~Zayn's POV~
When I finally looked up, Evric was standing there, silhouetted against the dim light. He didn't wait for an invitation; he stepped inside and closed the door behind him, his eyes finding mine with an intensity that pinned me to the spot.
He crossed the room in silence, his footsteps heavy and purposeful. He sat on the edge of the bed, the mattress sinking under his weight. Without saying a word, he reached out and gently took the hem of my shirt, lifting it up to expose my skin. His warm palm settled against my stomach, rubbing in slow, soothing circles that sent a much-needed wave of calm through me.
He leaned in close, his breath warm against my ear. "I've been calling you," he murmured, his voice low and vibrating. "Why aren't you picking up?" He lifted his head and kissed my navel, slow and tender.
I looked at him, my eyes still stinging. "Aren't you angry that I was ignoring you?"
