Fatal seduction

February 14th

“Please don't do this, Brandy!” Piper said behind me, but I pretended not to hear her.

I shoved the last of my lingerie into my suitcase and snapped it shut.

“ You can't just throw away years of hard work…You're the best surgeon in the country and you're giving it all up?.. All for a man ....”

"I love him, Piper. And he loves me.” I cut in sharply. “And sometimes, love means sacrifice. You'll understand that if you've ever been in love."

I regretted the words the moment they left my mouth, but in my defense, Piper had never liked Stefan. From the moment she met him, she had labeled him trouble.

Piper glared at me, her lips pressed into a thin line.

I sighed

“I'm sorry Piper, I didn't mean it like ..…” but she he didn't let me finish.

“I know exactly what you meant.” Her voice dropped. “And just so you know, I’d rather be alone than cross an ocean for a man who wouldn’t even cross a puddle for me.”

The words hit a nerve. “Piper… That's not fair!”

“Call me when you land in Italy.” She walked and slammed the door

Damn it!

I hate fighting with Piper but I've made my decision.

………

The fight left me sour throughout the three hour flight from London to Naples.

The taxi drive from the airport didn't do much to lighten my mood either, despite Naples' breathtaking view.

I was starting a new beginning, with the love of my life but why does it feel like I'm walking towards my doom?

I tried to convince myself Piper was wrong but I couldn't stop thinking about her face. The way your best friend looked at you like she was watching me jump off a cliff and couldn't do anything to stop me..

I felt a knot tightened in my stomach.

Had I given up everything for Stefan? Yes! But he was worth it… I know he was and Piper will one day see it too when she comes to Italy for our wedding.

Besides mother approves of him.

A spark of excitement shot through me, scattering all my doubts in the wind. Stefan didn't know I was coming today and I couldn't wait to see the surprise on his face.

The elevator ride to Stefan's penthouse became painfully slow. I touched up my lipstick and tightened the straps of the red trench coat I was wearing. I was naked underneath except the red thong and the lace patchwork called a bra.

it was Valentine's day after all and I want to make up for the eight months we've been apart.

My heart began to beat frantically as the image of what I've planned for tonight danced in my head. I pressed my legs together, my body sizzling with anticipation.

I opened the door with my spare key. Inside the penthouse was quiet except the rushing sound of water coming from the master's bedroom.

A smile spread across my face. He must be in the shower.

I slipped off the trench coat and heels and pulled the bathroom door open.

“Oh My God!” the scream tore out of my throat before I could stop it.

Stefan was in the shower but he was not alone. He was balls deep pounding into some woman from behind.

They both jerked around at my scream, Stefan's face turned white with shock and instantly pulled out of the woman.

The woman glared at me like I'm some deranged intruder wearing a bra and thong.

Snapping out of his shock, Stefan snatched a towel to cover himself, “Brandy? Why didn't you tell me you were ....” He started but I didn't wait for him to finish.

I grabbed my coat off the floor and clutched it to my chest running out of the bedroom. Humiliation and anger burning inside me.

"Brandy, wait!" His footsteps thumped behind me. Wet and Scrambling.

"This is not what you think it is"

"Not what I think?" I stopped, my back against him. I was so disgusted, I couldn't look at him.

He was standing behind me after pulling out from another woman before my very eyes and it's not what I think?

I dug my fingers into my palm, trying hard to fight the rage boiling inside me. l needed to get out of here before I do something we both regret.

I shoved my hands into the trench coat as fast as I could, grabbed my heels and my suitcase but Stefan grabbed my hand before I could take a step.

"Brandy. Stop. You're overthinking this. It was just sex, It didn't mean anything. You know that."

The words blew the tip off the my boiling rage

Overthinking?

I turned around slowly, trying hard to keep down the anger.. “You’re not even sorry….” My voice came out small and I hated it

“Sorry?” Stefan frowned, “This is all your fault!”

I blinked twice. The word sinking in.

“My fault?”

“Yes! Your fault! if you had come with me when I proposed to you, none of these would have happened”

I don't know why, but I found myself laughing, tears pooling in my eyes “I quit my job, Stefan… I uprooted. My. Life, gave up everything… My career..” My voice came out small.

“And it took you eight bloody months to do it.” He snapped.

“You left me alone for eight months. Eight months Brandy! What did you expect? I'm a man, I have needs but your career always come first…You act as if you're the only doctor in the world”

My hand moved to his face with a force I didn't think I possessed.

Crack!

The sound echoed through the room. He stumbled back, hand flying to his cheek, with wide eyes.

I didn't wait for him to react, I yanked the ring off my finger, tossed it on the floor, turned and walked out.

The tears didn't come until the elevator doors closed. And they came in hot. I collapsed to the floor, clutching my coat to my chest.

What Just Happened? What have I done?

I can't believe I just torched my career…Sold my home, fought with my best friend and for what…..An arrogant. Cheating. Bastard. And he's not even sorry.

I sobbed uncontrollably.

God! What am I supposed to do now?

I can't just go back to London, the shame will be too much to bear. How was I supposed to face everyone? To face..Piper?

As if on cue, my phone buzzed

Piper….

I stared at the screen. My thumb hovered over the answer button. Fresh sobs broke out and I clamped my hand over my mouth to muffle the sounds, afraid she might somehow hear me over the phone.

I let the phone ring..I couldn't answer it.

—-------

I walked the streets of Naples for hours, dragging my suitcase along barefoot , one hand holding my heels.

I don't know where I was going. I just walked. I found a secluded bar near the edge of a cliff. I entered and I collapsed onto a stool.

"Something strong."

The bartender poured. I stared at the glass but couldn't bring it up to my lips.

All I could see was the image of Stefan's hands gripping the woman's hips, buried deep behind her and the way he'd looked at me and said it was my fault.

It's just sex. You're overthinking this.

Stefan's words echoed in my head. My grip tightened around the glass.

And a thought clicked in my head.

Let's see how you'll react Stefan, when this table turns.

I raked the bar with my eyes until it fell on him.

A man sitting alone in a private booth in the corner. Shadows and dimlight. Dark eyes. Sharp jaw. Dressed in black like the night had taken shape.

I didn't stop to think.

I swallowed my drink in one gulp and walked straight to him, sliding into the booth across from him