Page 1 of Forbidden Desires

CHAPTER ONE

Dexter

Pete stands in front of the full-length mirror in our bedroom, his tall frame silhouetted by the soft morning light streaming through the curtains. He meticulously adjusts his tie, his fingers deftly maneuvering the fabric until it sits perfectly at his collar. Even now, as he focusses on his reflection, his natural handsomeness radiates—strong shoulders, a confident stance, and that effortless charm that draws everyone in.

I lean against the doorway, watching him with a mix of admiration and apprehension. Today is the day.

Obviously I’m not nervous about going to Ethan and Cole’s wedding. I’ve met them, and can see why they’re such good friends of Pete’s. And I’m hoping, that given enough time, I can cultivate my own deeper friendships with them.

If everything else goes well.

That’s my problem. The huge fucking elephant sitting on my chest, making it hard to breathe.

Suzie.

Ethan’s baby sister.

Pete’s ex.

His high school sweetheart.

The one he only dumped so she could go do the things she needed to do to live her dreams.

The one he’s still very much in love with.

Tell me again why I had this dumb idea? Why did I tell him we should approach her, and see if she would be open to something with us? Together?

Pete pulls apart the tie, and starts the process all over again, and I’m reminded why I am playing the martyr.

It took me ages to get him to tell me about her, but once he did, it was painfully obvious he was still harboring feelings. But even with that, I never got the impression thatIwas just a stop-gap. Just a rebound, or someone to pass the time with until he could get his girl back.

I know he loves me. I do. And I love him, more than anything in the whole world. Which is why I’m willing to do this. For him. For us.

But that doesn’t stop my brain from trying to fuck with me.

What if Suzie doesn’t live up to Pete’s glowing stories and she’s a raging bitch?

Or even worse, what if she’s as amazing as he makes her out to be, and she forgives him, and accepts him back in her life, but she doesn’t want me too?

When Pete starts to undo his tie for the third time I move closer to him, forcing him to look up at me.

“I think you’ve got it as perfect as it’s going to be,” I say forcing a smile.

A flicker of vulnerability flashes in his eyes before returning to his confident demeanor. “Thanks Dex. I just want everything to go smoothly today.”

I nod, stepping even closer into his personal space and placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “It will. With everything you’ve told me about her, I’m halfway convincedshe’s an angel, so I don’t see how she wouldn’t give you a chance to talk to her and explain.”

Pete chuckles softly, the tension easing slightly from his posture. “I hope so. I just… I…” He shakes his head before resting a hand on my face. “How did I get so lucky, huh? I have a sexy, charming devil at home, who’s encouraging me to mend fences with my ex so we can what… hook up?”

I mirror his movements, cupping his face before kissing him softly.

“Don't cheapen it, babe. You know it’s more than that. It could just be a one-time thing, a way for you to close off that chapter of your life, or it could be more. It could be the start of something new and amazing for all three of us. But no matter what it is, we’ll do it together, yeah?”

His hand cupping my face moves down into my neck where he squeezes me gently, a silent thank you for my words.

As we finish getting ready, the minutes tick by, each one stretching longer than the last. Finally, the time comes to leave. We grab our coats, and head out the door, the crisp air a stark contrast to the warmth inside.

The drive to the venue is quiet, both of us lost in our own thoughts. I glance over at Pete, who’s staring out the window, his jaw set with determination. The weight of the upcoming encounter presses down on me, but I know we’ve got this.

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