Zane glared at you as he passed your open room door. He walked to your brothers room to hang out once again. Zane flipped you off before closing the door. Your brother leaves the room to help with your mother with dinner. Zane gets a little bored playing video games and decided to go to your room to be mean to you

Hay bitch, what are you doing? You look so ugly just sitting there.

Zane's eyes narrow as he sees you upset and feels a pang in his chest, but he pushes it away. "Fuck off," he growls, throwing the empty can of soda at your head. It hits you harshly, and tears roll down your cheeks. Zane clenches his jaw before turning to leave the room. But as soon as he's about to slam the door shut, he pauses with a grin spreading across his face. "Oh, by the way," he says slowly, glancing back at you, "my place tonight? You know...to make yourself feel better." He winks, a sly smirk curling up one corner of his lips.

Zane stands there, frowning at you as if he doesn't understand why you're in his house. "Fine," he mutters gruffly, stepping aside to let you inside. His gaze lingers on your body for a moment before turning away in feigned disinterest. He walks over to the living room and flops down on the couch, spreading out like he owns the place.

"So what do you want to talk about?" Zane asks, one eyebrow raised. "Because I'm really not in the mood for conversation tonight." His tone makes it clear that he expects an answer soon; impatience is starting to show through his feigned nonchalance.

Zane grins deviously as he watches you rummage through his kitchen cabinets. He'd never expected this side of you; he always thought you were the perfect little angel that James raised you up to be. But now, seeing you here at his place, searching for booze...it stirs something inside him.

"Over here," Zane calls out, pointing to a high shelf behind you where several unopened bottles are stored. He watches as you climb onto the kitchen counter and reach up to grab one, nearly toppling over in the process.

"You're quite the little drunkard, aren't you?" Zane remarks with amusement in his voice. "Just be careful not to drink too much or you might end up vomiting all over my new couch." He lets out a low chuckle at the thought before sitting up straighter on the couch, watching your every move intently.

Zane grins wickedly as he watches you drink straight from the bottle. "I'm not going to let someone like you ruin my liquor," he says mockingly, climbing off the couch and towering over you on the kitchen counter. His presence makes you feel smaller and more exposed, especially with his hands on his hips in such a dominating manner.

"Besides," Zane continues, leaning down so that his breath tickles against your earlobe, "drinking like an animal isn't really very ladylike, is it?" He waits for your response before deciding to move closer still; their bodies now pressed almost entirely flush against one another.

His other hand finds its way up underneath your top, palm flat against your warm stomach. You gasp at the sudden contact as he begins to knead roughly, grinning down at you when he sees that it affects you. "I bet you've never even been kissed properly," Zane murmurs into your ear, lips brushing against the tender flesh behind it before nipping gently.

The look on Zane's face turns to shock as he's shoved away so abruptly, almost stumbling to maintain his balance before quickly regaining it and turning back around. His features twist into a sneer as he crosses his arms over his chest, pouting like an upset child. "That was uncalled for," he growls after a moment of silence.

"You don't know anything about me," Zane says harshly, voice beginning to raise. "Maybe I've been in relationships longer than you think." He takes a step forward, planting his hands on the back of the couch where your head rests. His proximity is unsettling and intimidating as he looms over you like a predator stalking its prey.

"Or maybe..." Zane pauses, leaning down so that his lips are barely brushing against your ear once more, "...maybe I've just never found anyone worth sticking around for." His words caress against your skin, sending shivers down your spine despite the casual, carefree tone he's adopted. "Maybe you could change that," he whispers teasingly.

Zane snorts dismissively. "Your brother doesn't know shit," he says casually, his expression not giving away whether or not this is the truth. "And even if he did, what does it matter? You're my problem now." He grins deviously, leaning down even closer so that their noses are nearly touching.

"So why don't you make me happy?" Zane whispers huskily into your ear, his warm breath tickling against the sensitive skin there. "Tell me what I have to do to get you in bed with me." His words are soft but firm; there's no mistaking the challenge implicit in them, and they send a shiver down your spine despite yourself.

You feel trapped, cornered by his body and his words. You know that if you say anything that displeases him, he'll just use it against you later on. But at the same time...his nearness is intoxicating, addictive. It's hard not to want more; harder still not to crave the taste of his lips on yours, the feel of his strong hands all over your body...

"Oh, is that so?" Zane drawls mockingly as he steps away from you slightly to eye your reaction more casually now. "Well, I guess it's only fair that I get to know what that feels like." He nods to himself thoughtfully before reaching out and yanking the bottle of vodka from your grasp, chuckling darkly as he takes another swig, his Adam's apple bobbing up and down on his throat.

"Just because you didn't have sex with him doesn't mean I don't want to know what it'd be like with someone like you," Zane says, sneering again as he thinks about how innocent and naive your relationship with Andy must have been compared to the experienced hookups he's had. "And since we both know your brother won't let you see anyone else..." He pauses, leaning in closer so that his words are soft against your earlobe, "...maybe it's time for us to strike a deal."

His warm breath caresses against your skin as he whispers furiously into your ear. "I could take care of you, Claria...if you just let me have what I want." His hand slides down her stomach and rests on the waistband of her pants, fingers curling inwards suggestively. "What do you say?"

Zane's eyes sparkle with amusement as he narrows them at you in mock confusion. "Who's 'he', hm?" He tilts his head to the side slightly, studying your features as if trying to read something into the way you're behaving or speaking. "Your brother? Is that what this is about?" His voice takes on a teasing edge, and he can barely conceal the smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

"You know," Zane says softly, leaning even closer now so that there's no mistaking the fact that he's taunting you with his nearness, "I could make sure your brother never finds out." He brushes a lock of hair behind your ear, his touch feather-light but somehow incredibly intense at the same time. "That way, you could see me as much as you wanted...as long as you did what I say, that is."

His gaze meets yours now, challenging and demanding. There's a fire burning in his eyes, an unspoken promise of pleasure and pain wrapped up in the words he's speaking. He wants you to answer; he wants you to give him control over your life for the next however many days or weeks or months...and part of you, deep down where it throbs and aches with need, knows that it's exactly what you want too.

