Chapter 3. Playing With Fire

Brittany stared at Dylan, her mind reeling from what had transpired between them. It was as if the air in the room had changed, and she could sense her mom's presence without seeing her

“I - I think my mom is back,” She whispered as she informed Dylan, her heart pounding crazily against her ribcage.

Dylan nodded, taking a step back. 

He got on his feet and adjusted his shirt before settling on the sofa, an awkward silence hanging heavily in the air.

As she gripped her ringing phone, she caught Dylan's eye, and for a moment, they just looked at each other. Brittany's face felt hot, and she quickly looked away, trying to break the tension.

She turned her head slightly as she looked at the window, her ears perked up. The car door’s loud thud could be heard outside, followed by the sound of footsteps.

The room seemed to shrink, the silence between her mom's footsteps and her entry into the room feeling like an eternity. 

Brittany's anxiety grew with each passing second, her palms growing sweaty.

The door opened, revealing her mom's stern face. Brittany tried to gauge her mood, but her expression gave away nothing.

She forced a smile.

“Hey, Mom," Brittany said finally, trying to sound casual. "Welcome back.”

Itching her nape, she added, “Urm.. Uncle Dylan just got here. It's like you two planned your arrivals..” she lied, trying to keep a calm demeanor.

Nichole's lips curled into a firm smile as her eyes locked with Dylan. Smiling, he got on his feet and embraced her warmly.

“Oh, my, it's been such a long time. How was your trip from Mexico? Everything went smoothly?”

“The trip was fine. Thanks for asking..” 

Nichole nodded sympathetically, her eyes glinting with delight. “You're welcome to stay with us for as long as you need to get settled. So, tell me more about your time in Mexico. I heard you returned because you have some projects you need to handle here..”

Dylan bit his lower lips as he tried to explain the situation to her in a way she wouldn't seem judgemental. The truth was, he owned a sex club both in Mexico and in the States and had only returned to monitor the progress of his club in the US.

He knows how Nichole can be judgemental, so he carefully chose his words, trying to downplay the club aspect or focus on the business side to avoid triggering her concerns.

Clearing his throat, he replied, “Well. I’m just visiting some friends back home plus, we wanted to discuss some potential business partnership.”

Nichole hesitated, and then nodded. He could tell that she was still skeptical, her eyes narrowing slightly as she studied his expression.

Turning to Brittany, she said, “Why not bring some snacks for your uncle, Britt?”

Brittany swallowed the huge lump in her throat as her gaze drifted towards Dylan . Nodding, she ambled towards the kitchen and got the snacks she had prepared.

“Goddamn! - I can't believe we - we did that..” Her voice dropped to a whisper, her face flushed from embarrassment.

She pushed a strand of hair behind her ear and bit her lips so hard.

As she cranked the faucet handle, she cupped her hand beneath the gentle steam of water flowing out, feeling the cool liquid pour over her skin…

After splashing the water to her face, she stared at her reflection in the kitchen window, her face etched with guilt.

She could feel Dylan's eyes everywhere, and she could feel him at every corner of her mind.

Gosh!

“Stay calm, Britt. Try not to get flustered. Act normal.” She said to herself, trying hard to calm her racing thoughts.

Holding the tray of snacks, she returned to the sitting room where her mom's laughter filled the air, momentarily easing Brittany's tension as she wondered if her mom had any idea what had just transpired.

As Brittany dropped the tray of cookies and sandwiches, Dylan 's eyes sized her up, leaving her cheeks flushed with a mix of guilt and anxiety.

The way he looked at her. Those sexy, lustful eyes of his. She felt naked under his heated gaze, his eyes felt like it was suggesting that he wanted to clear the entire table and eat her instead.

The thought of that made her core wet, her juices slipping in between her thighs.

As he tore his gaze from her, she took in the sexy breadth of his shoulders and the way the vein on his hands bulged when he poured wine in his glass.

Neither of them spoke with their mouths, but they talked a lot with their eyes.

And the strange attraction that she felt toward him made her wary.

It was wrong, and she knew that. 

Even if he was adopted, he was still her uncle.

But she couldn't deny the sexual pull that lingered.

Nichole cleared her throat, gaining their attention.

Brittany felt awkward as she took a step back.

She wondered if her mom had noticed the tension between her and Dylan .

Nichole beamed with pride, her eyes locked on Dylan . "I have some exciting news to share. Brittany's been accepted to Notre Dame!”

There was a pause and then, Dylan's face lit up with a forced smile as he faced Brittany, whose expression was unreadable. "That's amazing, Brittany! Congratulations!"

Brittany smiled weakly, still avoiding his gaze. "Thanks."

Dylan turned to Nichole. "Notre Dame… Isn't that in Indiana? When is she going? This fall, right?”

“Yes. In fact, she'll be leaving next week so she can get settled on campus, attend orientation, and start getting familiar with the university before classes begin.” Nicole replied enthusiastically while Dylan caught a sight of Brittany giving her an eye roll, her face etched with frustration.

He could tell that she wasn't happy with the prospect of attending Notre Dame.

Dylan broke the silence with a suggestion. “Urm. My friends live in Indiana and I'll be going there next week. If you don't mind, I'd love to drop her off to save costs.”

Nichole hesitated, unsure. "Oh, Dylan , I don't know... That's a long drive."

Dylan spoke in a calm tone as he reassured her. "It's no trouble, really. I'd be happy to help."

Nichole eventually agreed. "Well, if you're sure... That would be a big help."

Dylan smiled. "Great, it's settled then." His eyes met Brittany's, and she felt a flutter in her chest.

****************

The drive to Indiana was heavy with silence and the weight of her mom's warning. 

