Zoella
The tequila was either working or plotting my death. Three shots in and i was 93% sure i could feel the lining of my stomach peeling, but i didn’t care. Everything was blurry in the best possible way. I was swaying on the dance floor like a malfunctioning roomba,my mascara already halfway down my cheeks. Somewhere in the back of my mind,a rational voice whispered, “Zo,maybe slow down a bit.” But that voice sounded a lot like Liam,so I flipped it off and ordered another drink,downing it in one go. To hell with him and to hell with Madison too. May their genitals fall off and spontaneously combust. I stumbled my way into the women’s restroom like a heroic drunk pirate,gripping the wall for balance. The lighting was unreasonably bright. Like surgical-table bright. My reflection in the mirror looked like a deranged raccoon who’d been through hell and then walked straight into Sephora. “Mirror mirror on the wall,” I muttered to myself,squinting at my reflection. “Who’s the dumbest bitch of them all?” It had to be me,for not seeing through Madison’s two faced front all these years and Liam’s selfish nature. I bent over the sink dramatically,bracing myself like i was about to confess to murder. “Jesus take the wheel,” I muttered. “Girl,you good?” A soft voice floated from one of the stalls. Then the door creaked open and out stepped a gorgeous girl in a skintight purple dress. Immediately raising a brow as she caught sight of my appearance. I laughed hysterically, gesturing vaguely to my mascara disaster,my tequila breath, and the emotional earthquake happening in my soul. “Do I look good?” She tilted her head studying me. “Honestly? You look like you caught your man cheating and drank two shots to numb the pain.” My jaw dropped. “How the hell did you know that?” She shrugged like it was the most casual psychic read ever. “You’re the third crying girl I’ve seen tonight. It’s always either a cheating man,a cancelled bachelorette trip or someone realizing their ex got hot. I just picked the first option.” “Well,” I hiccuped dramatically . Mine’s the deluxe combo. Cheating fiancé. Best friend. My house. And get this—he didn’t even use a condom.” “Ouch,” she winced. “That’s not heartbreak. That’s a disaster.” “Right?” I clutched the edge of the sink like it was about to whisper advice to me. “I walked in holding takeout. Thai noodles,his favorite. You know how long the wait is for those?” “Criminal,” she said with a nod of solidarity. “And the worst part?” I sniffled. “He said she was better than me. Like, in the middle of the act. Just—ramming into her like a damn hyena and giving five star ratings.” “Noooo,” she gasped. “Girl, no. Men don’t deserve anything good. I’m so sorry honey.” “I KNOW.” I wiped my eyes with a paper towel. “And she was my best friend, We’ve been inseparable Since middle school. We’ve braided each other’s hair,got into trouble together. I helped her hide her chin filler. I took her to Planned Parenthood in my mom’s car, for Christ’s sake!” “Okay, she’s trash,” the girl said, walking over and wrapping an arm around my shoulder like we’d known each other since birth. “What’s your name?” “Zoella.” “I’m Lani. And Zoella, you are hot, heartbroken, and entirely too pretty to be crying over a man who probably uses 3-in-1 shampoo.” I burst out laughing again, tears streaming but amused ones this time. “He does. It’s the worst-smelling bottle. It says shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. All in one!” Lani made a choking noise. “Oh honey, not the Holy Trinity of poor hygiene.” “I wasted six years on that man.” She handed me lip gloss like a ritual offering. “You know what we’re gonna do?” “What?” “You’re going to walk out of this bathroom with your boobs perked, your eyeliner fixed, and your ego fully reinstalled. Then you’re going to dance like you don’t even remember what his name was. And you’re going to flirt with the first hottie that says hi.” I blinked at her. “You think I can still pull?” She leaned in, reapplying the lipgloss like a seasoned war general prepping her soldier after which she started dabbing at my smudged mascara. “You’re gorgeous. Heartbreak just gave you main character energy.” And for the first time all night, I smiled without it hurting. ~~ Hours later Lani and I were wasted beyond repair. I had learnt that she was a hairstylist and a single mom who owned a salon around the bronx. We were currently on the dance floor,wedged between sweaty bodies,swaying our hips to the bass of the music when I suddenly felt the need for another shot. “I’ll be right back!. Need to get some more shots!!” I screamed at Lani over the loud thumping music. She gave me a thumbs up and a wide grin before turning back to the tall dark guy that was currently slow rocking her