Chapter Chapter Twenty One

I turned my radio in my car up, large cup of coffee in my cup holder. I was ready for the longest drive I’ve ever done. It was a no-brainer I was going to go and see Zeke, I didn’t even pretend to him I was thinking about it. We hadn’t spoken much the past week and I think that was a good thing. We both needed space however much it killed me and it made me miss him more and excitement filled my stomach. I spoke to Liv about the situation and surprisingly she was very much on Zeke’s side. Telling me I was wrong to chuck him out and completely end it. I didn’t know what to think and I still had the nagging doubt in my head. I believed him when he told me nothing else happened and the story. I was disappointed in him that he had let it get that far but I could understand how the situation led to what it was. I was on the motorway for the majority of my drive and called Zeke as I took the turning off to Manchester City centre.

“Hey baby," he sang through my Bluetooth, filling the car with his voice.

“I’ve just got off the motorway, where shall I meet you?” I asked him, my voice filled with nerves.

“I’m just leaving probation. I came straight from work so pick me up? It's opposite the massive Asdas in the city centre.” I took the turning, following the signs for the Asda superstore.

“Okay I’m on my way".

“I can't wait to see you.” His voice was dark and my body felt it. I wanted to continue to be in control but my body was already betraying me. I sighed out of relief as I saw the Asda to my right and my heart fluttered as I saw him standing outside a tall grey building. I came to a stop outside and leaned over to open the passenger door.

“Sash!” He shouted, getting in the car. Zeke looked at me and I knew he wanted a kiss. I pulled away from the curb and peeked over at him, he looked pissed and I did chuckle slightly.

“Who pissed in your cornflakes?” I asked him, my eyes on the road.

“I thought I was going to get a kiss. Go straight ahead on the roundabout.”

“Well you aren’t getting one yet.” I smirked.

“I’m being punished, yeah?” His voice had a slight sense of humour, which made me feel better.

“Yes!” I shouted. “I think that’s fair.”

“Turn left here and you know my road.” Zeke said, grabbing my arm. “It’s fair, you're right.”

"How was probation?” I asked, trying to look over at him.

“Fine, I'm doing good. They're happy.” His voice was flat and I knew he hated talking about it.

“How long do you have left with them?”

“Like eighteen months for ever. They don’t even fucking help you so its completely pointless.” I pulled up outside Zeke’s house and he jumped out, opening my boot to get my bag. I rolled my eyes as I got out, locking the door.

“What's the rush?” I asked as we went to the front door.

“I’ve only got you for two and a bit days so I’m rushing”. Zeke said, it sounded like it would be a joke but he wasn’t laughing. I kicked my shoes off as we got into Zeke’s house and he grabbed me by the waist, pulling me closer. “Thank you for coming to see me". His eyes were on mine and it made me shiver in excitement.

“It’s fine I wanted to see you." I confessed. “We should talk first right?” Zeke asked, nodding at me.

"Yeah I think we should”.

“Did you want a coffee? Go in the living room.” I nodded as Zeke moved away from me, going into the kitchen. I slumped on his sofa, the smell of him all around. I closed my eyes, that four hour drive had made me completely shattered.

“Here," Zeke’s husky voice made me dart my eyes open. I took the coffee out of his hand and took a sip.

“Thank you, I need this. I'm so tired.” I laughed as he sat down next to me. His hand went above my knee and we looked at each other, almost in unison.

“I want to be with you, I just don’t know if I can trust you.” I spoke first, spitting out my thoughts.

“That's fair. I want you to know I would never do anything to hurt you and that night was so out of character for me.” His eyes hadn’t left mine and I nodded.

“I know it was. Like everything you hate." I chuckled and Zeke joined in.

“Sash, I want to be an introvert with you for the rest of my life. Playing PlayStation and then fucking. Like I’d die a happy man if I could do that for the rest of my life.” I quickly wiped away a tear as I smiled weakly at him. He just described my perfect fucking life.

