Hell Sweet, Kayla

33

I wanted to break the silence between us as we walked through the park, but my mind was blank except for a new idea crashing in like a tidal wave for my next chapter.

Devil and Nadia needed a break from their adrenaline-fueled romance scandal after inadvertently hurting each other. I aimed to keep my readers on their toes with suspense and heartfelt separation, without making it too abrasive.

I giggled, looking up to find Zayn watching me with a questioning expression. My warm smile fluttered my belly, signaling that I was still present, strolling through the park with him.

Suddenly, his demeanor shifted. Strong emotions seemed to waft in the air around us, though I couldn't pinpoint their origin. It wasn't exactly awkward, but my mind was swimming with thoughts—Why was Zayn moody all of a sudden? Why had he shown up at my apartment with two full bags of groceries? Why were we now strolling around the park like any regular couple?

Say something, Kayla. Stop living in your head.

"So, ugh..." I smacked my lips, trying to find words. "What are we doing?"

"Walking," Zayn replied in a monotone, looking at me as if I were the one being peculiar.

He was dressed sharply in a fancy suit and shoes, while I wore a floral dress and Uggs next to the billionaire. The contrast was stark.

"Okay, stop. Stop," I said, hoping to break the awkwardness. He immediately faced me, and I almost slapped his broad chest in surprise.

Thankfully, I stopped myself in time.

Seconds stretched as we locked eyes—him waiting for me to speak, and me unsure of what to say. The wind ruffled my dress and hair, catching his attention briefly before he scanned a group of boys near a food truck, eyeing me with interest.

His veins ticked, and I heard the gnash of his teeth, his green eyes growing irate. Was it what I thought, or were my eyes playing tricks on me?

I folded my arms over my chest, brushing away fallen strands. "Why are you here, Zayn?" I finally asked, snapping out of my shallow thoughts.

In a soft tone, Zayn met my gaze. "You promised." I blinked.

"What?" I blinked again.

He paused, took a breath, and then pinched the bridge of his nose. "You promised we would talk. But you didn't."

He seemed to stumble over his words, as if choosing them carefully not to offend me. How could I tell him we couldn't meet outside our agreed arrangement? How insecure I felt around him, and how much I hated him for it?

How could I admit that I wasn't ready to handle the vulnerability I felt after Cole, and that being with him outside of our physical arrangement might unravel me?

Smiling weakly, I said, "Oh! That! I totally forgot. Sorry." A humorless laugh escaped my lips. "I guess I left out the rain check with school and stuff, you know, taking up my time."

Zayn watched me for a long moment, trying to discern if I was telling the truth or not.

Out of the blue, he blurted, "Did... did I hurt you?"

"What? No! No!" Where had he gotten such a ridiculous idea? Did he know that what happened that night had revived something dormant inside me?

I'd never felt more alive than I did that night. Could he look at himself—smart, hardworking, successful, and handsome? My eyes wandered to his pants, knowing what lay beneath.

Lewd memories flooded my mind as my gaze drifted up to his Armani suit jacket, which hugged him like a second skin. His lips had kissed me, and he had thrust into me. I had felt myself sinking into his warmth, his touch electric.