The room was heavy with silence, save for the slow rhythm of Zayan's breath against Nora's skin. She was still in his arms, his lips trailing lazy kisses along her collarbone. He held her as if letting go would end the world.
"I have… a lot of work to do," she whispered, her voice barely audible, her body still pressed against his.
He didn't stop. His hands roamed her body with a possessive hunger, tracing every curve like he was memorizing her. His fingers tightened on her thigh, making her flinch slightly as he leaned in closer, mouth brushing her ear.
"For fuck's sake, Nora… I want you," he growled, his voice low and rough. "Are you really that hard to get, beautiful?"
"Maybe," she said softly, her eyes refusing to meet his.
That made him smirk.
Without letting go, he tilted her chin up until their eyes locked. His dark gaze burned into her.
"Look at me," he said.
She did.
And in that moment, something shifted.
"I'll wait," Zayan said. "But know this… when you finally want me, I'll make sure every single moment is perfect. Every second—precious. And you'll never forget them."
He pulled back, finally releasing her. He stood first, his presence still towering, still dominant. She followed slowly, adjusting her uniform, heart pounding.
She turned to leave, but he caught her again—this time pulling her into a deep, consuming kiss. It was desperate, claiming, almost tender. When he finally let her go, he didn't miss the heat in her eyes.
He grinned, one hand sliding down to grab her ass, fingers caressing her softly. She gasped and yanked herself away.
Before he could reach for her again, she threw the door open and bolted.
Zayan watched the door close with a soft click. He ran a tongue across his lower lip, savoring the taste of her still lingering on him.
"I'll give you 90 days," he murmured to himself, eyes gleaming. "If you're not mine by then… I'll let you go. But if you are—"
He smiled darkly.
"I'll love you until death takes me."