Disobeying Ezekiel ( A Forbidden Romance)

3. Provoking Ezekiel

The night was charged with a mix of adrenaline and defiance. My friend Xander, who had always been quietly supportive and eager to help, seemed to sense the shift in my energy. He matched my movements perfectly, his hands on my waist as we danced together. It felt wrong, a betrayal of the genuine friendship we shared, but I was too wrapped up in my emotions and the need to make Zeke feel the sting of jealousy that had tormented me.

I led Xander on, ignoring the guilt gnawing at the edges of my consciousness. This moment was for a cause I deemed worthy—reclaiming my power, even if it was through petty games. My eyes kept flickering back to the VIP section, where Zeke sat, his gaze never leaving me. The intensity of his stare was a constant reminder of the dangerous line we were toeing.

Xander bent down, his breath warm against my ear as he spoke over the pounding music. "Hey, there's a scary-looking guy staring at us. Do you know him?" His voice was tinged with concern.

I forced a smile, hoping to ease his mind. "It's probably one of my dad's people. He sends them to watch over me sometimes. Don’t worry about it."

Xander glanced across the room, his expression shifting from confusion to a flash of terror. His eyes darted back to me, filled with unease. "Are you sure? Because he's headed this way and he looks like he wants to kill me."

Before I could respond, I felt strong, familiar hands gripping my waist. I knew exactly who they belonged to. The heat of his touch and the possessive hold were unmistakable. My heart raced, a mixture of fear, excitement, and defiance flooding my system.

"Having fun?" Zeke's voice was a low, dangerous murmur in my ear, sending a shiver down my spine.

I turned slightly, meeting his intense gaze. "What are you doing here, Zeke?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady despite the tumultuous emotions coursing through me.

"Enjoying the show," he replied, his eyes flicking to Xander before returning to me. "But I think it's time we had a little chat."

Xander looked between us, clearly unsettled. "Uh, maybe I should go get a drink," he said, starting to pull away.

"No, stay," Zeke commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument. "I want to make sure everyone understands the situation."

Xander's eyes widened, but he didn't move. I felt a surge of protectiveness for my friend, but also a strange thrill at the possessiveness in Zeke's voice.

"Zeke," I said, my voice firm. "He's just a friend. There's no need to intimidate him."

Zeke's grip on my waist tightened slightly. "You think this is intimidation?" he asked, his voice dangerously soft. "You haven't seen anything yet."

Xander cleared his throat, trying to break the tension. "Look, man, if there's a problem—"

"There is no problem," I interrupted, shooting Zeke a warning look. "Just a misunderstanding."

Zeke's eyes bore into mine, a silent battle of wills playing out between us. Finally, he released his hold on my waist, taking a step back. "We'll talk later," he said, his voice a promise.

Xander exhaled in relief as Zeke walked away, but the tension between us remained palpable. "What the hell was that about?" he asked, looking at me with concern.

"Like I said, it's complicated," I replied, trying to calm my racing heart. "Just someone from my dad's world who takes his job a little too seriously."

Xander gave me a skeptical look but didn't press further. "Okay, if you say so. But if you ever need to get out of here, just say the word."

I nodded, grateful for his support. "Thanks, Xander. I'll be fine."

As the night wore on, I continued to feel Zeke's eyes on me, a constant reminder of the dangerous game we were playing. The woman he was with continue to vy for his attention, her hands roaming possessively over him, but his focus never wavered from me. It was clear he was sending a message, one that I couldn't ignore.

As I lost myself in the music and the dance, I felt a strange mix of emotions—guilt, excitement, anger, and desire. This was a dangerous game, one that could have serious consequences, but in that moment, I didn't care. All that mattered was the here and now, the thrill of the chase, and the intoxicating allure of danger.

The night continued, a blur of lights, music, and movement, with Zeke's presence a constant, electrifying undercurrent. I knew this game was far from over, and that the stakes were higher than ever. But for now, I was willing to play, to push the boundaries, and to see just how far I could go before everything came crashing down.

The need for a bathroom break became impossible to ignore. I turned to Xander, giving him a quick smile. "I need to use the bathroom. I'll be right back."

