Secret Affairs with my father's Bestfriend

The reverberating clang of the doorbell reverberates across Luke Montgomery's expansive entryway. I attempt to look calm and collected as I smooth out my sundress, but my heart is pounding. This is it, the opportunity I've been yearning for years to seize. Luke's angular face softens into a courteous smile as he opens the door. "Hello, Bella. Please enter." The faint vibrations in his rich voice remind me of the butterflies I used to get when I was a teenage girl in love. But now that I'm 24 years old, his feelings towards me are more hotter and more strong. "Mr. Montgomery, thank you for having me," I say, trying not to look him in the eye too much. "I really appreciate you letting me stay here while my parents are overseas." He laughs quietly. "There's no need for protocol. You may address me as Luke. I can't help but bite my lip as he turns to guide me deeper inside, my gaze straying down his wide shoulders that taper to his tiny waist. Luke has always been a statuesque representation of strength, grace, and masculinity. But it's really disarming up close like this. Entering through the marble foyer, we find ourselves in an opulent living area featuring high ceilings and opulent leather furnishings. "Your room is just upstairs to the left," says the man. "I'll let you get settled in." "Okay, thanks." I turn to head for the big staircase, but not before giving him one more look. "Oh, and Luke?" "Yes?" I take a deep breath. "It's...really good to see you again." A faint smirk tugs at the corner of his mouth as those steel grey eyes lock onto mine, giving me a look that defies comprehension. "You too, Bella." I hastily head upstairs to my guest room, flushed. I let out a long, trembling sigh as I drop my baggage and sprawl across the luxurious king-sized bed. It's a dream come true and a special kind of torment to be this close to Luke. In every reasonable universe, he is my dad's best friend and business partner—completely off-limits. In addition, he is twenty years my senior. But I've been unable to get rid of my intense need and desire for this man since I was a foolish child harbouring my first true passion. Luke Montgomery possesses the grace and power of a sleek panther, with a calm intensity that simmers underneath his unwavering facade. How many times have I woken up dreaming over and over that I could somehow win him over? Of Luke's callused hands gently undressing me, his gaze smouldering into mine? I sit up straight and fan my red cheeks while trying to gather myself. After all these years, this is my one and only chance to be close to him once more. I can't ruin it by behaving like a horny, desperate loser. Luke considers me to be just another family buddy. I need to appear composed, grown-up, and alluring if I want him to think more highly of me. Later that night, I make my way downstairs while sporting a figure-hugging black dress. In the living area, Luke is reviewing some documents and sipping a glass of scotch. His eyes dart up to me, lingering for a moment before lowering themselves again. "I was just catching up on some work," he continues. "Can I get you anything to drink?" "I'm okay, thanks." I sit down opposite him and cross my legs to draw attention to my well-toned thighs. "So, Luke, how are you doing? Our earlier catch-up was scarce." "All things considered, fine. Just carrying on with business as usual." He gives a throat clearing. "And you? Your parents said that you recently completed graduate school." Yes, I have a master's degree in marketing. In fact, I recently agreed to start work in July with an advertising business in this city." I take a slight incline and maintain my focus on his well-defined features. "But until then...I'm all yours." The comment lingers, heavy with suggestion that cannot be refuted. Luke's enigmatic expression returns to his piercing gaze as his eyes dart up to meet mine. Until he breaks away, I maintain the heated moment. "All right, so...I should give you some room so you can relax after your journey." He gets up from the couch and finishes his final scotch. "I'll be in my study down the hall if you need anything else." As he leaves, my gaze lingers on the lines of his behind. My first subdued overture was a bust. I let out a sigh and recline on the comfy couch. Luke possesses an unbreakable barrier of strict self-control and discipline. However, I'm only getting started. This seductive game of cat and mouse is far from over. That evening, I can't sleep and end myself pacing the pitch-black mansion. All I can think about is Luke, lying in his bedroom down the hall. I wonder whether he's thinking about me while he's awake. Or maybe like I've done so many times with him, f*****g an anonymous