Broken

Chapter 41: In the shadows of power

As Zac and Fatima entered the house, the weight of the day seemed to momentarily lift. The grand foyer echoed their footsteps, and almost immediately, Lana rushed into view, her hands clasped tightly together. Relief was written all over her face as she hurried toward them.

"Oh, thank God! I was praying for your return, madam," Lana exclaimed, her voice laced with a mix of relief and joy. She stopped in front of Fatima, her eyes glistening with emotion.

Fatima, usually so composed and steely, let a small smile slip through. "Thank you, Lana," she said softly, her voice carrying a warmth that was rarely seen in her public persona.

Lana hesitated for a second, then asked tentatively, "May I hug you?"

Fatima chuckled at the question, her eyes softening. "Yes, you may, Lana."

Without a second thought, Lana stepped forward and embraced Fatima tightly, her voice soft and full of affection. "May you always be protected by God and his angels, my sweet girl," she whispered, making the sign of the cross in front of Fatima after the embrace.

Fatima nodded, a touch of emotion in her gaze as she glanced at Zac, who was standing quietly beside her. "Thank you, Lana. I'm fine. I'm here," she assured, her tone firm, though gratitude laced her words. She wrapped an arm around Zac's waist, pulling him closer as she looked up at him. "Thanks to Zac."

Zac glanced down at her, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He leaned down, planting a gentle kiss on the top of her head. "You know I'll do anything for you," he said softly.

Fatima closed her eyes for a moment, savoring both his touch and his words, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly under his affection. Lana smiled at the sight, the care between them evident.

"You must be starving," Lana said, quickly taking note of Fatima's fatigue. "I'll make your favorite. Something warm and comforting," she added, already moving toward the kitchen, her relief transforming into action.

As Lana disappeared from sight, Zac shifted his attention fully back to Fatima. His hand slid over her lower back and settled on her hips, his touch firm yet gentle. "You're so tense, baby," he murmured, his hand caressing her, his concern masked by the sensuality in his voice.

Fatima sighed, a hand moving up to rub her temples. "I know.. I'm just still processing everything. There's a lot going on in my head." She twirled her fingers near her head, a small gesture that betrayed the storm of thoughts swirling inside her mind.

Zac pulled her closer, their bodies pressed together as he leaned down, his lips brushing against her ear. His voice dropped to a low, teasing whisper. "I know how to ease your mind," he said, a smirk playing on his lips.

Fatima raised an eyebrow, a chuckle escaping her. "Oh, l'm sure you do," she replied, her voice matching his playful tone.

Zac's smirk widened as he pulled her even closer, his hands roaming her waist before slipping down to cup her ass, his grip firm but tender. "Let me help you relax," he murmured, his lips trailing down her neck as he spoke.

Fatima let out a soft laugh, shaking her head at his persistence. But beneath her amusement, there was a real sense of relief in his presence, a desire to let go of the day's burdens, if only for a little while. She cupped his face, her fingers brushing over his stubble as she kissed him softly, lingering against his lips for a moment longer than usual.

"Okay," she said, giving in with a smile, her eyes sparkling with a mix of affection and desire.

Zac's smirk deepened as he scooped her up, her legs instinctively wrapping around his waist. She let out a giggle as their lips met again in a slow, heated kiss, their connection palpable as he carried her toward the stairs.