Page 53 of Hunter

“I’m sorry about them, Maxim,” my mom says, turning to him with a warm smile. “They’re not usually this…excitable. It’s not often Sophia brings a boyfriend to meet us.”

I glance at her, taken aback by the casual mention of my lack of boyfriends. It’s true—aside from a brief fling with the neighbor when I was fifteen and Luca, who never even met my family in person, there hasn’t been anyone else.

Before Maxim can respond, my mom continues, “I’m sure you’re hungry. There are appetizers on the table. You should grab a plate before everything’s gone.”

“We can’t have that before I get to try your amazing cooking,” Maxim says smoothly, flashing her one of his irresistible smiles. “Sophia raves about it. She wouldn’t stop talking about the soup you made for her when she was sick.”

My mom’s cheeks flush, and she swats at his chest with a playful grin. “Stop it, Maxim.” She’s practically glowing, and I stand there, caught in disbelief. Not even my mom is immune to his charm. It’s surreal.

Just as I start to feel like I’m trapped in this strange moment between them, the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

“Hola, mamá, hello Maxim, hi sis.” Jennifer’s voice breaks through the atmosphere, and my body stiffens instinctively. The tension between us is always there, a cold, uncomfortable distance I can’t shake.

I force a smile and greet them both, my response automatic, but my eyes never leave Jennifer as she stands beside my mom. My family feels like a foreign world right now—one I’m not sure I belong in anymore.

“Nice to see you again, Jennifer,” Maxim says, his body tense as he addresses my sister. He’s on high alert. “We were just heading out to get some food before it runs out.” He turns to me, his voice softening, “Ready?”

I nod in response, swallowing the bitter taste of the words lingering in my throat. If I spoke now, I’m afraid I’d ruin everything. I force a smile, trying to push the confrontation with Jennifer aside for the moment. It’s a relief to step away from the tension, but its weight clings to me as we make our way toward the food.

“Are you alright?” Maxim’s voice breaks through the haze of my thoughts.

I let out a frustrated sigh, trying to keep my emotions in check. “Why does it have to be this way with her? It’s like a never-ending battle, and I’m just…exhausted. She’s my sister, my blood. I don’t even know when it started, this constant push and pull between us. Even when I don’t say anything, she finds something to attack me about. I don’t understand it, Maxim. I hate how she makes me feel. It’s like I’m always on the defensive with her.”

I feel my nails digging into my palms as I fight the urge to cry. This isn’t the time or place. I glance around, making sure no one is near to overhear my outburst. As I notice the crowd gathered around the pork my uncle is serving, my body relaxes slightly. The pork is the highlight of every party. The savory smell of adobo and salt fills the air, and my stomach rumbles, distracting me from the tension.

I consider standing in the long line for food, but Maxim has other plans.

Without a word, he pulls me towards the house. My breath catches in surprise as he leads me through the hallways, and before I can protest, he locks us inside the bathroom. How does he even know where it is? Has he been here before?

Before I can voice any of my questions, he trails his finger down the V of my romper, sending a wave of goosebumps across my skin. All thoughts of the party, my sister, everything, vanish as I meet his hungry gaze.

“Take it off,” he commands, his voice low and commanding.

A shock of heat rushes through me at his words, spreading from my core outwards, making my skin flush. My body responds instantly, the thrill of disobedience—and the idea of getting caught—heightening my senses.

He grabs my chin, forcing our eyes to meet. “Now.”

His growl sends a thrill down my spine. Maxim steps back to give me space, his eyes burning with an intensity that has my pulse racing. Slowly, I pull one sleeve down, then the other. The fabric falls to the floor, pooling at my feet as I step out of it, leaving the pink lace of my underwear behind as well.

His gaze sweeps over me, his eyes dark and predatory. “How the hell did I get so lucky?” His voice is barely a whisper, the words sending a shiver through me.

He closes the distance between us, his lips trailing over my neck, and my breath hitches. Every part of me is on fire at the feel of his kiss. The sensation of his hands, the warmth of his breath—it’s intoxicating. All I can think about is him, and the pull between us becomes undeniable.

Before I can catch my breath, he rips my underwear from my body, his rough touch sending a jolt of electricity through me. His hands are everywhere—gripping, pulling as he lifts me effortlessly and places me on the cold sink, the chill of the surface contrasting with the heat of my body. A gasp escapes me as the sensation overtakes everything, leaving me dizzy with desire.

He unclasps my bra, removing it in a single, swift motion, and my breasts bounce free. His lips latch onto my nipple, and I arch my back, gasping at the sharp sensation of his teeth grazing my skin. He groans as I wrap my legs around his waist, pressing my exposed center against the hard bulge of his erection, teasing him. He whispers my name, hoarse and strained, barely audible under his breath.

I slide my hand down his pants, lowering his zipper. Our eyes lock, and the fire blazing in his gaze feeds the heat spreading through my body, turning a spark into an all-consuming inferno. He grabs my wrists, pinning them behind my back.

“Your pretty little cunt hasn’t earned my cock yet,” he growls, his voice rough with restraint, as if he’s fighting to control himself. A protesting groan escapes my lips at the denial.

He smirks, a smug look in his eyes, as if he just won a game I hadn’t even known we were playing. “You want my cock?”

Just then, the sound of someone turning the doorknob echoes through the haze of desire. My attention snaps to the door. Shit. I’m going to get caught. Part of me wants to laugh, but fear grips me tighter.

Maxim tugs my hair to the side, pulling my focus back to him as his teeth sink into my neck. The bite will surely leave a mark. “Forget who’s outside, Sophia,” he mutters against my skin. “Answer me. Do you want my cock?”

He slides a finger inside me, and I arch my back at the sudden intrusion. “Inside your tight cunt?” he whispers, and I moan as he adds a second finger, stretching me slowly.

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