Chapter 6

Xhani POV

A month has passed since Zain and I started dating, and I've met his friends and family. He has the sweetest family—his dad is extremely fond of me and usually calls to check in. I never had a father figure, so it feels wonderful that he treats me like his own child. He gets mad at Zain whenever Zain doesn't listen to me or makes me angry.

We've grown closer; I trust him a lot now. I still haven't told David that I'm dating Zain. I've been trying to avoid any talk of dating with him at school.

Lately, Zain has been sexually frustrated; he says I'm a "waking temptation" for him. We haven't had sex yet. He's eager, but I'm a little scared since it would be my first time. We came close a couple of times, but I asked him to stop. He's a bit annoyed—he thinks I don't trust him, but it's not about him; it's about me. Since I was young, people have tried to take advantage of me, so now I'm simply scared.

It's his birthday tomorrow, and I've been planning a surprise party. He keeps telling me he wants to celebrate with just the two of us, but I really want his family and friends there. So, I arranged a party at his house and invited everyone. I told him it would be just us, but he doesn't know what I actually have in store.

…24 hours later…

I wore a beautiful red mini dress—puffy at the bottom and off the shoulders. I felt sexy in it, and it really brought out my eyes. When he came to pick me up, he couldn't stop staring. I was so happy to have found someone whose eyes were solely for me. He opened the car door like a true gentleman, and I slid in without exposing my rear. He noticed and chuckled. On the drive to his house, he couldn't keep his hands off me, constantly telling me how gorgeous I looked and how much I turned him on.

I felt the sexual tension between us. He looked amazing, too, in a black silk shirt with the sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his tattoo sleeve. He paired it with black pants and shoes. His hair was combed back neatly, with a few strands falling over his forehead.

Once we arrived, he got out first and opened my door again. He offered me his arm for support. It was so sweet—every day I found myself falling for him a bit more. At the front door, he turned to face me.

"I want to carry you inside," he said.

I chuckled. "No, mister, I'm going to cover your eyes. It's a surprise, remember?" I teased, giving him a seductive grin.

From my clutch, I pulled out a velvet scarf and motioned for him to lean down so I could tie it over his eyes. He did, and I guided him inside. It was pitch-black. I let go of his hands.

"Don't remove the scarf until I say so," I warned. He nodded obediently.

I rushed over to a small table, lit the candle on his cake, and signaled everyone to get ready. Indeed, I'd invited his friends and family to surprise him.

With the candlelight guiding me, I walked toward him, the cake in my hands. Standing before him, I whispered for him to open his eyes. Slowly, he reached behind his head, untied the scarf, and opened his eyes. The first thing he saw was me, bathed in candlelight. I could see the hunger spark in his gaze.

"Blow and make a wish," I said softly.

He blew out the candle, and just then everyone shouted, "Happy Birthday!" The lights came on, party poppers burst, and his friends and family rushed forward. He looked startled—and maybe a little annoyed—but quickly regained his composure. He thanked everyone for coming and cut his cake.

His friends wanted photos, so I stood beside him. He pulled me close by the waist, then leaned down to my ear and murmured, "You're going to be punished for this, princess," smirking as he spoke.

My heart thumped faster, and my smile faltered for a second. Nervous, I asked, "Don't you like this?"

He slid his hand lower, giving my butt a firm squeeze when nobody was looking. "I told you I wanted just you for my birthday, yet you disobeyed me," he growled.

I glanced up at him, anxiety in my eyes, and saw the craving there. Had we been alone, I think he would have devoured me on the spot.

"I would've preferred just you and me, princess," he said. "But don't worry; I've got everything planned out." He leaned down and gave my ear a quick lick before turning to the crowd.

"Everyone, may I have your attention, please?" he said in his deep voice. "Thank you all for coming and making my birthday memorable. I'm so grateful to have all of you here. But it's time for me and my Mrs. to head out; we have somewhere to be. Please enjoy the night."

He didn't leave room for any argument. Turning back to me, he grabbed my wrist and led me away.