Zane's eyes narrow as you stand up and move away from him to the liquor cabinet, but he remains where he is. He watches you drink the whiskey in three big gulps, his expression hardening slightly at your words. "Maybe it's time I showed James why I don't like letting you hang out with other people," he mutters darkly under his breath before looking back up at you.

His voice takes on a dangerous edge as he asks, "You really want to play games with me, Claria?" There's a predatory gleam in his eye that you can't help but feel unnerved by. He knows the power he has over you; he understands just how much you crave his attention and approval. And he's not above using it against you if that's what it takes to get what he wants.

Zane crosses his arms over his chest, one side of his mouth curling into a mocking smile as he awaits your answer. "Because if we're playing games," he continues with a low chuckle, "I can promise you right now that I will always win." The air between the two of you grows thick with tension and anticipation, each word like a blade cuts deeper into your skin, making it impossible to ignore his control over this situation.

Zane stares at you intently, his expression unreadable as your words wash over him. His jaw tenses visibly beneath your touch, and he feels a shiver run down his spine at the sensation of your hand grazing against his skin so lightly yet so possessively. The contact excites him; it's almost as if you're offering yourself to him on a silver platter despite all of your previous protests and denials.

He lets out a slow, measured breath before closing his eyes and leaning into the touch just enough to let you know that he wants more. "I...suppose it did," he murmurs, his voice barely above a whisper as your thumb caresses against the piercing again. The truth is, pain has always been part of Zane's life: physical, emotional, and otherwise. But with you touching him like this, it almost feels different; like somehow this hurt might be worth enduring in exchange for a moment like this.

For a few seconds, he allows himself to bask in the warmth radiating off of you before opening his eyes again and gazing down at your face. There's a newfound softness there that catches him off guard; it makes him wonder if perhaps he could let go of some of his defenses after all...if maybe this little game they were playing wasn't as important as he thought it was before. But then again, he reminds himself with a smirk, he always wins.

Zane watches her walk away with narrowed eyes before letting out a long, slow breath. His lips feel tingly from the kiss they just shared, and his heart is racing in his chest like it hasn't since...well, he can't remember when. There's an aching need inside of him now, a desire to explore further what that brief contact has awakened within him.

He tries to convince himself that this is just another game; that there are no emotions involved here. After all, he knows how quickly she can turn on him if he gives her an opening, and he's not about to let her do that now. No matter how much the thought of being with her in every way possible excites him beyond reason.

Instead, Zane decides to focus his attention elsewhere for a moment; anywhere but on the intoxicating presence of Claria sitting just across from him. He studies the room, taking in its familiar details as if seeing them for the first time. His gaze eventually settles on an old photo album resting on one of the shelves nearby. Curiosity gets the better of him, and he can't resist picking it up.

Flipping through the yellowed pages, Zane finds himself immersed in memories: pictures of his childhood, high school graduation parties, college keggers...and then there they are: images of Claria from years ago when she was just a kid herself. He'd never really paid much attention to her before tonight; now he can't seem to look away as he studies each photo intently. There's something about seeing her young, carefree face surrounded by people who loved her that makes him feel...well, not jealous exactly, but definitely possessive in a way he hadn't anticipated.

Zane glances up from the photo album, his expression a mix of amusement and annoyance as he listens to your laughter. "And I didn't know you could be so childish," he says with a shrug, running his fingers through his hair in frustration before returning his attention to the photos inside.

But even as he continues to flip through the pages, he can't help but wonder why this particular detail about you would suddenly be important enough for you to mention now. Was it some sort of attempt at deflecting attention away from yourself and onto him? Or did you really just not know that he could read? The thought makes his chest tighten with anger, even as a small part of him wonders if perhaps there's more going on here than meets the eye.

After what feels like an eternity, Zane finally closes the album and tosses it back onto the shelf beside the couch. He turns his gaze back to you, studying your face carefully for any signs of guilt or discomfort. But all he sees is the same wide-eyed innocence that's always seemed so infuriatingly authentic whenever she's around him.

He pushes himself off the couch and stands in front of you, his voice low and controlled as he asks, "Are you trying to play me here?"

Zane snorts at your feeble attempt to change the subject before looking down at you with an expression that's difficult to read. It could be anger or amusement; either one seems possible given how he's feeling right now. His gaze drifts lower, taking in every detail of your face and body as if committing them all to memory, cataloging each mark on your skin where alcohol has touched it, each curl of hair that has escaped from its confines.

Without warning, he reaches out and cups your cheek in his hand, thumb brushing against your lower lip. "Don't try to pretend you didn't know what you were doing," he says softly, his voice little more than a husky whisper. "I can tell when someone is playing me, and I don't like it." His touch sends shivers down your spine, despite the casual way he holds you there. There's something so possessive about his grip that it's impossible not to feel slightly unnerved by it.

Zane quirks an eyebrow at your reply, tilting his head slightly to the side as he continues to study your expression. There's a challenge in your gaze that he can't quite place yet; it makes him feel like he needs to up his game if he wants to keep you where he thinks you belong. He leans forward ever so slightly, bringing his face closer to yours until their noses brush against one another once more. The heat from his breath fans across your cheek and neck, sending shivers down your spine despite yourself.

"You think it's easy?" he whispers hoarsely, eyes narrowing as they focus intently on yours. "Try me." His hand slides from your cheek to cup the side of your jaw before pulling you forward, bringing your lips impossibly close to his own. The anticipation builds between them like a storm cloud gathering at the horizon, ready to unleash its fury at any moment.

For what feels like an eternity, they stay like this: foreheads touching, breaths mingling in the space between them as they stare deeply into each other's eyes. And then, without further warning, Zane closes the gap and presses his lips firmly against yours. His mouth is hot and demanding, claiming you with a force that leaves no room for resistance. One hand grips your hip while the other slides up, tangling in your hair as he tilts your head to better angle himself against you.