"I'll come with you," Xander offered immediately, his protective instincts kicking in. "Make sure you're safe."

I shook my head quickly, knowing how volatile the situation could become if Zeke saw Xander accompanying me. "No, it's fine. I can manage. Just keep an eye on the girls, okay?"

Xander hesitated, clearly torn, but finally nodded. "Alright, just don't take too long."

I nodded, grateful for his understanding, and glanced toward where my friends were dancing. They were having the time of their lives, lost in the music and the moment. Telling them was my first option, but I didn't want to interrupt their fun.

With a deep breath, I navigated through the crowd, heading towards a dimly lit hallway in search of the bathroom. The club's layout was confusing, a maze of corridors and doors that seemed designed to disorient. I passed several couples making out against the walls and groups of people engaged in animated conversations, the air thick with the scent of alcohol and sweat.

I walked deeper into the hallway, the sounds of the club growing fainter. Panic began to set in as I realized I had no idea where the bathroom was or if I was even going in the right direction. The outline of the place was crazy and confusing, each turn looking like the last.

Finally, I reached the end of the hallway, where a single door stood ominously. I was almost certain it wasn't the bathroom, and just as I turned to leave, the door swung open. Before I could react, a hand reached out, grabbing me with a force that took my breath away. I was yanked inside, the door slamming shut behind me.

I was thrust against a wall, a strong hand clamping over my mouth to stifle any scream. My heart pounded as I looked up and met Zeke's intense gaze, his face inches from mine.

"Did you really think you could avoid me?" he whispered, his voice a dangerous murmur that sent a shiver down my spine.

His presence was overwhelming, his body pressed against mine, pinning me to the wall. The fear and excitement from earlier surged back, more potent than ever. I tried to speak, but his hand muffled my words.

"Quiet," he ordered, his eyes boring into mine. "You have no idea what you're dealing with, Delilah."

He slowly removed his hand from my mouth, his other hand still bracing me against the wall. "Zeke," I gasped, my voice shaking. "What are you doing?"

"I told you to stay away from this part of our world," he said, his voice low and fierce. "But you just can't seem to listen, can you?"

"I wasn't trying to—" I began, but he cut me off, his expression hardening.

"You think this is a game? Flirting with danger just to get a rise out of me?" His hand moved to my chin, tilting my face up so I couldn't look away. "You have no idea what you're playing with."

I swallowed hard, the reality of the situation crashing over me. "I just needed a break from everything," I said softly. "I wasn't trying to provoke you. I didn't even know you were going to be here," I said, my voice shaking slightly.

Zeke laughed, a dark, mirthless sound that sent a chill down my spine. Before I could react, he slammed me against the wall again, his hand wrapping around my throat. It wasn't tight enough to cut off my air, but enough to let me know who was in charge.

"Really?" he taunted, his eyes boring into mine with an intensity that made my knees weak. "Then why the f**k was he touching you? Who gave him or you permission to do so?" His grip tightened with every question, each squeeze more exhilarating than the last.

I gasped, the mix of fear and desire almost too much to bear. Zeke's eyes glittered with a dark satisfaction, knowing exactly the effect he had on me. He leaned in closer, his breath hot against my ear. "Answer me, Delilah."

"He’s just a friend," I managed to choke out, my voice strained. "He was just... we were just dancing."

"Dancing?" Zeke's voice dripped with contempt. "Is that what you call it? And who told you it was okay to let him put his hands on you?"

I struggled to form a coherent response, my mind clouded with the intoxicating blend of danger and desire. "I don't need your permission," I finally said, my defiance flickering despite the tight grip on my throat. "I don't belong to you."

His eyes darkened, and for a moment, I thought he might squeeze harder. Instead, he laughed again, a low, rumbling sound that vibrated through my entire body. "You're playing a dangerous game, Delilah."

My anger flared, mixing with the adrenaline coursing through me. "What about the woman you were with?" I spat, the words tumbling out before I could stop them. "Why was she touching you? Why can she do that in public, but I can't?"

Zeke's expression shifted, a glint of something unreadable flashing in his eyes. "That's not your concern," he said cryptically, his tone giving nothing away.

