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Chapter 35 – Tipping Point
Zane's breath was warm against Vincent's lips, close enough to steal a kiss, close enough to dare him.
Vincent didn't move.
Didn't step back.
Didn't let go.
Zane smirked, feeling the power shift. "Careful, Graves." His voice was soft, teasing. "If you don't want this, now's your chance to stop me."
Vincent's grip on his wrist tightened.
But he didn't push Zane away.
Didn't stop him.
Zane's smirk widened. "That's what I thought."
And then—slowly, deliberately—he tilted his head, brushing his lips just barely against Vincent's jaw.
Vincent sucked in a sharp breath.
Zane felt the way he tensed, the way his body fought against itself, against this. Against wanting this.
"You're fighting so hard," Zane murmured, his lips trailing along the line of Vincent's jaw, barely touching. "Why?"
Vincent's hand flexed against his wrist, but his voice was steady. "Because this is a mistake."
Zane let out a soft chuckle, his lips still hovering against Vincent's skin. "Then stop me."
Vincent didn't.
And that was all the answer Zane needed.
With a slow, deliberate motion, he pulled free from Vincent's grip—not running, not retreating, just shifting control back to himself.
Then, with a smirk, he leaned in—this time pressing a real kiss against Vincent's jaw.
A claim.
Vincent shuddered.
Just barely.
Just for a second.
But Zane felt it.
And fuck, he loved it.
Vincent exhaled harshly, like he was pissed at himself for reacting. "Zane."
It was a warning.
Zane ignored it.
Instead, he traced his fingers down Vincent's chest, slow, teasing, testing the limits of his control. "Say the word, Graves," he whispered. "Tell me to stop."
Vincent's breath was uneven now, his control slipping.
But he still didn't move.
Didn't stop him.
And that?
That was the moment Zane knew—Vincent wanted this.
Wanted him.
Even if he'd never admit it.
Zane smirked, pressing one last kiss against his jaw before stepping back. "That's what I thought."
Vincent stood frozen, his fists clenched at his sides. "You're playing with fire."
Zane's grin was wicked. "Good thing I don't mind getting burned."
Then, without another word, he turned and walked away—leaving Vincent standing there, breathless.
Because now?
Now Vincent was the one left wanting.
And Zane?
Zane was just getting started.
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End of Chapter 35.