Temptation Unlocked

Chapter 1: Midnight Fire

The click of my heels echoed in the empty hallway as I stormed out of Maxwell’s office, my blood boiling with a mix of rage and something darker, something I refused to name. Camilla’s smug smirk and Maxwell’s piercing gaze burned into my memory. ‘Busy,’ I’d said, my voice dripping with venom. ‘Carry on, I’ll find my way home.’ And I did, straight to Adele’s place, where the sting of betrayal was momentarily dulled by the scent of unwanted flowers and the promise of revenge against another man who didn’t deserve a second thought.

‘So, he gets to sleep around while you stay loyal?’ Adele had asked, her eyes flashing with indignation as I recounted the scene. I laughed, sharp and bitter. ‘Loyal? Honey, we didn’t sign for better or worse. I can do whatever the hell I want. Which is why I’m here.’ Her suspicious glance turned into a wicked grin when I added, ‘Let’s go out tonight. I need a hot stranger to clear the cobwebs down here.’ I gestured playfully to my aching core, and Adele was all in.

The club was a haze of dim lights and pulsing beats, but no man there could match the fire I craved. I danced with Adele, drank just enough to feel the edge soften, but my body yearned for more—wild, passionate release, the kind I hadn’t felt since Maxwell, five years ago. Disappointed, I resigned myself to another night with my vibrator as Adele dropped me off. ‘If your husband throws you out, call me,’ she teased. I smirked. ‘He’s busy with Camilla. He won’t even notice I’m gone.’

But the door wouldn’t budge. My key was useless, and after ten minutes of banging and cursing under my breath, I was ready to call Adele back. Maxwell was going to grovel for months after this stunt. Just as I dialed, the door swung open, and there he stood—shirtless, grey sweatpants hanging low on his hips, the outline of his massive cock teasing through the fabric. My anger faltered, replaced by a rush of raw, unbidden heat. This was exactly what I’d been hunting for at the club.

‘Why’d you change the lock?’ I snapped, forcing my eyes to meet his instead of wandering lower. He countered, voice low and dangerous, ‘Why are you just coming home at this hour?’ I pushed past him, my shoulder brushing his bare chest, the contact sending a jolt through me. In a blur, he had me pinned against the wall, his body caging mine, heat radiating off him. ‘Answer me, Amelia. Where are you coming from, dressed like this?’ His gaze raked over the tight dress I’d borrowed from Adele, lingering on every curve.

I tilted my chin up, refusing to back down. ‘None of your damn business. You’ve got Camilla to keep you busy, don’t you? Or did she tire out already?’ His jaw clenched, but a smirk played on his lips. ‘Jealous, are we?’

‘Hardly,’ I shot back, though my pulse betrayed me, racing under his scrutiny. ‘I just don’t appreciate being locked out of my own house while you’re busy getting your cock sucked under your desk.’

His eyes darkened, and he leaned closer, his breath hot against my ear. ‘If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re dying to take her place. You’re practically dripping with it.’ My breath hitched, and I hated how right he was—my body was already betraying me, wet and aching for him. But I wasn’t about to let him win.

‘Dream on, Maxwell. I’ve got better options than a man who can’t keep it in his pants.’ I shoved against his chest, but he didn’t budge, his hard frame pressing into mine. The air crackled between us, charged with unspoken need, and I knew if I didn’t break away now, I’d be lost to the fire building inside me.