Distraction

Zaire’s pov-

By the time the elevator chimed, I was out of the tub and wrapped in a dark gray towel, steam still rising behind me. I padded across the penthouse with slow, measured steps, my phone left behind on the marble bath tray.

I opened the door just before Savannah knocked.

She walked in like she always did, heels clicking against polished floors, long legs wrapped in a champagne colored trench, lips glossed, skin glowing. Her hair was bone straight tonight, falling over one shoulder. A red designer clutch swung from her hand.

"You're always so dramatic with the lighting," she said with a smile, glancing around. "It's giving mood."

I didn't say much. Just stepped aside and let her pass.

Savannah paused to set her purse down and then turned to face me, her eyes sliding over my towel covered body. "You're quiet."

I moved toward the mini bar without responding, pouring myself another bourbon.

"You want anything?" I asked.

"Yeah, I'll take the usual," she said, slipping out of her trench. Beneath it, she wore a sleek black bodysuit that hugged every curve, as if she expected this to go exactly the way it usually did.

I handed her a glass of wine. She took it and leaned against the edge of the kitchen island.

"You didn't even say hi properly," she said, sipping slow. "No kiss, no compliment, no little smile. You sure you called the right girl tonight?"

I gave her a half smirk. "Don't start."

"I'm just saying." She studied me over the rim of her glass. "You're somewhere else tonight. And I know you too well not to notice."

I sipped my drink. Said nothing.

"Is it work?"

"No."

"Then what?"

I didn't answer.

Savannah waited a beat longer, then laughed lightly and walked over to me. She pressed her body against mine, fingers trailing over my abs.

"Okay... you don't have to talk," she whispered. "I can help you forget."

I stiffened.

There was a time when that line would've worked. When distraction was all I ever needed. But now, it felt hollow.

I reached up and gently took her hands off me. "Not tonight."

Savannah blinked. "Wait, what?"

"I shouldn't have called you."

Savannah stepped in closer, her voice softer this time. "Don't say that, baby."

Her fingers ran up my chest, slow and deliberate, resting on my shoulders. She looked up at me through long lashes, and for a moment, the room felt warmer.

"You've got something on your mind," she said, inching closer until our bodies nearly touched. "Let me help you get it off."

She leaned in, lips brushing mine. Her kiss was familiar, sweet, practiced, full of heat, but I didn't close my eyes.

Her hands slid down, and she pulled at the edge of my towel, letting it fall to the floor with a soft thud. She kissed my neck, chest, her body sinking lower, slow and purposeful.

But I drifted.

Not physically. I stood there, letting her touch me, letting the moment unfold.

But mentally?

I was somewhere else.

I was back in that cold clinic room, looking into the confused eyes of a stranger who might be carrying my child.

I was hearing her voice again, sharp and demanding as she asked the doctor what the hell had gone wrong.

I was wondering what she was doing right now. If she was scared. If she was strong enough to handle this on her own.

If she should have to.

Savannah's hands moved, her breath warm against my skin, and still

My body was there.

But my mind wasn't.

I pulled away.

Gently, but firmly.

"Zai...?" Savannah's voice was a mix of confusion and frustration. "You good?"

I ran a hand down my face, jaw clenched. "Yeah. I just... I can't tonight."

Savannah exhaled and stood, gathering her coat without a word this time. No sass. No jokes.

Just silence.

"You don't have to go," I said quickly.

She paused, giving me one last look. "Yeah, I do."

And then the door shut behind her.

I stood alone, towel forgotten on the floor, the bourbon untouched.

I looked out over the city again.

For the first time in my life, sex hadn't numbed the noise.

Because whatever this was with Kyra, even if it wasn't confirmed, it was already bothering me.