Unlawful Shadows | +18

Chapter 12

Elowen's POV

"That'll be $5,650. How would you like to pay?"

What in the fuck-

My eyes widened as the cashier announced the jaw-dropping total for the items. Her calm voice was the complete opposite of my mind. A staggering sum of money, far beyond what I had expected or could afford. Panic set in as I fumbled to find the right words.

That's 4 months of rent. 

I looked at Zephyr, panicking as he took out his wallet. "I... I can go back and pick something else, something more affordable," I stammered, my voice barely audible over the beeping of the scanner.

I told him I could find something in Zara.

Zephyr, however, glared at me, his patience clearly waning. "You're testing my patience, Elowen. I'm still not happy about how you didn't let me get those diamond earrings," he said in a low, commanding tone that sent shivers down my spine.

No shit. Who buys their assistant diamond earrings? That's ridiculous.

"I told you not to deny what I offer. It seems I need to reinforce that lesson." 

I swallowed hard, nodding nervously, as my body seemed to physically hurt when the cashier swiped the card through the machine. 

Zephyr, unfazed by the hefty bill, effortlessly gathered the shopping bags into his hands, his defined muscles on display owing to the rolled-up sleeves of his shirt. A silent acknowledgment that shopping was just another arena where he dominated effortlessly.

This man certainly knows how to shop. 

My instinct to help kicked in, and I reached out toward the bags, attempting to relieve him of the load. "I can hold the bags, Mr. Tenebris."

He pulled away with a swift motion, his glare intensifying. "Stop troubling yourself with unnecessary things," he commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument.

My brows furrowed in confusion as I looked at him, a response on the tip of my tongue. "Is that not my job as your assistant-"

His narrowed eyes halted my words, and I quickly shut my mouth, realising I had tested his patience enough today.

"You really need to be taught how to listen," he said, the words rolling off his tongue with a low, authoritative timbre. His voice, already deep, seemed to resonate with an underlying intensity that demanded compliance. 

As he led me out of the shop and towards the awaiting car, Zephyr's commanding presence lingered. He opened the door with a smooth gesture, his hand shielding my head from any potential harm as I settled into the plush seat.

"T-Thank you," I stammered, surprised by the thoughtful gesture, a hint of appreciation forming in my eyes as he kept the bags, stowing them away securely. 

Once settled in the driver's seat, Zephyr looked at me with a raised eyebrow, a small smirk playing on his lips. The amusement in his gaze was evident as he asked, "Need assistance with your seatbelt again, Elowen?"

"N-No."

My cheeks warmed at the playful tease, and I hastily secured the seatbelt, feeling his chuckle resonate as he ignited the engine and steered the car into motion. His mood seemed to have taken a turn for better, forgetting his annoyance from earlier. 

I hope it stays that way.

My eyes couldn't help but stray to Zephyr as he manoeuvred through traffic with a skilful ease that seemed inherent. His sleeves were rolled up, exposing the strength in his muscular arms, a subtle hint of tattoos peeking from beneath. The disheveled strands of his hair gave him a more relaxed appearance, yet there was an undeniable allure to the casual chaos.