One Lucky Night

Chapter 8

She was soaking wet when she reached their doorway. The rain poured hard, drumming against the roof and splashing onto the pavement as though the heavens themselves were restless. Her hair clung to her face and her clothes stuck tightly to her skin, but Scylla did not mind. Walking in the rain gave her a strange comfort, as if the storm outside could wash away the storm inside her chest.

Her thoughts had not left Zach from the moment she stepped out of the building, during the long ride in the taxi, and even now as she fumbled for her keys. His name echoed in her mind, steady and unyielding.

Zach.

She pressed her forehead against the cool surface of the door before finally pushing it open. The small house greeted her with silence, empty and dim. Erin was on duty tonight, leaving Scylla completely alone. Loneliness seeped through the quiet halls, pressing against her as she removed her wet shoes and dropped her bag on the chair.

Her mind replayed their heated kisses before his father had entered the room, kisses that had left her trembling and desperate for more. That moment had awakened her to the reality she had tried to ignor. She still loved him, and she always had. Zach had told her he was still in love with her, but if that was true, why was she standing here alone?

Right. She had given Zach and his father their time. Zach had insisted she stay, but she had chosen to leave, believing it was the right thing to do. What if she had waited instead? What if she had stayed by his side until their conversation was over, and they could have continued what had been interrupted?

Her chest ached with regret.

She stepped into the bathroom and let the water run until the steam rose. She stayed under the shower until her skin wrinkled, her fingers shriveled like aged parchment. The water was hot but it could not soothe the ache in her heart.

Later, she stood in front of the mirror, wearing a satin robe, her hair damp and clinging to her shoulders. She touched her lips, staring at her reflection. God, how she missed him. Her lips still tingled from the memory of his kiss, and her body still burned with the heat of his touch. She imagined him there with her, his arms wrapped around her, his breath mingling with hers.

Her chest tightened. The emptiness of the house mocked her.

"Zach, I miss you so much," she whispered, closing her eyes, comb still running absently through her wet hair.

"Scylla."

Her eyes fluttered open, startled. That voice, so vivid, so deep. Her lips curved in a small, wistful smile. It was her imagination again, playing tricks on her heart.

"Zach." She whispered his name longingly, pretending he was truly there.

"Scylla." The voice came again, clearer, stronger, more real.

Her breath caught.

She turned slowly toward the sound. And there he was. Zach stood in her room, drenched from the rain, water dripping down his strong frame, his dark eyes fixed on her with an intensity that made her knees weak.

"Zach?" Her voice was barely a whisper.

"Why didn’t you wait for me, Scylla?" Zach asked, his voice thick with emotion.

Her heart raced as she clutched her robe tightly around her. "Zach, I’m sorry. But you needed to talk with your father."

"I always talk with him," Zach said firmly. "But this is different. This is the first time in five years that I’ve seen you again." His gaze softened, though his voice carried a hint of disbelief, as if afraid she would vanish if he blinked.

"I hope everything is alright. How is your father?" Scylla asked cautiously.

Zach tilted his head slightly, studying her face. "You don’t hate him?"

She shook her head, her lips curving faintly. "I understood him a long time ago, Zach. He only did what he thought was right at the time. And you…" She stepped closer, concern flickering in her eyes. "You need to dry yourself before you get sick!"

Rainwater dripped from his hair onto the floor, but Zach only smirked. "I don’t mind it. It feels real. The cold reminds me that this isn’t just a dream." His tone was playful, but his eyes burned with longing.

"Come on, you have a business to run!" Scylla rolled her eyes and tossed him a towel.

He caught it easily, smiling at her familiar expression. It was the same as it had been five years ago, as though time had folded in on itself.

She opened the bathroom door, stepping aside. "Go on. I’ll leave you here, and I’ll prepare some hot chocolate."

Zach did not move. Instead, he caught her wrist gently and pulled her inside with him, making her yelp in surprise. The bathroom door closed behind them, shutting out the rest of the world.

Her back was to the tiled wall, her breath quick and uneven as she stared at him. His hand was still wrapped around her wrist, firm but not forceful. His eyes searched hers, and she knew exactly what was about to happen.

Zach leaned closer, his breath warm against her skin. She closed her eyes, waiting for the inevitable kiss. Seconds passed. But instead of his lips, she felt his breath lingering near her own, teasing, testing her resolve.

"What were you thinking earlier, while combing your hair?" he asked, his voice husky. "I clearly heard my name from your mouth." His fingers brushed lightly against her lips.

Her cheeks flamed. He was teasing her, and it was maddening.

"And did you just close your eyes? Perhaps you were anticipating this?" He pouted slightly, his lips temptingly close.

Scylla’s heart thundered. He was infuriatingly good at this game, and she felt herself unraveling under his gaze. She needed to regain control before she completely lost herself. Snatching the towel from his hand, she scrubbed at his wet hair instead.

"I need rinsing, baby," Zach whispered, catching her hand in his. His touch burned against her skin.

She lifted her chin, determined not to let him win. "Zach, you didn’t need to drag me in here. I’m done already. But if you insist, I can shower twice in one evening." Her fingers toyed with the knot of her robe, loosening it deliberately.

Zach’s pulse quickened. His eyes followed her every movement, and regret flickered in his mind for pulling her in. He was losing control.

But then she stopped. The robe stayed in place, tied securely around her. Her gaze softened. "Zach, there’s one thing I need to say to you tonight."

"Hmm…" he murmured, though his thoughts were clouded by desire.

"I’m sorry. I’m sorry for leaving you, for not fighting for my love back then." Her voice trembled, but her eyes never left his. "I love you, Zach. I still love you, even more than before."

Her hand lifted to his face, cupping his cheek.

Zach’s chest constricted as he stared at her. Then he kissed her, pouring all his love, his anger, his years of longing into that moment.

Clothes fell to the floor in a forgotten heap as their kisses grew hungry, desperate. Their hands explored, clung, and claimed.

Her soft moans were like music to his ears, and his lips trailing fire across her skin sent her spiraling into bliss. She gasped against him, caught between surrender and ecstasy.

Erin had been right—it was indeed her lucky night. The house was theirs, silent except for the sound of rushing water and their laughter echoing in the walls.

The shower poured over them, mixing with their kisses, and for the first time in years, they felt whole again.