My Sinful Desire

Hidden Affairs

The crimson silk felt like ice against my skin as I pulled it over my hips. It fit like a second skin, the fabric clinging to every curve, the color of wet blood striking against my pale complexion. I stood in front of the vanity mirror, my hands trembling as I tried to reach the back zipper.

A sudden breeze swept into the dressing room.

I froze.

The white curtains by the balcony doors fluttered as someone stepped out of the darkness. He was tall and broad-shouldered. Somehow, he had avoided the mansion's security cameras by using the narrow blind spot.

Before I could gasp, Archie stepped inside, shutting the doors behind him.

"I told you it would suit you," he murmured and walked toward me.

He closed the distance between us before I could move. His hands brushed my fingers away from the metal track of the dress. The contrast of his heat against my bare skin sent an electric current straight down my spine. My breath hitched in my throat as his knuckles brushed my back while he slowly pulled up the zipper of my dress.

I looked at the mirror, and our eyes met. He wasn't looking at my dress. His eyes were fixed on my lips.

Downstairs, Michael was welcoming the cartel leaders. The danger of being caught hung heavily between us.

Archie grabbed my waist and turned me to face him. His grip was firm as he backed me against the dressing table.

Neither of us spoke. The silence said enough. He leaned in and kissed me. My hands gripped his shirt as I pulled him closer, forgetting for a moment how dangerous this was. Every second made my heart beat faster.

I heard footsteps coming closer to the door.

"Elena?" Matthew called from the hallway, his voice sharp and impatient. "What are you still doing in there? The guests are already here. Get out here right now."

Archie pulled away from the kiss at once. He was breathing hard, his hand still resting on my hip as we both stared at the door, frozen by the sudden silence.

Archie pulled away at once. His eyes widened with panic, but he didn't hesitate. He moved quietly and hid behind the curtains by the balcony just as the doorknob began to turn.

I took a deep breath and smoothed the front of my dress. I grabbed the lipstick from the vanity, trying to stop my hands from shaking before I opened the door.

"I'm coming, Matthew," I said, surprised by how steady my voice sounded.

I unlocked the door. Matthew stood in the hallway, his frown growing deeper. His eyes swept across the room before stopping on my dress. Surprise flashed across his face.

"I forgot my phone," Matthew said, his tone clipped. "You need to get ready fast and come with me to dinner. I will introduce you to someone, and make sure you don't disgrace me, or I'll kill you."

"I will do my best," I muttered. "Your phone is right here."

I stepped backward to block his view of the balcony drapes.

I walked over to the desk near the bed, my heels clicking sharply on the floor. My heart hammered against my ribs as I picked up the phone and gave it to him. Archie was completely trapped in a space less than six inches wide. If Matthew took two steps to the right, he would see his shoes.

Matthew entered the room fully, his eyes lingering on the vanity mirror, then on the open lipstick container. He took the phone from my hand, his fingers brushing against mine.

"You look different tonight, Elena," Matthew murmured, his gaze settling on my collarbone.

"It's dinner night, and you asked me to look my best. I'm not trying to disappoint you," I replied, forcing a cold smile. "We are supposed to look striking."

Matthew held my gaze for one agonizing second longer. He glanced toward the window, noticing the glass door was unlatched, but before he could investigate, a loud burst of laughter carried up from the grand foyer downstairs. The guests were moving into the main hall.

"Don't keep me waiting," Matthew warned, turning on his heel.

The moment Matthew left, Archie came out from his hiding spot.

"I am sorry I put you through this, Mom. I will take my leave right now."

"See you at dinner."