Chapter 131 – Searching
–LIA’S POV–
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Zane spent the night at my house, this time after asking Mom and Dad for permission. He asked if I wanted to call Christy over, to have that movie night we had talked about, but I refused. I wasn’t sure if I was safe to be around. I didn’t want to put my friend into unnecessary trouble.
In the morning, I woke up next to Zane, his arm tight around my waist. A bit too tight.
I gazed at him, at his dark, thick eyelashes, his matching hair that looked soft as silk, and his enticing, plump lips that begged
to be kissed.
But Zane didn’t look like he was at peace.
His eyebrows were almost knitted together, lines of worry etched on his forehead. The hold he had around my waist was also a signal. Zane was afraid I’d leave again. That I’d turn into something and run out to look for Blake, even though he was right beside me.
I looked away from him, staring at the ceiling. Blake was going to come over today. Zane would be hurt when he’d find out. But I knew he would understand when I’d tell him my reasons. He trusted me, even if he didn’t trust Blake.
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Chapter 131 – Searching
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He moaned softly, and I glanced at him, realising that he was waking up. Soft light filtered in through the windows, shining on his face. I quickly placed my hand over his face, casting shadow onto his eyes so he wouldn’t be disturbed. It didn’t work. Zane’s lashes fluttered and he glanced up at my hand, then turned his head to look at me.
He smiled, tightening his hold on my waist even more, pulling me laut against himself. “Good morning, love,” he whispered, nuzzling his face into my hair.
“Good morning, Zane. Did you sleep well?”
“Mhm,” he hummed in response. “How can I not? I get to sleep beside you.”
I smiled, tracing my fingers down the side of his face. He leaned into the touch, letting out a deep sigh. “This is everything I want. from life. You, a bed, and peace.”
I chuckled, leaning in to touch my face to his. I was addicted to the tingles that shot through my skin everytime we touched. I was addicted to his scent and his presence. “What about food? Can you do without food?” I teased.
Zane smirked at me, mischief glinting in his eye. “My snack is right in front of me.”
I grinned, as heat rose to my cheeks. “Idiot.”
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Chapter 131 – Searching
“Only yours.”
I released a breath, taking one last moment to stare at him, before I attempted to push off his arm from my waist.
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I failed because he only tightened his hold, frowning. “What?”
“It’s almost twelve, Zane. I have to go downstairs.”
“You mean we have to go downstairs. Remember? I took permission.”
I forced a laugh. “Just because my parents allowed you to stay the night, doesn’t mean they want you here in the morning.”
Zane pouted. “Are you telling me to leave, Lia?”
“Yes.”
“How rude,” he grumbled, pulling me onto himself and hugging me close.
“Hey,” I laughed. “I’m asking you to leave, not hold me closer.”
“I don’t care. I’m staying.”
“Zane,” I chuckled. “Please. I’ve to spend some time with my parents too. They’re my family too.”
“And me?”
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Chapter 131 – Searching
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“You’re my whole world, and I spent the whole night with you.”
“We were sleeping. It’s not like we were spending time with each other.”
“So sleeping together isn’t spending time?”
“Of course not,” he scoffed. “You know nothing about love.”
“Zane,” I said again, “please. You can come back at night. We won’t sleep. Maybe we can…” I trailed off, running a finger down his neck.
Zane shivered, making me smile victoriously.
He stared at me, blue eyes turning black. “You wanna do it tonight? For real? Or you’re just saying that to get me to leave?”
“The latter.”
He scowled, rolling his eyes.
“I don’t want you to mark me just yet, but we can definitely do
other stuff.”
“Hm, I’m listening.”
“You could kiss me everywhere,” I suggested.
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Chapter 131 – Searching
“And?”
“Touch me everywhere.”
“Mhm?” He raised a brow.
“You could…”
“Lick?”
“No,” I laughed, my eyes wide. “Get out now.”
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Zane rolled his eyes again, but a smirk played upon his lips.
“You’re no fun.”
“Shoo.” I said, finally managing to climb out of bed.
“I’m leaving,” he said, standing up as well.
“I love you,” I said.
“I love you too.” He gave me a quick kiss, then slipped out out through the window.
I let out a sigh, closing the curtains and the window.
Now it was time to call Blake.
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Chapter 131 – Searching
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An hour had passed since Zane left, and Blake was going to be here anytime soon.
My stomach was in a knot, uncertainty clouding my mind.
What if I was making a mistake? What if calling Blake here created a problem?
I checked my phone again, making sure Zane was set as my emergency contact. So that if anything happened, I could immediately call him for help. I knew he’d get here within minutes.
The bell rang, pulling me out of my thoughts.
I took a deep breath, and rushed down to open the door for him. But Mom got there first, freezing when she answered it.
“You,” she snapped, her back rigid.
“Good evening, Mrs. Snow,” Blake muttered.
“How dare you come here?” she asked.
“Mom!” I said quickly, stepping beside her. “I invited him over.”
Mom’s eyes widened and she gave me a look of disbelief. “Are you out of your mind, Lia? Didn’t he assault you?”
I glanced at Blake, whose face filled with guilt.
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“He—he’s changed,” I said. “He’s a different person now.”
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“Lia,” she said curtly. “People like that don’t change. They only fool you and manipulate you into trusting them again. I will not allow this boy into my house.”
I sighed. “Mom, I need his help. It’s something really important
and no one else can do it.”
“What about Zane?”
“He can’t help me. I already asked.”
“Did you tell him you’ll take Blake’s help if he can’t?”
“No, of course not.”
“Exactly. Tell him that.”
I closed the door, and then turned to her, taking her arms. “Mom, I know what I’m doing. Please trust me. I will keep the door wide open. You can check on me any minute. But I really need this. It’s… it’s gonna cost me my scholarship if I don’t..”
“I’ll ask your Dad to work harder. Or I’ll find a job.”
“Mom, please,” I cried. “Just trust me. Please. I told you Zane’s changed and you believed me. Trust me about Blake too.”
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Mom stared at me for a moment, then sighed. “You will not sit on the bed with him.”
“Deal.”
“The door will be open. If I see it closed for even a second, I will call Zane and the police.”
“Done.”
“If he tries anything, I will kill him.”
“I’ll help you,” I promised.
She shot me one last glare, before storming off into the kitchen.
I opened the door for Blake.
“Hi,” I said. “Come in.”
“Are you sure?” he asked.
“Yes.” I moved aside, giving him space.
Blake entered the house, and I led him upstairs, to my room. My heart thumped in my chest as I sat down opposite to him, maintaining a safe distance.
Blake shrugged off the backpack he had, and extended it towards me. “I brought the books that could have the
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information about what you are. Let’s start. We don’t have much time if I have to leave before nightfall.”
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