Unlawful Shadows | +18

Chapter 36

Elowen's POV

I sat at the breakfast table, my fingers absently tracing the rim of my coffee cup. The morning sun streamed through the large windows, casting a warm glow over the pristine kitchen. Despite the cozy atmosphere, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that clung to me.

Zander had left early, leaving me with a kiss and a message that I was to accompany Zephyr for the day. Now, I found myself seated across from him, his piercing gaze never leaving my face. He was silent, brooding, and the intensity of his stare made my skin prickle.

I cursed Zander under my breath for making me so loud this morning, for making my body betray me in such a raw and vulnerable way. And then to leave me alone to face his brother? It was almost cruel.

Zephyr's eyes narrowed slightly, as if he could sense my discomfort. His expression was unreadable, a mask of calm that did nothing to ease the tension in the room. He was a man of few words, but his presence was overwhelming.

"Are you going to eat?" he finally asked, his voice low and steady.

I shook my head, unable to meet his gaze. "I'm not hungry," I mumbled, my appetite long gone.

The room seemed to grow colder as Zephyr's stare intensified. "You will eat willingly," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument, "or I will feed you myself."

A shiver ran down my spine at his words. The implication was clear, and the thought of him forcefully feeding me made my stomach churn. I hesitated, my mind racing, but the look in his eyes told me he wasn't bluffing.

Reluctantly, I picked up my fork and took a small bite of the eggs on my plate. The food tasted like ash in my mouth, but I forced myself to chew and swallow under his watchful gaze.

Satisfied, Zephyr leaned back slightly, though his eyes never left me. The silence between us was thick with unspoken words and tension, making every second feel like an eternity.

"Good girl," he murmured, his voice barely audible but laced with approval.

Heat flooded my cheeks at his praise, and I quickly looked down at my plate to avoid his gaze. The room felt stifling, the air heavy with the weight of our shared silence. I couldn't understand him, couldn't decipher the mix of emotions that flickered in his dark eyes.

As I forced myself to continue eating, Zephyr remained silent, simply watching me. The intensity of his gaze made my heart race, each bite feeling like a monumental effort. I wanted to speak, to break the oppressive silence, but the words wouldn't come.

Finally, I couldn't take it anymore. "Why are you staring at me?" I blurted out, my voice trembling with frustration and something else I couldn't quite name.

He didn't answer right away, his gaze unwavering. "Finish your breakfast," he said instead.

I clenched my jaw, feeling a mix of anger and helplessness. But I did as he said, forcing down the rest of my meal under his watchful eyes.

Once I was done, Zephyr stood up and walked around the table. He reached out, and for a moment, I thought he was going to touch me, but he merely grabbed his jacket. "You'll be accompanying me outside the office today," he said.

"Where are we going?" I asked, frowning as I recalled his schedule being cleared out.

"You'll see," he replied, a hint of a smile playing at the corner of his lips.

We left the penthouse and made our way downstairs. As we walked, I couldn't help but feel a mix of curiosity and apprehension about what the day would bring. Zephyr was a man of mystery, and I had no idea what to expect from him.