Chapter 212: The Past [18]

[Music: Does God Cry? By Nessa Barrett]

I looked toward the rearview mirror; I saw how impatient the driver got, who probably had somewhere else to be.

I finally picked up the call, pressing the phone to my ear, shivering when his baritone voice vibrated through the speakers.

"Staying in the car won’t do you any good."

"You told Elliot to bring me, didn’t you?"

"Come out, kitten."

I inhaled sharply. "Done with your interview so soon? And now you wanna play with your dirty little secret?"

I didn’t mean to sound annoying, but I just couldn’t help it. It was easier this way than sounding like I was in pain.

I didn’t want him to see that, but I guess that was stupid of me given my reactions in the office. I clearly stripped everything before his eyes, and even though I didn’t say a word, my emotions spoke volumes.

"You, of all people, should know I’m your dirty little secret, not the other way around."

My cheeks heated before I found the courage to ask. "What’s this place?"

"Why don’t you come out and find out?"

"Tell Uber to take me home. For real this time."

He chuckled. "Do you want that, kitten?"

"It doesn’t matter—"

"Do you want that?"

"Zade—"

"It was a simple question, Anastasia. Why don’t you start by giving me an answer rather than avoiding it?"

My throat tightened, and my chest vibrated from how fast my heart pounded.

I answered the question by opening the door and stepping out of the car. I watched it drive away.

"Now what?" I asked.

"Turn around."

I did, and saw a boutique across the street located on the ground floor of an old stone building. It had tall glass windows, revealing glimpses of the curated interior.

Above the entrance, the boutique’s name was engraved in elegant gold lettering.

Verdelle.

I moved my eyes toward the glass windows and found Zade inside, holding the phone to his ear, smirking.

I ended the call and crossed over. The moment I got to the entrance, the door was open for me.

It was a rather high-end store, filled with so many dresses that immediately caught my eye. My attention was drawn away from them when Zade came toward me.

Seeing him two times in a day should be a crime, especially after what happened.

"Shouldn’t you be somewhere else, Mr. Salvero," I said, trying to sound stiff, but it was a difficult task to accomplish with those green eyes on me like I was the only breathing being in existence.

"I’m right where I wanna be."

My eyes followed his movement as he placed his hand at the small of my back to keep me close as we walked further into the boutique.

We seemed like a couple.

"What’s this about?" I asked tightly.

"Asking unnecessary questions. I have to do something about that mouth of yours. I could keep it busy if you want."

"You should be with Annabeth," I replied, trying to ignore the heat spreading through my body.

He raised an eyebrow.

"She’s beautiful, smart. Everything about a man’s wet dreams. Maybe..." My stomach clenched. "She could be your wife one day."

He laughed.

"What?"

The wild sound gradually softened into low chuckles as he pinned me with those amused, all-consumed eyes.

"Did you rehearse that? Was there a training I missed?"

"Zade—!"

"You speak of it as though it’s in script."

"Maybe it is..." I bit back.

"The only reason I agreed to that silly interview was because of you. You took me by surprise, storming into my office when I least expected you."

"I-I didn’t plan for it either," I defended. "It happens that the world is a small place after all."

"Your sister is an interesting woman."

I scoffed in disbelief. My nostrils flared as I cat-walked toward the dresses on display. I folded my arms, feeling my anger rise.

I discerned Zade behind me; he was so close I could feel his body heat, but I acted as though he wasn’t there, choosing to admire the dress on the mannequin with everything I had.

But that seemed to fail me when I felt his breath on my neck. I shuddered when he swept my shoulder-length dark hair aside to expose my neck.

"She’s interesting because she didn’t bake those cupcakes with her heart and soul. She doesn’t strike me as someone who would spend hours of thoughts on a pastry."

I rasped as I looked over my shoulder and found his face close to mine.

"The cupcakes tasted delicious, by the way. Will you make more for me?"

"Y-You don’t understand."

"Understand what?"

Annabeth wants you, and when she wants something, she gets it in the end. She always takes from me.

"I-It’s late, I should head back home."

I tried to move, but his hand pinned my waist possessively, and I went impossibly still, just my pulse throbbing out of rhythm.

"You seem thoroughly convinced your sister is gonna come between us."

He spun me effortlessly to face him.

"I’m not convinced. I know. So don’t make this difficult."

"I’m a full-grown man, Anastasia. I have my opinion."

"But she’s—!"

"What?" he cut me off. "Beautiful, smart? What else can your almighty sister do?"

"You—!"

He placed a finger on my lips. "One more word about that sister of yours... I dare you."

I don’t understand. This was it, wasn’t it? The moment Annabeth comes into the picture, it’d be as though I never existed.

"Time to get ready for our date." He moved, but I took his hand before he had the chance to.

My mouth hung open as the words died in my throat. This was new for me... to have someone who wasn’t swayed by my sister. To have someone who actually... wanted me.

Zade wants me!

Zade tugged on our intertwined hands leading me toward an area where the rest of the team was waiting. His hands felt so big against mine.

"Mrs. Allen, please... let’s proceed as planned."

She smiled. "Of course, Mr. Salvero."

Zade glanced my way. "Go on, baby. Pick whatever you want."