CHAPTER SIX AN HEIR OR HER
ZAYN'S POV
My uncle thought he was being helpful.
That's what made it worse. Logan actually believed arranging a surrogate to carry my kid was some kind of gift. A legacy. Like I gave a shit about leaving behind a baby I'd never meet.
The only thing I wished to leave behind was in this room with me, looking at me like I'd just asked her to jump off a cliff.
Which, essentially, I had.
I noticed the way she pressed her body into mine, the little tremors radiating through her.
When have I not noticed everything about her?
I squeezed her hand.
Why? Why the fuck did fate have to bring us together as step-siblings? Who cares about fate and its doings anyway?
I've always taken everything I want, and Emery will never be an exception.
"Ready?" She leaned in and gave me a peck on my cheek.
I saw that mischievous smile as she stepped backward.
I grabbed her from behind, my hand resting on her waist. "Not so soon, Emery." My hand traced along her neckline, gently and slowly, like I was moving through water.
A smile tugged at my lips as I watched her mouth part, and hell, it turned me on.
I wanted to pull back, to control myself, not to take her right here in this room.
But the moment my eyes met those freckles, my thoughts scattered.
I drew her closer, my hand cupping her neck—not hard enough to choke, but enough to leave her breathless.
Our lips were dangerously close. I pressed against her, making her feel exactly what she did to me.
Her hair tumbled down her shoulder, making her look so breathtaking I wanted to stay like this forever.
"You're…"
"Shhh, save your breath till I make you scream." She swallowed hard.
I pulled her closer till our lips nearly touched. I didn't kiss her—I just got lost in the way she stared hungrily at my mouth.
"I'm sorry I took so long, Emery"
She couldn't form words. Only a slight nod.
I licked the tip of her bottom lip. She went still, her body collapsing into mine like dead weight.
"Hmmm," she whispered.
Hell. I loved this. Her voice, her lips, her body, her insecurity about her freckles.
Every damn thing about this woman.
"Say it clearly. Tell me what you want me to do to you. List every fantasy you have, baby. You've got your book boyfriend right here in real life."
Her body trembled, eyes fluttering.
Those words affected her. Fuck, she's so sexy.
I continued teasing her lips, making her swallow down the moan building in her throat. Her nails dug into my arms.
The door jerked open before we could separate.
Well, let them see. I wasn't ready to keep hiding this.
Emery pushed me away, her eyes snapping to the door.
Her breathing was ragged. I drew her back, my eyes still not leaving hers.
"Zayn," she whispered, trying to get out of my grip.
I rolled my eyes. Who ruined my moment?
A maid.
Standing still in the doorway, her eyes wide like saucers, drained of all color.
"Laila!" Emery finally got out of my grip and gave the maid an awkward smile.
"Did you see…" I didn't get to finish. Laila—or whatever her name was—ran out of the room like she'd just seen the sun fall from the sky.
Emery began to panic. "Someone saw us, Zayn. She's so close with my mother." She started pacing. "What if she decides to tell my mom?"
"That's exactly what I'd love to happen. Think about it, Em. If we head downstairs, I'll probably have no choice but to listen to my father's pleas." I paused, letting that sink in. "This is the only way. We have to let them know about us."
No response came from her. I knew she was weighing her choices.
"I'll respect your decision, whether we tell them or not," I assured her.
"Uncle Logan's right."
No, no. Fuck no.
"He's not," my voice was rising.
"You need to give your father an heir."
Now I hated this. "What are you insinuating? That I should father an heir through another woman? This is not a conversation." I let go of her arm.
"Zayn…"
I ignored her eyes. "Let's head downstairs."
I was already walking off. She's scared, and I'm selfish.
But I'm not leaving this world without having her to myself.
The last thing I should ever wish to have.
She trailed behind me till we got downstairs.
"Son, you're here."
I greeted my father, and Emery did the same.
"It's the same as what the doctor in Minnesota said. The tumor is in an inoperable location. Surgery would be fatal," Emery said quietly.
"Oh heavens, Emery." Richard clutched his chest, his legs shaking like he might fall.
I quickly moved to him and steadied him. He looked at me and lifted his hand to my face.
"Your uncle left just now. He proposed... the inevitable. You need an heir."
I broke his gaze.
"The company will be in ruins without it. My legacy—yours—will be destroyed. No one will be left of our bloodline, son." My father's tears ran freely down his face. "I've never forced you into things. But this... we're running out of time."
For the first time since I'd arrived, I was speechless.
Emery looked away from me, her face etched with hurt.
The room fell silent, everyone waiting for my decision.
"I have someone in mind already. I'm ready to father her child. She's…"
Emery's face went pale.
Saying this without her consent was selfish as hell.
Oh fuck. Since when did I start putting others first?
I shut my eyes. The words danced on my lips.
"You've found someone? That's wonderful news!" Her mother squealed.
"Yes. And she's right here in..."
