Semua Bab VELVET SHADOW: 40 forbidden flames: Bab 1 - Bab 10

TENSION IGNITES Lila. The silence between us lasted less than an hour. I had claimed the bedroom and tried to settle in, but the storm outside kept growing louder. Then the lights started flickering. Once. Twice. On the third flicker, everything went black except for the warm glow of the fireplace in the living room. “Great,” I muttered, pulling on a thick sweater. “This just keeps getting better.” I walked out to find Marcus already stacking more wood beside the fire. The cabin felt smaller in the dark, the walls closing in with every gust of wind. “We need to talk about supplies,” he said without looking at me. “There’s enough food in the kitchen for a few days if we’re smart. I’ll take the couch.” “No. I’ll take the couch,” I replied, crossing my arms. “You’re bigger. You’ll be more comfortable in the bed.” Marcus stood up slowly, brushing his hands on his jeans. The firelight danced across his face, highlighting the sharp line of his jaw. “Always so stubborn, Lila. Just ta

THE UNEXPECTED PASSENGERI dragged my small suitcase down the narrow corridor of the overnight train, the wheels bumping softly against the carpeted floor. The lights were low and warm, casting a golden glow that felt completely at odds with the emptiness inside me. It was almost midnight, and most passengers had already settled into their cabins. I found mine near the end of the carriage, slid the door open, and stepped inside with a tired sigh.The private cabin was small but cozy, with a wide seat that converted into a bed, a tiny table, and a window overlooking the platform. I closed the door behind me, locked it, and sank down onto the seat. The train gave a low rumble and slowly began to pull away from the station. I pressed my forehead against the cool glass as the city lights started to blur past.The rhythmic clack-clack-clack of the wheels should have lulled me to sleep. Instead, it only amplified the painful memories I had been trying so hard to escape.Two days ago, I had

Chapter 1 – The Business TripI thought coming on this trip with Mark would fix things between us. I really did.That’s what I kept telling myself as I packed my suitcase three days ago. Mark had been distant for months. Our conversations had become short and practical. Our sex life? Almost nonexistent. A quick, mechanical five minutes every couple of weeks, if that. I missed feeling wanted. I missed feeling desired. So when he mentioned this big business conference in the city, I suggested I tag along. “It could be like a mini vacation for us,” I said, trying to sound hopeful. He agreed, but I could tell his mind was already on work.We arrived at the hotel yesterday evening. The moment we stepped into the penthouse suite, I felt a spark of excitement. It was absolutely stunning. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the glittering city skyline. A massive king-sized bed dominated the bedroom, dressed in crisp white linens. There was a separate living area with a slee

CLAIMING WHAT ISN’T HISRyan didn’t ask for permission.He closed the final distance between us in one powerful step, wrapped his strong hand around the back of my neck, and pulled me into a fierce, hungry kiss. The moment his lips crashed against mine, all my resistance melted away. Years of hidden tension, stolen glances, and unspoken desire exploded between us. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue invaded me, claiming, demanding, dominating. My hands flew up to his chest, not to push him away but to clutch his shirt desperately.This was wrong. So dangerously wrong. He was my husband’s right-hand man. Yet that very fact sent a dark thrill racing through my body. Ryan’s free hand roamed down my naked body, squeezing my breast hard before sliding between my legs. His fingers found me soaked.“Fuck, you’re dripping,” he growled against my lips. “Your husband leaves you unsatisfied and now you’re this wet for me?”I whimpered, ashamed and unbearably turned on at the same time.He spu

Chapter 2 – One Unforgettable NightEmma's povThe Velvet Room was dimly lit and intimate, with dark leather booths and soft jazz playing in the background. I arrived a few minutes early, my heart hammering in my chest. I sat at the bar, crossing my legs tightly. The short black dress rode up my thighs, reminding me I wasn’t wearing anything underneath. Every brush of fabric against my skin made me shiver.I ordered a gin and tonic to calm my nerves. I had just taken my first sip when he walked in.He was tall, broad-shouldered, and moved with quiet confidence. Dark hair, sharp jawline, and piercing eyes that scanned the room until they locked onto me. The moment our gazes met, the air felt thicker. A slow, dangerous smile spread across his face as he walked straight toward me.“You look even better than I imagined,” he said, his voice deep and smooth. He slid onto the stool beside me. “Emma?”I nodded, swallowing hard. “And you’re… Shadow?”“Tonight, I’m whoever you want me to be,” h