“You don’t find her attractive?” I asked, looking down.

“No, I was super drunk Sash, everybody was. It wasn’t about her at all, she caught me at a time I was drunk number one and feeling like shit because I miss you. I went there to try and quicken this up to get us together faster.” Zeke shrugged and ran his hand through my hair, putting a strand behind my ear. I nodded, biting my bottom lip. “What are you thinking?” Zeke asked me, he was worrying I could tell in his voice. I smiled at him trying to be bright.

“I believe you." I whispered, my eyes on him. “You forgive me?” He asked, his hand cupping my face. I did forgive him, but I knew the situation was going to live rent free in my mind for a while. Until he was in London.

“I do, do you want to live in London?” I asked him, my eyes traveling down to my lap. Zeke got up, my eyes on him. My heart was thumping in my chest as he sat on the floor in front of me, pulling me closer to him by my thighs. I looked down at him as he put his head on my thigh.

“More than anything in the world. I'll follow you where you go. I’ve never met anybody like you Sash". He looked up at me and I saw a tear in his eye. It made my chest cave in and I grabbed his hand. “I’ve met a lot of women, been with a lot of women.”

“Great" I breathed out.

“I’m being honest with you," Zeke said firmly. I nodded, I appreciated it. “None of them are like you, someone I could see myself with forever Sash. Moving my whole life to somewhere else that should mean something to you.” I lent down and grabbed his head, wrapping my arms around his neck and pushing him towards me.

“Okay” I whispered and at that moment I knew it was. Zeke looked up at me, his dark eyes burning into my soul.

“Okay," he whispered back, standing up. “We only have two days, come upstairs with me" Zeke's voice sounded tired but it made my heart flutter. I nodded as he grabbed my hand, pulling me up the stairs behind him.

"You seem tired," I whispered as we walked into his bedroom. Zeke looked awful, his eyes heavy.

"I am, I've been a mess all week," he chuckled sadly. Zeke slowly undressed. I followed suit, stripping to just my knickers. He got into the bed, his eyes dropping. I laid next to him, his arms wrapping around me as our heads hit the pillow. "I'm better now, just fucking tired". Zeke laughed and I smiled up at him.

"Oh I get a laugh," I teased him.

"Baby, I'm surprised. I didn't think you would want to talk to me. You were so angry the other day". I took a deep breath in, I was still angry at him, that was certainly the case. I forgave him because I wanted to.

"I'm still kind of angry. It just feels like you cheated on a technicality," I trailed off.

"Don't say that word please". Zeke groaned.

"Cheated?"

"Yeah". Zeke breathed out.

"You said it the other day!"

"I know but I don't want you to say it. It wasn't cheating, right?" I looked up at his gorgeous face, fear in my stomach that this would happen again.

"I don't know. I'm worried this is going to happen again, I'm sure women throw themselves at you." Zeke laughed then, his arms tighter around me.

"How many times do I have to tell you? I'm not a catch. Women might talk to me, but the minute I tell them my shit it's finished". I nodded, listening. Zeke definitely had a lot of baggage, but if you got rid of that he was the loveliest man. I don't think I laughed as much as I do with him.

"Promise me you won't do this again." I squeaked out.

"Sasha! Never, fucking never. I'm so sorry this happened, I'm so sorry I hurt you." His voice trembled and I buried my head in his chest. He felt so warm and soft, comforting.

"Keep your tattoo," I whispered. I felt Zeke look down.

"Huh?"

"Keep your tattoo for me please". I grinned at him.

"You're so fucking crazy Sash. Yes I will, whatever you want!" I laughed at his words. My hand on his chest.

"I'll even keep my tooth, apparently you like me to look like a criminal."

"Just don't be one please". I laughed and felt his body drop in relief.

"I love you Sash," I sat up, my hand still on his chest. I was grinning like a maniac and Zeke laughed.

"I love you too"

"Thank fuck".