Hidden Pathways (BOOK 1)

Shadow Reckoning - Chapter 133

Zach rose from his seat with quiet grace, a soft smile playing on his lips as he looked down at Ruby'ck. "Ruby'ck, I'll be heading out now to check on the others. I want to make sure everyone's doing alright since my unexpected visit," he explained gently.

Ruby'ck's expression turned playful as she protested, "Already? You came in here just to leave again so soon?"

Zach chuckled softly, his eyes warm with affection. "I'm afraid so, Ruby'ck. My mission of ensuring your well-being has been accomplished, and duty calls," he replied with a hint of regret.

Ruby'ck pouted playfully, her cheeks flushed with mock indignation. "Well, that's no fun," she remarked, a hint of teasing in her tone.

Zach couldn't help but grin at her adorable antics. "You have a remarkable talent for being cute, even in the most ordinary moments," he remarked, his voice filled with genuine admiration.

Ruby'ck blinked in surprise at the unexpected compliment. "What? Me?" she asked, her cheeks flushing brighter.

Zach laughed softly at her reaction. "Yes, you, Ruby'ck. You have this natural charm that's impossible to resist," he replied fondly.

In response, Ruby'ck playfully pretended to hammer his arm, her eyes dancing with amusement. "Oh, stop it, Zach. You're making me blush," she teased, her voice tinged with affection.

Zach's laughter filled the air, his teasing tone gentle as he continued to playfully rib Ruby'ck. "I swear, Ruby'ck, you could make even the grumpiest of souls crack a smile with that adorable pout of yours," he remarked, his eyes sparkling with affection.

Ruby'ck rolled her eyes playfully, though a delighted smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "Oh, come on, Zach. You're just saying that to flatter me," she teased, her cheeks still tinged with a faint blush.

Zach shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Maybe I am, maybe I'm not. But one thing's for sure—you have a knack for brightening up even the dullest of days," he replied, his voice filled with sincerity.

Ruby'ck's smile widened at his words, a warm glow spreading through her chest. "Well, I guess I'll take that as a compliment then," she said with a playful wink.

Zach chuckled softly, his gaze lingering on her face. "You should, because it's the truth," he said, his tone gentle yet earnest.

Their playful banter continued, the easy rapport between them weaving a comfortable cocoon of warmth and affection. As they exchanged teasing remarks and shared laughter, the air around them seemed to crackle with a sweet, tender energy.

Then, in a moment of unexpected vulnerability, Ruby'ck's playful demeanor softened, her gaze meeting Zach's with a hint of uncertainty. "Zach, can I ask you something?" she said softly, her voice tinged with hesitation.

Zach's expression softened, a flicker of concern crossing his features. "Of course, Ruby'ck. You can ask me anything," he replied, his tone gentle and reassuring.

Ruby'ck took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest as she gathered her courage. "Would... would you... kiss me, Zach?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

The words hung in the air between them, heavy with unspoken longing and tender emotion. And as Zach gazed into Ruby'ck's eyes, he felt a surge of warmth and affection wash over him, filling him with a sense of deep, undeniable connection.

Zach's heart skipped a beat at Ruby'ck's unexpected request, his mind racing as he struggled to process her words. "Uh, Ruby'ck, I-I don't know if that's such a good idea," he stammered, his cheeks flushing with a mixture of embarrassment and uncertainty.