to the lyrics of Harry styles “Cinema”. I laughed softly as I made my way to the bar. I leaned against the bar like it had personally offended me,squinting at the cocktail menu. “Three tequila shots,please. Wait no. Two. I mean—three. I don’t want to seem weak. Or maybe. Oh I know. Do you have whiskey?” I paused, narrowing my eyes on the list again. “I feel like Whiskey girls don’t get cheated on.” The bartender gave me a look that said you good,sweetheart? but before he could say anything,a deep voice slid in beside me,smooth,rich and dangerous.” “Whiskey girls definitely get cheated on,” the stranger said. I turned so fast and nearly knocked over my drink. And my eyes were blessed with the most gorgeous sight ever. He was tall,broad shoulders shoved into a fitted charcoal button up with the sleeves rolled to the elbows revealing a flame tattoo that snaked up his arm. His jawline looked like it could cut diamonds. His dark hair was slightly curled,a stray strand falling across his forehead. And his eyes? The most sinful shade of green I had ever seen and the way he looked at me? Please no woman deserved to be looked at like that. Like he could consume you with one look. He looked older ,probably late thirties almost forty? “Well damn,” I said, blinking hard. “If whiskey comes with this kind of conversation,pour me a double.” His mouth quirked slightly. “Do you always flirt this shamelessly with strangers?” God he was hot. I want to lick him up. “Only on nights when I catch my fiancé playing scream my name with my best friend,” I tipped back the shot,wincing as it scorched a trail down my throat. “Cheers to betrayal.” He blinked as he gave me an assessing look. “I see. Rough night.” “You could say that.” I reached for another shot. “Do you believe in karma?” “No.” he said, holding my gaze. “I prefer Calculated revenge.” That earned him a lopsided grin from me. “Are you single? Because you’re hot.” He chuckled under his breath. A low rough and warm sound that instantly sent a jolt of electricity straight to my core. “You’re drunk,” he said. “I’m having fun,” I countered. He didn’t respond right away. Just looked at me like I was a weird little riddle someone dared him to solve. And then because apparently I had no self preservation left, I reached out and placed my hand on his solid,firm and sinful chest. “If I kiss you right now,” I asked,”is that rebounding or reclaiming my worth?” I saw the moment something flared in his eyes. Almost like lust? But just as soon as it appeared it vanished as his fingers gently curled around my wrist,lifting my hand away. Not harsh but firm. “Get some water, whiskey girl.” And then he turned and vanished into the crowd like some emotionally well adjusted Greek god with perfect timing and zero interest in my spiraling life and flirtations. “Buzzkill,” I muttered,even though my heart was still thudding from the sheer force of his proximity. ~~~ Thirty minutes later Lani and I stumbled outside, our hands looped together,giggling like school girls. “Did you call a rideshare?” I looked down at my phone,which was upside down. “Uh..yes. No.Wait. Yes.” I squinted at the screen. A black SUV. License plate something-something-7-9-4. I glanced up and spotted a black SUV with…blurry numbers. That had to be it,right? “Bingo!” I chirped,pointing triumphantly. Lani narrowed her eyes. “Are you sure you’ll get home safe?” “Yup. I’ll be crashing in a hotel tonight.” She sighed as I stumbled towards the car. “Call me when you’re safe in bed.” “I will. Good night,queen!” I threw her a dramatic salute and yanked open the door,climbing into the backseat with a groan. “Jesus can we go? I need a hot shower and a fluffy bed like…now” And then like some sick joke I heard that voice. Cool. Dry and annoyingly amused. “Are you following me?” My eyes flew open. Oh no. Am I dreaming? “Whiskey guy?!” I shrieked.ZOE’S POV My eyes widened till they were nearly popping out. He wants me to unzip his pants with my teeth? How was I supposed to do that? But the thought of actually doing something so risque made me more excited and I felt my arousal pool between my legs, soaking my panties through. “Why are you staring at me like that Kitten?” his deep voice cut into my flustered thoughts. “You don't think you can handle it?” His voice was low, but I could hear the subtle tease in his words. And at that moment something in me snapped and I wanted to prove him wrong, prove that I wasn't shy or timid. So I moved. Slowly and Carefully. I reached for the buckle of his belt, hesitating just long enough for his mouth to curve in that wicked, knowing way. For a second, I couldn’t breathe. The air felt too thick, like it was wrapping around me, trapping me in that small space between us. Julian didn’t move—he just watched me, his eyes dark and steady, waiting to see what I’d do. My pulse