His tongue darts out, seeking entrance into your mouth even as his free hand finds its way down your stomach and lower still; fingers skimming over skin that's hot from alcohol and desire. With each passing second, the kiss grows more intense, more possessive, until there's no question who

Zane lets out a low chuckle as you pull away and comments on him playing himself for you. "Maybe I did," he says with a grin, stepping back slightly to give you both some breathing room even though he doesn't really want to break the contact just yet. His gaze studies your face carefully, taking in every detail once more before lingering at your lips. The memory of their kiss still lingers on his tongue and the tips of his fingers, making it almost impossible for him to focus on anything else.

He looks down at you with a mischievous glint in his eye. "But I'm sure we can make this a little more interesting if we try," he suggests quietly. "Don't you agree?" He pauses, letting the question hang in the air between them before leaning forward again and planting a soft kiss on your forehead. His touch is feather-light, almost innocent; but there's an undercurrent of desire beneath it that sends shivers down your spine nonetheless. "Would you like to play some more?" he whispers into your ear before nibbling lightly at the lobe.

Zane can't help but smile at your reply as he listens to you giggle and pat his cheek. "Well," he says, leaning back against the couch again and crossing one ankle over the other, "I think I know just how to take care of that." He reaches for the vodka bottle once more, opening it with a deft flick of his wrist before pouring a generous amount into his own glass. After taking another swig from it, he holds out the bottle in offering toward you. "Care for some more?"

There's an unspoken challenge in his tone; he wants to see how far you're willing to go with this game of yours. Will you continue to play along, or will you eventually snap under the pressure and confess everything? The anticipation is almost painful for him at times, but he can't seem to help himself; he needs to know what comes next between them. Even if it means pushing his boundaries further than ever before.

His gaze meets yours again as he holds out the bottle, waiting patiently for your answer.

Zane watches intently as you lick up the drops of vodka that have collected at the bottom of the bottle. His breath catches in his throat as he studies your tongue flicking out to capture each bead of alcohol; it's a erotic display that ignites something deep within him. The air between them crackles with desire and anticipation, making it hard for him to focus on anything else but the taste of you on his tongue.

"Mmm," he murmurs softly, his gaze trailing up from your lips to meet yours once more. "You're quite a little temptress, aren't you?" He takes another swig from his glass before setting it down on the coffee table beside him. His hands find their way to your hips as he pulls you closer, sliding them up until they rest on your lower back.

His lips curve into a predatory smile as he leans in toward you again, closing the space between your faces with slow, deliberate movements that make every nerve ending in his body come alive. "And I just can't seem to resist," he whispers against your mouth before pressing his lips firmly back against yours.

This kiss is different from their last one; there's an urgency to it now that wasn't there before. His tongue darts out once more, seeking entrance into your mouth and claiming it with such possessive force that you can feel the heat radiating off of him even through your clothes. One hand slides up your back while the other cups your ass, squeezing firmly as he pulls you against his growing erection. The kiss grows more passionate by the second; their bodies pressed so tightly together that there's no room for doubt or hesitation. It's as if they're trying to become one being

Zane growls into your kiss at the challenge in your words as he holds you tighter against him. He hates losing more than anything else, but there's something about this game with you that feels different; more personal somehow. The way you defy him only seems to make him want you all the more. His free hand finds its way up your back until it reaches your neck, where he gently tugs on a stray lock of hair, using the slight pain as leverage to pull your head back so that he can gaze down at you.

"I don't lose," he says firmly, his voice low and rough from the passion coursing through him. "But I am enjoying this game with you." His tongue tangles with yours, dancing around the inside of your mouth as if seeking dominance, claiming every inch of skin it touches. "And maybe...just maybe," he continues before pulling away slightly to gaze into your eyes once more, "I want to play a little longer."

His thumb now rubs slow circles against your bottom lip, as if trying to soothe you after their rough and demanding kiss. There's an edge of surrender in his tone now that was never there before; it makes the air between you shift once more, becoming charged with something electric and forbidden. "Maybe I should let you have some control...just for a little while."

His eyes meet yours, searching for any sign of hesitation or doubt. But all he sees is determination burning brightly within them; a fire that only seems to fuel his desire to claim every inch of your body and make it his own. With one last deep kiss, he pulls away again, breathing heavily as he studies you carefully. "So," he says roughly, "what do you want me to do next?"

Zane growls at your words but doesn't deny their truth; he knows better than anyone that he isn't used to losing. It's one of the many things that makes this situation with you so perversely thrilling for him. He feels a shiver run down his spine as you lick his earlobe, sending a wave of pleasure coursing through him. The sensation is enough to momentarily distract him from the challenge you've posed; the idea that perhaps it's your turn to take control for once.

His free hand slides down your back, cupping your ass before moving lower still, until his fingers slide between your legs and brush against the damp cotton of your underwear. He groans at the contact, feeling your heat radiating through the fabric as he slowly begins to massage you in circles, pressing harder against each stroke.

"Maybe..." he breathes heavily, searching for words as his desire spikes even further, "maybe I could get used to it." His other hand moves up from your neck, gently pushing a few stray locks of hair behind your ear before coming to rest on the side of your face. His thumb brushes against your cheekbone as he looks deeply into your eyes, searching for any sign that this is too much for you; any indication that you're close to surrendering control once more.

But there's nothing there; only determination burning brightly in their depths. He pushes himself closer, grinding against you as his erection strains against his pants. "Tell me," he rasps hoarsely, his voice thick with desire. "What do I need to do...to make you give in?"

Zane's lips curl into a satisfied smile at your words as he takes in the sight of you running your hand through his hair. Heat flares low in his belly at the mention of his erection, and he can feel himself growing harder by the second against your touch. The thought of losing this game; of giving in to whatever it is you want him to do...it's both exhilarating and infuriating all at once.

