Frayed Edges

e jolted upright, checking his phone for the time. It was alread

. "Zara, open up. I'm sorry," he said, his voice

ponse, Xavier knocked

m – she might have escap

in from the front door

his eyes urgent. "Wher

onfused. "Wha

"Spare keys to the

ther what was happening. He quickly searche

tly unlocked the door. He rushed

nging from the sill. "Mike, call the guys a

for Zara's picture. He sent it to their assoc

the surrounding area, his mind racin

She patted her empty pockets, her mind racing with the realization

n, her mind racing with thoughts of Williams' family. She made a

't too high. She unlocked the door, peeked out

ss, bruising her leg, and the thrill of landing safely on the ground below. Now, she w

have some money for

. "Hold on, dear." He disappeared into t

d jumped in, telling the driver to take her to Browns 2nd Avenue

aking her back to where she started. She glared at th

pologized, "

only to find it locked. The taxi came to a stop, and Zara

indow, a sly smile spreading across his face. He

of the taxi, and Zara

You can't run fr

and waved at Zara. She shouted, "You

le against his strong grip. Her anger began

ons began to unravel. She felt a mix of anger, sadness and frustration. . "Just let me go, X

into the room and returned with a first

ished, he looked up at her, his expression incredulous. "Are you

her eyes.

o see your husband's family? Fine, you will. Bu

own me, Xavier. What's the meaning of t

eyebrow. "Oh, and

your business. Why am I even

m sorry, Zara. I'm sorry for the words I sai

ssion softened. "Marrying Williams was my chance at

n was evident. "W

in debt. Patricia came into the picture, saying my father owed her and he had used

he owns a restaurant, but it turned out to be a cover. Her real business is extorting rich men with secrets.

kened, his eyes f

me with different...men but I was tired of it. I wanted out and when

about the contract mar

y, his expression a mix

don't know if I'm free from Patricia after what happened. I don't deserve to be called Willi

rushed a strand of hair behind Zara's ear. "You're safe now, Zara," he said, his voice low

a shuddering breath, her shoulders relaxing as Xavier's steady presence enve

rough this together, Zara. You will get to see Willi

ul towards Xavier. She let

m sorry again, Zara," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "I

felt a sense of connection with him she hadn't felt in a long t

ep closer. His face inches from hers, Zara's heart

her spine. The kiss was soft and gentle, sparking a fir

passionate and intense. Zara felt herself melting i

corners. "Anytime, Zara," he whispered, his voice husky w