7. Bianca
Chapter 7
Bianca
I sit alone in the quietness of my penthouse, my mind still going through the motions of three days ago when Zack Wolfe claimed me in the most territorial way.
Now, after his passionate declaration of ownership, I find myself lost in thoughts as I stare out of the window at the city below. The replay of our sensuous lovemaking keeps flashing through my mind, exhilarating me and giving me anxiety at the same time. He was perfect in every way.
As much as I’d love to bask in the thrill of being claimed by the fierce rival I've secretly craved for over a year, my brain keeps reminding me of the consequences that could come from our fake marriage. What if the media finds out it was just a drunken slipup? What will people say?
The phone vibrates and interrupts my thoughts. Zack’s name flashes on the screen and I swipe to read his message.
Zack
Hey, babe. I’ve got a surprise for you.
My chest quivers.
Me
Okay?
Zack
A reporter from Vegas Vibes is coming to the club tonight. He wants our story.
I pinch the bridge of my nose. I’m not ready to face prying eyes, not when this accidental marriage is more scandal than sanctity.
Me
I don’t think that’s a good idea.
Zack
Why?
Me
I’m not ready for that.
Zack
Come on, it’ll be fine. Just play cool and leave the talking to me.
He’s all confidence, but I’m still uneasy about the idea.
Me
Fine.
I concede, regretting it instantly.
The drive to Pulse is a blur, my mind wrestling with the consequences of tonight’s charade. As I approach the VIP section, the bass pulsates through my nerve endings. Zack’s club is wild with raw energy.
And there he is, the king of his domain, clad in a stylish dark suit and surrounded by plush black couches in a velvet-roped sanctuary. His golden eyes catch mine as he rises to greet me. His arm wraps around me, smooth and enticing. “You look stunning, as always, Bianca.”
“Thanks.” I take the glass of champagne he offers. It’s ice cold, with beads of condensation trickling down the flute. Throwing back a big gulp, I face him. “Let’s get this over with.”
He grins wider, lifting his chin. “Relax. We got this.”
I settle next to him, the leather of the couch cool against my hot skin, and focus on the man with the black-rim glasses—the reporter. A bearded photographer hovers nearby, with his camera ready. They’re here for a show, and Zack, in his impeccable suit, is all too eager to perform.
Zack leans into my ear. “Follow my lead.”
His warm breath sends arousal spreading through my body, and I promptly ignore it. Tilting my glass toward him, I arch an eyebrow. “I always do.”
Eyeing me, his brow creases before he turns and faces the journalists.
The reporter leans in, his pen poised over a fresh page. “So, Zack and Bianca, everyone’s dying to know about the wedding. You tied the knot Vegas style, right?”
Zack’s pearly grin doesn’t waver as he takes control. “Absolutely. What’s the point of being in Vegas if there’s no wedding?”
I force a laugh and add a line of my own. “We’re committed to making this work. Not just in marriage but in maintaining the excellence of Pulse and Fitzgerald’s.”
Zack’s hand finds mine, giving it an assuring squeeze. “Power couple goals.”
The contact sends heat shooting through my core, though it’s hardly the time to be aroused. I sit up straighter and crack my neck.
The journalist nods, scribbling down notes. “And how do you balance such dynamic businesses with your new relationship?”
I ignore Zack’s thumb stroking the back of my hand as I clear my throat. “Balance is key. We respect each other’s domain.”
Zack does an animated wink at me. “Absolutely. Though I can’t help but bring a little chaos into this beautiful order Bianca has created.”
He follows up the comment with a burst of heavy laughter.
My head shakes for a moment before I stop it and regain composure. “Chaos can be… productive. Yes.”
The reporter nods and scribbles more notes in his notepad. “Speaking of chaos, there have been rumors about a merger between Pulse and Fitzgerald’s. Any truth to that?”
Just as I am about to respond, Zack jumps in. “Yes, we discussed that just this morning, but we need to finalize a few details.”
Steam pours through my nostrils. Is he undermining me? I snatch my hand away and grit my teeth to breathe. “There’s a lot to discuss with that, actually.”
“Of course.” Zack showcases a big grin for the journalists, but the damage is done.
A subtle glint appears in the reporter’s eye. “Sounds like there’s still some ironing out to do.”
Zack dismisses the rift with a sly wave of his hand. “Just a few tiny details.”
A sudden tickle itches my throat so I cough and gulp down several more gulps of the champagne. “Yes. Just a few .”
Zack wraps his beefy arm around my shoulder, pinning my hair to my back and making it impossible for me to move my head. “Isn’t she amazing?”
The photographer leans in for a quick shot to capture the moment.
