CHAPTER 87: CHAPTER 87: ONE BITE, ONE KISS: FEEDING DESIRE

His voice came quietly but steadily against my chest. "Thank you, babe."

I smiled, pressing a kiss to his temple. "You’re welcome. With me, you have nothing to worry about."

He didn’t reply, just sighed and rested his head on my shoulder, his body easing into mine. With that quiet closeness, I started the car, and together we headed back home.

Halfway through, my phone buzzed. James’s name flashed on the screen. I groaned before picking up.

"James, I told you I wasn’t coming in today. Why are you still calling me?" My voice was sharp, protective.

"Boss, I know. But one of our clients is here and he specifically requested for you. I wouldn’t call if it wasn’t urgent."

I pinched the bridge of my nose, ready to snap. "I told you, James, I’m not coming to work today, that’s it." I ended the call before he could say anything else, my frustration still boiling.

But before I could even breathe, Zayn’s soft voice cut in.

"Babe. Don’t skip your work for me. If you want me to stay long in your house, then go and do your work."

I turned my head, staring at him in disbelief. "What about you? Who’s going to take care of you?"

He chuckled faintly, though his throat was still sore. "Babe, I’m not sick. I just have throat issues, not a disease. Stop treating me like I’m fragile."

The way he said it almost sounded like a tease, like he was trying to confuse me into letting go. But I stayed firm.

"No. I’m not leaving you alone. Work can wait. You matter more."

Zayn tilted his head, his lips curving into that stubborn little smile. "You’re ridiculous, Evric. Acting like I’m about to collapse. I’m not dying, babe. It’s just my throat."

"Still..." I started, but he cut me off, his tone suddenly serious.

"If you won’t go, then I’ll go back to my place."

The words hung heavy inside the car. I glanced at him, my chest tensed. He wasn’t bluffing, I could see it in his eyes.

I exhaled slowly, pressing my hand against my forehead. He’s really not going to bend this time.

Finally, I let out a quiet surrender. "Fine... you win."

Zayn’s smile softened, almost smug but warm. He reached over and slid his hand into mine. "That’s better. Go handle your work. I’ll be fine here."

"Are you sure?" I asked, my voice low.

"Yes, Evric. I told you, I want to stay in your house longer. And if that means letting you do your job instead of babysitting me, then let me have my way this time."

I sighed deeply, giving in. "Have heard you, I will go. But you are coming with me to the office, so I can look after you."

He looked at me for a moment, then his lips curved into a small smile. "Alright."

I glanced toward the driver in the front seat, who was silently pretending not to hear a word of our conversation. With a small sigh, I nodded. "Take us to the office," I instructed.

"Yes, sir," the driver replied.

Zayn leaned closer, brushing a soft kiss against my cheek before settling back against the seat. "See? That wasn’t so hard."

I couldn’t help but laugh under my breath, squeezing his hand. "You’re impossible."

When we arrived at my office, before I even let myself get busy, I quickly searched the internet for foods that could ease a sore throat. The results gave me plenty of options, so I ordered different varieties for Zayn, because if I didn’t order for him, I knew he wouldn’t eat at all.

Once the order was placed, I guided him to settle comfortably in my office. Then I turned to Mr. Karl, who was standing by, and said, "I’m going to have a meeting now. When his food arrives, please attend to Zayn for me."

With that settled, I headed toward the boardroom. My staff greeted me warmly as I walked in, and I returned the gesture with a polite nod before focusing on the meeting ahead.

The boardroom door closed behind me, and I found the client already seated. I straightened my suit jacket and offered a firm handshake.

"Mr. Collins, thank you for waiting," I said smoothly.

He nodded. "It’s fine, Mr. Evric. I just wanted to finalize the proposal details before we move forward."

We sat across from each other, papers spread out on the polished table. The discussion was brief, direct, and professional, clarifying numbers, confirming schedules, and signing the final draft.

When everything was settled, I shook his hand again. "Always a pleasure doing business with you."

The client smiled. "Likewise. I look forward to our partnership."

With that, he left the boardroom, and I exhaled softly, already eager to get back to my office where Zayn was waiting.

I stepped into my office and immediately noticed the untouched trays of food I had ordered for Zayn. My brows furrowed slightly, concern knitting my face.

"Babe," I called softly, walking closer. "Why haven’t you touched your food? I carefully sorted everything out for you. Don’t you like it?"

He chuckled, a lazy, teasing sound that made my chest tighten. "I like it," he said, his eyes glinting with mischief, "but I’m too lazy to eat by myself."

I raised an eyebrow, already anticipating his next words.

"So... I’m waiting for you to come and feed me," he added, leaning back comfortably in the chair, a small, playful smirk tugging at his lips.

A warm rush of affection hit me, and I couldn’t help but smile. "You’re so cute," I murmured, stepping closer.

Quickly, I shrugged off my jacket, letting it fall onto the office hanger. "Alright, I’m here. Let me take care of you," I said, my voice a low promise as I moved toward him, ready to make sure he ate, one careful bite at a time.

I held out the plate and said softly, "Choose the one you want me to feed you with."

Zayn’s fingers hovered over the options before he carefully picked one. I smiled and said, "Since you picked it, you have to finish it, okay?"

He nodded, a small grin tugging at his lips. I leaned closer and added, "I’ll feed you... one bite, one kiss."

That made Zayn’s smile widen, his eyes lighting up with playful warmth.