he teases back, kissing me on the cheek.

“I’m really confused right now. First, if my dad sent you here, what’s your job exactly? And how do you two know each other?”

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