Marie’s POVHis lips pressed against the most intimate part of me, and I cried out, my head falling back against the cupboard with a thud. My hands shot forward, one clutching the edge of the counter, the other tangling in his hair without me even realizing it.He licked slowly at first, his tongue teasing me, exploring me, making my hips twitch and jerk. Then he found that sensitive spot—the little bundle of nerves—and his mouth wrapped around it, sucking gently.A sharp, broken moan escaped me. My thighs trembled, my toes curling inside my slippers. My hips lifted off the counter as if my body was chasing him, begging for more.“Oh… oh God…” I whispered, my voice shaking, almost embarrassed by the needy sounds spilling out of me, but I couldn’t stop them. I didn’t want to.The sensation was strange, almost too much, almost unbearable—but in the best way. It was like my whole body was being lit up, nerve by nerve, every touch of his tongue sending sparks of pleasure racing through me
Marie’s POVSlow, careful steps. I didn’t turn around, but I knew where he was. Every part of me was aware of him. And then—he was behind me.The counter pressed against my stomach, trapping me, and then his body filled the space at my back. His chest, broad and warm, leaned into me, and suddenly I couldn’t breathe right. My heart was pounding so loudly I was sure he could hear it.I shivered the moment his chest pressed against me, the heat of him seeping straight through my clothes, into my skin, into my bones. My hands shot out, gripping the counter edge so tightly my knuckles ached, like I needed something to hold on to or I might just melt into him.The kitchen light above hummed faintly, the clock ticked on the wall, but it all faded when I felt his lips.A soft kiss. Right on my bare shoulder where my top had slipped just enough. Gentle. Tender. It shouldn’t have broken me, but it did. My body trembled so hard I thought my knees would give out. My eyes fluttered shut, and I bit
Marie’s POVThe next evening the house was quiet except for the bubbling sound of the soup on the stove and the ticking of the kitchen clock. The air smelled of onions, garlic, and the faint sweetness of carrots, and I was standing by the counter with the knife in my hand, trying to focus on chopping vegetables instead of the thoughts spinning in my head.That was when Jamie walked into the kitchen.He looked tired, his hair slightly messy, his shirt clinging to him like he had been running between classes all day. His college bag was hanging from his shoulder, and he set it down by the door with a soft thump. My heart gave a nervous little jump at the sight of him. We hadn’t been alone since last night—since that dinner where he had touched me under the table in a way that still made my skin heat if I remembered it too clearly.I quickly turned back to the counter, pretending to be absorbed in slicing carrots into neat little pieces. “Hey,” I greeted, my voice quieter than I wanted i
Marie’s POVBut I couldn't. Not here, not now. Jamie seemed to sense my hesitation. He withdrew his finger, leaving me aching and empty. I wanted to protest, to beg him for more, but I kept silent. I could feel his eyes on me, dark and intense, and I knew he was waiting for me to make the next move.I glanced around the table, trying to act normal. But my body was on fire, my skin sensitized. Every brush of my dress against my thighs made me shiver. I could feel Jamie's gaze on me, heavy and heated, and it took everything in me not to look back at him.I knew I should stop this, put an end to it before things went too far. But I couldn't. I was trapped in this web of desire and danger, and I didn't want to escape. Not yet.So I did nothing. I said nothing. I simply sat there, letting Jamie touch me, letting him build the tension between us. Under the table, his hand crept back up my thigh, his fingers brushing against my panties. I knew I should push him away, but I couldn't bring mys
Marie’s POVI had worked so hard all day that my hands still ached from chopping, and my back was sore from standing for hours. But when the Smiths finally arrived and I saw the smiles on their faces as they looked at the food spread on the table, a small part of me felt proud. Maybe tonight would be different. Maybe my husband would finally acknowledge me for something more than just existing in the house.The dining room glowed warmly under the chandelier, the golden light bouncing off the polished wood of the table. The smell of roasted chicken and freshly baked bread filled the air, and soft laughter drifted as everyone settled into their seats. I smoothed my dress nervously as I sat down, reminding myself to breathe.Jamie came in a few moments later. I heard his footsteps before I saw him, steady and confident. When he walked into the room, I swore even the air shifted. He wasn’t dressed fancy, just a white shirt rolled up at the sleeves and dark jeans, but he looked effortlessl
Jamie’s POVAs I slid into my Porsche, the leather seat cool against my back, I let out a shaky breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. My hands gripped the steering wheel, but I wasn’t thinking about driving. I wasn’t even thinking about school. All I could think about was her.Marie.The image of her at the breakfast table wouldn’t leave me. Her hair had fallen gently over her shoulder, catching the light in a way that made me want to reach out and touch it. She wasn’t wearing much makeup — she never needed it. Her skin was smooth, her lips soft-looking, a shade of pink that had been the center of too many of my late-night fantasies.She had looked so beautiful, even when she tried to hide it, even when she avoided my eyes. And the more she avoided me, the more I wanted her.I shut my eyes for a second, running a hand through my hair as I remembered the way she stiffened when I hugged her. The way she sucked in a breath when I kissed her forehead. She tried to act like it meant noth