Zara woke up early, slipping into her usual morning routine with Apollo, her Siberian Husky. His icy blue eyes sparkled with excitement as she grabbed his leash. The walk was peaceful, the cool breeze weaving through the trees as Apollo tugged her along, his energy seemingly endless.
When they returned, Zara decided it was bath time for Apollo. He barked happily as she lathered his fur, splashing water everywhere. After drying him off, she tied a neat little bow on his collar, stepping back to admire her work. "Looking sharp as always," she teased, ruffling his fur as he wagged his tail enthusiastically.
Zara took her time getting ready, pulling on a fitted black turtleneck that hugged her curves perfectly, paired with a plaid pleated mini-skirt cinched with a belt. Her black over-the-knee heeled boots added an edge of boldness, and her Balenciaga handbag completed the look. She let her hair cascade freely down her back and applied light makeup that brought out her features effortlessly.
As she stepped out of her room, Apollo following close behind, she spotted Xavier seated on the couch, engrossed in his phone. His posture was relaxed, one hand holding the phone while the other rested on the arm of the chair.
"Good morning," Zara greeted cheerfully, stopping a few feet away.
"Morning," Xavier responded curtly, not looking up.
Zara frowned, her lips curving into a playful smirk. She hated being ignored, especially by him. With determined steps, she crossed the room and climbed onto the couch, straddling his lap with her knees on either side of him.
Xavier's eyes flicked up, momentarily startled before his usual composed demeanor took over. "What are you doing?" he asked, his tone low but laced with curiosity.
"You're ignoring me," Zara replied, plucking the phone from his hand and tossing it onto the couch beside them. Her arms wrapped around his neck as she leaned in closer, her fingers playing idly with the hair at his nape. A flicker of something she couldn't quite place flashed in his eyes.
"I'm working," Xavier countered, though his voice wavered slightly as her touch lingered.
"Work can wait," she teased, her lips curling into a mischievous smile. "Admit it—you're mad about last night."
"Mad?" he echoed, his hands moving instinctively to her waist as if to steady her. "Why would I be mad?"
"Oh, I don't know." Zara tilted her head, her fingers trailing from his neck to his jawline. "Maybe because of Liam?"
Xavier's grip tightened slightly, his gaze darkening as he met hers. "I'm not mad, Zara," he said, his voice dangerously calm. "And I'm certainly not jealous."
"Not jealous?" she repeated, leaning in so their faces were mere inches apart. "Then why do you look like you're ready to murder someone every time his name comes up?"
Xavier smirked, his eyes dropping briefly to her lips before returning to her gaze. "Don't flatter yourself," he retorted. "If I were jealous, you'd know."
Zara laughed softly, her breath brushing against his cheek. "You're so bad at lying," she whispered, moving her fingers through the short hairs at the base of his neck, sending an undeniable shiver through his body.
His jaw tightened as he leaned back slightly, pulling her closer without thinking. "Careful, Zara," he warned, his voice a low rumble. "You're playing with fire."
"Maybe I like the heat," she replied boldly, her smile playful but her tone unwavering.
The room seemed to grow smaller as the tension between them thickened. Xavier's hands moved slightly on her waist, his control clearly slipping. For a fleeting moment, Zara thought he might lean in—but instead, he shifted, placing her back on her feet with a calmness that felt almost rehearsed.
"Don't push your luck," he said, his voice soft but firm as he rose to his feet. Without another word, he retrieved his phone and strode toward the door, leaving Zara standing in stunned silence.
Her smirk returned as she watched him go. Got him right where I want him, she thought.