Zayne’s hands moved slowly, tracing lazy circles over your thighs as you sat together in the soft glow of the kitchen lights. The world felt small and quiet—just the two of you, the faint hum of the city outside, and the rhythm of his breathing against your skin. His fingers pressed gently into the muscles of your legs, working away the tension as he placed soft kisses just above your knee.

You tried to hold back the giggles that bubbled up, but it was impossible. “Zayne,” you said between laughs, hiding your face behind your hands, “you’re making it impossible to stay still.”

He chuckled, the sound low and amused. “That’s kind of the point, dear.”

You peeked through your fingers to find his smirk — that confident, teasing look that made your heart skip. When he caught your eye, his expression softened. He leaned up and brushed a kiss against your wrist before gently tugging your hands away from your face.

“Don’t hide,” he said quietly. “I like seeing you happy.”

That warmth in his tone made your chest tighten in the best way. You were about to protest, say something clever to distract yourself from the flutter in your heart, but Zayne suddenly shifted his weight and turned you with him. The world tilted for a moment until you found yourself straddling him, your knees on either side of his hips.

Your breath hitched. “Zayne—”

He smiled, resting his hands on your waist but not moving them any further. “Relax,” he murmured, voice calm and sure. “I know you by now, so I’ll let you have lead.”

The words caught you off guard — tender, knowing, patient. That was Zayne. He always noticed when you got shy, when you weren’t sure what to do with your hands or where to place yourself.

“You always do this,” you whispered, pouting a little. “You make me nervous.”

He stepped back from you, hands raised like he was going to get arrested—just for being him. His eyes didn’t waver, still full of that quiet admiration that made everything else fade away. You stared, watching his eyes stare back with that smirk on his face.

He grinned. “Good. Keeps things interesting.”