Let Me

Zak POV: The party is in full swing, laughter and music blending into a lively backdrop as I watch the crowd. But even as I fight it, my gaze drifts back to Flames, her fiery presence drawing me in once more. She’s a force of nature, effortlessly captivating, however the conversation about her ex, David, still lingers in the back of my mind. Gnawing at my thoughts. As the days sun dips below the horizon, the warmth of the day gives way to a cool evening breeze. Spotting her leaning against the same wooden post as earlier, wine bottle still in hand, her posture betraying a tension that does not escape me. Flames was putting on a brave face, yet I can see flickers of anxiety lurking in her expressive eyes. “Flames” I call to her on my approach, attempting to infuse some lightness into the movement. Her gaze met mine, shifting from contemplation to amusement, though I still sensed the weight she carried. “Hey, Zak” she replies, her warmth tinged with hint of guardedness. “How’s the party treating you?” I glance around, feeling an unexpected wave of sadness. It was hard to relax and enjoy family day when I had my mother’s medical appointment weighing on my mind. So, I plastered on a smile, forcing cheer into my voice. “Not too bad. But I think it’s gotten s lot better now that I’m standing with you.” Her eyebrows arch in a mix of amusement and scepticism. “Nice try, but don’t think you can charm me into forgetting my worries.” Leaning closer, I lower my voice, trying to coax her out of the walls shed put up around herself. “I’m not trying to charm you. I’m genuinely worried about you, especially after what you told me earlier. You shouldn’t be travelling home alone after dark. Nadia’s expression shifts, a spark of defiance flashing igniting in her eyes. “I appreciate the concern, but I can handle myself Zak. I’ve been doing it for a long time.” “I get that” I reply, my tone earnest. “But this is different. You’re not just dealing with the past. You’ve got David out there, and from the sounds of it he’s not someone you take lightly. If you don’t know what he’s capable of, travelling alone puts you at risk. Never mind Pres..” I trail off, realising I may have hit a nerve. “My father can go f**k himself” she shoots back, crossing her arms defensively. I recognize the posture; it was a wall she built to keep others at bay. “I’ll be fine, I have my truck, it’s not like I’m driving through a warzone.” Frustration bubbles beneath my calm exterior. “No. You’ve been drinking. No way are you driving that beauty; I know you can look after yourself, but that doesn’t excuse putting yourself in a vulnerable position. Plus, if David is already asking questions, what’s to say he won’t manage to find you soon?” Nadias studies me for a moment, I can see the gears turning in her tipsy mind. “You don’t have to worry about me, really. I’m not some damsel in distress.” “I’m not saying you are” I reply, softening my tone, hoping to break through. “But you deserve to have someone looking out for you. Let me at least drive you home. It’s the least I can do after everything, I haven’t been drinking either.” Her expression softens slightly, but she still hesitates. “I don’t want to impose on you Zak. I came her to face my past, not drag you into my issues.” “It’s not an imposition” I insist, leaning in closer hoping my sincerity shows. “You’re dealing with enough right now. The last thing you need is the anxiety of travelling home added to the list. Plus, I must admit, I wouldn’t mind taking your truck for a spin.” Nadia raises an eyebrow, a smirk creeping onto her lips. “Ah, so this is about my truck, is it? You just want to show off your driving skills, don’t you?” Seeing a hint of humour return to her face fills me with relief. “Well, can you blame me? That thing is a beast, and I’m fairly sure I could handle it better than you.” She laughs, the sound lightening the atmosphere. “Alright, if you insist. But only because I’d rather not have you pacing the floor worrying about me the whole night.” “Deal,” I say a smile breaking across my face, relief washing over me. “Let’s finish up here, and I’ll take you home.” As we make our way through the crowd after Nadia had said h. goodbyes to Leo and Liam, the prospects face slightly peeved when she explained I was driving her home, I cant shake the feeling that this is just the beginning. With David looming in the background, I imagine the road ahead won’t be easy for Nadia. “Just so you know,” Nadia’s tone shifted to playful as we neared her truck, where she tossed me her keys, with a smooth flick of her wrist. “You aren’t - ” Before she can finish her thought, a screech pierced the air, cutting through the lively backdrop of the party. “ZAKKK, baby what are you doing?” comes the nasally voice of Tanya rang out, sharp and demanding her presence both unwelcoming and overwhelming. I groan, tilting my head skyward in frustration feeling a chuckle escape from Flames beside me. “What the f**k does she want now?” I mutter under my breath as I turn to face Tanya. There she stood, all over-the-top theatrics and desperate energy, her eyes wide and searching. “I was asking for the keys, Tanya” I snap, irritation creeping into my voice as she laughed nervously, reaching into her back pocket. “Here they are!” she chimes innocently, holding out her own set, her smile bright but misplaced, as if she was completely oblivious to the tension radiating from me. “Clearly not yours” I drawl, crossing my arms and staring her down, annoyance creeping up my spine. Shifting uncomfortably but not backing down, an awkward laugh escapes her lips. “Well then…who?” she giggles, her eyes darting between me and Flames. In an instant, I turn to my side, only to find the space where Nadia has stood vacant, her fiery presence evaporated into thin air. Panic surges in my chest. Where had she gone? The party’s warmth suddenly felt colder, the laughter fading into an unsettled silence as I scan the crowd in the distance, searching for the one person who had just begun to break down her walls. “Flames!” I call out, urgency seeping into my voice, but the lively atmosphere continues to swirl around me, indifferent to my growing worry. Groaning inwardly, “Leo is going to kill me.”