Alpha's Regret: Marked By The Lycan King

Chapter 152: Chapter 152: Hearts Thundering

Estelle’s POV

Zayne leaned in closer, his electric blue eyes drawing me in like a magnet. My breath caught as his hand cupped my face gently.

“Yes,” I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Our lips were almost touching when my phone suddenly rang, cutting through the intimate moment like a knife.

We both jumped apart. I felt heat flood my cheeks as I fumbled for my phone in my purse.

“I’m so sorry,” I muttered, feeling mortified.

Zayne chuckled softly, shaking his head with an amused smile. “It’s fine.”

I glanced at the caller ID and my eyes widened. “It’s Josephine.”

His eyebrows rose in surprise. He gestured toward the phone with a nod. “You should answer it.”

I swiped to accept the call. “Hello, Josephine.”

“Estelle, dear!” Her warm voice came through clearly. “Is my grandson with you by any chance? I’ve been trying to reach him, but he’s not responding.”

I looked at Zayne, who was watching me with obvious resignation. There was no point in lying to his grandmother.

“Yes, he’s here with me.”

“I thought so,” she said with satisfaction. “That boy has a terrible habit of disappearing when he should be resting. Please tell him I said he needs to take better care of himself, especially when he is still wounded!”

Zayne rolled his eyes, but I caught the slight smile tugging at his lips.

“I’ll make sure he gets the message,” I promised.

“Good. And Estelle? Please keep an eye on him for me. He’s too stubborn for his own good sometimes.”

“Of course, Josephine. I’ll look after him.”

After we said our goodbyes, I ended the call and looked at Zayne pointedly.

“Your grandmother has strict orders for me to watch after you and make sure you recover properly.”

He stepped closer, his hands finding my hips as he pulled me against him. “I’m perfectly recovered.”

My pulse quickened at his nearness. “Are you?”

His eyes gleamed with mischief. “Would you like to check for yourself?”

I knew he was flirting, and my heart did a little flip in my chest. The champagne was making me feel bold and reckless.

Before I could respond, we heard sounds coming from the balcony doors again. Someone was definitely moving around inside.

Zayne’s expression grew serious. “We should leave. I have an apartment not far from here.”

“You seem to have houses everywhere,” I teased, trying to lighten the mood.

“I don’t like living in the palace,” he admitted. “If it weren’t for my grandmother, I’d choose to live elsewhere permanently.”

Maybe it was the alcohol, or maybe it was the way he was looking at me, but I found myself nodding. “Okay. Let’s go.”

***

The apartment was much smaller than the house he’d brought me to before. It was cozy and intimate, with warm lighting and comfortable furniture. I liked this place immediately. It felt more like a real home than a showplace.

“This is nice,” I said, looking around at the simple but tasteful decor. “It feels more... normal.”

“I’m glad you like it,” Zayne said, closing the door behind us.

Before I could take another step, he surprised me by scooping me up in his arms. I let out a small gasp, instinctively wrapping my arms around his neck.

He kicked the door closed with his foot and carried me to the couch. My heart was beating so fast I was sure he could hear it.

He set me down gently and knelt in front of me. “Let me help you with those.”

I watched in fascination as he carefully removed my heels, his fingers gentle against my ankles. The simple act felt incredibly intimate, and I found myself struggling to breathe normally.

“There,” he said softly, setting my shoes aside before placing a pair of indoor slippers in front of me.

I needed to change the subject before I did something embarrassing. “I could make dinner,” I offered quickly. “If you’re hungry.”

He looked up at me with those piercing blue eyes. “Are you sure? I can cook for you if you’d prefer.”

“You cooked for me before,” I said, standing up on unsteady legs. “Now it’s my turn.”

He laughed, the sound sending warmth through my chest. “Alright then.” He stood and led me toward the kitchen. “What are you planning to make?”

I paused in the kitchen doorway, looking back at him. He was leaning casually against the frame, his arms folded across his chest. His button-up shirt was slightly wrinkled from our earlier closeness, and I could still see traces of my lipstick on his lips.

My mouth went dry at the sight.

“I’ll figure something out,” I managed to say. “But you need to get out of here so I can concentrate.”

He grinned. “Am I distracting you?”

“Yes,” I said honestly. “Very much.”

“Fine,” he said with mock surrender, pushing himself off the doorframe. “I’ll leave you to work your magic.”

As soon as he disappeared into the living room, I pressed my hand to my chest, feeling my heart thunder against my palm.