All Chapters of TALES OF INSTANT LUST - SHORT READS : Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

Chapter Two After that dinner, the first week passed in an outbreak of sleepless nights. Despite my best efforts, I was unable to avoid reliving the scene in the kitchen, including the manner in which his eyes had been on mine for an excessive amount of time and the slight curve of his lips that seemed more menacing than any smile should have. I told myself that I was overanalysing it and that perhaps the wine, the dim lighting, or the fact that I was bored enough to begin imagining things that weren't there were the reasons I thought of it all. However, each time I shut my eyes, I saw him reclining against the counter, his broad shoulders relaxed, and his voice seemed to resonate inside my chest as it was steady and low. I was aware that it was incorrect. Hell, it was twisted and completely wrong. He was the father of my best friend. Untouchable and Prohibited. It was the type of fantasy that ought to have remained hidden away in the back of my mind, out of the reach of a

Chapter FourI was awakened before the sun by the aroma of coffee. I briefly lay in bed, confused, and gripped the book he had given me the night before. The way his thumb touched mine and his eyes burned like a secret I shouldn't have known still made my heart race. With each heartbeat, the memories throbbed through me. With my hair in a chaotic state and my hoodie falling off my shoulder, I dragged myself out of bed and went down the hallway. The scent intensified as I approached the kitchen; it was earthy and deep, with a hint of sizzle from cooking on a pan. He was right present.Coffee was steaming in a mug next to him as he stood at the stove wearing a simple white t-shirt with sleeves that were tight around his arms. He was broad and relaxed with his back to me, as if he was unaware that he had totally destroyed my breathing. "Good morning," I murmured quietly, attempting to sound informal. With a slight smile, he turned while holding a spatula. "Good morning. You

Chapter OneDesperation feels heavier than I ever imagined. Every time I looked at my bank balance, it felt like a stone pressing against my ribs in my chest. Rent is past due. The tuition is past due. Even my meagre part-time job at the bookshop wasn't enough to support me while I was in school. I initially laughed when Nadia murmured, "I know someone who can resolve everything for you, if you're brave enough," while leaning across our sticky diner table. But I paused at the serious, even respectful tone with which she spoke. "Resolve everything?" As I stirred the diluted cup of coffee in front of me, I asked.She had a cunning, covert smile. "He's wealthy. Extremely wealthy. He also enjoys making arrangements. My whole body turned over. "What plans?" She dismissed it, saying, "Until you meet him, you won't understand." "But believe me, you'll pay attention to what he has to offer if you're hoping for your life to change." I ought to have left. I should have infor

I promised myself that I would never return. His voice curling over my ear, the heaviness of his gaze forcing me into surrender without a single touch, I relived the mask party in my mind all week. I ought to have been frightened. I ought to have torn the mask to pieces and set it on fire. Instead, though, I found myself using my fingers to trace its edges at night while visualising his gloved hand. By Friday, I was experiencing a fever-like pain. And I didn't even think twice when another envelope showed up in my mailbox on Saturday. It had a wax seal that glinted in the afternoon sun, but no explanation or return address.I was met by the Crimson Manor. I dressed purposefully this time. My hair was swept up to showcase my neck line, and I was wearing a black silk gown with a slit high enough to see the curve of my thigh. Even though my mask was exactly that as before, it felt heavier in some way, as though it had absorbed all of the secrets I had brought home from that e

Chapter One The city lit up; it didn't sleep. Silver lights rippled across the desert night as Las Vegas spread out like a sparkling creation from the top level of the Aurelia Hotel. Inside the ballroom, the most wild souls in the world came together to play jazz, champagne poured like gold, and laughs erupted like flames.This was not the place for Ivy Bennett. At least that was what she convinced herself each time she saw her image in the mirrored pillars: a weary corporate lawyer wearing an overly tight silk dress and excessively high heels. The only reason she agreed to go to this dinner was because her boss suggested it was "good for the sight." She had flown in for a meeting that morning. She had intended to remain for an hour. That was three champagne glasses ago. She made an effort to fit in with the sharp suits and glittering jewels, but her steel grey, inquisitive eyes were too obvious. Restless, they moved about the room, lured to the laughing coming from the priv