Forbidden Threads

Chapter 1: Caught in Silk

The mirror reflected a secret I’d buried deep—my sister’s black lace bodysuit hugging my frame, the sheer fabric teasing every curve and edge of my body. I’d slipped into her room on a whim, the thrill of the forbidden tingling through me as I adjusted the straps. At 24, I should’ve known better, but the rush of wearing something so daring, so inherently *her*, was intoxicating. My fingers traced the lace over my chest, my breath hitching as I admired the way it clung to me.

That’s when the door creaked open.

‘Well, damn, Alex,’ my brother Nate drawled, leaning against the frame with a smirk that could cut glass. His eyes—sharp, predatory—raked over me, lingering on the way the bodysuit stretched across my hips. ‘Didn’t know you had a taste for silk. Or is this just a one-time thing?’

I spun around, heat flooding my face, but I wasn’t about to let him have the upper hand. ‘Says the guy who’s probably got a closet full of secrets himself,’ I shot back, crossing my arms to hide how my heart was pounding. ‘What, you just gonna stand there gawking, or you got something to say?’

Nate stepped closer, his grin widening as he shut the door behind him with a deliberate click. ‘Oh, I’ve got plenty to say, sis. But first, let me let you in on a little something.’ He tugged at the collar of his shirt, revealing the edge of a red satin strap beneath. My breath caught. ‘See, I’ve got my own collection. Thought I was the only one in this house with a kink for crossing lines.’

I laughed, sharp and biting, even as my pulse raced. ‘So, what, we’re both freaks now? You gonna rat me out, or are we making a deal?’ My voice was steady, but inside, I was a mess of nerves and something darker, hotter, curling low in my belly.

‘A deal?’ He tilted his head, eyes glinting with mischief as he stepped closer, the space between us shrinking to nothing. ‘How about we share a little... mutual understanding? I keep your secret, you keep mine. But first, let’s see how far you’re willing to go in that pretty little outfit.’

I should’ve pushed him away. Should’ve told him to fuck off. But the challenge in his voice, the way his gaze burned into me, had my skin prickling with heat. ‘You think I’m backing down?’ I snapped, stepping forward until our chests nearly touched. ‘I don’t play games I can’t win, Nate.’

‘Good,’ he murmured, his voice dropping low, rough. ‘Because I’ve got a game in mind that’s gonna leave us both sweating.’ His hand brushed my hip, fingers grazing the lace, and I felt a jolt straight through me. My body betrayed me, responding to the touch, and I hated how much I wanted more.

‘Keep talking,’ I said, my voice a dare as I tilted my chin up, meeting his stare. ‘But you better back it up.’

‘Oh, I will,’ he growled, and before I could throw another barb, his lips crashed into mine, hungry and unapologetic. The kiss was a battle—teeth and tongue, neither of us giving an inch. My hands fisted in his shirt, pulling him closer, and I felt the hard press of him against me, undeniable proof of how much he wanted this. My own body answered, a rush of heat pooling between my thighs, wet and aching already.

We stumbled back, hitting the edge of the bed, and I pushed him down with a smirk of my own. ‘Let’s see if you can keep up,’ I taunted, straddling his hips, the lace of the bodysuit rubbing against him as I ground down just enough to make him groan. His hands gripped my ass, firm and possessive, and I could feel him getting harder beneath me, the tension between us ready to snap.

‘Keep that up, Alex,’ he panted, voice thick with need, ‘and I’m gonna make sure you’re dripping before we even get started.’

I leaned down, my lips brushing his ear as I whispered, ‘Bring it on.’