ADA

My mind kept repeating that moment where Zaire kissed my forehead. I couldn't stop thinking about it.

I know it meant nothing, just a simple sign of platonic affection but my stupid heart just can't stop wondering if it meant something else--

I need to stop this madness. Stop pining after a man who is forbidden to me.

He is my cousin for fuck's sake. I shouldn't even be having such thoughts about him.

"Looking for someone?"

I didn't realise I was searching the room until Celestine pointed it out. She had hosted a get together at her house and I was anticipating the presence of a particular cousin of mine for whom I have weird feelings.

"Um...is Zayden and Zaire not coming?"

Cel was breastfeeding her one month old son, Azher as she replied, "Zayden won't make it, he has a date with Bella. As for Zaire, he should be here soon. Why?"

"Nothing, just wondering."

I changed the topic to Azher as we both gushed over his cuteness.

Others soon arrived except Zaire making me feel disappointed. I wanted to see him, talk to him. Just one more time before I throw these feelings away.

Just one more time. That's what I keep telling myself all the damn time.

"Missed me, my dear cousins?" His deep, smooth voice floated across the room as I was busy with my phone.

My heart skipped a beat, my head snapping up at him.

He seemed to come here straight from work, dressed in a black suit, hands stuffed inside his pockets as he glanced around at everyone with a slight smirk on his face.

I really admire his 'I don't give a fuck' attitude, I wish I could be like that.

I was so busy staring at him, lost in my thoughts that I didn't even realise he had approached me, standing infront of me with his head cocked. "You okay?"

"Y-yeah. Of course, I am."

"Hmm..." He leaned down, a playful smile on his lips. "I thought I had blinded you with my charms, had to check."

A chuckle bubbled out of my mouth at his confidence and I gently pushed him away as at the same time, my cheeks heated. "Stop being so arrogant."

"Arrogant? I prefer the word self-awareness."

I shook my head, stepping away from him. "Sure."

"Wait." He caught my wrist, pulling me back, way too close for casual. "I brought you something."

Thankfully, others had went away to the dining room so it was just us. There was nothing wrong with two cousins to be talking but with my conflicting feelings, every word I shared with Zaire felt like a crime.

"What for?" I asked, glancing down as he reached into his suit jacket to pull out a small jewellery box.

He shrugged. "I was buying a gift for Cel, she sort of told me to not come here empty handed and I saw this which reminded me of you for some reason so I had to buy it."

He released my wrist to open the box, inside there was a pair of small earrings, in the shape of a blooming flower, made out of pinkish diamond.

"Wow, it's beautiful but you didn't have to buy something so expensive. It's not even my birthday."

"So what? It's not like it made me go bankrupt. Now, put it on and show me, Ada."

"Only you can order someone to accept a random, expensive ass gift." I teased as I took the box from him, taking out the earrings carefully.

My ears were empty so I simply put those on, Zaire's eyes fixed on me intently making me feel a bit nervous.

Can he see right through me? Read my mind, know about my feelings? Does he think I am a weirdo? Or maybe the earrings don't look that good on me--

His lips tipped up into a satisfied smile. "Beautiful."

"Oh..." I touched my ear. "Thanks."

"You're welcome." He smiled, flicking my nose.

I tried to calm my heart as he walked in the direction of the dining room.

.
.
.

To my luck, I was seated right next to Zaire, his leg brushing mine under the table making my heart jump.

Don't be stupid. Don't be stupid. Don't be stupid.

I subtly shifted away so that our legs no longer touched accidentally and focused on my dinner.

Zaire was chatting with the others while I remained silent, listening to him speak, admiring how deep and confident he sounded all the time.

Stop!

I stuffed my mouth with more mashed potatoes, trying my best to stop being a pervert and focus on something else--

"Would you like to eat these?"

Zaire turned his attention to me, speaking in a low voice as he gestured to the pieces of capsicum separated from the stir fried veggies.

He didn't like capsicums. I nodded. "Sure."

Looking grateful, he transferred all the capsicum pieces onto my plate.

Then, he reached out and gently pulled my cheek. "Thanks, Ada."

Wasn't he being way too touchy these days? He was not like this before, yes, he did talk to me but being so affectionate...

Could he also feel what I felt?

No, no, no. Don't be ridiculous. He is not mental like you.

I averted my eyes and continued eating.

Later on, when the dinner was done and everyone moved out to the living room, I went to the kitchen to pour myself a glass of red wine.

I needed a drink desperately before I start to lose my mind.

I could make an excuse and leave but then Zaire was still here and I was not missing the chance to spend some more time with him no matter how wrong it was.

Just as I was done pouring the wine and turned around with the glass in my hand, I bumped into Zaire who was standing right behind, don't know when he came in but it startled me and I ended up spilling the wine all over him.

He had earlier taken off his suit jacket so now his white shirt sported a big red splotch in the middle of it.

I gasped, covering my mouth with my palm. "Shit! I am so sorry!"

Zaire simply looked at the stain for a long moment before lifting his eyes to mine, no trace of anger in them, just mild surprise.

"I am sorry", I said once more.

"It's fine", he mumbled.

"No, it's not." I placed the glass away and grabbed his hand, dragging him away from there.

Zaire followed me without any questions and I led him to one of the bathrooms, dragging him inside and shutting the door.

Without thinking, I started to unbutton his shirt. I was halfway and only when his bare chest peaked out, I realised what I was doing.

I paused abruptly, glancing up at him sheepishly.

He looked amused, a brow raised in question. "So eager to get me naked?"

Blushing furiously with embarrassment, I jumped back. "I was just--"

"Relax." He chuckled as he started to unbutton the rest of it.

"Honestly... it's okay. So, stop feeling guilty. I shouldn't have sneaked up on you like that and I have hundred more these shirts."

"You could have said this before."

"You looked too eager to bring me here, I was curious to see what you would do."

He shrugged out of the shirt and my belly did a flip on seeing him shirtless. Dirty, depraved thoughts made their way to my mind.

"Come on, do whatever you wanted to do." He extended the shirt towards me.

I pushed those perverted thoughts away and took the shirt from him, running the stained part under cold water in the basin.

Zaire stood behind me, watching me carefully.

"If we soak this in a vinegar solution for around half an hour, it might go away..."

"Just let it be. I'll borrow a shirt from Arnaud. I have to leave."

I turned off the water, turning towards him. "You are leaving?"

He nodded. "Yeah."

"Oh...well, I was leaving too..."

He watched me softly. "Do you want me to drop you off?"

"No, thanks, I have my car."

"We could go for some ice cream..." He suggested.

I chuckled and decided to tease him this time, "So eager to spend some time with me?"

He smiled widely, replying in a playful tone, "Maybe I am."

My heart stuttered and I looked away. "Okay, let's go."

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More chapters coming soon...