All Chapters of Echoes Of A Shattered Heart: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

Zina POV The limo ride had been its own storm of intensity. Jared's commanding words still lingered in my mind, pulling at the thread of control I tried so desperately to maintain. But as the sleek car rolled to a stop and the blinding lights of the red carpet flooded my vision, I forced myself to push his dominance aside.This was my battlefield now.I stepped out of the car first, my heels clicking against the pavement as I straightened my dress. The silver fabric clung to my figure, daring anyone to look away. Jared followed, his tall frame radiating authority as he extended his hand. I accepted it, letting him help me out, but the subtle smirk I gave him was all my own—a reminder that he couldn't control me entirely."I see you're enjoying the attention already," Jared murmured, his lips brushing close to my ear."Just setting the tone," I replied, my smile sharp as I walked ahead of him, forcing him to keep up.Flashes from cameras went off like tiny fireworks as reporters shout

Zina POV I pulled away from Jared's kiss, my breathing heavy and uneven. My heart hammered in my chest, and I couldn't tell if it was from the heat of the moment or the way his gaze lingered on me, dark and unreadable.His lips curved into a sly smile, one that sent shivers cascading down my spine. "We're not done yet," he said, his voice low and teasing."What do you mean?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.He reached for his jacket and grabbed his keys from the side table. "There's somewhere I want to take you.""Now?""Yes, now."I hesitated, but the curiosity bubbling inside me won out. "Fine," I said, grabbing my coat.The ride to wherever Jared was taking me was anything but ordinary.The moment we got into his sleek black car, the tension from earlier returned, thick and suffocating. He didn't speak much as he drove, but his hand rested on the gearshift, his fingers brushing against my knee every now and then. Each touch sent jolts of electricity through me, and I coul

Zina's POVThe club was buzzing with life, the kind of energy that made you feel alive and out of place all at once. Laughter and soft murmurs floated through the air, mixing with the faint hum of sultry music. My heels clicked against the polished floor as Jared guided me back toward the main hall, his hand warm and steady on the small of my back.Every step felt heavier than the last, my thoughts spinning. I couldn't shake the memory of the hallway—the sounds, the sights, the way my body had betrayed me. Shame burned at my cheeks, but Jared walked beside me like nothing had happened, like my entire world hadn't just shifted."You're awfully quiet," Jared said, breaking the silence. His tone was casual, but I could feel the teasing edge in his voice."I'm fine," I muttered, keeping my eyes fixed on the crowd ahead."Liar," he said with a smirk, his fingers brushing against my back.Before I could respond, a tall man stepped into our path. He was broad-shouldered and confident, with p

Zina POV "Do you need mercy?" he asks, but it takes my brain a minute to catch up. He's asking if I want to stop. Do I? God, that hurts, but he's doing this for a reason. And aside from all of that, my body is awake, sensitive and a little horny behind the pain. "No," I whimper. "Good girl." Before touching me again, he sits up and I feel his hands glide up my legs, massaging my hips. "I wish you could see how beautiful you are right now. You are perfection, Zina. And I hate to hurt you, but feel what it does to me." His hips grind against my leg, and I feel his rock-hard erection. He's naked, and I writhe, trying to feel him more. "Do you want me to fuck you, baby girl?" "Yes," I cry out. "Tell me you're worth it. Tell me how beautiful you are." Emotion stings my throat. No, no, no. Please don't get emotional. Please don't fucking cry. This is supposed to be a sexy moment, and I'm about to ruin it because I know he's right. I know I never say anything good about myself, b

Zina POVThe water pours down relentlessly, the sound a soothing yet deafening roar around us. Each droplet feels like a whisper against my skin, but it does little to calm the storm raging within me. Jared's arms are wrapped securely around me, his chest rising and falling steadily as if he isn't as affected by this as I am. How could he be so calm when I feel like my world is on the verge of shattering?I press my forehead against his chest, trying to focus on his warmth. It's grounding, comforting even. I should feel safe here, and I do, but there's an undercurrent of fear—fear of what this moment means, fear of what I've just given him, fear of the unknown future."Zina," Jared's deep voice cuts through the quiet chaos in my head. He says my name softly, almost reverently, as if it's the most precious word he's ever spoken. "Look at me."I hesitate for a moment, reluctant to meet his gaze. When I finally tilt my head up, his dark eyes are waiting, filled with something I can't qui