Page 59 of Barinov

“I love you, Zeke.”

She presses one final kiss to my forehead.

And pulls.

I gasp awake, heart racing and sweat slicking my brow.

Bella’s curled up beside me, her body warm against my chest. I slow my breathing and ease her arm off my waist, careful not to wake her. She sighs but doesn’t stir.

I slip out of bed and tiptoe tightly down the hallway, then down the stairs and head toward the kitchen. When I get there, I grab a skillet, crack a few eggs, and start whisking away. The sizzle of butter cuts through the silence but not through the memory of her.

Nothing can.

Arms snake around my waist, pulling me tight against his chest. “You didn’t come to bed again last night,” Luca murmurs against my neck.

Breathe. Remember who you are.

I set the spatula down and turn slowly. “Sorry,” I say with a lazy grin. “I was exhausted after all our fun. Passed out the second my head hit the pillow.” I wrap my arms around his neck. “Forgive me?”

“You owe me for that show the other day,” he groans, tracing his fingers low on my back. “I was hard as a rock watching you two.”

Ezekiel Malik Blackwood.

I laugh softly.

“How was she?”

“She fought it,” I answer, running my hand through the back of his hair. “But she wanted it.”

Luca lets out a deep moan.

I turn back to the stove and flip the eggs. “Let’s not forget it was your idea to send me in first.” I keep my voice light.

“I know,” he whispers.

I tense as his hand drags up my spine. I slow my breathing and try everything I can not to envision her hazel eyes right now. Not to see the shame that would undoubtedly be plastered all over her face if she knew how far I’ve fallen since that night.

Ezekiel Malik—fuck!

Get it together, Zeke.

He sighs. “I just need her to remember.”

I nod, plate the eggs, and lay them on the counter.

“Sit,” I order, my mask falling into place.

He does. I join him.

“You still think you can lead her back to me?” Luca asks, eyeing me over his breakfast.

“Bella is strong, but she has a weakness.”

“Which is?” he presses.

“Me.” I smirk. “She believes that I’m still her big brother. Still the protector. It’ll take some time.” I take a bite. “But once Bella is out of the way, Izzy will be free to come out and play. That’s when you take over.”

He hums in satisfaction. Then he leans in and grabs me by the jaw, entangling our tongues in a slow, heavy kiss. A wave of nausea hits me.