CHAPTER 32: CHAPTER 32: A KISS TO RECHARGE

I stepped into the quiet room, the faint hum of the air conditioner, the only sound that greeted me. Zayn was there, slouched on the single couch, his head tilted against the backrest, lashes resting like shadows on his cheeks. He looked peaceful... but tired. His chest rose and fell steadily, and I could tell sleep had taken him deeply.

Without making a sound, I moved closer and gently climbed onto his lap, straddling him with care. His warmth met me instantly, but he didn’t stir. I settled in slowly, cupping his jaw in my hand.

My lips brushed his ear as I whispered, "Zayn..."

He shifted slightly, his brows drawing together. I leaned in and kissed him, just a light press of my lips to his, soft enough not to startle him.

A low groan escaped him as he stirred, his eyes heavy, barely opening. I kissed him again, and this time, he responded faintly.

"Hey," I whispered, brushing my thumb across his cheek. "Are you okay?"

His voice came out low and rough. "I’m fine... I’m just tired."

I smiled a little, teasing. "You didn’t even flinch when I sat on your lap. Are you used to someone else sitting here?"

His eyes opened a bit more as he gave me a slow, sleepy smile. "No. I knew it was you."

I raised an eyebrow. "You were practically unconscious. How could you tell?"

He slid one hand to my waist and held me there as if anchoring himself. "Because even in my sleep, I know your scent. The moment you stepped in, I caught it... "Warm, familiar. It wrapped around me like a blanket. At first, I thought it was part of a dream, but when you touched me... it felt real."

His words made something in my chest flutter. My fingers brushed through his hair gently. "You do sound exhausted. You should rest. Take a break, two days, two weeks, whatever you need. I can pay you for the time off."

He chuckled under his breath, his hand slipping under the hem of my shirt to rest on my bare skin. "You’re not innocent either, Evric. You’re part of what’s wearing me out."

I blinked. "Me?"

He smirked without opening his eyes again. "Yesterday..." what we did, it wasn’t rough, but it left something in me. " A kind of ache I don’t want to recover from too fast."

Heat crept up my neck. "I’m sorry... I didn’t mean to..."

He shook his head lightly. "It’s okay."

I leaned in, brushing my nose against his. "Then let me kiss you... so you can recharge."

His eyes finally opened fully, a softness in them now. "Then kiss me," he whispered.

I leaned in and kissed him slowly, tenderly, like pouring energy back into him. Our lips moved in quiet rhythm, the room growing warmer, softer.

When we finally pulled away, his voice was steadier, clearer, and lighter.

"So... why did you come?" he asked.

I smiled, resting my forehead against his.

"I missed you."

My voice was barely a whisper, soft like a breeze sliding through the silence between us.

Zayn let out a low chuckle, but it lacked humour. "Evric, this isn’t funny. Why are you here?"

I tilted my head and looked at him, pretending to be offended. "Why are you acting like you don’t want me here?"

He blinked at me, his eyes now clear, wide awake, and focused.

"I missed you," I said again, slower this time, my fingers brushing his shoulder. "So I came to see you." I pushed myself off his lap and stood, letting my hand slip dramatically from his. "But if you don’t want me here, then I’ll go." I turned slightly, pretending to walk away, lips curled into a teasing frown.

Before I could take another step, his hand reached out and caught my wrist.

"Evric, wait," he said. His grip tightened slightly. "I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that."

His voice was raw, and when I glanced back, I saw it, real worry in his eyes. Like he truly feared I’d walk away.

A smile pulled at the corner of my lips. "Caught you," I said, stepping back toward him.

He narrowed his eyes. "You’re unbelievable. I really thought you were angry."

I giggled, and that only made his expression shift. He was the one getting annoyed now.

"Zayn," I said softly, cupping his cheek. "Don’t be mad. I’m sorry, okay?"

He didn’t answer. His lips were tight, his arms crossed now.

I took a small breath, leaned closer, and whispered just against his ear, "Baby... I’m sorry. Forgive me?"

His expression faltered. The corner of his mouth twitched. He was trying hard not to smile. but failed. A little smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, and I knew I’d won. I leaned in and pressed a kiss to his forehead.

Finally, he exhaled "It’s okay."

"You always do this," he muttered, and finally, a small grin broke through.

I sat on him again, resting my head lightly on his shoulder.

That’s when I told him, "I came with Nuala and Chrisly."

His brows lifted slightly. "Nuala? Why?"

"She’s dying to eat here. Honestly, she just wants an excuse to see you so she can fill her mouth with gossip later."

Zayn chuckled and shook his head. "Good. At least you’ll have someone to keep you company."

I sighed. "Please. I’m already exhausted, and it’s her first day. Nuala is pure chaos."

Zayn stood up with a lazy smile and stretched. "Let’s go outside."

I held Zayn’s hand as we walked together, our fingers loosely interlaced. But just before we reached the open space where people could see us, I slowly let go, pretending nothing had happened.

Outside, Nuala had already placed her order. She and Chrisly were laughing over something on her phone while picking at their meals.

I slid into the seat beside them, and moments later, Zayn stepped forward to greet them.

"Hi," he said politely.

Nuala nearly choked on her drink. She stared at him, wide-eyed, her cheeks slowly turning crimson. The girl was practically melting just by looking at him.

I leaned in toward her, my lips brushing the shell of her ear. "Hey," I whispered with a smirk, "that’s my man."

She turned to me with a death stare that could’ve ended a bloodline.

Zayn was about to turn away, probably to head back inside, when I caught his wrist and looked up at him.

"Sit with us," I said gently.

His eyes lingered on mine, reading something in them before he finally nodded and took the seat next to me.

He asked me what I wanted to eat, but I shrugged.

"You know what I like. Just recommend something."

Zayn nodded, a soft smile tugging at his lips. "Alright. Give me a minute, and let me grab my phone. Your order will be here soon."

He stood and walked off.

Just as he did, my phone vibrated on the table. I picked it up and glanced at the screen, the same number that called me earlier this morning.

My stomach flipped.

I turned to Nuala and Chrisly.

"It’s Nicki," I said, showing them the screen. "He’s calling again."