Paula_y2k

Zara's eyes were glued to Xavier's bare chest, unable to look away. The sculpted muscles, the deep V-line, the way his sweatpants hung low on his hips—she couldn't help but be captivated. It was as if her brain had short-circuited, and all logic had left her. She moved a step closer, almost unconsciously, her hand lifting as if to touch his chest.

Before her fingers could make contact, Xavier's quick reflexes caught her wrist. His grip was firm, but not harsh, and he raised an eyebrow, looking at her with an amused expression.

"What do you think you're doing?" he asked, his voice low but laced with a hint of teasing.

Zara, startled but determined not to show weakness, scratched the back of her head awkwardly, trying to save face. "What do you mean? Why are you walking around shirtless?" she countered, trying to shift the focus off herself.

Xavier's smirk deepened, his dark eyes glinting with mischief. "I'm not the one sneaking around in other people's rooms, Zara. You're the one who barged in here."

Zara blinked, her mind scrambling to find an excuse. "Oh, right," she muttered, still not sure how to explain her behavior. She gave him a sheepish grin, but her eyes darted back to his chest, trying to look casual. "I was just… looking for something," she said, her words trailing off as she tried to think of a better lie.

Xavier didn't buy it for a second. Slowly, he took a step forward, closing the distance between them. Zara instinctively took a step back, but Xavier followed, not giving her any space to escape. Her heart raced as she backed up again, trying to keep some distance between them, but Xavier wasn't making it easy.

"Trying to run away now?" Xavier teased, his voice laced with playful challenge. He moved another step forward, and Zara continued retreating, her back now against the wall. Her breath hitched as she realized she had nowhere else to go.

"I wasn't trying to run away," Zara said quickly, her voice a little too high-pitched. "Just, you know, I… I don't want to intrude. I just—" 

But Xavier wasn't interested in her stammering excuses. His gaze remained locked on her, and as he stepped closer, his hand that had caught her wrist slowly slid down to her fingers, brushing against her skin. The gentle touch sent an unexpected shiver down her spine.

Zara's heart hammered in her chest, and she took another step back, this time bumping into the wall with a soft thud. She couldn't help but feel the heat building between them, the tension so thick it was almost palpable.

Xavier, now mere inches from her, tilted his head, his lips curling into a playful grin. "I think you're lying," he murmured, his voice soft, but full of mischief. "You were trying to touch my chest, weren't you?"

Zara's face flushed with heat, and she tried to push back against him, but it was like trying to move a mountain. She cleared her throat, trying to recover some of her composure. "Maybe I was," she admitted, her voice low. "But, um… so what? It's not like you're making it easy to ignore."

Xavier's grin widened as he leaned even closer, his body just inches away from hers. The closeness was overwhelming, and Zara's mind started to spin. She could feel the heat radiating off his chest, and she had to fight the urge to reach up and touch it again.

"Is that so?" Xavier whispered, his breath warm against her ear. He placed his hand on the wall beside her head, trapping her in place as he stared down at her with a wicked gleam in his eyes. "You sure about that?".

Tangled in Desire

The drive to the vet was enveloped in an awkward silence, save for the soft hum of the car engine. Zara had put on her headphones, drowning out the world with slow, melancholic songs. She leaned against the window, her expression unreadable, her fingers lightly drumming against her thigh to the rhythm of the music.

Xavier glanced at her from the corner of his eye, feeling an unfamiliar pang of guilt twist in his chest. He hadn't meant to upset her—he was just teasing when he called her desperate. How was he supposed to know she'd take it seriously?

To him, Zara was an enigma. She could be infuriating one moment and mesmerizing the next. He hated seeing her like this—withdrawn and distant—and it frustrated him more knowing he was the cause.

Despite his usual resolve to keep his emotions in check, Xavier sighed inwardly. He couldn't deny the truth any longer: she was getting under his skin. Zara brought a vibrancy to his otherwise predictable life, her energy and charisma challenging the stoic walls he'd spent years building.

By the time they arrived at the vet, Zara slipped out of the car gracefully, her mood instantly shifting. Apollo bounded out after her, his tail wagging in excitement. Zara straightened her mini handbag on her shoulder and ran a hand through her hair, the radiant smile she flashed as she entered the building capable of lighting up the dreariest room.

"Good morning!" she greeted, her voice cheerful yet poised.

The staff and other pet owners turned, visibly charmed by her warm demeanor. Unlike many people with her wealth and status, Zara carried herself with genuine kindness and respect. She wasn't snobby or aloof—she connected with people effortlessly.

"Zara, good to see you again!" Dr. Hayes called out, his face breaking into a wide grin as he approached. A tall man with a kind face and a tailored lab coat, he will always be delighted by Zara's visits. "And Apollo too! How's my favorite duo today?"

Zara laughed softly, crouching to give Apollo a pat on the head. "We're doing great, Dr. Hayes. Apollo's been his usual playful self, but I wanted to make sure everything's fine. You know me—better safe than sorry."

Dr. Hayes chuckled. "You're as thorough as ever. Well, let's get Apollo checked out, shall we?"

As Dr. Hayes led the way, Zara walked ahead, leaving Xavier trailing behind. He leaned against the reception counter, watching her interact effortlessly with the vet. Her laughter, her gestures, the way she tilted her head when she listened—it was all so captivating.

It didn't escape his notice how everyone seemed drawn to her, nor how Dr. Hayes seemed particularly attentive. Xavier's jaw tightened slightly, though he quickly masked it.

"Are you going to stand there all day?" Zara's voice cut through his thoughts, snapping him back to reality. She stood at the door to the examination room, one hand on her hip, a teasing smile playing on her lips.

Xavier straightened, his usual composed expression returning. "Coming," he replied coolly, shoving his hands into his pockets as he followed her inside.

But as he walked past, he couldn't help but notice the way her eyes sparkled with amusement—and for a moment, he felt the corners of his own lips threaten to curve upward

Chapter 67: Silent Realizations