Chapter 3

Chapter 3 – Chasing Zariah 

(Zariah’s POV)

“You can’t just walk away from me.”

Zariah froze for a second, her hand still on the railing of the balcony. She turned slowly, keeping her face calm. Leonard Blackwell stood in the doorway, his broad shoulders blocking out the light from the ballroom. His jaw was clenched so tightly she could almost hear his teeth grind.

Her heart wanted to stutter, but she forced her lips into something between a smirk and a smile. “Watch me,” she said softly. Then she slipped past him. She hadn’t made it far before she felt another presence fall into step beside her.

“Running so soon?” Damian Blackwell blocked her path. He held a glass of whiskey.

Before she could reply, Leonard caught up. “Damian. Move.”

“Or what?” Damian asked lightly, swirling his drink. He glanced at Zariah with a glint that made her skin crawl and her stomach twist. “Tell me, darling, is he the reason you’re trembling under that pretty dress?”

Zariah stiffened, annoyed at herself for the little shiver in her arm. She covered it by brushing her hair back, tilting her chin high. “I’m not trembling.”

Damian’s smile widened. “No? Then maybe it’s exciting.”

Leonard shoved him. “Enough.”

The two men sneered at each other, but before it could result in fist-throwing, Adrian strolled in. “Well, isn’t this cozy?” Adrian Blackwell appeared like he had stepped out of a different party entirely. Unlike his brothers, his tie was loose, his shirt collar open, and he carried a champagne glass as if it were an afterthought.

Zariah sighed under her breath. Great. The trifecta.

Leonard snapped, “Adrian—”

But Adrian was already moving toward her, ignoring him. He bowed his head slightly, a grin never leaving his lips. “Care for some fresh air? I find balconies far too crowded with angry men.”

Zariah didn’t know whether to laugh or slap him. The way he said it, so casual, as if this was a game and she was the prize, and she was enjoying the attention from all three men, all determined to best each other to get her attention.

Before she could answer, Leonard’s hand shot out to hold her arm. 

“Zariah, I have to apologise to you, just…just let me. Give me a chance. I’m not that boy from college anymore.”

Adrian chuckled under his breath, “Well, this is fun. But you look bored or tired. I can’t tell which.” He extended his hand, palm up. His smile was wicked. “Let me give you a ride home.”

Zariah blinked. “On what? I came with my car.”

Adrian wiggled his eyebrows. “Even better, you’ll be leaving on a motorcycle.”

She almost laughed, almost said no. But then she looked back at Leonard. His mouth slightly parted like he had something to say. Something in her snapped. Something reckless, so she slipped her hand into Adrian’s.

Damian’s low laugh echoed from behind them, while Leonard’s face went white, then red. Zariah didn’t wait to see what he’d do next. Adrian pulled her through the ballroom and outside, where his motorcycle sat. It was a powerbike. Zariah hesitated for half a second, then Adrian tossed her a helmet.

“Scared?” His smirk was cocky.

She lifted her chin. “Not of this.”

“Good girl.” He swung onto the bike with easy grace.

Her heels wobbled as she climbed on behind him, her dress sliding higher up her thigh. She swallowed, wrapped her arms around his waist. His body was warm, firm under his shirt.

“Hold on,” Adrian said over his shoulder. “I don't slow.”

The engine roared to life, and before she could second-guess herself, they were flying.

The city blurred around her as they sped off, and the wind rushed by. Her heart slammed in her chest. She pressed closer against him, clutching him tighter as he turned the bike here and there.

When he swerved past a taxi, she let out a sharp squeal and smacked his chest. “You’re insane!”

He threw his head back, laughing. “Take one to ride with me!”

Her laughter was so carefree that it surprised her. It had been a while since she laughed to the point of her belly aching. She laughed until she snorted, and he shouted over the roar of the bike, “There it is! That’s the sound I like.”

Heat rushed to her cheeks, but she didn’t stop. For the first time in years, she felt alive, not polished, not perfect, just alive.

By the time they screeched to a stop in front of her condo, her legs were shaky. She stumbled off, pulling off the helmet. Her hair was a mess, her cheeks flushed. “So, you’ve been following my collections. What are you? A fan?”

Adrian swung off smoothly, parking the bike. He stood close, closer than he needed to, his grin softer now but still dangerous. “No, someone who admires you.” Her breath caught when he leaned in, his cologne wrapping around her. His lips brushed her ear.

“Go home, Adrian, and thanks for the ride,” Zariah said, handing the helmet to him. She tossed her frizzled hair over her shoulders and turned away.

The night had turned out even better than she’d imagined.