**************
Chapter 81
~Zara’s POV~
My heart skipped a beat, and my mind scrambled for a response.
How the hell did Snow come to that conclusion?
I could feel my face growing hotter by the second, my body betraying me with how close we were and how his deep, rumbling voice seemed to sink into my skin.
"I’m not responsible for anything," I shot back, trying to wriggle out of his grasp, but he held me tight, his chest vibrating with a low chuckle.
"That’s not what your body says," he teased. As if to prove his point, Snow’s fingers slid up my side, dangerously close to my waist.
I turned my head sharply, glaring at him over my shoulder. "Stop being ridiculous, Snow."
"Umm..." A lazy smile formed on his beautiful lips, his eyes half-lidded, his lips hovering just inches from mine. "Ridiculous? I’d say this is pretty damn real, Zara."
I groaned. My frustration mounted as I finally managed to slip out of his hold and sit up on the bed. "You’re impossible," I muttered, running a hand through my hair, trying to shake the lingering heat from my body.
I couldn’t afford letting Snow ignite my arousal. Bieng vulnerable with him wasn’t just part of the question.
Snow stretched out on the bed, looking entirely too comfortable with himself as he grinned up at me. "Maybe. But you love it."
I glared at him, doing my best to avoid looking at his groin where his proud erect member pointed at the ceiling.
He was such a shameless Alpha. Grabbing a pillow, I hurl it at his head. "In your dreams, Snow."
He caught the pillow with ease, laughing before tossing it aside. "You’re always in my dreams, Zara."
I rolled my eyes, not trusting myself to say anything else. Instead, I grabbed my robe and made a hasty exit, my heart still pounding from the surreal, ridiculous interaction. I needed air, space—anything to clear my head as I rushed into the bathroom.
This was going to be a long morning.
After spending what felt like hours in there and soaking in the bathtub, I managed to calm Astrid and my body before heading out. While there, I also gave some thoughts on what I wanted to do now that the mating season was over.
The hot water did wonders to calm my nerves as I soaked in the bathtub. Astrid, finally settled as the steam enveloped me, my muscles slowly unwinding from the tension that had built up throughout the morning.
Snow, I groaned inwardly, what a pain.
It wasn’t just his teasing that got to me, it was how easily he could throw me off balance. I hated how he made me feel vulnerable—physically and emotionally.
My body reacted to him in ways I didn’t want to admit, and it took every ounce of control not to give in to that pull.
Finally, when I felt composed enough, I wrapped myself in a robe and stepped out of the bathroom, relieved to see that Snow was on the balcony, phone in hand, talking to someone in that authoritative tone of his.
Good. At least I could have a moment of peace.
I grabbed my phone, glancing at the screen to see a few email notifications. One from Andrew Blake caught my eye, and I opened it immediately, skimming through the contents.
Andrew, always professional, had sent over details about the project we’d been working on, along with some updates I needed to address.
He was eager to push forward with the signing and wanted to schedule a one-on-one meeting with Snow before moving ahead. Of course, that wasn’t surprising—Andrew was meticulous when it came to business.
"I would also like you to go through a few things I’ve discussed with Mr. Hunk, the Vice CEO, to make sure everything is in place. Since you’re Snow’s personal assistant, I trust you’ll handle the preparations before we proceed with the final meeting."
I rolled my eyes at the title. Personal assistant? More like a personal babysitter. I couldn’t help but chuckle to myself, but I knew the importance of this deal. Despite everything going on, I couldn’t afford to let this slip.
Just as I was about to type a response, a shadow loomed over me, and I felt the air shift around me.
Snow.
I jolted, my fingers tightening around my phone, startled by his sudden presence. I turned quickly, too quickly, and in my haste, I misjudged the distance. My foot slipped, and before I could catch myself, I was falling backwards.
But then, in an instant, Snow’s hands were around my waist, steadying me. His grip was firm and strong, and his chest was just inches from mine as he pulled me up.
His scent—faint traces of pine and something undeniably masculine—invaded my senses, and I stiffened, suddenly too aware of how close we were.
"Careful, Zara," he said softly in my ear as he held me in place for a second longer than necessary. "You’re a lot more clumsy than I thought."
I pulled myself free, heat creeping up my neck as I stepped back, straightening my robe.
"I’m fine. No thanks to you sneaking up on me," I muttered, brushing off the flustered feeling. I could feel his eyes on me, watching with that same lazy amusement that always managed to get under my skin.
"I didn’t sneak," he replied, smirking. "You’re just too easily distracted."
I shot him a look, not in the mood for more of his teasing. "Andrew Blake sent some emails," I said, changing the subject and waving my phone for emphasis. "He wants to move forward with the signing and meet with you one-on-one."
Snow raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Oh? Andrew’s getting eager." "Very," I replied, glancing back at the email.
"I wonder who’s the little fairy tickling his toes."
I held back the urge to say something annoying and continued. "He also wants me to handle some things with Mr. Hunk, and ensure everything’s ready for the meeting."
Snow nodded, stepping closer until he was towering over me again. I hated how small I felt standing next to him sometimes—how his presence seemed to fill every space, drawing attention whether I wanted it or not.
"So, you are not just eager to go see your new lover?"