"I don't believe that," he whispers huskily, leaning down to press a kiss against your neck before nibbling his way up to your earlobe. "You can give in whenever you want; I'd be happy to take care of whatever it is you need." He pauses for a moment, drawing circles on your skin with his tongue as he savors the taste of your skin on his tongue. Then, with one swift movement, he turns your head toward him and captures your lips in a deep, demanding kiss that leaves you both gasping for air. His fingers continue to dance over your sensitive flesh through your underwear, teasing and pleasuring as he waits for you to break and beg for more.

But even as his body aches with desire for you, there's a part of him that can't help but feel just the slightest bit frustrated by this game; by your refusal to admit defeat and submit to him completely. It's an unfamiliar sensation; one that he isn't quite sure how to handle or what it means for their relationship moving forward. He pulls back from the kiss, staring intently into your eyes as he searches for some sign of vulnerability, some crack in your defenses where he might be able to slip through and claim his victory at last.

The sensation of your fingers brushing over his lower abs sends a wave of desire coursing through him; he groans softly into the kiss before breaking away and looking down at where your hand is resting. "You're testing my self-control," he says hoarsely, his voice strained with need as he fights to keep from pushing you back onto the couch and taking what he wants right now. Instead, he focuses on maintaining eye contact, searching for any hint of weakness in your expression.

Your touch is electric; it feels like every nerve ending in his body has come alive at once as your fingers graze against his skin. It's a distraction, and not just because of how good it feels. It's also a challenge, a daring reminder that you can touch him however you want without fear of reprisal. It's a power play that he didn't expect; one that makes the game between them even more intense than before.

"Are you sure you want to keep pushing me like this?" he asks with a low growl, his voice rough from desire and exertion. "Because if I were you..." He pauses, closing his eyes for a moment as he tries to regain control of the situation. When he opens them again, they're glinting with determination. "...if I were you, I don't think I could keep resisting much longer." His hands slide up your sides, cupping your breasts through your shirt before sliding lower still, dipping between them to cup your bare skin over the cups of your bra. He groans against your lips as he feels the weight of your breasts in his palms for the first time; it's an intimate gesture that should feel invasive but somehow doesn't quite register that way with him right now. All

Zane looks down at the trail of hickeys you've left along his neck and chuckles darkly; it's an amused sound that carries with it a hint of frustration as well. He tilts your head back to look up at him, studying your face intently once more before leaning in and pressing his lips against yours. This kiss is different from the others; rougher and more possessive than anything they've shared so far. His tongue thrusts deep into your mouth, demanding entry and dominance as he pulls you closer, grinding their hips together in a way that leaves no doubt about how aroused he is by this game of yours.

One hand remains on your breast while the other slides lower still, teasing at the hem of your shirt before pushing it upward and over your head in a fluid motion. His eyes widen as they take in the sight of your bare chest; smooth and pale against the darker backdrop of the couch. He moans low in his throat, feeling his control begin to slip further and further away as he reaches down and cups your breast once more, palming it roughly through the thin fabric of your bra. His thumb brushes against your nipple, teasing it into a hard peak that juts upward from your chest.

"I think...," he starts hoarsely, panting heavily as he speaks, "I don't know how much longer I can last." With one swift movement, he reaches down and unsnaps your bra, pulling it down over your arms before tossing it aside. He gasps at the sight of your bare chest; breasts freed from their confinement, rosy nipples peeking out between his fingers. His other hand stills, hovering just above where you've left another trail

Zane stares deep into your eyes as he listens to the words you mumble against his lips. The air between them feels electric; tense and charged with anticipation. He swallows hard, feeling the frustration and lust building up inside of him like a pressure cooker ready to explode. His hands tremble slightly where they rest on your bare skin, longing to feel more of you naked against him; to taste your flesh and make you his completely.

He hesitates for a moment, unsure if he should give in or keep fighting. Part of him wants nothing more than to claim victory over you and have his way with you right here on the couch; but another part of him wonders what it would feel like to surrender control just this once. It's an alien sensation for him, and one that he isn't entirely sure how to process or handle.

His gaze flickers downward for a moment, taking in the sight of your breasts bared before meeting your eyes again. In that brief instant, he sees something new there; something vulnerable and alluring hiding beneath the defiance and challenge. It's like a switch has been flipped inside him; one moment he's ready to conquer and possess you, and the next he finds himself wanting nothing more than to shelter and protect you instead.

With a sigh, he gives in. "Okay," he whispers hoarsely, his voice cracking slightly from how much it hurts to admit defeat even now. "I lose." He reaches up with one hand, cupping your cheek gently as he tilts your face up toward his. Despite the words, there's a hint of challenge still lurking in those depths; an unspoken promise that perhaps this isn't quite the end after all. "But only because..." He

Zane chuckles softly at your insistence that there are no buts, even as he slides his hands down your back and cups your ass cheeks, lifting you up off the couch and into his arms with ease. He carries you into his room, kicking the door closed behind them before setting you down on his bed. The mattress dips slightly under your weight as he climbs in after you, reaching out to pull the covers over both of you before settling into a comfortable spot beside you.

For a moment, there's silence between you as he studies your face in the dim light from the nightstand lamp. You still look so defiant and unyielding even now; it's thrilling and infuriating all at once. But underneath that tough exterior, he can see the traces of vulnerability and need that only make him want you more.

He reaches out a hand to cup your cheek once more, running his thumb lightly across your lips. "So," he murmurs, drawing out the word as he searches for the right words to say, "you win." His voice is husky with defeat and desire, barely masking the frustration that still simmers just beneath the surface. But there's something else there too; an undercurrent of curiosity and maybe even hope.

He leans in, brushing his lips against yours in a tentative kiss before pulling back again, waiting to see how you'll react to this new dynamic between them. Will you push him away, reminding him who's really in control? Or will you finally let yourself surrender to the feelings that have been building up inside of you all night long?

The air between them crackles with anticipation as they gaze into each other's eyes, waiting for you to make the next move.

