Swamp Murder

Swamp Murder. 34

Wang's Pov.

As the night went on, Zhan and I settled into our little world. The conversation flowed effortlessly between us, laughter bubbling up at all the right moments. The smile never left my face, nor did his. It felt easy, natural like the rest of the world had faded into the background, leaving just the two of us in this perfect moment.

I barely noticed when Dre nudged Zhan, but I definitely noticed the way Zhan's cheeks flushed slightly, his fingers twitching where they rested on the table.

Interesting.

Dre, however, wasn't subtle. His eyes flicked to mine, a look of absolute disbelief on his face, Are you crazy?

I arched a brow, silently asking, What's your problem?

Then his gaze dropped to my hand first, then to Zhan's.

Realization dawned on his expression, but it wasn't the excitement I expected. Instead, his lips pressed into a thin line, and his eyes filled with something close to disappointment.

I knew exactly what he was thinking.

Still, I didn't falter. Instead, I smirked, tilting my head slightly as if to say, Yeah, and what about it?

Dre's eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn't say anything. Instead, he shook his head, exhaling through his nose before turning his attention back to his drink.

Zhan, oblivious to the silent exchange, leaned in slightly, his voice low, teasing. "What's that look for?"

"Nothing," I said smoothly, swirling the wine in my glass. "Just enjoying the evening."

His lips quirked, but he didn't push.

The night had stretched longer than I expected. After dinner, some of my guys decided the evening wasn't over yet. The poolside bar was too tempting, the music too intoxicating, and soon, drinks were flowing again, laughter mixing with the bass thumping through the speakers.

Now, at 11 p.m., the energy was still high, but I was ready to leave.

I leaned toward Zhan, raising my voice over the music. "It's getting late. We should head home."

Zhan swirled the last of his drink in his glass, his lips quirking as he turned to face me fully. "Home?" he echoed, amusement flickering in his dark eyes.

I nodded. "Yeah. It's our first night as a couple."

His smirk deepened. Then, without missing a beat, he leaned in, his breath warm against my ear.

"Don't you think we should consummate it?"

Heat shot straight through me.

I pulled back slightly, meeting his gaze, my heartbeat suddenly louder than the music around us.

Zhan just sat there, waiting, a challenge in his eyes.

Damn him.

Mia leaned in and whispered something into Zhan's ear. Whatever it was made him nod before turning to me. "They are heading out," he said.

I didn't hesitate. "I'll walk you out."

It was the perfect excuse to slip away from Lusi's watchful gaze.

"Lusi, I want to see them off. They're leaving," I said smoothly.

She barely looked up, swirling the champagne in her glass. "Alright," she murmured before taking another slow sip.