195

Belle's POV

The soreness in my body made itself known the moment I stirred awake, a dull ache spreading through me, but it was a reminder of last night-of the passion we shared, of Zane's touch, of how perfectly we fit together. I couldn't help but smile, letting the memory of it wash over me like a warm, comforting wave. Still half-asleep, I reached out to snuggle into the heat of Zane's body, only to find cold sheets next to me.

My eyes fluttered open, instantly searching the space beside me. He wasn't there. I sat up, a rush of worry flooding my chest. Where is he? I scanned the room, my heart beating faster with each passing second. The space was quiet, too quiet, and I suddenly felt a knot form in my stomach.

Had he left?

I threw the covers off and swung my legs over the side of the bed. My bare feet touched the cool floor as I stood, and my eyes caught sight of the robe from last night lying discarded nearby. I quickly picked it up and wrapped it around my body, tying the belt securely as if the soft fabric could offer some comfort against the sudden unease I felt.

"Zane?" I called out, my voice slightly shaky.

No response.

I walked across the room, my eyes darting to every corner, searching for him, the lingering fear in the back of my mind growing stronger. Did he leave without saying goodbye?

But then I noticed something-a faint breeze coming from the balcony. I hadn't noticed the doors leading to it last night, but they were now slightly ajar, letting in the soft morning light. I let out a relieved breath, my heart finally slowing down. He was still here.

Quietly, I walked toward the balcony, the cool morning air brushing against my skin as I stepped outside. And there he was-Zane, standing with his back to me, phone pressed to his ear, his silhouette outlined by the morning light. The sight of him standing there made my heart swell with relief and something deeper, something that felt like love.

Scrap that shit. It was love. I was fucking in love with Zane Caruso!

I stepped closer, wrapping my arms around his waist from behind, resting my cheek against his broad back.

"Alright, brother. Thank you," he said softly into the phone, his tone calm and collected. Then he hung up.

"Zeke?" I asked softly, my voice barely above a whisper.

Zane nodded, turning slightly to glance down at me with a small smile. "Yeah, that was him. He was giving me an update."

I frowned, pulling back slightly to look up at him. "An update about what? Is everything okay?"

He hesitated, glancing at the phone in his hand before meeting my gaze. "Your family... the situation back home."

I felt my chest tighten for a moment at the mention of my family. Everything I'd been running from came rushing back, but I shook my head. "I don't want to talk about them right now. I'll deal with it all when I'm ready."

Zane raised an eyebrow but didn't push further. "Are you sure?"

I nodded, tightening my hold on him. "Just a moment ago, I thought you were gone... that you left."

He chuckled softly, the sound vibrating through his chest as he pulled me closer, his strong arms wrapping around me. "Belle, you're mine now," he murmured against my hair, his voice filled with affection. "There's no way I'm leaving you. Not now. Not ever."

His words sent a warmth spreading through me, melting away the last remnants of my worry. I smiled, resting my head against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. "Good. Because I don't think I could handle you leaving."

He kissed the top of my head, his arms tightening around me. "You don't have to worry about that. I'm here. And I'm not going anywhere."

We stood there for a few moments, wrapped in each other's warmth, the morning sun casting a soft glow over the city beyond the balcony. Everything felt perfect. As should be.

After a few minutes, I pulled back slightly and looked up at him with a playful smile. "How about we go out and explore the city? Paris is the city of love, after all."

Zane tilted his head, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Hmm, I have a better idea."

I raised an eyebrow, my smile widening. "Oh? And what's that?"

"Let me show you instead," he said, his voice full of teasing promise.

Before I could respond, Zane scooped me up effortlessly into his arms, and I let out a surprised laugh, wrapping my arms around his neck. "Zane!"

He grinned down at me as he carried me toward the bathroom, the door already open. "Time to wash you up."

I laughed again, a light, happy sound escaping me as he carried me inside the spacious bathroom. The cool tiles felt refreshing against my bare feet when he set me down. But before I could say anything, Zane reached for the belt of my robe, his eyes darkening with intent.

"Zane..." I whispered, feeling my heart race as his fingers expertly untied the knot of the robe. The soft fabric slipped from my shoulders, falling to the floor in a pool around my feet, leaving me completely exposed.

His gaze roamed over my body, appreciation clear in his eyes. "You're breathtaking," he murmured, his voice thick with admiration.

I felt a blush creep up my neck, but I didn't feel shy under his gaze. Instead, I felt cherished, like I was the only thing that mattered to him in that moment.

"And now," Zane said with a wicked grin, "time to get you clean."

Before I could respond, he turned on the shower, the warm water cascading down in a soft spray. He stepped in first, pulling me in with him, the water immediately soaking both of us. The sensation of the water on my skin mixed with the heat of Zane's body as he pressed me against the cool tiles, his hands sliding over my wet skin.

"Zane..." I whispered, my breath hitching as his lips found my neck, trailing kisses down to my collarbone.

He didn't respond with words, but the way his hands moved, the way his mouth explored every inch of me said more than words ever could. His touch was tender but possessive, as if he was claiming me all over again. I could feel the tension building between us, a slow burn that made my heart race.

I ran my hands over his chest, feeling the hard muscles beneath my fingertips, tracing the droplets of water as they slid down his skin. He groaned softly at my touch, his hands gripping my waist, pulling me closer.

"We should really be getting clean," I teased breathlessly, though I had no intention of stopping what we were doing.

Zane chuckled against my skin, his breath warm against my neck. "I am cleaning you. Just... in my own way."

I laughed softly, but the sound quickly turned into a gasp as his hands moved lower, exploring me with a deliberate slowness that made my knees weak.

He took the shower gel and poured a generous amount of it in his hands and gently washed it over my body, massaging every pound of flesh his broad hands came in contact with. After he was done, he turned on the shower again and let it cascade over my body.

"Your turn." He said, handing me the shower gel.

I repeated what he did on me to him and once the shower came on, he grabbed me up and planted his lips fiercely. We kissed like we had not just had a crazy night. Every touch, every kiss, every movement was filled with love and passion, and I found myself lost in him again. The way he made me feel-like I was the center of his universe-was overwhelming in the best possible way.

Soon I was pinned to the tiled walls moaning and calling out Zane's name as he thrust his full length into me. I felt made and happy. This was the life I wanted and I was having it.

Afterward, we stood under the warm spray of the shower, our breathing heavy, our bodies pressed close. Zane gently kissed my forehead, his arms wrapped around me as if he couldn't bear to let me go.

"You're everything to me," he whispered against my hair.

I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through me that had nothing to do with the shower. "And you're everything to me."