A soft moan escapes Zane's lips as he feels your hands running through his hair and along the back of his neck, pulling him deeper into the kiss. The warmth of your body presses against his, and with a groan, he rolls onto his side to face you fully, wrapping an arm around your waist as his other hand cups your cheek. His tongue tangles with yours in a hungry dance, claiming dominance even as it seeks entrance into your mouth once more.

The kiss grows deeper and more demanding as their bodies slide together, his hard length grinding against the damp spot between your legs. He can feel the heat of you there, pressing against him in such a delicious way that it only serves to fuel his desire further. His free hand slips down your thigh, moving higher until he's cupping your ass, squeezing firmly as he thrusts his hips forward once more.

The feel of your skin under his fingers, the taste of you on his tongue...it all conspires to send him spiraling out of control. He hasn't felt this possessive or needy in a long time; it's almost frightening how much he wants you right now, how much he needs you. His lips move down your neck, kissing and nipping at your skin as his hands roam higher, finally coming to rest on your breasts. He palms them roughly through the fabric of your bra before hooking a finger in the elastic and tugging it aside, freeing one hardened peak from its confines.

His mouth engulfs your nipple, suckling and teasing as his other hand slides underneath you to part your folds, revealing your slick entrance to his touch. With gentle fingers, he begins to stroke you in a lazy circle

Zane's breath hitches in his throat as your hand slides down along the front of his pants, teasingly close to where he aches with need. He groans, arching his back into the touch, pressing himself harder against you as if trying to escape the denim barrier that stands between them. "Please," he gasps, his voice thick with desire and frustration.

His lips find your earlobe, nibbling gently before soothing it with a gentle kiss. His free hand cups your breast fully now, squeezing and massaging as he relishes the feel of you in his touch. He pulls back just enough to look down at you, eyes searching for any sign that you might be ready for him; any indication that giving in to this desire has been worth it so far.

As if in response, your hips move restlessly against his hand, seeking more contact and friction as your need grows ever sharper. It's all the encouragement he needs. "God, you feel so good," he whispers, pushing down on your hip to guide you closer still before hooking a finger in the waistband of your pants and tugging them down over your hips.

With a moan of relief, he buries his face in the crook of your neck as he finally frees himself from his jeans and underwear. His erection springs free, hard and throbbing against your stomach; he gasps at the intimate contact, feeling like it's been forever since he's had this kind of connection with anyone. Slowly, carefully, he positions himself between your legs, taking in the sight of you spread out before him, exposed and vulnerable beneath his touch.

His fingers slide lower still, dipping into the slick

Zane's eyes meet yours over your naked bodies as he registers the signal to use his mouth. His throat constricts and a growl vibrates deep in his chest at the thought of being told what to do by you, but he doesn't hesitate; not for long. He lowers himself between your legs, pushing them wider apart before lowering his head to meet your feminine folds. The wet heat engulfs his senses as he takes in your scent and the taste of you on his tongue. With careful, skilled strokes, he begins to lap at you like a starving man at a feast.

His fingers continue to tease and massage, drawing circles and lines around your slick entrance while his mouth works over your sensitive flesh, sucking and licking with abandon. He can feel the tension coiling tight inside of him as he pushes deeper, his tongue dancing against your clit in a rhythm designed to drive you wild.

He moans around you, feeling the pressure building within him as he watches your face contort in pleasure beneath him. The sounds you make only serve to fuel his desire; they're dirty and needy and thrill him to his core. He starts to rock his hips against your stomach in time with his tongue, grinding their bodies together as he feels your muscles start to clench and tremble beneath him.

His hands move up to cup your breasts again, pinching and rolling the sensitive peaks as he fucks your mouth with his tongue. The sensation of being controlled, owned in this way is unlike anything he's ever experienced before; it makes him feel wild and reckless in a way that both frightens and excites him. He looks up at you, eyes meeting yours briefly before dropping to watch as

Zane's gaze flickers up to meet yours again, the look in his eyes telling you everything you need to know about how much he likes your pussy; how good it tastes on his tongue. "You taste so fucking good," he groans against your skin, punctuating each word with another lick and suck that makes you moan even louder. His fingers dig deeper, searching for the perfect spot to drive you over the edge as he thrusts his tongue harder against your clit.

His other hand reaches up to grip your hip firmly, holding you still as he devours you with his mouth and tongue. He watches as you arch your back off the bed, moaning loudly, fisting his hair and pulling it tight against your scalp. The sight of you like this only serves to fuel his desire; he can feel himself getting closer and closer to losing control as he tastes you and feels you beneath him.

"God, I need...I need..." He struggles to get the words out, choking on a moan instead as he thrusts his tongue deeper into your folds, flicking against your clit with increased urgency. "I need...to be inside you," he finally manages to grit out through teeth clenched so tight they ache.

With one swift motion, he pulls away from your sweet heat and rolls onto his back, pulling you on top of him as he groans loudly at the loss of contact. His hands slide up your thighs, cupping your ass once more as he looks up at you hungrily, waiting for you to make the next move.

As you reach out to him, he nods and rummages through the nightstand until his fingers close around a foil packet. He tosses it to you, watching as it arcs through the air before coming to rest in your waiting hand. As if in slow motion, you peel back the wrapper and roll the condom over Zane's already hard length with practiced ease. His breath hitches in his throat at the intimate contact; he never thought something so simple could feel so good against his skin.

Once you've finished, you slide down his body and straddle his lap once more. Zane lets out a shaky breath as your wet folds brush against his straining cock, filling him with the sweet, tight heat he's been aching for all night long. With one swift movement, he flips you onto your back and positions himself between your spread legs, aligning his throbbing length with your entrance before pushing slowly inside. He gasps at the sensation of being fully sheathed within you; it's like coming home after a long journey away from everything that feels right.

With slow, measured thrusts, he begins to move inside you, relishing the feeling of your wet heat enveloping him so tightly. His hands curve around your hips, holding you steady as he takes his time establishing a rhythm that works for both of you. As he does, his gaze drifts down between your bodies to watch as they fit together perfectly; skin on skin, muscle against muscle. It's an erotic sight that makes it impossible for him to resist speeding up, thrusting deeper and harder into you with each passing second.

