CHAPTER 57: CHAPTER 57: TEMPERS AND TEMPTATION

And then...

I pulled away sharply, pressing a hand against his chest to create space between us. My voice was low but steady, and every word was deliberate, meant for him to hear.

"Even if you succeed in making me sleep with you right now," I said, letting each word cut through the tension, "it wouldn’t mean anything. Even if I slept with you a thousand times, you’d still be nothing but a ghost from my past. So stop trying. No matter how many times you try, you will never succeed."

He blinked, the intensity in his eyes faltering slightly.

"Do you know why?" I continued, stepping back just a fraction, though he leaned in instinctively. "I know you don’t... but I’ll tell you. Because I really love someone else, more than anything. I love him, and I’ve given him my word. I would never do anything to hurt his feelings."

Nicki’s jaw went slack, his usual arrogance faltering. His hand twitched as if he wanted to reach for me, to argue, to pull me back, but he didn’t. His eyes were wide, vulnerability shining through for the first time, and something unreadable passed over his face: disbelief, anger, a twinge of pain... maybe even a trace of admiration for my resolve.

He opened his mouth, closed it, and whispered, almost choking on the words, "Y-you... you really mean that?"

"Yes," I said firmly, staring into his eyes. "Every word."

He leaned closer, eyes searching mine. "Then... what’s so special about him? He’s just like me, Evric. We could turn things back, be like before."

I shook my head, my voice sharp, unwavering. "Don’t compare yourself to him. You and he... You are nothing alike. He will never be you, and you will never be him."

I took a step closer, my words slicing through the thick tension. "This is the final time I tell you: stop trying to seduce me. Even if I slept with you, I would regret it for the rest of my life. Honestly, I’d rather sleep with a hooker than sleep with you again, Nicki."

I saw it then, pain flickering across his eyes. The precise sting I wanted him to feel.

He was about to speak again when my phone rang. I glanced at the screen: Zayn.

I answered the call right there, making sure Nicki could hear my voice. He didn’t see who it was, but he could tell from the warmth in my tone that this was someone I cared for deeply.

"Hey, babe," I said, my voice warm.

Nicki’s eyes darkened slightly, a mix of frustration and disbelief as I waved at him, saying a silent goodbye. I unlocked the door and stepped out, leaving him frozen in place.

"Hey," his calm voice came through, low and gentle. "Are you done with work?

"I’m just leaving now," I replied.

"Good," he murmured. "Are you coming home straight, or do you still have something else to do?"

I grinned, teasing him. "Hmm... are you missing me already?"

There was a short pause, then a low chuckle. "Maybe. Don’t make a big deal out of it," he muttered, trying to sound casual.

I smiled. "I’m coming home. I have nothing else to do but be by your side right now."

Another pause, then he murmured, "Good... hurry home safely."

I ended the call with a smile.

I nodded to myself, the difference between Nicki and Zayn clearer than ever. My heart was calm now, and no one, not even Nicki, could shake it.

My driver was just about to pull away when Nicki’s message flashed on my phone: ’You dare say all that to me? I’ll make you regret every single word.

I glanced at it, then ignored it. Mr. Karl had texted me earlier, letting me know he had already left to handle other matters. He knows my work better than anyone and always knows exactly when I need to show up. He handles everything perfectly.

The drive home was longer than usual, thanks to the traffic, and by the time I arrived, I was tired. I went straight upstairs, eager to see the one man who made everything feel complete. But he was already asleep.

I took a quick shower and brushed my teeth, not wanting Nicki’s earlier kiss to reach him before I did.

Then I slid onto the bed, pulling the duvet over us, and hugged my man from behind, pressing a soft kiss to his shoulder.

He stirred slightly, lying flat, and I climbed on top of him, resting my head against his chest. My gaze drifted to his lips, and when he gently opened his eyes, I pressed my lips to his. He kissed me back, slow and tender, and in that moment, I realized, this was the kind of kiss I wanted every day. No other, no one else. This man was mine. Only him.

"I love you, Zayn," I whispered.

He pulled back slightly, his gaze soft but teasing. "You keep saying that... don’t you ever get tired of it?"

I shook my head, heart steady. "No. I won’t. Because it’s what I feel, and my feelings are real."

He smiled, saying nothing for a moment, then asked if I was hungry.

I nodded. "Yes... I’m hungry."

"Then we should go downstairs," he said. "I already prepared something for you."

I looked at him. "Downstairs isn’t too safe for me to eat."

He frowned, clueless. "Why not? It’s your house... you can sit at the dining table anywhere to eat."

"I don’t want to eat there," I said simply.

He tilted his head, trying to figure me out. "If not the dining room, what about the living room?"

I shook my head. "I don’t want to eat there either."

Still looking confused, he asked, "Then... if not the dining table or the living room, what about the bedroom? I can bring it up here."

I nodded. "Yes... I’d prefer to eat in the bedroom."

"Stand up," he said. "I’ll go bring it to you so you can eat."

I shook my head. "The food is already here... why do you have to go and bring it again?"

He blinked. "What food?"

I smiled, watching realization slowly hit him. "Are we talking about the same food?" he asked.

I grinned, teasing. "Maybe not the same food... but still food."

"Evric... it can’t be what I’m thinking, right?" he said, voice tense.

"Yes it’s," I whispered, still smiling.

His expression shifted, serious now. "Why?"

I kept smiling. "Nothing, babe... I just want you."

But the look on his face changed, hardening into something almost angry.

"How many times already, Evric? From yesterday till now... how many times? Do you see me like some hooker, or do you just keep me in your house all day only to... to have sex with me?"

"Hey..." I tried to explain, but he cut me off sharply.

"Stand up on me."

"Zayn..." I called softly.

"Stand up on me!" he shouted.

I obeyed. He grabbed his phone and stormed downstairs, leaving me alone in the room.

I leaned back, remembering Nicki’s words: Nobody will be able to stand my sexual drive... except him.

I sat there for a while, still in shock from seeing Zayn shouting at me, but I refused to let that come between us. Taking a steadying breath, I got up and followed him downstairs.