Broken

Chapter 29: Behind closed doors

Fatima stirred awake, the sunlight streaming through the curtains brightening the room. She sat up, adjusting her eyes to the light, and ran her fingers through her hair. Leaning over, she grabbed her phone off the nightstand and checked the time. It was 11 a.m. Her eyes widened in shock; she was supposed to be at the office. How could Zac let her oversleep like this? She pulled the covers over her bare chest as the door creaked open.

"Zac!" she called out.

"Yeah?" Zac answered, walking in with a newspaper and a bag of breakfast, placing them on the island. He walked into the bedroom, looking relaxed.

"Why didn't you wake me up? I have several missed calls from my publicist, assistant, and lawyer," she said, scrolling through her call log.

Zac shrugged casually. "I thought you could use a day in. Plus, aren't you the boss?" He raised an eyebrow playfully.

"I am... but that doesn't mean I can just stay home whenever I please-" She stopped mid-sentence, sighing. "You know what, it's fine. I'll just go pop in later." She set her phone down, trying to brush off her frustration.

Zac held up a small pharmacy bag, giving her a knowing look. Fatima eyed it skeptically before taking it from him. "I figured you'd want one of these," he said as she pulled out a Plan B pill.

"I do..." she nodded, appreciating the gesture. "We were a little careless last night-"

"A little?" she raised an eyebrow, challenging him.

"Okay, a lot!" he admitted, making her chuckle. Zac got up and headed to the kitchen, pouring her a glass of water. Fatima slipped on his white shirt and headed to the bathroom. She smiled at the sight of the toothbrush she had used the first night they spent together, still in the same spot next to his. After using the bathroom and brushing her teeth, she walked out, feeling refreshed.

Zac looked up as she exited the bedroom, a smile spreading across his face. "I could get used to waking up with you walking out of my bedroom like this every day," he said warmly.

Fatima smiled lightly, running her fingers along the island as she walked around it. She approached him, wrapping her arms around his waist. He looked down at her, groped her ass, and pecked her lips. "I could stay like this with you forever too," she murmured.

"Really?" he grinned.

"Yes—but don't push it," she scolded playfully, making him chuckle. He handed her the glass of water, and she took the Plan B pill with a sip of water. "I brought breakfast," he announced, moving around the island to retrieve the food.

"Smells good," she remarked, watching him pull out their meal from the bag.

"It's nothing fancy-" he began.

"I don't care," she interrupted with a smile, shaking her head.

Just then, there was a knock on the door. Both Zac and Fatima paused, exchanging puzzled looks. "Zac!" his mother called from the other side of the door. He sighed deeply.

"Yes, Ma? I'm kinda busy-"

"Zac, no. Go answer the door," Fatima nodded toward the door, urging him.

He sighed again, dusting his hands off and heading to the door. As he opened it, there stood his mother, Tia, holding a plate. "I brought you breakfast. I was here earlier, but no one answered," she said, a hint of suspicion in her voice. "Did you oversleep again?" she asked sternly.

"No, Ma, I... I was out. I went to buy food," he explained, trying to sound casual.

"Why? You know I always bring you food..." Tia's voice trailed off as her eyes landed on Fatima standing in the background. Her expression hardened. "What is that woman doing here?" she whispered harshly, leaning into Zac.