Chapter 44

CHAPTER 44

ZAYN

T he night had been a whirlwind of emotions, laughter, and fleeting moments that left me feeling both elated and inexplicably unsettled. I loved my family. I did. But I had never really felt all that connected. I knew I was part of them, but tonight I felt like I was one of them.

And that was all because of Marigold. She made me feel like a real adult. I felt like all of my other brothers and cousins were with their wives. There was a certain settled feeling that came with being paired up.

As I watched Marigold and Kathy embrace in the kitchen, a surge of something I couldn't quite name ignited within me. It was as if witnessing their genuine connection had unlocked a part of me that had been dormant for far too long.

I felt something strange happening inside me. It was warm and gooey and terrifying, not something I had ever felt before.

We moved toward the front door. The chilly cold of fall blew against us. I felt Marigold shiver and immediately wrapped my arm around her.

"Thank you so much for letting me join your family celebration," Marigold said to them.

"We can't wait to have you back again," Dad said. "Zayn, make sure you bring her around more often. She needs to get to know us. It would probably be easier if we all wore name tags."

I nodded and smiled. "Of course."

Kathy leaned into Dad, her hand adorned with the shimmering ring that symbolized a new chapter in their lives. I couldn't help but admire how happy my father looked—more at peace than I had ever seen him. It was a sight that filled me with pride and a bittersweet ache. I was glad he was going to live out his golden years with someone who loved him.

Dad turned to me, his hand firmly clapping me on the back. "Well, Zayn, I have to say, this has been one of the best Thanksgivings we've had in a long time. I'm so glad you guys came."

I managed a genuine smile. "I'm happy for you, Dad. You deserve all the happiness in the world."

He chuckled. "Thanks, son. It means a lot coming from you."

Taking a deep breath, I decided to lighten the moment with a bit of humor. "You know, you have a big decision to make."

Dad raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "Oh? And what's that?"

"Who's going to be your best man? I mean, Kameron would be the most responsible and trustworthy one, but if you want your wedding party to look its best, I'm the no-brainer choice. You don't want Jett. Hayes is a loose cannon." I could have gone down the list, but my point was made.

Marigold and Kathy burst into laughter. Even Dad couldn't suppress a chuckle, shaking his head at my teasing. "Well, I suppose that depends on whether you can keep Kameron out of any trouble and vice versa."

I laughed, feeling a sense of connection that had been missing for so long. "Fair point. But hey, think about it. I come with charm, good looks, and an impeccable sense of humor. And I'm a snappy dresser."

Kameron, who had been quietly observing from the foyer, finally stepped forward, his expression a mix of amusement and mild exasperation. "Always working an angle, aren't you, Zayn?"

I shrugged nonchalantly. "What can I say? I know how to win people over."

He rolled his eyes, but there was a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "We'll see about that. Maybe Dad will have to settle this with a good old-fashioned competition."

"Bring it on," I shot back, feeling a surge of confidence. "I'm ready for whatever challenge you throw my way. I'll be the winner."

Kameron rolled his eyes once again. "We'll see."

"We should get going," I said to Marigold.

"Thank you again, Kathy and Armand," Marigold said.

We waved goodbye and stepped out into the driveway. There were several cars lined up, waiting to take more of my family home. I spotted our car and opened the back door for her. She slid into the backseat with me following.

The driver maneuvered the car out of the driveway. Marigold was staring out the window. I felt like there was something on her mind, but I wasn't sure I should pry.

"That was really nice," she said after a few minutes.

I glanced at her. "I'm glad you enjoyed it," I replied, my hand reaching out to take hers. The soft intake of breath she gave made me smile.

"Your family is amazing, Zayn." Her voice was quiet, reverent. I could see her looking at our intertwined fingers, a tender smile gracing her lips. "I didn't think I'd have so much fun. You're very, very fortunate to have such a huge, beautiful family."

"Thank you. I think I sometimes forget that. When you're in the thick of it and dealing with the petty arguments and the typical chaos, it can be hard to appreciate. But you're right. I am lucky." My heart filled with profound gratitude. After visiting her family, which was just her father, I could see how lucky I was. It was something I had taken for granted. That was a mistake.

"I think they liked me," she said. "Do you think they believed the story?"

The way she said it, seeking validation, made me turn toward her. "Liked you?" I echoed, my tone incredulous. "Marigold, they loved you. They were practically falling over themselves trying to win your approval."

She smiled and looked away once again. We finished the drive in silence. When we arrived at my place, she looked a little confused. "Sorry," I said. "I should have told the driver your place first. Would you like to come up?"

"I should probably go," she said.

"You sure you want to go?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'd love to show you my place."

She chewed on her lower lip. "I don't know."

"Marigold, what do you think is going to happen?" I asked in a low voice.

"I think we both know what's going to happen."

I grinned. "Only if you want to. If you don't want to come up, I'll have the driver get you home."

She exhaled and then shook her head. "Why can't I tell you no?"

I leaned forward, my hand sliding up her arm. "Because you don't want to."

I opened the car door and stepped out before reaching my hand in and helping her out.

As we walked together toward the entrance of my building, her eyes widened a little. "This is your place?" she asked, looking up at the towering edifice. It was a modest penthouse, compared to what I could afford, but it was home.

"Well, my place is at the top," I said lightly, trying to ease the tension. She chuckled, making me smile.

