E I G H T

In the midst of their conversation, the waitress wandered over, apologetically alerting them to the imminent closure of the shop. Glancing around the store, Zoe was surprised to see it completely empty, even the furious typist leaving at some point. Through the large bay window, darkness blanketed the streets, the moon high in the sky, drooping slightly to the west.

Catching her disappointment, Jon chuckled. “Come on, finish your coffee and I’ll walk you to your car.”

“I walked here.” She shook her head, lifting the coffee-stained rim to her lips and draining the remnants of her cup.

“Well, I can drive you home if you want.”

A hint of anticipation brimmed in his captivating eyes and it sent a flutter drifting down to her stomach, slowly sinking lower to scorch the soft spot between her thighs. Not trusting herself to speak, she nodded. Being with Jon, away from the criminal comings and goings of SubTerra, felt freeing and she wasn’t ready to lose the feeling just yet.

As he rose, he held his hand out for Zoe. Gratefully accepting the gesture, she was unable to stifle her smile as he led her through the empty café, and out the front door. It chimed melodiously behind them. Passing by the outsized window and the curious stare of the waitress, Zoe relished in the warmth of his arm wrapped around her shoulders. Under the fluorescent glow of the streetlight, Jon paused, swiveling to face her. Releasing a breath she hadn’t known she’d been holding, Zoe found it hard to tear away from the sheen of his lips. His head dipped low, his fingers combing through the silky hairs above her ear before tugging her face to his. His tongue swept across the small part between her lips, her head tilting to allow him to kiss her deeply.

His other hand stretched down, cupping her rear, before breathily breaking away. “Sorry, I was really struggling to control myself.”

Zoe giggled, fingers gliding down the chilled skin of his arms. Her brows furrowed. “You left your coat inside.”

“Shit,” he laughed, glancing down at his bump-laden arms before kissing her forehead softly. “I’ll be back in a minute.”

Watching him jog back in to the café, a smile dancing on her lips, a fresh chill whipped through the shop front. She tightened her jacket around her waist, debating whether to pull out her gloves or wait for the heat of Jon’s large frame. Out of nowhere, a pair of hands grabbed her, yanking her into the musty alleyway. Her heart leapt to her throat, stomach plummeting at the cloaked person standing in front of her. A dark beanie and bandana covered the majority of their face, their body shrouded in a heavy overcoat. Gloved hands outstretched, covering her mouth and pressing her against the grimy wall simultaneously. Zoe’s breath was irregular, coming out in ragged pants as fear radiated through her.

“The safest thing for you to do, Zoe, is stay as far away from him as possible.”

She felt the deep lines sinking between her brows, her desperation to speak stifled by the firm palm slapped across her mouth. Tawny eyes, infused with intense warning bore into her – although Zoe felt no prevalent signs of danger. Resentment bubbled beneath the surface, but there was a complete lack of threat.

“Do not make us warn you again.”

“She almost wouldn’t let me back in. I had to tell her… What the fuck?” Jon’s thick brawn filled the entrance of the alley, darkening an already gloomy space, before he lunged forward. “Get the fuck away from her!”

The grasp on Zoe released, the shadowy figure stealthily dodging Jon’s encroaching frame. He swung, however they were nimble, darting out of his firing line. Kicking at his knee, they took his buckling as an opportunity to flee. Desperately grabbing at them from his half-knelt position, his fingers curled around the fabric of the beanie, snatching it off to reveal short, wavy chestnut hair, tinged with golden streaks, whipping in the wind as she ran.

Hoisting himself up, Jon hovered in front of her, shaky hands running across the curves of her face to ensure she was unharmed. “Are you okay?”

Nodding hesitantly, Zoe chewed on her bottom lip. “Yeah. She didn’t try and hurt me, just… just warned me.”

“Warned you? Warned you of what?”

“You.”

“Fuck,” he exhaled, the word drawn out as he scrubbed at the well-trodden lines on his head. “I’m so sorry. I should’ve made you come with me. Are you sure you’re okay?”

Choking back the shock that had settled within her, Zoe bobbed her head, sinking into the tight squeeze of Jon’s protective embrace. Kissing the crown of her head, he kept her close to his chest. She could hear the quickened pace of his heart, feel the unease in his grip. Doubt trickled into her mind, debating his claim of safety, but as he clung to her, she felt it begin to ease.

“I think I’m just ready to be home,” she murmured into his tense shoulder.

Untangling himself from her limbs, Jon nodded, fingers lacing with her tightly as he led her to the black BMW – the only car left in the parking lot. The drive took mere minutes, the unkempt apartment complex soon looming in front of them.

“This is me.”

Pulling into the dim lot, Jon’s gaze settled on her wind-whipped cheeks - flushed and rosy. He leant forward, resting his palm against her face. Closing the gap between them, Zoe allowed her hands to slip down to the soft skin of his neck. She tugged him closer, sinking delicately into the firm leather as his weight shifted against her. His hand slid beneath her shirt, warm hands gripping warm skin, and Zoe was unable to stifle the whimper that escaped her. The apex of her thighs burned now, all memories of the earlier incident erased by the slick dance of his tongue.

“Do you want to come inside?” she murmured against his lips, eyes closed in anticipation.

Her ears rang with the sound of his husky growl, thick and raspy with want. “More than fucking anything.”