The Family Gathering

**Chapter 1: Spiked Courage and Stolen Glances**

The summer air clung to Mica’s skin like a lover’s breath as she strutted into the family reunion, her crimson sundress barely skimming her thighs. The conservative eyes of her relatives darted toward her, sharp with judgment, but she reveled in it. Let them stare. Let them whisper. Tonight, she’d give them something to talk about for years. Her gaze locked on Dzan, her sister’s husband, standing by the barbecue with a beer in hand. The ex-military man’s broad shoulders tensed under her scrutiny, his jaw tightening as he caught her smirk. He’d been simmering with something unspoken since last Christmas, when she’d bent over just a little too far in front of him to pick up a fallen ornament. Tonight, she’d turn that simmer into a boil.

Mica sauntered over, the spiked lemonade in her glass sloshing with each confident step. She leaned in close, her lips brushing the shell of his ear as she purred, 'You’ve been staring, soldier. Care to teach me a private family lesson? Set a good example for the clan?'

Dzan’s grip on his beer bottle tightened, his knuckles whitening. 'Careful, Mica. You’re playing with fire,' he growled, his voice low and rough, but his dark eyes betrayed him, flickering with raw hunger.

'Oh, I’m counting on getting burned,' she shot back, her tone dripping with challenge. She took a long sip of her drink, letting a droplet slide down her chin, catching it with a flick of her tongue. His gaze followed the motion, and she knew she had him. 'Guest bedroom. Five minutes. Unless you’re scared of a little heat.'

He didn’t respond, but the way his breath hitched told her everything. Mica turned on her heel, her hips swaying as she made her way through the crowded backyard, ignoring the disapproving glares from her aunts and the hushed murmurs of 'shameless.' She climbed the stairs to the guest bedroom, the hum of the party fading behind her. The door clicked shut, and she waited, her pulse racing with anticipation.

Dzan didn’t make her wait long. He slipped inside, locking the door with a decisive snap. His presence filled the small room, all muscle and barely contained restraint. 'You sure about this?' he asked, his voice a low rumble as he stepped closer, his fingers twitching at his sides like they were already itching to grab her.

Mica laughed, sharp and fearless. 'What, you think I’m gonna back down now? I want the whole damn family to hear me scream—just not the right ones.' She tugged at the straps of her dress, letting it pool at her feet, revealing every inch of her bare skin. His eyes darkened, raking over her as she positioned herself on the edge of the bed, legs parted in brazen invitation. 'Thin walls, Dzan. Let’s give ‘em a show.'

He was on her in an instant, his rough hands digging into her hips, pulling her closer. 'You’re trouble,' he muttered, his breath hot against her neck as his fingers trailed lower, teasing her already wet heat. 'But fuck, I’ve wanted this for too long.'

'Then stop talking and start doing,' she snapped, her voice edged with impatience as she arched into his touch, her body already aching for more. She could feel him, hard and straining against his jeans, and the thought of him losing control sent a thrill through her. The walls might as well have been paper, and she didn’t care who heard—let the nosy aunt downstairs clutch her pearls, let the maid pause with her tray, let her grandfather grumble through the vent. Mica was in charge, and she was about to make sure Dzan knew it.

His fingers slipped inside her, and she gasped, her nails digging into his shoulders. 'Harder,' she demanded, her voice a mix of command and plea, her body trembling with need. She was dripping for him, and he knew it, his growl of approval vibrating against her skin as he worked her closer to the edge. The tension built, her breath coming in sharp pants, her skin slick with sweat. She was close—so close—and she could feel him teetering on the brink too, his control fraying with every moan she let slip.

This was just the beginning.