Chained By The Alpha Jessica Hall

Cleo The next day

I'm awake but still nestled in the cocoon of blankets and Zayn's arms, my mind a whirlwind of the events from yesterday. The uproar, the revelations it all seems like a distant storm that raged and passed, leaving behind a quiet calm I'm not used to

Zayn stirs beside me, his movement slow. His eyes open, those deep silver pools reflecting a sense of peace that eases some of the turmoil inside me. He smiles, that slow, heart-stopping smile that has always managed to melt away my defenses

"Good morning," he murmurs, his voice husky with sleep. His hand brushes a strand of hair from my face, his touch gentle, reverent almost, as if he's handling something precious

"Morning," I reply, my voice a soft whisper. I shift closer to him, seeking the warmth of his body. His arms tighten around me, pulling me into his chest. I inhale deeply, his scent-pine and spice-filling my senses, grounding me

"You okay?" he asks, his brow furrowing slightly with concern

I nod, though my heart feels heavy with all the emotions and drama that unfolded yesterday

"Yeah, just... a lot to process."

He kisses the top of my head, a gesture so filled with love and comfort that it eases some of the weight in my chest. "I know," he says softly

"But you're not alone. We'll get through this together. It needed to come out."

The reassurance in his voice soothes me, but the memories of yesterday-of betrayal, truths, and upheavals are still fresh. Yet, here, in Zayn's arms, I find peace, a place where I can let go for a moment and just be "Want to try and forget everything for a while?" Zayn suggests, his lips tracing the curve of my ear, sending shivers down my spine. His hand wanders down my back, drawing lazy circles that stir a warmth deep inside me

"How do you propose we do that?" I tease, a slight smile playing on my lips despite everything trying to drown me

Zayn's grin widens, and his eyes sparkle with a mischievous light. "I think I can think of a few

ways," he whispers, his voice dropping to a seductive murmur. His fingers slip beneath the hem of my shirt, his touch sparking a trail of heat across my skin

My breath catches in my throat as his hands explore, gentle yet deliberate, mapping a path that leaves me aching for more. The world outside the bedroom-the chaos, the responsibilities-it all fades into the background as Zayn shifts above me, his body pressing down against mine in a promise of sweet distractionContent bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

His lips find mine, the kiss deep and consuming

Every touch, every caress, builds a fire within me, a heat that drowns out the noise of the world. Zayn's movements are a language of their own, telling me without words that I am loved, cherished, that here with him, I am safe

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As we lose ourselves in each other, the remnants of the past begin to dissolve, leaving behind only the immediacy of our bond that has been neglected for days. His hands roam over me, each touch erasing the lines of tension that had built up over the endless days of uncertainty

"Let me make you feel good," he breathes against my skin, and it's all the invitation I need

The warmth of his touch, the heat of his lips, the passion in his eyes-it all pulls me in deeper, feeding a hunger. The feeling of his lips against mine is intoxicating. His taste becomes an elixir I can't get enough of. As he explores me further, "You're beautiful, Cleo," Zayn whispers, his voice husky with desire, as his finger moves across the scars marring my face. "You've always been." His eyes catch mine, echoing sincerity 1n their silver depths

The tenderness in his gaze unravels me further,

and I arch into him, my fingers tangling in his black hair. His lips meet mine again, even more fervent than before

Zayn''s hands dip lower, trailing fire along my thigh, and he growls when his finger finds my bare core. His kisses move from my mouth to my neck, pressing open-mouthed kisses along each exposed inch of skin. A moan escapes me when he finds that sensitive spot on my collarbone, and I tug at his hair

His low growl of pleasure vibrates against my skin, and I bite back a smile. Alpha or not, Zayn is mine as much as I am his. His teeth gently graze along the sensitive skin of my throat, and I gasp as pleasure tingles down my spine