"It is my concern," I insisted, my voice rising with frustration. "I hate seeing her with you, touching you. It drives me crazy."

He seemed to understand my jealousy, his grip loosening slightly. He leaned in, pressing his lips to my neck, placing soft, comforting kisses along my skin. It was the first time he had ever put his mouth on me, and the sensation was intense, sending shivers down my spine.

I needed more, needed him, but Zeke controlled the pace, giving me what he wanted to give, not what I craved from him. It was maddening, the way he toyed with my desires, keeping me on the edge.

"Zeke, please," I whispered, my voice trembling with a mixture of desperation and longing.

He pulled back slightly, looking into my eyes with a knowing smile. "Please what, baby?" he asked, his voice teasing and full of promise.

I bit my lip, my frustration mounting. "Please... I need more."

Zeke laughed softly, a sound that was both soothing and infuriating. "Patience," he murmured, brushing his lips against my ear. "All in good time."

With that, he stepped back, releasing his hold on me. The sudden absence of his touch left me feeling cold and bereft, my body aching for more. He watched me for a moment, his expression unreadable.

As Zeke turned to walk away, his eyes flickered with a mix of intensity and resignation. "I'm leaving soon," he said over his shoulder. "You need to leave as well."

The finality of his words hit me hard, a wave of anger and sadness crashing over me. Why did he keep leaving every single time we got close? "Is this just a game to you?" I blurted out, my voice trembling with emotion. "Why do you keep toying with me and then leave whenever you feel satisfied?"

Zeke stopped in his tracks, turning back to face me. His expression darkened, and I saw the anger simmering just beneath the surface. An angry Zeke was both terrifying and irresistibly sexy. "Do you think me merely touching you can satisfy the never-ending hunger I have inside of me?" he asked dangerously, stepping closer until our bodies were nearly touching again.

He leaned in, his breath hot against my ear. "Do you have any idea what you're asking for?" His hand moved to my waist, fingers brushing the skin just above my hip, sending a shiver through me. "Do you think I enjoy leaving you like this, wanting more? Do you think I get any satisfaction from walking away?"

His other hand trailed up my side, fingers grazing the curve of my breast. "I could take you right here, right now," he whispered, his voice a dark promise. "Defile you in ways you've never even imagined. But you have no idea what that would mean, do you?"

I gasped, my body reacting to his touch despite the fear and confusion swirling in my mind. "Zeke..."

"You have to be careful with your words, Delilah," he warned, his hands tightening slightly on my waist. "You have to understand what you're asking for." His lips brushed against my neck, his voice a seductive growl. "If I take you, there will be no turning back. You'll belong to me completely."

He pulled back slightly, his eyes burning with a fierce intensity. "Being seen with me isn’t safe. I’m protecting you. I’ve always been protecting you."

"Why?" I asked, my voice barely more than a whisper. "We haven’t known each other that long. Why do you care so much?"

Zeke’s expression softened, a hint of vulnerability breaking through his hardened exterior. "Because I can’t help it," he said quietly. "I’m fighting a battle every day between what’s right and what I want. And sadly, right seems to be winning."

Before I could respond, the door opened again, the dim light from the hallway spilling into the room, a figure appearing in the doorway.

"Boss, we need to go," the man said, his voice urgent. He glanced at me, then back at Zeke, understanding flashing in his eyes. Zeke nodded, his eyes never leaving mine. "Stay out of trouble," he warned, his voice a low command. "And stay away from that boy."

With that, he stepped back, releasing his hold on me. The sudden absence of his touch left me feeling cold and bereft, my body aching for more. He watched me for a moment, his expression unreadable, then turned and walked away, leaving me and my heart racing and my mind spinning.

I watched him disappear down the hallway, my emotions a chaotic swirl of desire, frustration, and confusion. The intensity of the encounter had left me reeling, my body still buzzing with the need for more. Zeke had shown me a glimpse of the man my father had warned me about—the dangerous, controlling, intoxicating man who could unravel me with a single touch.

As I made my way back to the club's main area, I knew one thing for certain: this was far from over. And despite the risks, I was ready to face whatever came next, ready to give in to the dangerous allure of Zeke, no matter the cost.