CHAPTER 24
**WINTER**
I glared at him, my frustration boiling over as I spat, “Go to hell,” and shoved against him, desperate to break free.
It was pointless. As soon as my hands made contact with his chest, he tightened his grip on my shoulders, effectively trapping me.
His hand clamped over my mouth once more, this time more firmly, effectively silencing any further protest from me.
His stance was unyielding, his body a solid wall I couldn’t push through. The heat of his anger radiated off him, mingling with my frustration, creating a charged atmosphere between us.
Every ounce of my effort felt like it only fed his resolve. I could see the satisfaction in his eyes, and it only fueled my desperation. He wasn’t budging, and I was left feeling powerless against his relentless hold.
“What’s the hurry?” he sneered, his grip unyielding. “Before we go down for breakfast, we need to set some ground rules. Since we’ll be living under the same roof, it’s best we don’t start off on the wrong foot. After all, siblings shouldn’t be at each other’s throats.”
His voice dripped with mockery, and I pushed against his solid chest, only to have him step even closer.
His hips pressed mine into the door, the ridge of his jeans pressing uncomfortably against my stomach in a way that felt oddly intimate. With him this close, my hands were pinned against his chest, leaving me no room to fight back.
“Nod if you’re paying attention.” He moved my head up and down in a mocking gesture of agreement. His towering presence was more intimidating than ever, making it clear that resistance was futile.
His hand still pressed firmly over my mouth, I stared up at him, my heart pounding. His eyes were cold and unyielding as he spoke.
“Listen carefully, Snowflake,” he said, his voice a low, menacing whisper. “You’re not going to breathe a word of this to my mom or your dad. If anyone even suspects how I've been treating you, if they question my behaviour at all, I’ll know it came from you.” His tone left no room for doubt, each word dripping with threat.
“If anyone finds out about this, you’re going to be held accountable. Do you understand what that means?”
I could see him watching the rise and fall of my throat as I swallowed nervously.
Slowly, he pulled his hand away from my mouth, giving me a chance to speak.
“I won’t say anything,” I whispered, my voice shaky.
He smirked, but his eyes were icy and unforgiving.
“Don’t think I’m taking your word for it. Here’s something you should know: the restaurant where your mother works? It's owned by a friend of my father's. I could have her fired on a fabricated charge, like theft. And with that on her record, finding future employment will be impossible. So, you better think long and hard before you even think about running your mouth.”
“Don’t you dare threaten my mother,” I snapped, my voice strained but defiant.
“I won’t say a word. I don’t need anyone’s help to deal with you. I can handle this on my own. When you're not around, I don’t even think about you. That’s how little you matter to me. So go ahead, do your worst.”
Despite the surge of defiance, his proximity was suffocating. He was too close, his scent too intoxicating, his presence too overpowering. I needed space, but he was a solid, unyielding force.
“Is that so?” His voice was unnervingly calm. I refused to look at him, focusing instead on his collarbones. Gently, he took my chin between his thumb and forefinger, tilting my face up to meet his intense gaze.
“You don’t think about me at all, huh? That’s what you’re saying, Snowflake?”
“Why would I?” I breathed, feeling the pull of his gaze.
He had a way of using his soft voice and touch to make me forget the threats and intimidation. It was almost magical, how his presence could cloud my mind. I licked my lips, and his eyes locked onto the movement. Being this close to Zion made me feel exposed, like I was trapped in my skin, desperate to escape his overwhelming presence.
I licked my lips, and his eyes locked onto the movement. Being so close to Zion made me feel overheated, like my skin was suffocating me and I needed to escape his overwhelming presence.
Zion's lips curled into a cold, calculating smile.
"Well then," he said, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper,
"I guess I'll have to make sure you think about me—constantly. I’m going to be the first thing on your mind when you wake up and the last thing you think about when you go to bed. You and I are going to get very close because I’m not just looking for trouble; I’m looking for retribution. So get used to it, because I’m not going anywhere."
“Look, I’m not going to pretend I want to be here. Just give me a few days to find another place. I’ll be out of your way. I don’t care to stay here anyway, just give me time to convince my dad to let me stay in the dorms. Until then, stay out of my life,” I said all in one breath.
Zion's mouth stretched into a lazy grin, but this one was more amused than before.
“No, I don’t think I will. I’ve changed my mind. I don’t want you gone. I want you close. I gave you one chance to disappear from my life, but you wasted it. Now I’m going to be right here when you wake up when you sleep… We’re only going to get closer, so get used to that fact.”
I huffed, anger bubbling inside me. Who the hell did he think he was?
“I’ll tell my dad everything. How you threatened me, how you grabbed me… all of it!”
Zion nodded, completely unfazed.
“Go ahead, if you feel you must. You don't care about your mother. Maybe she should kiss her promotion goodbye. She’s getting older, almost at a make-or-break point in her career. Imagine how devastated she’ll be to lose her job, all because her daughter couldn't follow simple instructions. Theft is a serious accusation... Perhaps I should make the call now, better sooner than later.”
He lifted his phone, and I instinctively grabbed his arm, stopping him.
A lump of powerlessness formed in my throat, making me want to cry.
Zion’s grin turned predatory as he leaned in, burying his face in the crook of my neck and inhaling deeply. “Don’t worry, I’m not all boy. Well, maybe I am, but that’s beside the point. Your mom’s job is safe for now, Snowflake. But defy me, and everything changes.”
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
