Chapter 5 - In Love

As soon as we arrived home, I immediately addressed the matter regarding that kiss. The public display of affection would eventually continue to haunt us. Several snapshots had been captured, and who knew where they would all end up?

"Zane, hmm. I must say that the kiss was really deep and it has caused me to question where our relationship stands at present. Until now, I believed us to be in a phase of platonic friendship, nothing more than close friends. But that kiss…hmm."

He closed the distance between us, took me tenderly in his arms, and carefully lifted my face with one hand. As we gazed into each other's eyes, his face drew nearer to mine until our lips were mere inches apart. The intensity of the moment was palpable as he maintained unbroken eye contact with me while positioning himself in such a way that I could feel his breath on my skin.

"I am unsure whether you are ready for this yet, but I cannot keep it to myself any longer. Becca, I want you to know how important and special you are to me," he stated softly. "I'm madly in love with you. This feeling is so deep and different from anything else I've ever felt before. It's as if a part of my life has become intertwined with yours."

His words startled me like hell. The thought had never even crossed my mind that he could possibly harbor any romantic feelings towards me, despite the fact that I adored him. Zane was an exceptional man, any woman wouldn't hesitate to kill just to be with him. And yet, luck was thrown at me on the worst day of my life when I met him. Now he's offering me his devoted love. What more could a humble werewolf whose soul had been battered by emotional battles ask for?

The emotions I felt for Zane before could no longer be described as amicable. It had gone beyond that stage and evolved into something entirely different. But to say I was in love with him, no! It would be fair to say that although I cherished his presence in my life immensely and felt a deep sense of attachment to him, confessing that I was in love with him might have been an overstatement. In his warm embrace, I felt safe and yes, my attachment towards him had grown a bit intense lately. However, it wasn't enough to be called love but more of an urge for security that only a man could offer me.

Zane waited quietly for my answer, allowing me ample opportunity to think. I made the conscious decision to be honest while avoiding hurting his feelings.

"Zane, I love you too, however, it doesn't quite reach the depths of being in love," I confessed honestly. “Though I can't imagine a life without you, I want to be with you always. You make me feel good about myself. But I'd be lying if I said it is the kind of love you are looking for from me. You see, I'm not over my broken relationship yet. It's not about Elyon, rather, it's challenging to recover from being cheated on, it hits to the soul."

A wry smile appeared on his strikingly manly lips. Even now, his handsome features couldn’t be overshadowed by the slight disappointment on his face.

"I am well aware of this all. In no way did I expect you to reciprocate my feelings immediately, and it already brings me joy to know that I am important to you. This indicates that we are on the right track. But I remain patient."

And there was his bright smile again, so infectious that the atmosphere between us instantly lightened up. We smiled happily at each other and exchanged a quick kiss. I think kissing is going to be a regular occurrence from today on; not that I'm complaining – it makes me feel like I'm floating on clouds.

"I'm tired from all the exercise we did today. What's our plan for tonight, babe?"

Please, add a pet name along with the kiss. We are clearly upgrading our relationship. Still no complaint from my side though, still loving it.

"What about the couch, some excellent wine, and good jazz music?" I suggested.

"Your wish is my command, my Lady," claimed Mr. Gorgeous.

I ran to my bedroom to do a quick fresh up. In my comfortable pajamas, I went back downstairs to the entertainment room where Zane was already lying on the couch. Without wasting another moment, I nestled myself snugly onto his warm chest while planting a gentle peck upon his sturdy jawline before diverting my attention to the stereo that was playing a relaxing melody. As usual, both arms came wrapping around me and we laid back, listening and enjoying our precious moment together. About fifteen minutes later, I felt a tender peck on the top of my head.

"I have a wish. It's quite daring, and I hope you won't blame me for trying, even if you don't see anything in it."

I found his sense of insecurity quite amusing. In response, I decided to display some toughness.

"Your wish is also my command, Sir. Just spill it and consider it done."

I could hear him quietly laughing in my hair. He was almost accustomed to my bragging and provoking of him.

"Would you like to stay in my room starting tonight? You can have your own bed. No problem."

I tensed up, my nerves were on edge as a wave of fear washed over me. The prospect of tackling this next level filled me with dread. Sleeping close to an attractive man was like tempting fate, flirting with danger, and inviting disaster at every turn. Surely sex would come sooner or later. Was Zane intentionally alluring me, I wondered.

After careful consideration, I made up my mind to accept the towel that he threw down in front of me. Now, I must play my cards well.

"Why? Are you feeling lonely or could it be that you're trying to seduce me into steamy sex?"

This remark resulted in yet another round of boisterous laughter between us. I believed that engaging in mirthful banter would be all we did when spending time together.

"You don't have to answer. We won't need separate beds, I'll sleep next to you from today on. Just the two of us snuggled up in your kings. Are you happy now?"