The quiet ride was a mix of sadness, pride, and anticipation as they made their way to a new chapter in Brittany's life. They filled the trunk with luggage, all packed for Brittany’s new adventure at Notre Dame.

Dylan gripped the steering wheel, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. He lowered the volume of the radio, took a deep breath, and broke the silence with a question. 

“Is everything okay, Brittany? You've been quiet since morning. Care to tell me?” He asked, his voice full of concern.

Brittany's gaze drifted towards the windshield, staring at the passing landscape.

Sighing, she replied, “Just a little overwhelmed, I guess,” She mumbled, her voice above a whisper 

And then she turned to face him, her voice firm. “I don't know, Dylan . I just don't feel right about this.”

Dylan swerved the car to a different path and stepped on the gas pedal. “You’ve been accepted Brittany. You're prepared for this. What is going on?”

Brittany creased her brows, her frustration evident. Pushing a strand of her hair behind her ears, she whined, “I dunno. I'm just…. It's just.. Notre Dame. It's so catholic. I don't know if I can fit in.”

Dylan's expression softened, “But you're going to get a great education there..”

Brittany shook her head and sighed once again. “That's not the point. The point is.. I don't wanna be surrounded by all that religiosity, it feels….. suffocating.” 

Dylan nodded thoughtfully, his eyes filled with understanding. “Maybe it will be different than you think. Who knows, you might find a community that works for you.”

As Dylan parked the car, Brittany's eyes held a mix of emotions. She hesitated before unbuckling her belt.

“But.. I - I don't want this. I can never fit in.”

Dylan held her cheek, and stared into her eyes, “I know you can do this, Brittany. And about what we discussed the other time..”

He paused before admitting. “it's - it's not possible, Brittany.”

“Why?” Brittany croaked out, her face etched with disappointment.

“I know I live close to the school, but your mom has no clue about it. I know you're thinking about staying with me instead of on-campus but I don't think that's a good idea.”

“Just tell me. Why isn't it possible?” Brittany asked. “I could stay with you and—”

Dylan cut her off, “Britt, I care about you but living together…. It's not safe for you. For us. You need to focus on your studies and your life. I mean, I don't wanna be a distraction. If your mom gets to find out about your plans, you know what she's capable of. Plus, you don't know much about me…”

Brittany swallowed the lump in her throat, pushing back the tears that threatened to fall.

“Are you saying this because you think I can't live with you? That I'm still mommy's good girl who can't make her own decisions?”

Dylan's face softened as he tried to convey that wasn't what he meant. “That’s not it, Brittany. It has nothing to do with your mom or being a ‘good girl.’ it's about us, and the situation we're in. You know it's kinda complicated.”

“Complicated? You mean because of what people might think? Or because mom wouldn't approve?”

Dylan's grip tightened on the steering wheel, unable to respond. 

Gulping down the lump in his throat, he finally said, “Both, Brit. I - I don't wanna put you in a situation where you'll feel trapped or obliged to me.”

Brittany nodded as her face fell, understanding dawning on her.

Alighting from the car, she whispered sadly, “Thanks for the ride.” 

After taking her luggages from the car, she left in silence while Dylan shoved his fingers into his hair, a deep sigh escaping his lips.

As Brittany made her way to the campus, she saw a young professor who tried to speak to her, but she ignored him, feeling hurt, misunderstood and frustrated at Dylan's refusal. 

Brittany reluctantly settled for on-campus housing since her mom had already paid for it, and she didn't want to waste the money.

She engaged in orientation, school activities and also familiarized with some students, but her mind still drifted towards Dylan.

*************************

A few weeks into the semester, Brittany was determined to see Dylan .

Alighting from the cab, she clutched her bag tightly as she stood in front of his mansion.

He has no clue she was coming over. Although she was aware, he had his house close to the university, he never mentioned which specific house it was.

She was able to get the address of his house after seeking a peek at his document when they were together.

Brittany gawked as she stared at his huge mansion which stood behind iron gates. Sprawling lawns spread around it and its immaculate walls screamed wealth. As she walked in, she clutched her bag tightly, her gaze flying around with a hint of amusement.

“Uncle Dylan?” She called as she walked up the stairs, her voice bouncing off the walls.

The entire place seems empty. Like he wasn't at home.

“Dylan!” she called once more. Stopping at the front of his room, she wrapped her fingers around the doorknob and pushed it open.

He wasn't in his room either. 

Her eyes traced every corner as she trailed her fingers along every surface.

Ambling towards his closet, she opened it and was shocked to see series of sex objects and torture devices.

Curious, she reached for the leather paddle, violet wand, and silk blindfold. Dropping them down, she looked up and her gaze landed on a pair of handcuffs.

As she slid her hand into one of it, it locked, leaving her handcuffed to the metal railing, leaving her surprised.

“What the hell!” She mumbled, trying to free herself. With a metallic click, the second cuff locked around her other wrist, securing her to the railing and leaving her entirely trapped.

“Holy fuck!” She whispered, eyes going wide.

“Argh!” A groan escaped her lips, and she winced in discomfort as she tried slipping her hand out of the cuff.

Next, the sound of footsteps.

Gasping, she turned in the direction and was shocked to see Dylan leaning against the wall with a white towel wrapped around his waist.

He looked at her from head to toe with a smirk on his face, completely amused. 

“Well…. What can I say?—-”

“—This is an interesting predicament.”

As he took a few steps towards her, she could feel her chest constrict. 

Brushing his fingers against her skin, he whispered, “What are you doing here, Little kitte

n? Didn't I warn you to stay away?”

Brittany turned to look at him, her muscles relaxed as his body came in contact with her. “I - I want you,” the words slipped out of her mouth, her eyes filled with longing.