Forbidden Heat

Chapter 1: Dangerous Glances

I’ve always been good at playing the part—straight, uninterested, the perfect brother who doesn’t meddle in his sister’s love life. But Nathan, with his sharp jawline and piercing hazel eyes, makes it damn near impossible to keep up the act. He’s been dating my sister, Lila, for six months now, and every time he’s over at our family’s house, I feel the air crackle with something I can’t name. Or, more accurately, something I refuse to name.

Tonight, the three of us are sprawled out in the living room, a half-empty pizza box on the coffee table and some mindless action flick playing on the TV. Lila’s curled up against Nathan on the couch, her head on his shoulder, oblivious to the way my gaze keeps flicking to him. I’m in the armchair across from them, nursing a beer, pretending to watch the screen while my mind races with thoughts I shouldn’t have.

‘Hey, Cole, you gonna finish that slice or just stare at it all night?’ Nathan’s voice cuts through my haze, low and teasing, with a smirk that sends a jolt straight to my core.

I force a laugh, leaning back in my chair to play it cool. ‘Just savoring it, man. Not all of us wolf down food like we’re starving.’

His smirk widens, and he shifts slightly, his arm brushing against Lila as he reaches for another slice. ‘Oh, I’m always hungry. Just depends on what for.’ His eyes lock with mine for a split second, and I swear there’s a challenge there, a heat that has nothing to do with pizza.

I swallow hard, my grip tightening on the beer bottle. ‘Careful, Nate. Sounds like you’re fishing for trouble.’

He chuckles, a deep rumble that vibrates through the room. ‘Maybe I am. You gonna stop me, or just keep pretending you don’t notice?’

Lila, bless her, is completely oblivious, giggling as she swats his chest. ‘You two are ridiculous. I’m gonna grab some soda. Behave while I’m gone.’ She slips out of the room, leaving a silence that feels heavier than it should.

Nathan doesn’t break eye contact, his smirk fading into something darker, more dangerous. He leans forward, elbows on his knees, and I can’t help but notice the way his shirt stretches over his broad shoulders. ‘You’ve got a hell of a poker face, Cole. But I see right through it.’

My heart slams against my ribs, but I don’t back down. I lean forward too, matching his intensity. ‘And what exactly do you think you see?’

He tilts his head, his voice dropping to a near whisper. ‘I see a guy who’s been watching me way too closely for way too long. A guy who’s got something to say but won’t spit it out.’

I scoff, but it’s weak, and we both know it. ‘You’re full of shit, Nathan. Maybe you’re just projecting.’

‘Am I?’ He stands, slow and deliberate, crossing the small space between us until he’s looming over my chair. The scent of him—woodsy, with a hint of sweat—hits me like a punch. ‘Then why’re you sweating, man? Why’s your breath hitching like you’re about to bolt… or do something stupid?’

I stand too, refusing to let him have the upper hand, our chests inches apart. My voice is low, sharp. ‘You’re playing a dangerous game, Nate. Lila’s in the next room.’

‘And yet, here you are, not backing down.’ His hand brushes against my arm, just a graze, but it’s enough to send fire racing through my veins. His lips curl into a wicked grin. ‘Tell me to stop, Cole. Tell me you don’t want this.’

I don’t say a word. I can’t. My body betrays me, leaning in just enough that our breaths mingle, hot and heavy. His hand slides to my waist, firm, possessive, and I’m painfully aware of how hard I’m getting, how much I want to shove him against the wall and—

The sound of Lila’s footsteps snaps us apart, both of us stepping back like nothing happened. But the air is thick with tension, and I know this is far from over. Whatever this is between us, it’s a fuse just waiting to ignite.