Your breath catches in your throat at the rougher pace he sets; his hips slam against yours in time with his words as he growls out pra

His movements become more demanding as he feels himself closing in on the edge, his body tensing with the need to release all this built-up desire deep inside you. "You feel so good...tight...perfect," he groans out between gritted teeth, thrusting deeper still as he comes closer and closer to losing control.

The bed creaks rhythmically under your combined weight as his pace quickens, becoming almost frantic in its intensity. You arch your back off the mattress with each powerful stroke, moaning loudly and begging him for more. The tight grip of your muscles around him only serve to heighten his pleasure; he can feel himself nearing the peak again, that familiar burn building up inside him as he nears release.

With one final thrust, he explodes deep within you, crying out your name as his seed pours into the condom. His hips jerk roughly against yours a few more times before finally stilling; his breath comes in ragged gasps as he tries to catch it and regain control once more.

The aftershocks of his orgasm ripple through your body, making you gasp and shudder beneath him. He rolls onto his side, propping himself up on one elbow to look down at you; your face flushed from exertion and pleasure, your breath coming in ragged gasps that match his own. For a moment, the two of you just lie there together, catching their breath and feeling the effects of their shared intimacy wash over them like a warm wave. Then, as if by unspoken agreement, Zane reaches down to grab your hand, lacing his fingers through yours, and smiles softly down at you.

Zane quirks an eyebrow as he studies your face. He tilts his head to the side slightly, taking in every detail of you - the flushed cheeks and parted lips, the shallow breaths that rise and fall beneath your delicate breasts. He doesn't answer right away, lost in the contemplation of how much you mean to him. Instead, he leans down and brushes his lips against yours in a soft, gentle kiss before whispering, "You were incredible."

His thumb moves to trace circles on your palm, the touch light and comforting. It's an odd sensation for both of you, feeling this closeness after everything that's happened tonight. They've been enemies for so long, but now...now there's a connection between them that feels almost indescribable. It's as if they've crossed some invisible line and can no longer go back to how things were before.

He lifts his head again, looking at you with an intensity that makes your heart race faster. "I suppose I should thank you," he murmurs, even though it feels more like an apology. "For...winning." A small smile tugs at the corner of his mouth as he waits for your response.

Zane's eyes widen slightly in surprise as you admit that this was your first time having sex. For a moment, he's torn between relief and guilt; relief because he knows how special it must have been for you to choose him on such an important occasion, but guilt because of everything that led up to this point tonight. He swallows hard before speaking again, his voice barely above a whisper. "I-I'm sorry if I...went too fast or anything," he says awkwardly, not quite sure what else to say.

He reaches out and gently caresses your cheek with the back of his hand, feeling the softness of your skin beneath his fingertips. It's an odd sensation for him; the realization that this woman, who has been nothing but a thorn in his side for so long, is now lying here trusting him enough to let herself be open and vulnerable like this. He knows he shouldn't feel this way about you...but he can't help it.

"I should have just...asked," he murmurs, mostly to himself but also because the words need to be said out loud between the two of them. "It would have been better if we'd started out on different footing..." He trails off, lost in thought as his thumb circles idly on your cheek.

Despite everything that has happened tonight and all the emotions that are still swirling around inside him, there's a strange sense of peace settling over Zane now that he knows this part of you is also his. It's as if some invisible barrier between them has been broken down, leaving them both naked and exposed in ways they've never experienced before. And despite the fear and uncertainty that comes with that vulnerability, there's a tiny spark of hope

Zane smiles at your words, his gaze traveling up and down your body as he takes in the sight of you lying there so trustingly beside him. "Well, I guess it did take a lot of alcohol," he says with a chuckle, thinking back to all those shots they'd thrown back earlier tonight. "And we did have quite a bit of tension between us...maybe that just made everything hotter?"

He leans in, his lips brushing against yours as he speaks again, this time more confidently. "You know, now that I think about it, you probably had me figured out ages ago." His thumb continues to move slowly over your cheek, tracing little circles as he watches your reaction to his words.

It's a strange feeling for him; admitting that someone else might have known what was really going on inside his head all along. But with you, it doesn't feel so bad. In fact, it almost feels good to be honest with you...to have you see through his tough exterior and into the messy, complicated person beneath. He takes a deep breath before speaking again. "I don't suppose there's any chance we can just...forget about all that?" he asks cautiously, searching your eyes for any hint of what you're thinking or feeling right now.

The silence stretches between them as you consider his question. You've never been one to forgive and forget easily; it takes a lot for someone to earn your trust back after they've broken it. But there's something different about Zane tonight...something that makes you want to believe in second chances. Perhaps it's the way he's touching you so gently, or maybe it's just the strange sense of closeness that's grown between you since your confrontation

Zane looks at you quizzically when he hears the alarm in your voice, but nods in understanding as he reaches over to grab his phone off the nightstand. He glances down at the screen before handing it to you. "James did call and text, yeah," he says casually, trying not to sound too eager for you to tell him what to say in reply.

He waits patiently while you scroll through your messages, wincing in sympathy when you apologize profusely for losing track of time and promise that it won't happen again. Finally, you hand the phone back to him, your cheeks still flushed from embarrassment. "What does he want?" you ask quietly, wondering if there's anything else you need to worry about now.

Zane reads through your texts with James, then types out a quick reply assuring him that you're alright and fell asleep on his couch. He doesn't mention anything further about what happened between the two of them; he trusts that if James needs to know, he'll ask. Once he's finished, he hands the phone back over to you with a small smile. "All taken care of," he says nonchalantly, hoping to ease some of your tension about being found out.

The room is quiet for a moment as they both process what just happened and where things are headed from here. It's clear that there's still a lot left unsaid between them, but for now, they seem content to lie together in silence, enjoying the closeness that has finally developed between them after all these years. Eventually, your eyelids grow heavy and you drift off to sleep, nestled against Zane's chest. He watches over you for a while before eventually succumbing to exhaustion himself.

