Page 28 of Wicked Stranger

“Okay, open,” Zane said with a hint of excitement in his voice.

She opened her eyes, blinking quickly a few times to try to get them to focus, and what she saw brought instant tears to her eyes. “Oh, my God.” She slapped her hand over her mouth as she stared at the artwork displayed on every wall. Her artwork. “How?”

“Let’s just say after everyone was finished with that bastard, he was more than willing to cooperate.” He took her hand, walked her around, then opened a door. He flipped on the lights, and once again, she gasped in shocked surprise. “I wanted you to have a place for your art and to create art. Whatever I didn’t get that you need just tell me and I will make sure you get it.”

Raina stared in awe, shaking her head at how thoughtful this man truly was. Not only in words did he tell her he loved her, but in his actions as well. Turning, she wrapped her arms around him, holding him close as if she was trying to make sure he was real. “Thank you, Zane. No one has ever done anything like this for me before.” She looked up at him. “How did I get so lucky?”

“I ask myself that same question every day since I met you.” Zane touched the softness of her cheek. She did the same, but her hand lovingly cupped his scarred jaw. “You never did ask me what happened to my face.”

Searching his eyes, she then looked at the scars before raising her gaze to his. “It doesn’t matter to me. Your scars are a part of you. I figured when you are ready, you would tell me.”

“Bruce,” Zane said with a straight face.

“Bruce?” Raina’s head snapped back with wide eyes. “Did that?”

A smile suddenly appeared as he laughed. “You should have seen your face.” He chuckled, and his eyes twinkled. “If Bruce did this, he would be bragging until I killed him. It was a long time ago. I got into a fight with a bear shifter. In the end, I won the fight but suffered for it.”

“Why were you fighting?” Raina ran her thumb along the deepest scar.

“He attacked my friend’s sister. We hunted for him, and I found him first.” Zane said as shadows filled his eyes.

“You’re a good man, Zane.” She leaned up, kissing him softly. “I love you.”

“And I love you.” He whispered, picking her up to deepen the kiss. “I know this isn’t New York, but I hope you decide to stay, and if not, then I will follow you to the ends of the earth, even New York.”

“Not much of a city guy, are you?” She teased, then laughed when he shook his head. “I have no desire to go back to New York. I want to be here with you, with family and friends. You are my home.”

* * *

Raina and Zanefinally made it to the party. It was late, but they made it. They decided to initiate her new art studio…twice.

Glancing over at Zane, she frowned. “Why didn’t you dress up? I heard Zelda gets really upset when people don’t wear costumes. Plus, we are late.”

“I did,” Zane responded with a half grin.

“Ah, no, you didn’t.” Raina shot back, looking him up and down. When he remained silent, she stopped. “Okay, what is your costume? Panther dressed as a human?”

“Hmmm, I like that, but no.” He shook his head and then looked down at her. “I'm a man in love.”

“Oh, nice answer.” Raina kissed his scarred jaw. “But I don’t think that is going to fly with Zelda.”

“I’ll take my chances.” Zane wrapped his arm around her with a wink.

Walking toward the crowd of people, Raina noticed Bruce walking slowly with his head hung low. Pulling Zane with her, she headed toward the most dejected cat she had ever seen.

“Hey,” She called to Bruce. He stopped, looked up at them, then continued to walk away. “Bruce?”

“What?” Bruce’s voice was tense.

“What’s wrong?” Raina kept pace with him, which wasn’t hard. Zane followed, still holding her hand.

Bruce stopped and then looked up at them, but not before kicking out at a small rock. “I had the perfect costume.” Bruce hissed, then glared toward the crowd before looking back at them. “But Zelda saiditwasn’tkid-friendly.” Bruce made his voice sound like Zelda, which was impressive.

“Why?” Raina was a little afraid to ask but asked anyway.

“I had my balls encased in gold. I was my own golden ball statue.” Bruce said, tossing another glare toward the crowd.

“Wasn’t that painful?” Zane asked with a cringe.