Sleeping with my brother-in-law

Anna's POV The room was silent, the hum of the air conditioner the only sound as the faint glow of city lights filtered through the curtains. My head was spinning from the drinks I'd had earlier, leaving me floating in a haze of sensations. His lips found mine before words could escape, soft and hesitant. But when I didn't pull away, the kiss deepened and his hand cupped my face as he pressed closer. It was like a spark to the fire, years of tension and longing exploding in that moment. Instinctively, I reached for him, my fingers trailing over his broad shoulders, down his back. His skin was warm to my touch, his muscles taut as he leaned over me. His lips left mine, tracing a path down my jawline onto my neck, leaving fire in their wake. "Ethan," I whispered, my voice shaking a little between the rising tide of need and doubt. He pulled back just enough to look into my eyes, his own dark and filled with something raw and unrestrained. I pulled him closer, my lips seeking him again as my fingers tangled in his hair. He groaned softly, his hands sliding down to my waist as he shifted, pulling me beneath him. Every touch, every kiss, was electric, each moment more intense than the last. It was as if we were the only two people in the world, lost in a haze of passion and need. Time ceased to exist as we explored each other, our movements growing more urgent, more desperate. HOURS AGO I stared back at my reflection in the mirror and barely recognized the woman staring back at me. There were layers of ivory lace cascading down my body, hugging my curves just right. The wedding dress was a masterpiece, created from months of fittings and adjustments. The sweetheart neckline dipped just low enough to be sophisticated yet daring, while the intricate beadwork shimmered under the soft glow of the chandelier. Thin and see-through lace sleeves clung delicately onto my arms, while the long train followed me dreamily. "Perfect," my mother whispered, choking with emotion, as she stood behind me. I turned slightly, catching the way her eyes glistened. She always wanted this day to be perfect, and for a moment, I allowed myself to believe it could be. The bridal suite was a buzz of activity. My bridesmaids fluttered around the room, placing flowers, adjusting their own dresses, and chattering excitedly about the upcoming ceremony. But their voices felt like a hum, drowned out by the whirlwind of emotions brewing inside me. The makeup artist leaned in, her brush poised. "Look up for me," she said, her tone calm and professional. I obliged, letting her sweep a final layer of mascara onto my lashes. My makeup was flawless-a soft, romantic look with rosy cheeks and a hint of shimmer on my eyelids. The nude pink lipstick complemented the delicate blush tones of my bouquet, which sat on the vanity beside me. "You look like a princess," one of my bridesmaids, Sophie, gushed, her eyes wide with admiration. A princess. That was how I was supposed to feel today. But as I ran my fingers over the cool satin of the dress, my chest constricted. Something was wrong. "Anna," my best friend Sophia said, stepping closer. Her voice was softer, meant just for me. "You okay? You've been quiet." I forced a smile. "Just nerves." She didn't look convinced, but she nodded, her hand squeezing mine briefly before she turned to check on the others. My mother approached, her hands clutching a small, velvet box. "Something borrowed," she said with a smile, opening it to reveal a delicate diamond bracelet. "This was your grandmother's. She wore it on her wedding day." "It's beautiful," I whispered, letting her fasten it around my wrist. As she did, I glanced at my phone resting on the vanity. Daniel hadn't texted all morning. I'd expected a sweet message, a reassurance of his love, but the screen remained dark. A knock at the door sent shivers down my spine; one of the bridesmaids opened it, showing Ethan, Daniel's brother, and my heart just jumped at his vision in his neat, black suit, slightly disheveled tie, his hair like he had passed fingers through it a little too many times. “Ethan?” my mother said, her tone surprised. “You shouldn’t be here. It’s bad luck for the groom to see the bride.” “I’m not the groom,” he said smoothly, his eyes locking onto mine. The room fell silent as all eyes turned to stare at him. He cleared his throat, a crooked smile tugging at his lips. "Just wanted to check on the bride. You know, make sure my brother hasn't scared her off yet." A few of the bridesmaids giggled, but I felt the weight of his gaze as it lingered on me. "Everything's fine," I said, my voice steadier than I felt. He nodded, his gaze rolling down my length. "You look. stunning, Anna." "Thank you," I whispered, coloring. He seemed to pause, there being more he wished to say. But then he nodded and turned to leave. The door clicked shut behind him. I turned back to the mirror, but the image staring back at me felt wrong. Ethan's words replayed in my mind, the way his voice dipped when he said I looked stunning. There was an edge to his tone, a hesitation that made my stomach flutter in a way it shouldn't. Their soft