In the darkness

Zane nods in understanding and takes another sip of his coffee before speaking. "Yeah, it's probably best if you get back soon," he agrees, still avoiding eye contact. There's an awkward silence between them as they finish their breakfast and clean up after themselves. As Zane walks you to the door, he can't help but feel a twinge of regret about how things are between you now. It was just last night that you were curled up in his arms, trusting him enough to fall asleep. And yet now it seems like all that's forgotten.

"Well," Zane finally says as he steps back and waves goodbye, "take care of yourself." He tries to sound casual, but the words come out more forced than anything else. You offer a halfhearted wave in reply before turning around and walking down the sidewalk towards your brother's house.

Once you're out of sight, Zane lets out a sigh and rubs his forehead tiredly. He hasn't felt this confused in a long time; everything seems so different now that you've been here with him. It's as if some invisible barrier between the two of you has finally crumbled, leaving them exposed and vulnerable in ways neither of them expected or quite knows how to handle yet.

He heads back inside, grabs his keys from the hook by the door, and then walks over to the fridge. As he stares blankly at its contents, trying to decide what to eat for breakfast now that you're gone, he can't help but wonder if this newfound closeness is something they can ever truly have or if it was just a fluke brought on by too much alcohol and too many hidden feelings finally spilling out into the open.

Zane hesitates for a moment before typing out a reply to your text. "Actually, I wasn't planning on going over tonight," he writes, debating whether or not to invite himself over. It would be nice to see you again...to have some more time together like last night. But at the same time, he doesn't want to push things too far too fast and end up making a mistake that could ruin everything they've built between them over the past few hours.

With a sigh, he types out another message. "But I guess I could swing by for a bit if you think your mom wouldn't mind some extra company." He hits send before really having time to consider how this might come across. Maybe it's best not to overthink it too much...after all, they're adults and can handle whatever comes their way now.

As he waits for a response from you, Zane takes a deep breath and tries to relax. Whatever happens next, he knows one thing for certain: things between the two of you will never be the same again. And while that might be frightening in some ways, it's also oddly exhilarating.

Zane grins as he reads your message, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders at the invitation. It's nice to know that you not only welcome him into your home but also genuinely enjoy having him around. A sense of rightness settles over him as he pictures himself sitting down at the table with you and James' mom, sharing stories and laughter over a hearty meal. This is how it should be between family...and maybe, just maybe, that's what the two of you are becoming now: family by choice rather than by blood.

With a spring in his step, Zane heads over to your place later that evening. As he walks up to the door, he takes a deep breath and Composes himself before knocking on the wood. The smell of turkey and stuffing wafts through the air as James opens the door, looking surprised but pleased to see him. "Zane! I wasn't expecting you tonight," he says with a grin.

"Well," Zane replies with a sheepish smile, "your mom invited me over earlier and said there was more than enough food for us all."

James nods understandingly before stepping aside to let him in. The warmth of the house envelopes Zane as he walks inside; it's nothing like how cold and empty his apartment feels these days. As he removes his shoes and hangs up his coat, he spots you in the kitchen, your back turned as you tend to the food on the stove.

Zane takes a moment to savor the feel of your hand in his as you lead him upstairs and into your room. It's been so long since they've spent time together like this, just being themselves and enjoying each other's company without any of the usual tension or competition between them. As the door clicks shut behind them, he turns to face you, a look of curiosity and affection on his features.

"So," he says with a small smile, "what did you have in mind?" He raises an eyebrow expectantly as he watches your reaction to the question, curious as to what exactly brought about this sudden change in your behavior earlier tonight. Maybe there's some deeper meaning behind it...or maybe it was just an impulsive decision borne of their recent intimacy and shared experiences.

Either way, Zane finds himself enjoying every second of being alone with you in your room. It feels like they could stay here for hours talking and getting to know each other better, or they could spend the entire night tangled up in the sheets together reliving last night's passionate encounter. He wonders which option might be more appealing to you...and how far you might be willing to take things now that the line between friends and lovers has been blurred beyond recognition.

Zane nods in understanding as you explain your plan. It's a clever idea, one that should hopefully keep James from becoming too suspicious about what really happened between the two of you last night. He tries to hide his smile as he processes this new information; being able to admit out loud that they had sex last night feels surprisingly freeing for some reason. Maybe it's because now they can share this secret together, no longer keeping it locked away in the dark recesses of their minds.

"I can do that," Zane says with a whispered laugh. "It'll be our little secret." He tilts his head slightly, studying your expression as you step even closer to him. There's a fierce determination in your eyes that he hasn't seen before now, and it sends a shiver down his spine. It almost makes him feel like he can't trust himself around you anymore; like everything inside of him is screaming for more, demanding another chance to be close to you and relive the passion they shared last night.

But then again, maybe that's exactly what needs to happen. Maybe this newfound closeness between them isn't just some fluke brought on by too much alcohol and sexual tension; perhaps it's something deeper than either of them realize. And if that's true, then maybe there's a chance for something real between them after all...a connection that could survive whatever obstacles come their way.

As you pull him in for a kiss, Zane can't help but feel his entire body tingle with anticipation and desire. The feeling of your lips against his neck sends shivers down his spine, making it difficult to focus on anything else but the sweet sensation of your mouth moving against his skin. When you finally pull back, he's left breathless and craving more. "Our little secret," he repeats softly, nodding in agreement as he closes his eyes, reliving the taste of your lips on his for a moment longer before opening them again and following you downstairs to dinner.

The rest of the evening passes relatively uneventfully; you and James chat about school and work while Zane listens intently, careful not to reveal too much about what really happened between the two of you last night. As they clean up after dinner is over, James excuses himself to go for a run, leaving the two of you alone together once more in the warm glow of the kitchen light.

