Chapter 16 – Apology
–LIA’S POV–
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As I made my way inside with Zane, my mind drifted off to Blake. It felt like I was cheating him, like I was betraying him. He was my only friend at school, the only one who protected me and declared war against the ones who tried to hurt me. And yet here I was, hanging out with the leader of that same group of people, at his house, in the middle of the night.
“Who are you thinking about, Lia?” Zane asked, pulling me out of my thoughts. We were in a huge hall, with a large crystal chandelier hanging above us, and twin staircases spiraling to the upper floors.
“Blake,” I said honestly.
Zane’s face hardened. “Why? I thought you said you don’t feel anything for him.”
“I didn’t say I don’t feel anything,” I muttered, “I said I don’t feel the same for him that I feel… for you.”
“Right,” Zane scoffed. “You lied about what you feel for me. So instead tell me what you feel for him.”
“How about no?” I smiled.
Zane rolled his eyes. “Such a bore.”
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Chapter 16 – Apology
“I am. I really am, Zane. You should drop me
nome.”
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He smiled in amusement. “You wish. I brought you here for a reason and I’m not leaving until that’s done.”
“What do you want?” I asked. “Just tell me now. I’m here, I’m inside your house, there is no way I can just leave. So tell me
now.”
“Like I said,” Zane said, now walking up to me. I held my ground, not allowing myself to back away. “You will find out.”
“When?”
Zane pulled a piece of black cloth from the back pocket of his jeans. “As soon as you let me tie this around your eyes.”
Instantly, I stepped away from him, my eyes wide. “I am not letting you blindfold me, Zane.”
“Please?” he tried.
“No!” I said.
He started walking towards me, making me back away from him.
“Zane,” I warned, “stay there. Stay away from me, don’t come close.”
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Chapter 16 – Apology
“Always so dramatic,” Zane remarked, shaking his head.
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My back hit the wall, and I gasped, immediately trying to leave. from the side. But Zane slammed his hand on the wall, blocking my way. I tried the other side, but he did the same, trapping me
once more.
“Why do you even try, Lia? You haven’t learned your lesson yet?”
A shiver crawled through me. “Why do you want to blindfold me? Are you gonna pull out ropes next?”
Zane laughed. “Of course not. Those are for the bedroom.”
My eyes widened further, and heat rose to my cheeks. Zane smirked.
“You like the idea, I see.
“No, I don’t,” I muttered.
“Then why are you blushing so hard?”
“I’m not,” I cried. “Just get back, Zane.”
“Let me blindfold you and I will.”
“No.”
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Chapter 16 – Apology
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“Yes.”
“No.”
“Yes, and this isn’t up for debate. I have a surprise for you, and I’m not letting you ruin it because you’re a coward.”
Now I scowled.
“I am not a coward,” I stated.
“Then why are you shivering all over? Why are you so afraid of me? I haven’t even lain a hand on you yet and you’re here trembling like a twig.”
I stiffened my body, trying to calm myself down. I glared up at Zane, channeling every bit of defiance I had in me into my eyes.
“I’m not afraid of you,” I declared:
“Then let me blind–”
“Alright!” I interrupted. “Just do it.”
“Thank you.” He grinned victoriously, before gently tying the black silk cloth around my eyes.
“I am starting to really feel like a virgin sacrifice,” I whispered.
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Chapter 16 – Apology
“Oh don’t worry, you won’t be a virgin.”
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My hand flew straight to the blindfold to take it off, but Zane caught hold of my wrist and then burst out laughing. “Goddess, I’m sorry. It was just a joke. Come with me now.”
He placed both his hands on my shoulders and began leading me somewhere. Every time I got a chance, I took the opportunity to open my eyes slightly and see where he was taking me, but nothing was particularly clear. After he made me climb multiple flights of stairs, we entered some place with fresh, cool air.
“Is this a balcony?” I asked.
“Almost guessed it,” Zane said, and then the blindfold was pulled off my eyes.
My mouth fell open as I looked around. We were on Zane’s roof, and it wasn’t just an ordinary roof. It was decorated in pink and gold, with balloons covering the ground. At the centre was a huge table, with a gigantic cake resting upon it. I walked closer to it, staring at the words written on it: Happy Birthday, Lia Snow.
I glanced at Zane. “This isn’t your birthday party?” I asked.
“Nope. I got this one arranged for you, love. Just for us.”
My brows furrowed. “Why?” I asked. “Why are you doing all this
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Chapter 16 – Apology
for me, Zane?”
“Did you question why Blake took you out?”
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“Blake’s different, he’s my friend. What are you trying to show
me?”
Zane walked up to me. “I am showing you that you deserve to he treated much better than anything Blake Walker can offer you. He doesn’t even know you yet, meanwhile I’ve known you forever. I didn’t celebrate my birthday this year, Lia. Because you didn’t get to celebrate yours because of me ten years ago. This is my formal apology.”
“No, Zane. That’s not what you need to apologise for. Apologise for everything I went through after that incident,” I stated.
“I will,” he replied. “One by one. But we start here.” He gently took my hand in his, standing in front of me. “Will you be kind enough to celebrate your belated birthday with me, Lia Snow?”
I finally smiled at him. “Do I have an option? Last I checked, I was kidnapped from my house.”
Zane smiled. “Then simply say yes, love.”
“Yes,” I shrugged. “I guess I will celebrate my belated birthday with you tonight.”
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