My Sinful Desire

Late night party

The tension beneath the table vanished the moment Archie pulled his leg back. I kept my phone clutched tightly in my palm, his warning message burning into my mind.

Don't look at me. He's watching.

I forced myself to stare straight ahead at the empty space between the flower arrangements. I could still feel the phantom heat of his touch against my inner thigh, a stark contrast to the cold, suffocating weight of the heavy villa ballroom.

Matthew didn't seem to notice. He was still laughing and chatting with the boss from Genoa, his fingers tapping a rhythmic, arrogant beat against the stem of his scotch glass.

"The main lounge is opening for drinks," Matthew announced, pushing his chair back from the table. The chair scraped loudly on the floor. "Let's move. There are more people I need to see."

The guests around the table stood up immediately, following his lead. I smoothed down the fabric of my dress, ensuring the silk covered the bruises Matthew had left on my skin days before. When I looked up, Archie was already gone, blending seamlessly into the crowd filtering out toward the grand courtyard and the indoor bar.

The villa was entirely packed with people. The air inside the massive hall was thick with the scent of heavy colognes, expensive perfumes, and cigarette smoke. It seemed like the entire elite people of the city had arrived for the event. There were young men in flashy, unbuttoned shirts and women in tight, revealing dresses. Near the private booths at the back, hired dancers and strippers were entertaining the guests, moving rhythmically under the flashing neon lights. Waiters carried silver trays loaded with drinks, weaving through the dense crowd as the noise of laughter and loud music filled the space.

Soon, the atmosphere shifted as it became time for the formal dinner party to transition into a looser, late-night gathering. The wild music died down, replaced by low jazz playing from the speakers. Guests held their glasses of dark whiskey, lingering around the edges of the room and talking in low, guarded voices about business and politics.

Matthew left my side to attend to some people. He was greeting business partners, shaking hands, and nodding as he moved from one group to another. He didn't look back to check on me. He expected me to stay exactly where he left me, acting as the perfect, obedient wife.

I walked over to the bar counter, completely alone. I held a single glass of white wine just to keep my hands busy. I kept my head down, staring at the amber liquids lined up behind the counter, hoping to remain completely invisible in the crowd.

My heart was still recovering from the silent battle beneath the dinner table, my pulse thrumming with a dangerous mix of fear and lingering adrenaline.

"Hey, sexy," a deep, slurred voice said right beside me.

I turned my head slowly. A man was standing much too close. He had a smug grin on his face, his eyes heavy from alcohol. He looked wealthy, arrogant, and completely drunk. His expensive silk tie was loosened, and he leaned heavily against the edge of the bar counter, cutting off my exit route.

"Hi," I replied. I kept my tone flat and entirely devoid of warmth. I wanted him to see the ring on my finger and walk away.

"You look so beautiful," he said. His eyes scanned my body with a disgusting, familiar slowness that made my skin crawl. "I haven't seen anyone as good-looking as you in this entire room tonight."

"Thanks," I said. I forced a polite smile onto my face just to satisfy his ego, hoping he would turn around and leave me alone.

Instead of walking away, he stepped directly into my personal space. The scent of strong alcohol hit my face, making me want to gag. He reached his hand out, his fingers hovering just inches from my bare arm. A sudden wave of intense discomfort hit my chest.

"I will urge you to stop right now," I said. My voice dropped into a cold, firm line. I looked him dead in the eyes, abandoning the fake smile completely. "Stay where you are. Do not take another step further."

"Come on," he chuckled. He completely ignored my warning, taking another step until our shoes were almost touching. "You are too sexy to be ignored. I want to eat you right now."

"Sir, I am a married woman," I said. I straightened my back, my voice rising with absolute, serious discipline that drew the attention of a few nearby guests. "I will not tolerate such a tone from you. I will not take any disrespect."

"Cut the crap, baby girl," he sneered, leaning closer until his breath was hot against my face. "I know you are married. But I will give it to you so good that you will forget all about your husband."