ZOE’S POV His voice dropped, smooth and steady. “Drop it. Get on all fours and crawl to me.” For a second, I thought I’d misheard him so I just stood there, staring at him. My heartbeat thudded in my chest, loud and uneven. He’d said it so casually, like telling me to take a seat or hand him a pen. His eyes didn’t waver, he was watching me with fire in his eyes. That steady, quiet authority in his gaze was unnerving. And the worst part was how a single look from him could make my pulse trip over itself. “Julian…” I started, my voice low and unsure, an edge of disbelief scraping against it. “What are you—” He didn’t answer right away. Instead, he reached for something on the desk behind him which had a perfect view of the New York skyline —It was a familiar folder. The contract. Oh, were they two copies? I blinked. “Is that the contract you gave me yesterday?” “This is my copy. I was under the impression you would be bringing back your copy today sin
ZOE’S POV “Maybe you shouldn't have come at all.” I bit out as my hand tightened around my bag. I turned away before the familiar ache in my chest could find a foothold. I looked around subtly,to make sure we didn't have an audience but just as I feared, the security and a few of my colleagues were idling around,pretending that they weren't listening. Oh for the love of God. I turned and started walking away trying to look for a more secluded spot. The sound of my heels against the pavement echoed through the quiet street, a rhythm that matched the irritation burning through my veins. “Zoe, wait—please!” Liam’s voice followed me sounding desperate but I ignored it. I didn't have to turn around to know that he had a desperate, pleading, pathetic look on his face. But then I heard his footsteps quicken behind me as he caught up with me and th
Julian’s POV The moment the door clicked shut behind her I let out a deep exhale. Damn my traitorous body. For a long moment, I just sat there, staring at the space she’d occupied for the last ten minutes. Her scent still lingered in my office wrapping around my brain and refusing to let go. Get it together, Hart. She’s not the first woman who’s ever been in your life. You’ve had models, executives, women who would burn the world to touch you — and none of them ever mattered. So why the hell did she? I looked down at my pants and cursed under my breath. I was hard and aching. Even the memory of that damn dream was enough to undo me. Leaning back, I let out a humorless laugh. “You’re losing it, Hart.” ~•~ Zoe’s POV I told myself not to care too much. That his distance meant nothing. That it was just him sticking to the terms of the contract. Still, the fact that he had barely looked at me, or said more made something in my chest feel ho
ZOE’S POV I woke up on Monday morning feeling a bit gloomy due to the notification I had gotten yesterday about being taken off the family trust. As if that wasn't bad enough, my father had sent a message before I went to bed. I stared at my phone for a long moment, the message still sitting at the top of my notifications — “You’re no longer part of this family, Zoe. Don’t contact me again.” A clean cut. Just like that, like I was never his child to begin with. I swallowed, forcing the lump down my throat. I could’ve spent the day hiding under my sheets, feeling sorry for myself, replaying the moment the ground fell out from beneath my feet. But that wasn’t me. That couldn’t be me. I refuse to be beaten down and trampled upon anymore. If he wanted to erase me from his life, fine. I’d show him that I could exist just fine outside the shadow of his name. So instead of taking my last day off, I said fuck it and got out of bed. I took a long shower, brushed my hair and pinn
Julian’s POV My bedroom shone with golden light, the kind of light that moved across your skin in a soft and seductive manner. I sat back against the headboard, the top buttons of my shirt undone, when the door opened and Zoe walked in. She looked like sin wrapped in lace. The black lace lingerie she wore clung to her curves, the silk straps sliding down her shoulders as she moved closer to me. Her eyes, which were blown wide and hazy with lust—didn’t waver from mine. She didn’t say a word, she didn’t even need to. No words were needed at this point. “Zoe,” I murmured, the sound of her name rough in my throat. She stopped at the edge of the bed. “You’ve been ignoring me, Mr Hart,” she said, her voice low and teasing adding to my already wound-up state. Her hands trailed up my chest, slow and unhurried, her fingers igniting fire wherever they touched. She straddled my lap, her thighs pressing against me. Her scent, jasmine and honey wrapped around me until I cou