MINE TO UNMAKE

THE WEIGHT OF SECRETS

JAYDEN'S POV

Coming Home Angry, I walked into the penthouse, still burning with anger. My adoptive parents’ words kept playing in my head

marry Vanessa, or I’ll get rid of Zahra. I wanted to destroy the whole city.

But when I opened the bedroom door, all that anger stopped.

Zahra was asleep on top of the blankets. She was still in the Onyx Gown

black silk that looked like water in the moonlight. She looked beautiful and out of place. She hadn’t even gotten under the covers. She waited for me until she passed out.

I walked to her. My boots made no sound on the thick rug. I sat on the bed. It sank under my weight. My hands, the same hands that hurt a man a few hours ago were shaking as I touched her.

“Zahra,” I whispered. Barely a sound.

She didn’t wake up. I leaned over her and found the hidden zipper on her dress. I pulled it down slowly, carefully. The only sound was silk sliding off her skin. I helped her out of the dress like she was something precious I didn’t deserve to touch.

Once the heavy dress was off, I covered her with the soft cotton sheets. I held her face in my hand. My thumb traced her jaw. Her skin was warm. Mine was cold. I sat there for hours, just watching her sleep. Her breathing got slow and calm.

I’ll destroy the Sterlings before I let them hurt you, I promised myself.

ZAHRA'S POV

I woke up when sunlight hit my face. The nausea from yesterday's drama felt like a bad dream. I realized I was under the covers, My black gown neatly folded neatly on the chair.

He came back, I thought. My chest felt warm.

I walk downstairs. My bare feet made no sound on the cold floor. The kitchen smelled like bacon and fresh coffee. It smelled safe.

And there he was. Jayden Blackwood, the coldest man in the city wasn’t wearing a suit. He wore a plain black t-shirt. His back was to me while he cooked, flipping an omelet like he did it every day. For a second, he looked like a normal guy. Not a man fighting a war on two fronts.

“You’re awake,” he said without turning. He always knew when I was there. “Breakfast is almost done, Zahra. Sit.