Forbidden Temptations

**Chapter 1: Midnight Cravings**

The house was quiet, save for the faint hum of the air conditioner and the occasional creak of the old wooden floors. Somya, my older cousin, had just stumbled through the door after a grueling day at her corporate job. Her sharp, tailored blazer hung loosely on her shoulders, and her dark hair was a messy cascade of frustration. She kicked off her heels with a groan, her piercing eyes meeting mine as she rubbed her temples.

'God, my head feels like it’s about to split open,' she muttered, collapsing onto the couch with the grace of a warrior after battle. 'Why do I even bother with that soul-sucking place?'

I smirked, leaning against the doorway, arms crossed. 'Because you’re a badass who runs circles around those boardroom clowns. But damn, Somya, you look like you need a break—or a sledgehammer to that skull.'

She shot me a glare, but there was a flicker of amusement in it. 'Flattery won’t fix this migraine, smartass. Got anything stronger than your cheap wit?'

I chuckled, heading to the kitchen. 'I’ve got just the thing. Hang tight, boss lady.' I rummaged through the cabinet, pulling out a bottle of strong sleeping pills I’d picked up for my own restless nights. They were potent—knocked you out cold in minutes. I dropped two into a glass of water, watching them fizz with a strange thrill curling in my chest. This wasn’t just about helping her sleep. No, this was about something darker, something I’d buried deep but couldn’t ignore when she was around.

Returning, I handed her the glass with a casual grin. 'Drink up. This’ll knock that headache out faster than you can say “overtime.”'

Somya raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a sly smirk as she took the glass. 'You trying to drug me, huh? Should I be worried you’re after my job next?'

'Only if your job comes with those killer legs,' I shot back, my tone teasing but my eyes lingering a little too long on her toned calves peeking out from her pencil skirt. She rolled her eyes but downed the drink in one go, setting the glass down with a clink.

'You’re incorrigible,' she said, her voice already softening as the pills started to work. 'Don’t think I don’t see that look in your eye. Keep it in check, kid.'

But I couldn’t. Not tonight. Within minutes, her sharp retorts faded into slow, heavy breaths. Her head tilted back against the couch, her body slackening as sleep claimed her. My heart raced, a mix of guilt and raw desire clawing at me. She was out cold, vulnerable in a way she never allowed herself to be when awake. And God help me, I couldn’t resist.

I knelt beside her, my gaze dropping to her bare feet, still slightly arched from the day’s strain. They were perfect—smooth, delicate, yet strong, just like her. My fingers hovered, trembling with anticipation, as I fought the last shred of restraint. The air felt thick, charged with the forbidden. I could almost hear her voice in my head, sharp and commanding: *What the hell do you think you’re doing?* But she wasn’t awake to stop me. Not now.

My breath hitched as I finally let my fingers brush against her skin, the warmth sending a jolt straight through me. I was already hard, the tension building with every second. This was wrong, so damn wrong, but the ache was unbearable. I wanted more—needed more. My mind raced with images of her waking up, catching me, her eyes blazing with fury or maybe something else. Something hungry. Would she push me away, or pull me closer, her own control snapping under the heat of the moment?

I leaned in, my lips hovering just above her arch, the scent of her skin driving me wild. My pulse thundered, every nerve on edge as I prepared to cross a line I couldn’t come back from. The night was just beginning, and I was already sweating, panting with a need I couldn’t tame. Whatever happened next, I knew one thing for sure—I was in way over my head, and I didn’t care.