Maybe she had become my weakness, my addiction

Zane’s POV

I woke up with Emma curled up against me. For a moment I had forgotten she stayed over last night, but the reminder made me grin. My body was already aching with desire, and having her there was the perfect way to deal with it. She had her back to me, and I pressed my lips to her neck while sliding closer so she could feel exactly how hard I was.

“Go away, Zane,” she laughed softly.

“Not happening,” I murmured, my hand gliding along her side before pulling her closer into me. I wanted her to feel just how much I needed her. “I am in the mood, and you know it.”

“Then take care of it yourself,” she teased.

“Why would I do that when you are lying here naked?” My hand slipped forward, brushing over her until she let out a low, needy sound that told me she wanted me just as badly.

“Zane, you are obsessed,” she giggled.

“And you love it,” I replied, confident in every word. “Come on, baby. You want me too.”

She finally turned to face me, shaking her head with a laugh, but her lips curved into a smile that told me I was right. Emma was my new weakness, and she knew it. She leaned in and kissed me, not caring about the fact that it was early morning. I smirked against her lips, knowing I had won her over.

My hand slid to her perfect curves as I deepened the kiss, taking control of her mouth with mine. She melted into me, giving herself over completely, and that only pushed me further. I rolled her onto her back, climbing over her without breaking the kiss. When I finally pulled away, I moved between her thighs, running my hands along her smooth skin. She was already trembling with anticipation.

I lifted her legs onto my shoulders, leaving kisses along her thighs before sliding into her in one strong thrust. Her cry filled the room the instant I entered her.

“That is what I needed,” I growled against her skin.

I gripped her tightly, pulling her towards me as I moved faster and harder, the rhythm building until the headboard rattled against the wall. Every sound she made drove me closer to the edge. Her body clung to mine, every movement pulling me deeper, every breath of my name urging me on.

I leaned down to capture her lips again, our mouths moving hungrily as I pushed into her over and over. The pleasure took hold of us quickly, too strong to resist. Our bodies lost all control, giving in completely until we both shattered together, our release tearing through us at the same time.

I collapsed on top of her, both of us gasping for air. My face rested in the curve of her neck, too weak to move, my body still buried inside her. No one had ever made me feel this undone before. There was something about Emma, about being with her, that left me powerless.

The room was filled with nothing but our ragged breathing until my phone started ringing. I ignored it, but it rang again, making me groan in frustration. Reaching over without pulling out of her, I grabbed it and answered.

“Hello,” I said, sounding irritated.

“Hey, bro. What are you up to?” Maddie’s voice came through the line.

Damn. I could not exactly admit I was busy with her best friend.

“Hey, Maddie,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady even though I was still catching my breath.

“You want to grab a late breakfast with me? I was going to call Emma too, see if she wanted to come along. I need food. I feel rough, and there is nothing in my fridge,” she complained.

I glanced down at Emma, my chest tightening. Talking to my sister while I was still inside her felt all kinds of wrong. I pulled away, earning a soft sound from her lips that she quickly smothered with her hand, not wanting Maddie to hear.

“Um… yeah, but give me an hour,” I muttered.

“That is fine,” Maddie replied. “I will stop at Emma’s first. She should be up by now. Did you get her home all right last night? You did not try anything with her, did you? You know how you get after a few drinks.” Her tone was sharp, laced with real concern.

My stomach twisted with guilt. I had done more than “try.”

“She got home safe,” I lied smoothly. “You know the rules, Maddie. Emma is off-limits.”

Emma let out a quiet sigh, pressing her hands over her face. I could see the guilt weighing on her, heavier than before. She climbed out of bed without a word, pulling on her clothes with quick, nervous movements. I watched her, trying to read what was going through her head, but she refused to look at me.

I pulled the phone slightly away from my ear, covering it with my hand so Maddie would not hear me. “Where the hell are you going?” I whispered harshly.

“Home,” was all she said before rushing out of the room. Seconds later, I heard the front door slam shut.

I leaned back, frustrated. Emma always struggled with guilt after we were together, but this time felt different. Maddie’s words had struck something deeper in her. Maybe it finally sank in just how wrong this was. I did not want to believe it, but a part of me worried this could be the end of whatever we had.

“You want me to swing by, or should we meet there?” Maddie asked, pulling me back into the conversation.

“I will meet you there,” I said quickly. “See you soon, sis.”

I ended the call, staring at the empty space where Emma had just been, hoping she would come back but fearing she would not.

I knew where Maddie and I would meet, so there was no need to ask. Tossing my phone aside, I fell back on the bed and dragged my hands through my hair in frustration. The truth burned in my chest. What I was doing made me a selfish brother, maybe even worse, but I could not seem to stop.

Lying to Maddie ate at me. Every time she looked at me with trust in her eyes, I hated myself more. Still, whenever Emma was near, all reason vanished. After seeing her walk out like that, maybe she was right, maybe this had gone too far. Maybe it was already over.

I needed to know. I picked up my phone and sent her a message.

Zane: Why did you run off? xx

Her reply came quickly.

Emma: Because what we are doing is wrong, Zane. I should not be sneaking around behind her back. x

The words made my chest tighten.

Zane: What does that mean? Are we done? Emma, I told you she will never find out. x

She took longer this time, and when her reply came, it hit harder than I wanted to admit.

Emma: I honestly do not know, Zane. Maybe it would be better if this stopped. Even if Maddie never finds out, the guilt does not go away for me. I need space to think. I will talk to you later. And I am not coming to breakfast. I cannot face her right now. x

I stared at the screen, jaw tightening.

Zane: Are you serious? Whatever, Emma. Do what you want.

The second the message sent, regret settled in. I knew I had overreacted, but my pride would not let me take it back. She never replied after that, and the silence made the room feel emptier than it was. Maybe if I gave her space, she would come around. Maybe she would realise she wanted this as much as I did, no matter how wrong it felt.

I leaned back against the pillows, restless thoughts spinning through my head. I hated how quickly anger rose in me, especially when it came to her. It was not like I lacked women who would happily be with me, there were plenty. But Emma was different. She was not just another distraction. She had become something I craved in a way that scared me.

Maybe she was right. Maybe she had become my weakness, my addiction, and not in any healthy sense. But even knowing that, I could not let her go.

Now I understood what she must have felt all that time she wanted me and could not have me. The hunger, the frustration, the need. And now that I had her, I could not imagine walking away.

Still, I shoved the thoughts aside for now. I would deal with it later. I always did.