Oh, who was I kidding? Zack was not crazy in love with me. The attention he showered over me was temporary while he educated me, like he wished had been done for him. Duty, that was it. With that thought, it was as if my heart was being repeatedly impaled by an ice pick.
“Uh-oh. I smell trouble.” Maya’s lips tightened.
I spotted Daniel at the front door scanning the room. I slunk back, hoping Maya might shield me from his line of vision. Ashley and her parents didn’t deserve the kind of scene Daniel might make. My gaze shot to Zack who was already heading my way, Trevor by his side.
“Excuse us for a moment.” Without missing a beat, Zack gently turned me around. With his fingertips at my waist, he steered me away. His musky scent curled up my nose and tingles spread over my chest.
I peered over my shoulder to see Daniel staring after us, his face twisted with loathing.
At the corner of the room, Zack pressed me against the wall, turning so he could keep Daniel in his peripheral vision. Gently, he skimmed my cheek with his knuckles and gazed into my eyes, his thigh brushing against mine.
“Let them think I had to have you to myself for a minute. Less conspicuous than having an outright war. Do you want to leave or just avoid him all night?” he asked.
I mentally kick-started my brain, which had stopped as soon as Zack touched me. “He won’t give up. Why don’t I find out what he wants?”
“Autumn, we’ve already been there. He wants you.”
“Unlike you,” Even as the words left my mouth, I regretted them. Especially when I saw a strange look flit across his face. But it was gone before I could analyze it.
You can’t make a scene in front of all these people. Go away, Daniel, Zack said.
I jolted at his voice in my head. How was it possible to hear his thoughts as he sent them to Daniel?
Zack’s hand rested at my hip, his thumb at the soft spot on my waist. A blaze began in my belly. Sadly, it was all pretend, unlike the fire he ignited inside me. If I got any more worked up, I’d give up everything for him.
“I know what you’re thinking. Don’t get any ideas about sneaking off and making any deals with Daniel,” Zack said, keeping his voice low enough that Daniel couldn’t possibly hear over the music. “Do you know how I’d feel if someone negotiated with a guy like him to save my life? I can’t be responsible for that. And it won’t make me leave or stop trying to protect you.”
I nodded. “Okay.”
He exhaled and rested his cheek against my temple. I heard his raspy breathing, despite the noise in the room. I repositioned my leg, so I wouldn’t feel his against mine. I could think more clearly without being that close.
“You spoke to Daniel telepathically. Did he answer you?”
“No.” He withdrew to look at me. “Why?”
“I heard what you said. You told him he couldn’t make a scene and to go away.”
“Interesting. Wonder how you could’ve heard that when I didn’t send it to you. Let’s try it again.” He visually located Daniel who’d moved to the other side of the room. You can’t win this one. You may as well leave.
Hand over Autumn. Now. Or I’ll mess up some of your pretty little friends. Daniel smiled smugly.
I don’t respond to threats. But I’m sure William does.
Daniel’s face flushed, his fists clenching, which made me wonder what William had done to punish Daniel the last time he’d disobeyed.
William’s not around. It’ll be my word against yours.
“Did you get that?” Zack asked softly near my ear.
Goose bumps skittered across my bare skin where his breath had whispered. “Yeah,” I said.
“Fascinating.” He gave me a crooked grin. “It’s like three-way calling.”
I gave a nervous laugh.
Maybe when I’m done here, I’ll stop by your house. Your mom’s dying anyway, isn’t she? Daniel’s lips curved up. I’ll tell William you were so upset when Autumn dumped you that you went on a rampage. Such a pity I couldn’t stop you.
A blaze ignited behind Zack’s eyes. When I searched for Daniel again, he was gone.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
Adrenaline rocketed through my veins and my heart raced. I took a deep, calming breath and sensed Daniel’s energy. He hadn’t left the party and gone after Zack’s family. Yet.
Should we call the police? I asked.
They can’t help us. If he’s that crazy, he’ll tear the cops apart.
Zack inhaled, but I could feel his muscles tense and alert as he draped an arm over my shoulder, then guided me back to Trevor and Maya. When he released me, she grabbed my hand.
“When did Daniel get so creepy?” Maya gave a mock shiver.