The elevator ride to the top floor was short and silent, save for the soft jazz music streaming from the speaker. The doors slid open into my foyer.

Marigold's gaze roamed the expansive living room, taking in the modern furniture, floor-to-ceiling windows, and understated but expensive decor. She walked over to one of the windows and looked out at the city spread beneath us.

I watched her silently, admiring her delicate profile silhouetted against the evening sky. "Would you like a tour, or can I get you anything to drink?"

She turned around and nodded. "Drink first please."

I laughed. "I'll make us a couple and then give you the tour."

I led her around the penthouse with our glasses of scotch in hand. She touched the cold marble countertops in the kitchen with a sort of reverence I had long lost. She admired the hardwood floors and the plush rugs beneath our feet.

In my bedroom, she stopped and turned around slowly as if to take everything in all at once. The king-sized bed with its white linen sheets, the dark wood furniture, and the expansive balcony that offered an uninterrupted view of the city.

I led her back to the living room. We settled on the couch. I reached for the iPad that controlled every single light, the fireplaces, and the temperature in the penthouse. I dimmed the lights, allowing the soft glow from the city to filter through the floor-to-ceiling windows. I turned on the fireplace and then the music pumped through the speakers strategically placed around the penthouse.

Marigold took a sip of her drink and sighed contently. "Zayn, this place is amazing. I feel like I've stepped into a whole new world." She seemed a little lost for words as she admired my living space.

I chuckled, taking a sip from my own glass. "I guess it is somewhat beyond ordinary," I admitted, glancing around the space that was so familiar. To me, it was just simply home.

We finished our drinks but neither of us made a move to get up. There was a moment, like a slow burn happening between us. I took her glass from her and rested it on the table. Without saying a word, I pulled her into my lap. She hiked up the dress and straddled me. I stared up at her, waiting for her to make the first move.

Her eyes met mine, the heat between us tangible. She leaned into me, her arms draping over my shoulders. Her lips hovered over mine for a moment before she finally closed the gap. The feel of her lips moving against mine sent a jolt down my spine.

She pulled back just a bit and looked down at me. I looked at her with hooded eyes, my fingers tracing up and down her waist. I could feel her shiver beneath my touch even through the fabric of her dress.

My hand moved to cup her face with my other hand sliding up her exposed thigh and under the dress. Marigold lowered her mouth to mine once again, her fingers tangling in my hair as she pulled me closer, deepening the kiss.

Her kiss was tentative at first, then more insistent as she seemed to let go of her hesitation. My fingers moved up along her thigh until they reached the edge of her panties. She gasped softly, breaking away from our kiss as my fingers lightly brushed the skin there. I looked up at her, meeting her gaze, my intent clear.

"Marigold," I murmured, waiting for any sign that she wanted me to stop. But she merely bit her lip and nodded, her own hands moving down to unbutton my shirt.

The fabric fell open, revealing my chest. Her fingers hovered over my skin, tracing the line of my collarbone before dipping lower, exploring my chest with her tongue. I sucked in a breath as her fingertips danced across my skin, igniting a wildfire of desire within me. My hand slid under the lacy edge of her underwear.

She let out a soft gasp, arching her back as my touch sent sparks of pleasure coursing through her. She slid back on my lap and kissed down my navel. Her hands fumbled with my belt. She got it undone and immediately went after the button and zipper on my pants.

My breathing became ragged as anticipation swirled low in my belly. She slid off my lap and reached for my pants, pulling them down along with my briefs. I kicked them off, watching as she dropped to her knees in front of me.

The air in the room seemed to crackle around us. I watched Marigold as she knelt in front of me. Marigold reached out tentatively, her fingers tracing the length of me. She was nervous, her glance flicking up to mine every few seconds.

I reached out and stroked her cheek gently. "You don't have to do anything you aren't comfortable with," I assured her. She smiled at that, a shy little grin that made me ache for her even more.

"No, I want to," she stated softly.

And then she attacked. She ran her tongue over the head of my cock, nearly causing me to launch off the couch at the intensity.

Damn, she was good. Her soft, warm lips engulfed me, her tongue teasing at a pace that had me gritting my teeth to stop from thrusting into her mouth. She looked up at me through her long lashes, her eyes dark with desire and something else I couldn't quite name.

I wound my fingers in her hair, gently guiding the rhythm of her movements. She took me deeper, her throat working around me as she swallowed. My gut tightened with pleasure and a low growl bubbled up from my chest.

Slowly, so damn slow it was torture, she pulled back until only the tip of my cock was still in her mouth, her tongue teasing me in ways that had my fingers digging into the plush couch beneath me. She resumed her task with renewed fervor, her head bobbing as she swallowed me whole again and again. The feel of her warm mouth wrapped around me was enough to drive any man to madness.

"Marigold." I groaned and grabbed a handful of her hair to pull her off my dick.

But she had latched on. I knew I was going to explode at any second. I was helpless to stop it.

"I. Can't. Stop."

She moaned, the sound vibrating around my cock and taking me over the edge. I came with a growl that echoed around the room. Marigold swallowed me down, milking me for all I was worth. The sensation was almost too much. My chest heaved with the effort of getting oxygen back into my lungs as she sat back on her heels, her hands resting lightly on my thighs. Her eyes were dark and filled with satisfaction, as she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.

"Holy shit," I breathed out.