All Chapters of Taboo Shadows: {Collection Of Forbidden Longings}: Chapter 11 - Chapter 13

Lily drove to the long gravel road to the big old family house in Virginia. At 22 years old, she felt worn out and empty inside because the city had been tough and she lost her job at the art gallery, her friends had moved on, and she still hadn't found anyone special. She was still a virgin, and that made her feel even more alone, like she was missing out on something everyone else had already experienced.Her mom had begged her to come home for the summer family reunion. "It'll be good for you," she said. So here Lily was, pulling up to the big white house covered in green vines and old memories.The backyard party was already going strong when she arrived. Strings of lights hung from the trees and the smell of grilled food and sweet drinks filled the warm night air.Family members hugged her tight. Aunts asked too many questions about her life and if she had a boyfriend yet,she smiled and nodded, holding a cold glass of pink wine to calm her nerves,the wine helped loosen the tigh

That evening after dinner, the whole family gathered in the big living room for movie night,the lights were low, and everyone sat on the big couches with blankets and popcorn. Lily sat next to Damon, her heart still racing from their secret hike earlier,her body remembered every lick and touch from the woods,she tried to act normal, but her skin felt hot whenever his arm brushed hers.They picked a funny family movie at first but as it played, aunts and uncles started yawning. "I'm so tired," Lily's mom said, stretching. "These country nights always knock me out early." One by one, the others headed upstairs to their rooms, saying goodnight with sleepy smiles.Lily and Damon stayed behind. "I'm not sleepy yet," Lily said softly, her voice a little shaky."Me neither," Damon replied with that slow smile. "Let's keep watching something."When the last door clicked shut upstairs, the room felt suddenly quiet and private,Damon picked up the remote. "This movie is too boring now." He chan