7

I cleared my throat, adjusted my seat, and continued scanning through the catalog, but I became conscious of how his hand was caressing my waist. He was drawing tiny circles on the fabric of my dress, and I couldn’t help but compare it to how it felt when Sebastian touched me. I didn’t feel the same electric surge when Sebastian caressed my lips. Every stroke from him tickled, and it had a strong effect on my body.

Just remembering those times when his body accidentally touched mine made my body burn with desire. I couldn’t understand it, but my brain knew why I felt this way about Seb. I was completely attracted to him. My body sent signals, but my mind refused to accept the truth. Society condemned situations like this. It was taboo.

“Hey, are you okay?” Niu asked. He leaned in closer and whispered in my ear. I didn’t feel anything when his lips brushed against my earlobe. It wasn’t the same tingling sensation as when Sebastian whispered to me—no electric surge that awakened every nerve in my body. I didn’t feel the same heat when his body touched mine, unlike how I burned when Sebastian was close.

“Yeah, I’ll just go get the snacks,” I said, excusing myself. I stood up and walked straight to the kitchen. I felt like I could finally breathe when I got there, grateful that no one else was around.

I leaned against the kitchen counter and sighed. I calmed myself with deep breaths. I hated that I was feeling this way when my husband was just in the next room. I felt a tingling sensation in my most sensitive part just thinking about the warmth of Sebastian’s breath when he whispered in my ear. My throat suddenly felt dry—I grabbed water from the fridge and drank it all in one go.

“So you’re here.”

I was startled when someone spoke behind me. Sebastian was standing there, eyes fixed on me intensely. His gaze pierced through me like he was reaching deep into my soul. I stepped back as he moved closer. The space between our bodies was too tight, too uncomfortable. I remembered our last encounter in this same kitchen. Why did we always end up having moments here?

“W-What are you doing here?” I asked, stammering. I stepped back again, only to realize I had no more room behind me. I was trapped.

I finally breathed a little easier when he stepped away. I needed support; my knees had gone weak.

He shrugged and went to the fridge. He took a bottle of water, unscrewed the cap, and drank while still staring at me. I could see his Adam’s apple move as he swallowed. I gulped. Why did he look so sexy doing that? Niu never looked this attractive while drinking water.

Seeing him gulp while looking at me made me thirsty all over again. I was sure he knew I was affected, and he enjoyed teasing me! He knew it—and loved it.

I cleared my throat and stood up straight. I had to hide this feeling—after all, that’s what I was good at: hiding how I really felt. I had mastered that art already. This shouldn’t be hard.

I crossed my arms over my chest and arched a brow at him. I needed to act unaffected around him. If I had to act like a bitch to hide this, then I’d gladly be the bitch.

“Are you following me? You know what? Just stop this,” I snapped at him, raising my chin and putting a bitchy tone in my voice.

“Stop what? What are you talking about, Claire?” he asked innocently. He even made his face look clueless, like he really had no idea. Ugh!

I looked at him with irritation. Now he was acting innocent and clueless. How great.

“You know what I’m talking about. Please, just stop it. For chrissake, Seb—I’m your brother’s wife. You can’t just do that to me!” I said firmly, lowering my voice slightly in case someone overheard us.

From pretending to be innocent, he suddenly changed. The playfulness vanished. His expression turned serious, and his gaze bore into me. His eyes darkened. I felt like I was being swallowed up by them.

I stepped back as he slowly moved toward me. I wanted to create distance between us—until I felt the cold counter behind me. I had nowhere to go.

“Do what, Claire?” he asked when he was right in front of me, trapping me against the counter with his massive body. Why did I always end up in this kind of situation?

I closed my eyes when he leaned in closer, bringing his face level with mine. He placed both hands on the counter, caging me in. I caught the scent of his breath—fresh and masculine. It mixed with the subtle hint of his aftershave. My knees grew even weaker.

“You can’t do this,” I whispered. My earlier defensive stance crumbled. He leaned in more, so I pressed my hands against his chest. I felt his firm muscles. I could hardly breathe—he was so close.

“Please,” I begged. I barely recognized my own voice. The sharp tone I used earlier was gone. “Don’t do this,” I moaned as he dipped his head into the crook of my neck and inhaled deeply.

“Yes, I can. You, being my brother’s wife, can’t stop me from wanting you.”

I clutched his shoulders tightly when I felt his hot tongue on my neck.