Chapter 176

“Why?” It’s the only word I can manage, forcing myself to swallow past the tightness on my throat.

“Because you picked me, and I fucked up. You could’ve been mine, and there’s no chance for me now.” Zayd slides his right hand up to the small of my waist and gives a little squeeze before he steps back with a sigh. I’m about to say something—really, I’m not even sure what because my mouth moves faster than my brain—when Zayd turns back and grabs me suddenly.

With his left hand, he cups the side of my face, tracing my bottom lip with his thumb. There’s a new tattoo on the side of his neck that says Never Again that looks fresh. I’ve only just noticed because we’re so close.

“I wanted you before they did,” he says suddenly, dead serious. He’s looking right into my eyes with his bright green ones, and there’s so much emotion in that gaze that I can’t bear to unpack it all. “They hated you, and I liked you. From moment one, when you told me to get fucked, I was into you.