CHAPTER 93: CHAPTER 93: A CAUTIOUS WARNING

Zayn’s POV

The sun slipped through the curtains, spilling golden light across the room. It was a beautiful morning, and for the first time in a long while, my chest felt light. Today was the day Evric and I were finally going to visit my mother.

Over the past few days, he had done absolutely nothing but care for me completely, selflessly, like I was the center of his world. He treated me so right that sometimes it felt as if we were already married. We had our misunderstandings, of course, but never once did they last longer than a heartbeat. Evric never gave space for long arguments. If I were wrong, he would still apologize first. If he were wrong, he would say sorry just as quickly. To him, it didn’t matter who admitted fault, what mattered was that we were okay.

"I love you," he would say every chance he got. Not just once, not twice, but over and over again, like he wanted me to feel it every second of the day. Sometimes it was almost overwhelming, yet it warmed me in ways I could never put into words. I had chosen him, out of all men, and I never once regretted it.

Maybe I regretted it sometimes, the little challenges and obstacles made me pause but deep down, I was willing. Evric only wanted to be loved, and I could see that in everything he did. Seeing his heart so open, so genuine, made me grateful to have met him, and grateful for the chance to love him in return.

The only thing that could feel too much at times was his desire. Evric wanted me constantly. Even when he promised he wouldn’t touch me, he always found a way to sneak past that vow, brushing his hand against me, stealing kisses when I least expected it. Did I enjoy it? Yes. Did I sometimes pretend not to? Absolutely. But he had learned to read me, when to touch, when to stop, and when to simply hold me close. That balance made me feel safe.

Since I promised him I would stay with him after we officially became boyfriends, he had been spending his time thinking about little routines and plans we could do together once I moved in. And truthfully? I wanted it. I wanted to live with him, even though I pretended otherwise. I liked the way his eyes lit up when I acted hard to get, like he was chasing me all over again.

Every minute with him was something to cherish. When he was at work, he would still find ways to check on me. Babe, are you okay? Did you eat? His messages came like clockwork until he returned home. He was a sweet boy, a hopeless lover boy, and he made me happy.

But then there was his father.

The thought made my stomach twist for a second, but I shook it off. No. I won’t let that ruin my morning. Today wasn’t about fear or family pressure. Today was about us.

Evric had bought gifts for my mother, far too many. I had told him it wasn’t necessary, but he only smiled, insisting, "I just want to." That was Evric in one sentence, he always gave more than expected.

Now, as I buttoned my shirt and glanced at him across the room, I felt my heart beat a little faster. Today we were going to visit my mom. I didn’t know what her reaction would be, whether she would accept Evric or not, but one thing I was certain of: I wasn’t giving up on him. Not now, not ever.

I had never once gone against my mother before, but if she rejected him, this would be the first. Because no matter what, I wanted to love him the way he had been loving me all this time.

"Babe," Evric called softly, his voice carrying that familiar warmth that always made my chest tighten.

"Yes," I answered, glancing up at him as he stood near the doorway, his presence filling the room.

"How many hours’ drive is it to your mom’s place?" he asked, leaning slightly closer.

"Almost six hours," I replied.

He nodded thoughtfully, then added, "Okay... should I tell my driver to take us, since I don’t like driving that long, or will you drive?"

Before I could answer, he continued, "Actually, I’d like my driver to take us. That way, if there’s anything I need, he can help me out."

I smiled and said, "It’s okay. He can drive us."

Then he stepped closer and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to my lips. "Go take a shower so we can be on our way," he murmured, his hand gently guiding me to my feet.

I allowed him to lead me to the bathroom. Evric had already showered, his excitement barely contained, and I couldn’t help but notice how ready he was for today.

After my shower, I dressed in casual wear, simple, comfortable, nothing extravagant. I didn’t feel the need to do too much; I knew I looked good.

Evric, on the other hand, had dressed in his usual style: black suit, turtleneck, jacket, and pants. His hair was slightly long, tousled just enough to look effortless. He was taller than me, just a little, but it added a subtle intimacy, a quiet romance that always made my heart race.

Damn, he was always attractive. I had never said it to him outright, not yet. But I knew that, in time, I would, maybe in private, in our own space, where the world wouldn’t see us, and where I could tell him exactly how much he made my heart race.

After we were both ready, we lingered at the top of the stairs for a moment, the quiet hum of the morning filling the space between us. I turned to him, trying to steady my voice despite the nervous flutter in my chest.

"Evric, this is more of a warning... or maybe just me asking you to be careful," I began, my eyes locking with his. I took a small breath before continuing, "Only when we are together you are allowed to kiss me, touch me, or call me ’babe.’ I’m not asking you to stop calling me that, you can still say it, but... please, just be careful. And absolutely no attempts at anything sexual. My parents’ house isn’t like yours; sounds from my room can be heard outside."

I watched him closely, noticing the flicker of amusement in his eyes, the slight curl of a smile tugging at his lips. He nodded, his posture attentive, but I could feel the familiar tension that told me he might follow my words for a moment... but not for long.

Evric was never one to simply obey. He would rather do what he wanted, take the risk, and apologize a million times afterward. But at least, in the end, he’d have done what he wanted.