Infinite Ties

Zac's POV

This isn't how I planned to spend my day. When Steve called me about Fatima, panic shot through me like a bullet. The constant ringing and messaging her without a single reply nearly drove me insane. And seeing her now, curled up on the couch, crying and looking so damn fragile, is not helping matters at all. I wish she were pregnant because I know how her mind works—she’s probably thinking I’m disappointed or something. But right now, I just need to figure out how to make her feel better without getting on her nerves.

I step outside, needing a moment to think, but my mind keeps replaying the image of her tear-streaked face. The last thing I want is to say or do something that makes this worse. I’ve heard somewhere that women on their periods can be a bit much, so I call Danni. She picks up after two rings, sucking her teeth as she answers, “Yo, you know between you and Tima, I don’t know who keeps me on my toes more. I’mma block both of you. It’s like damn customer service here.”

I roll my eyes. “Whatever. I need your help.”

“What did you do again?” she replies, her tone sharp.

“Why it gotta be me? I didn’t do nothing. It’s Fatima.”

“And?”

“She got her period, and it’s painful. She’s been crying. What do you think I should get?”

“Oh. Okay, just get her all her favorite snacks and comfort food. A heating pad, some pads or tampons, and some pain relief.”

I can’t help but smirk a little. “I’m her favorite snack, but she ain’t getting that today. But one more thing, how come you and Karen never got this kind of pain?”

Danni sighs, her voice softening a bit. “Periods are different for different people. Some folks are lucky and don’t feel much of anything, while others go through hell. Different bodies, different symptoms.”

“Hmmm, or it’s because both of y’all asses are mean.”

“Fuck you, Zac. Get off my phone,” she snaps, but there’s no real bite in her voice.

I’ve been gone for an hour, and I miss Fatima more with every passing minute. The thought of her crying alone on that couch has me driving faster, my concern for her overriding everything else in my chest. When I finally pull into the driveway, I waste no time getting inside, carrying a human-sized teddy bear and various bags filled with everything Danni suggested.

Careful not to disturb her, I approach her sleeping form on the couch. She stirs as I move towards the kitchen, and her soft voice reaches me. “Babe?”

I grab one of the bags, along with some ketchup and a plate, and place it on the table in front of her. She rubs her eyes before sitting up, and my heart twists when I catch her wincing. I hate that she’s in pain, and I hate it even more that she has to go through this every month.

But then, I notice something that makes the primal possessiveness in me roar with satisfaction—she’s wearing my clothes, looking comfortable and sexy as hell. Seeing her in my shirt, knowing something of mine is touching her skin, stirs something deep inside me. She’s low-key turning me into a caveman.

Settling beside her, I unpack the food I bought and push the plate toward her. “Eat,” I order, my voice firm but gentle.

Her gaze flies to my face, then to the plate in front of her. She blinks twice, almost like she can’t believe what she’s seeing. The sight of her favorite cheesy chicken burger—the one she thought was gone for good—leaves her gasping.

“How?” she breathes out, her voice a mix of disbelief and amazement.

“Doesn’t matter,” I reply, a hint of a smile tugging at my lips. “All you need to know is that it’s back on the menu, including those chicken wings you like.” I signal to the bag on the floor.