Zarek POV
If anyone asked me what my hobby was, I’d say “sampling.” Not wine, not food—though I do appreciate a good plate of medium-rare steak—but people. I like tasting their flavors, poking around their edges, seeing what drips out when you press them just right.
And lately, my “sampling” had one specific theme: Zara’s ghosts.
Ex-mates. Ex-best friends. All the people she used to orbit around before she became… well, the Zara I know now. The Zara who hides behind that sharp tongue and fire, but who I’ve caught crying when she thought no one was watching. The Zara everyone loves to hate, but somehow, I can’t stop circling back to.
So, today’s special on the tasting menu? Alexandra.
Alex. The former best friend, turned loudest hater.
I spotted her at the stone steps in front of the
