Chapter 2

I lost my balance, and I suddenly stumbled in my heels.

Peter quickly stepped forward to steady me, his strong hand catching me firmly. The strength in his grip sent warmth coursing through my body.

However, his hand had landed somewhere awkward. I felt a rush of embarrassment as he helped lift me back to my feet. The sudden imbalance left me feeling flustered, and my thoughts wandered briefly to places they shouldn't.

Kate noticed the moment and smiled. "Annie, physical contact like this is pretty normal here in Aurelia. Don't be too reserved."

I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, trying to hide my unease. I then managed a shy smile.

"Ryan, go entertain our guests in the living room," I said, quickly changing the subject. "I'll head to the kitchen to prepare dinner."

Once they settled in the living room, I turned my focus to cooking. My back was facing the wall that separated the kitchen from the rest of the house.

As I worked, I heard footsteps behind me and assumed it was Ryan coming to help. I said without turning, "Ryan, why aren't you in the living room with your friend? What are you doing here?"

There was no response, only a sudden pair of hands wrapping around my waist. His hands were large and firm, nearly encompassing my midsection. I was so startled that I almost let out a scream.

A low voice whispered, "Ms. Jaeger, don't be scared. It's me."

I turned, shocked to see Peter standing there.

What on earth was he thinking? My son and his mother were right in the next room, and he had the audacity to come into the kitchen and do this!

Peter's grip on my waist tightened as he stepped closer, and his body pressed against my lower back. A wave of heat spread through me as I became aware of the solid presence against me. It was uncomfortably close and becoming even more obvious.

I swallowed hard, confused and unsettled by the unexpected intensity of the moment.

Just then, Peter leaned in closer and whispered, "Ms. Jaeger, can I tell you a secret?"

"What is it?" I asked hesitantly as my curiosity overcame my unease.

He spoke slowly, "Ryan and my mom… They've already slept together."

So, Peter knew about it, too. If I hadn't accidentally discovered the truth through Ryan's video recordings, I wouldn't have believed it.

Feigning surprise, I replied, "What? That's impossible."

Peter smirked. "It's true, Ms. Jaeger. And since your son has been with my mom, doesn't that mean you and I should… even things out?"

His hand moved across me, leaving a strange, almost unbearable tingling sensation that spread through my entire body. What stood out even more was the way he pressed against me as he rubbed slightly from side to side.

The friction created a spark-like jolt that seemed to ignite at the base of my spine, traveling upward along my back and bursting into my mind like a flash of electricity.

He murmured, "Ms. Jaeger, I've always admired women from Darlene. You're so soft and warm, and there's something about you that I can't resist. Would you let me give you a try?"

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I stared at him, utterly speechless.

When I didn't respond, Peter became bolder. His hand slipped along the slit of my dress, venturing where it shouldn't. I tried to shift my legs, attempting to stop him, but his hand moved with a persistence that felt almost serpentine.

A wave of sensation overwhelmed me from underneath, sapping my strength. I found myself leaning slightly against him for support, my mind racing as I tried to process what was happening.

I felt my throat tighten as I fought to maintain control, knowing full well that Ryan and Kate were just in the next room. The thought of them overhearing anything sent a chill through me, urging me to stay silent.

Then again, I started wondering what the two of them were doing while they were alone.

Before I could fully collect myself, Peter leaned closer, his mouth now brushing against my ear. His proximity was overwhelming, clouding my ability to think clearly.

"Peter, stop this," I managed to whisper. "I can't hold it anymore."

Peter kept one hand down there and kept teasing me with the other hand on other parts of me. At the same time, he stuck out his tongue and licked my ear—my most sensitive part.