firm hands began to pin the last touches to my veil. Lace-edged tulle cascaded over my shoulders, framing my face with delicate frills, likened unto a halo. "Time for the shoes," said Sophie, proffering the pair of ivory heels. I slipped them on; the delicate straps wrapped around my ankles. They were beautiful, the perfect match to the dress, but with each passing moment, they felt heavier, as if they were anchoring me to a decision I wasn't so sure. "Ready?" Sophia asked, her eyes searching mine. I hesitated, my hands shaking, and readjusted the bracelet on my wrist. My phone buzzed, and I snatched it up, hoping it was Daniel. Instead, a message from Ethan appeared. "Are you sure about this? Think carefully." My breath hitched. He was the last person who should question my decision, yet his words struck deep inside me. "Anna?" my mother prompted, her tone soft but insistent. I tucked the phone into my clutch, pasting on a grin. "I'm ready." The reception hall was breathtakingly beautiful, a sight to behold in all its elegance and lavishness. Above, the chandeliers shone with their golden light upon the tables with flowing floral arrangements on them; soft, melodic tones of a string quartet filled the air. The guests were already seated, their laughter and conversation mingling with the tinkling of champagne glasses. I stood near the center of the room, smiling as flashes from cameras captured every moment. Daniel and I had just finished our first dance, and on the surface, everything felt perfect. Yet, a faint unease lingered in my chest that refused to be shaken. "Ladies and gentlemen," said the emcee, his voice booming and cheerful, "it's time for the bride and groom to cut the cake!" Applause erupted, and I turned to look for Daniel, who I was expecting to be right beside me. He wasn't. "Where's Daniel?" I asked Lily, standing nearby. She frowned, looking around. "He was just here a moment ago." The guests were watching, waiting, and my cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Forcing a smile, I excused myself and stepped off the small platform, weaving through the tables as I searched for him. Outside the reception hall, the hallway was quieter, muffled sounds of music and laughter fading with each step taken from it. I went to check the men's room first--it was empty. Then the bar--nothing. Growing more anxious, I decided to check the private rooms reserved for us and the bridal party. The clicking of my heels on the shiny floors echoed in the corridors that were otherwise empty. As I reached for one of the doors, muffled noises called my attention. It was coming from the room at the end of the hall. My heart was racing as I drew closer. At first, I thought I heard laughter, but then I realized it was something else altogether-breathy moans and hushed whispers. My steps faltered, and I stood frozen outside the door, my hand hovering over the handle. Part of me wanted to turn away, to leave and pretend I hadn't heard anything. But curiosity-or perhaps dread-pushed me forward. I opened the door a c***k and peered inside. What I saw made my stomach drop. There was Daniel, his tuxedo jacket flung aside, his shirt open, his chest flexing. Jammed against him was my best friend, Sophie, her dress hiked all the way up to her thighs as she wrapped her legs around his waist, her hands buried in his hair, her lips glued to his in a scorching kiss that could only portend one thing from which nothing had been left to chance. “God, Sophie,” Daniel murmured, his voice low and husky. “You’re driving me insane.” Her laugh was breathy as she leaned back against the wall, her eyes dark with desire. “You have no idea how long I’ve wanted this,” she said, her fingers trailing down his chest. Daniel groaned. His hands clutched at her hips, pulling her closer still. "You are insatiable," he breathed thickly, his voice rife with lust. "I will never have enough of you. Their movements grew more frantic, desperate. Sophie's head tilted back as Daniel's lips traveled down her neck, his hands sliding under the fabric of her dress. She moaned softly, her fingers clutching at his shoulders as he pressed her harder against the wall. "Don't stop," she whispered, her voice trembling with need. Daniel said nothing, only lifted her higher until his hands roamed free, as if they never had enough of her. The air between them crackled with desire. I just stood, staring in dumbfounded silence. My mind yelled for me to do something-to shout, interrupt, demand answers. But my body refused to move. I turned away, immediate tears blurring my vision and my chest tightening with the mix of anger, betrayal, and heartbreak. I slipped into the hallway unnoticed by either and walked back toward the reception hall. I reentered the room to the sound of clinking glasses and a burst of laughter. None had missed me outside, none sensed the turmoil storming inside me. I smiled as I went toward the cake, where the emcee was desperately stalling. "The groom will be here shortly," I said smoothly, though the storm inside me raged on. Lily came near, concern etched upon her face. "Anna, are you okay?" "I'm fine," I lied, not looking at her.