woman in his subconscious. I shy away from his bedroom door, almost giving in to the need to test the handle in private. But before I give in, I'm stopped cold by the sound of voices. A small break in Luke's door allows the muted tones of what sounds like a heated debate to come through. * Voices seep through the gap in the door; it's Luke, his deep rumble mixed with the gravelly tone of a man I don't know. I edge myself closer, trying to hear their hushed whispers. Luke says, "...appreciate the difficulty of your position" in a cautious, low voice. "But I've fulfilled all of your requests. "When will enough be enough?" "Enough is never enough," the stern voice says in response. "Not until all of our operations are finished and our goals are met. Montgomery, you are the only one who truly knows that." My chest thumps with my heartbeat. Which operations are they discussing? I get a shiver thinking about what all of this might signify. Luke goes on, "You and I had a deal," a clear edge beginning to show in his voice. "You promised there wouldn't be any more requests after I gave access. that this would not involve my family." relatives? My mind is racing, wondering if I'm the one being talked about in any way. The other man barks with laughter before I can figure it out. "Friend, deals come and go. Situations change throughout time. You're in too much trouble right now to be concerned about such things." There's no mistaking the sneer in his tone of mockery. "Just keep up your end and be a good soldier." If not, then, you can imagine what will occur." I stand still in the corridor, holding my breath during a tense pause. I'm very bewildered by what I just heard, and my anxiety is growing quickly. What on earth could Luke be involved in? And who is it with? At last, Luke's cool baritone breaks the silence. "For now," he responds in an artificially submissive tone. "We'll continue as discussed." The other man responds, coldly satisfied, "Wise choice." "I'll be in touch." There are footsteps behind me, and my heart shoots up into my throat. I turn and run from the door, running back towards the stairs in time to see an imposing man with a dark suit appear, his face hidden in the shadows. He pauses for the tiniest of seconds, as though sensing my presence, and then carries on silently. I lean against the wall, my heart racing with adrenaline, till the front door of the mansion opens and closes with a hollow thud. That's when I finally feel comfortable enough to unfurl and slink back to peek around Luke's door crack. With his head cradled in his hands and his shoulders slumped, he sits on the edge of his bed, still wearing his dress shirt and trousers. The image of the confident, unflappable man I look up to being so...defeated crushes my heart a little. Luke grabs a crystal decanter from his bedside and pours himself a drink of amber liquid. I watch his entire body tremor almost imperceptibly as he knocks it back, and then he lets out a long, tired sigh. Then through the tiny aperture, his gaze drifts up and locks on mine. I recoil in reflex, a gasp catching in my throat. Luke, nevertheless, doesn't express shock or enquire as to who is present. For a few long seconds, he just maintains my terrified stare. Then, he shuts his eyes and falls back against the headboard, giving off the impression that the entire world is resting on his shoulders. I wait a few more agonising moments before staggering back to my room. My thoughts are racing, trying to make sense of this quiet, sinister talk I just heard. Luke is obviously in a tight, dangerous situation. But with whom? And what possible influence could they have had on him to have such authority over a guy of integrity like the best friend of my father? The most important issue is: What other option do I have except to attempt to save Luke from whatever difficulties he may be facing? I couldn't bear to see his light go out in such darkness after idolising and obsessing over him for so long. Even if I still feel illicit longing for him, I know in my heart that I love this man very much. Whatever the hazards, I have to find a way to help him. The following morning, when I find Luke downstairs having coffee, I make an effort to act normal. There is no sign of the tormented guy I saw the previous evening in his countenance; it is unreadable. He says, "Morning," and nods comfortably. "Sleep well?" "Yeah, great thanks," I say, drinking my coffee and glancing covertly at the subject of my growing fixation. "Listen, I really wanted to know if you could show me around the property today. It seems like this place never ends." Luke gives it some thought and then shrugs a little. Sure, it's okay with me. Perhaps a little getaway from the office might be enjoyable."