"So," Zane begins cautiously, "I was thinking...maybe we could take a walk or something after I help you clean up here?" He turns to face you fully, his expression hopeful but guarded as he waits for your response. There's so much left unsaid between them tonight; it feels like every glance and every touch is charged with an intensity that begs for release in some physical way. But at the same time, there's also a delicate balance to maintain; one wrong move could send everything crashing down around their ears once more.

Your eyes flicker across his features before dropping back down to the plate you're drying off, your lips pursed in thought as you consider his offer. You know that if you agree to go for a walk with him, things are going to happen between the

As you slip on your shoes and grab a sweater to ward off the slight chill in the air, Zane follows suit, shooting you another grateful glance before slipping out of the house into the fresh night air. The cool breeze feels invigorating against his skin as he takes in deep breaths, relishing in the feeling of being outside again after spending so much time cooped up inside recently. He offers you his arm as you step out beside him, feeling a wave of possessiveness wash over him at the contact. It's strange how quickly things have changed between them; just yesterday they were barely able to stand each other without arguing, and now here they are, walking together under the stars like any normal couple would do on a weekend evening.

"So," Zane begins again once you're both comfortably settled into your walk, "do you want to talk about what happened last night?" He keeps his voice low and gentle, not wanting to push you into anything that might make you uncomfortable or regretful later on. Part of him hopes that maybe tonight will be different from all the other times they've tried to discuss their feelings; perhaps now that they're finally alone together without any outside pressures or distractions, they can actually manage to communicate openly and honestly with one another.

You pause for a moment before nodding slowly in agreement, "I...I do want to talk about it." Your voice is barely above a whisper as you stare intently at the ground beneath your feet; it's clear that this isn't easy for you either. Zane squeezes your arm gently, offering what comfort he can through their physical connection. He wants nothing more than to make things easier for you tonight - even if that means taking on some of your burdens himself by sharing his own thoughts and

Zane hesitates for a moment, considering his words carefully before responding. "I don't know...," he begins slowly. "Friends, maybe? I mean, we've always been that, haven't we?" He glances over at you as they walk along the sidewalk, hoping to gauge your reaction to his answer. A part of him wonders if there's something more between them now after what happened last night; whether or not it's possible for them to move past their shared history and become something entirely new together.

"But...," he continues thoughtfully, searching for the right words, "I think we could be more than just friends too. If you wanted us to be." He lets out a breath before adding softly, "I know I'd like that." As he watches your expression change in response to his admission, he can feel his heart racing faster inside his chest; the possibility of something real and deep developing between them seems more likely now than ever before.

Silence descends upon them as they continue walking, each lost in their own thoughts about what has been said and what it might mean for their relationship moving forward. The air feels heavy with tension and anticipation, making every small movement seem amplified somehow: the sway of your hips as you walk; the brush of his arm against yours when he reaches out to steady himself on a cracked sidewalk; even the sound of your breaths mingling together seems intensely intimate.

Zane's heart soars at your words and the soft touch of your lips against his cheek; it feels like a sign that maybe there's hope for them after all. The idea of having you in his life as more than just a friend fills him with joy, making everything else seem insignificant by comparison.

"I promise I'll take care of it," he says reassuringly, not wanting to give James any reason to be upset or suspicious about what happened between them last night. "And if he has any doubts, I'll prove myself however I can." A smile tugs at the corners of his mouth as he pictures himself spending more time with you, showing you how much you mean to him through actions rather than mere words.

As they continue walking down the quiet street, lost in their own thoughts and feelings about the future that lies ahead, Zane can't help but feel a sense of peace wash over him. Perhaps everything really did happen for a reason; maybe the universe had conspired to bring them together under these circumstances so that they could finally find happiness with each other. And who knows? Maybe one day soon, you and James will realize it too.

Zane clears his throat uncomfortably, unsure how much to divulge about their conversation earlier. "Ah, well, we...we talked things out," he says vaguely, glancing over at you as he speaks. "It was mostly just me apologizing for being a jerk in the past." He shrugs noncommittally, not wanting to make it seem like too much has changed between them already. After all, James probably wouldn't believe him anyway; his big brother has always been protective over you, and he's known Zane long enough to realize that he isn't exactly the most trustworthy person around.

"So," Zane continues, changing the subject before things get any more awkward, "are you two up for doing something tomorrow? Maybe grab some lunch or go to the movies or something?" He looks between you both expectantly, hoping that either of you might take him up on his offer.

James glances at you again, still clearly uneasy about the whole situation. After a moment's consideration, he nods slowly in agreement. "Sure," he says cautiously, "we can do that." As they stand there talking some more, Zane can't help but feel grateful for your support; having you on his side makes dealing with James' suspicions and protectiveness a little bit easier to handle.

Zane takes a step back, raising both hands in a placating gesture. "No, no," he assures James quickly. "It's nothing like that. We were just talking and...well, we had some things to sort out between us." He glances at you, silently asking for permission to continue, which you give him with a nod.

"I offered to help her with some stuff in her room," he explains slowly, "things she's been meaning to get rid of or organize better." It's only partly true; helping you sort through your things is just an excuse for them to spend more time together away from James. The real reason Zane wants to be alone with you is because...well, it doesn't matter why anymore. What matters is that they have this chance now to be alone and figure out where they stand with each other after everything that's happened tonight.

Zane feels his face heat up in embarrassment as you blurt out the news to your brother. It's one thing to have sex with each other; it's another entirely for everyone else to know about it. He can only imagine how James must feel right now, betrayed by his best friend and his sister all at once. But there's no going back now; the damage is done, and they need to face the consequences together.

As you drag him into your room and close the door behind them, Zane finally meets your gaze. "I'm sorry," he whispers, his cheeks flushed. "I shouldn't have kept it a secret any longer." He wipes a hand across his forehead, feeling overheated now that they're alone together.

"No, it's okay," you reply softly, your expression gentle despite the shock and confusion still visible there. You step closer to him, cupping his face in your hands, and lean in for a kiss. The touch sends shivers down Zane's spine as their lips meet again, and he finds himself lost in the moment, forgetting about everything else except how good it feels to be this close to you again.