Malik - Z.M (Book 1, Malik Series)

36.

Zayn.

She had fallen asleep long before I did.

It shouldn't surprise me though. She was exhausted after staying awake for almost twenty four hours.

My hands remained skimming along her arms as my eyes stare into watch the tv screen that playing the trailer of the movie we had just finished watching.

Maze runner.

Apparently it was hers and Taylor's favourite movie. She wanted to watch it again, and even though I wasn't that all into it, I was at peace for a moment till I realise she had fallen asleep before the movie got interesting.

Fine beside me, Alissa stirs in her sleep and her hand lazily lands on my chest, causing that strange thrill to fall through my body.

I glide my hand over her soft skin and sigh quietly as I stare down at her vulnerable face.

I had high hopes with her becoming one of Hafid's slaves, but I don't know if that's going to happen after the small encounter she had with them.

I frown at the though. Why would they drug her?

I gaze back down at her again and play with the ends of her velvety soft hair.

The more time I spent with her, the more I realise I'm digging myself a bigger hole. I can't keep seeing her like this, but I need too. I can't spend a day without being around her.

I grab the remote from the side and turn the tv off, causing the room to fall dark with just a small amount of light from my phone that's ringing on the side table.

Reaching for it, I press it to my ear as I slide out of bed.

"What is it?"

"We found another lurker." Connor says.

"Take him to the basement. I'll deal with him tomorrow."

"Okay."

"Anything else."

"No.

"Good." I hang up the phone and make my way into kitchen to grab myself a drink of water.

Alissa continues to stir on the fold out couch and I take a well needed drink.

It took a month for me to manipulate her, and two for her to fall for me.

I didn't think I would. Never did it ever cross my mind.

I shake my head and take down the rest of my water before laying back down next to her.

She slowly stirs and sighs lightly as I bring her closer to me.

Alissa sits up and I blink at her as she blinks drowsily at me.

"Are you okay?" She frowns confused and I nod as her hair, disheveled as ever, falls in her face.

She nods slowly and lays back down as I pull her closer.

"Zayn?"

I frown as I look down at Alissa. "Hmm?"

"Have you heard of Lima Syndrome?" She questions quietly, as a tiresome yawn escapes her mouth.

"I have." I reply quietly.

Lima Syndrome. The opposite of Stockholm Syndrome.

"Would you say you have it?" Alissa questions.

I swallow. "Yes."

Alissa grins as I look down at her expression.

My fucking heart is pounding.