I blow out a hasty breath before twisting my neck to free my trapped hair. “Let’s focus on the clubs, shall we?”
Zack plasters a bubbly smile on his face and glances at me. “Of course. We’re one hundred percent committed to our clubs.”
The reporter loosens his tie. He looks flustered. “We uh… have a lot to look forward to from both of you.”
The cameraman flashes a few more eager shots at us, capturing every heated exchange.
I scratch my head and then try to smooth down my hair as my upper lip breaks into a sweat.
The reporter’s pen dances across his notepad, scribbling what looks to be more than just the words we fling at each other. He’s writing the story of our unraveling, and soon we’ll be the laughing stock of the entire city.
My chest tightens as my shaky fingers grip the stem of the empty champagne glass so hard I could break it.
While staring at us, the journalist stops writing. “Looks like things are getting pretty intense.”
Zack’s strong, angular jaw ticks. “Marriage is… complex,”
The reporter jots down another note and arches a brow. “Indeed.”
I won’t sit here any longer. My breaths have become shallow and my skin is tightening at the neck. I squeeze a smile out to the reporters. “It was such a pleasure speaking with you today. Thank you for stopping by.”
Standing, I lean into Zack’s ear. “I’m done with this interview.”
His brows crease before his shoulders drop.
After smoothing out my dress, I stride toward the ladies’ restroom with as much grace as I can muster.
The door of the restroom swings shut behind me, and I am suddenly alone with my racing thoughts.
Inside, I lean against the black slate counter and wash my trembling hands under cold running water. The fragrance of lavender from the soap does little to calm the unease raging within me. How did we get here? How did a night of reckless abandon morph into a public marriage neither of us planned for?
With a deep breath, I pat my face with a wet paper towel, allowing the cold sensation to cool my body heat. Closing my eyelids, Zack comes to mind—his confident swagger, his seductive eyes, and the way he ignites something wild within me.
I stare at my reflection—composed on the surface, but a hot mess of confusion and desire underneath. Why do I need him so badly? Just one touch has my core drenched.
Footsteps sound outside the restroom and the door swings open to reveal a crouched woman scurrying to a bathroom stall.
I draw in a deep breath. Get it together, Bianca.
Blotting my complexion dry, I reapply my lipstick, and push open the door to step out into the dimly lit corridor that leads back to the chaos of Pulse.
The soft thud of my heels is like a battle drum, marching me into the unknown. But I’m ready to face whatever comes next with grace, even if my heart and body betray me with their constant yearning for the one man I can’t forget about.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Zack’s deep voice cuts through the thudding music, and I freeze in the dark hallway. He’s leaning against the wall, arms crossed, the very picture of brooding intensity.
“Zack…” His name is a whisper, a plea, and a curse all rolled into one.
His eyes search mine, demanding a response. “Answer me.”
I’ve never seen him look this serious. After licking my lips, I try to compose myself. “I just need time to think about things.”
He sighs, running a hand through his dark hair. “Look. I’m sorry about the interview. You were right. We’re not ready. I was just trying to maximize this situation.”
A grimace tightens my complexion. “Sure, but at what point do we tell people the truth?”
He steps closer. “Okay, then. What’s the truth?”
My lips press together as I raise my chin. “I never once considered getting married before you forced me into it.”
“Forced?” He scoffs, half-laughing. “You’re in serious denial. You were giddy up there on the altar. You wanted this.”
A lump forms in my throat. “I don’t remember any of that. I was drunk.”
He closes the distance between us, his breath warm against my skin. “But you remember three nights ago, do you not?”
I say nothing, though I know exactly what he’s talking about. He’s speaking of the pull, the chemical attraction, and the way I can’t get enough of him when he’s near.
His orbs are intense and unwavering as he softens. “When we consummated the marriage, I felt things I’d never experienced before. Why would you want to end that?”
Looking away, I bite my lip. I have no answers.
His shoulders drop. “Damn it, Bianca. Am I the only one who feels this?”
The question cuts through my poise. I sigh and lay the truth out there. “Zack, the sex was out of this world, and yes, I’m heavily attracted to you, but this is complex as hell. We have entirely different personalities.”
He nods, his brows creasing. “So, I’m alone in this, then?” His voice is thick with emotion.
“No,” I blurt, shaking my head. “This all happened so fast. I’d like time to consider whether we should continue this marriage or annul it.”
I speak in a clear tone, but there is zero conviction behind my words. Not when every cell in my body wants him.
“Okay.” His masculine hands rise into the air. “Fine. I’ll give you time, Bianca. But I won’t beg.”
With that, he turns and walks away, leaving me standing there.
And then there was one.