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Author: Marcy Lee
last update Last Updated: 2025-04-22 06:05:36

Carolina

I'm locked in.

I take a deep, shaky breath. The closet is dark and small, and I've never been a fan of tight spaces.

The panic wells inside me, and despite my attempts to calm myself down, I start to hyperventilate. The breaths are desperate, like my body is convinced that I'm not getting enough air.

It's impossible to tell how much time I spend jiggling the door, slamming a fist on it—maybe Brandon will hear the sounds and wake up, come downstairs, and let me out. It's unlikely, though. The house is huge, the walls are mostly soundproof, and he's too far away.

I can feel myself spiraling, holding on by a thread.

I press myself into the jackets hanging in the back, which smell like Evans, and let out a desperate sob.

Minutes pass. I try to count the time, to distract myself, but I keep trailing off, unable to focus on the count. My eyes adjust to the darkness, which only makes things worse; from the feeble sliver of light that filters under the door, I can see the walls to ei
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  • Resisting The Playboy's Charm   62

    CarolinaEvans breaks away from our kiss. As he withdraws, he tucks a lock of my hair behind my ear, and I relish the feeling of his hand on my face.He stands, reaching a hand down to help me up. As he pulls me to my feet, he says, "Come back inside with me."There's nothing I would rather do, so I nod, following him back into the house. He leads me upstairs to my bedroom, and for a few moments, I think he's about to take me to the bed—but instead, he brings me into the bathroom and flicks on the mirror lights.He reaches for the hem of my shirt, glancing up at me with a question in his eyes. In response, I lift my hands above my head, letting him undress me. His touch is gentle, and he moves slowly, a departure from the usual fierceness.He removes my shirt and my bra, then carefully undoes my high, messy bun—which has already almost fallen apart—letting my hair spill loosely around my shoulders."I've always found showers cleansing," he says quietly, unbuttoning my jeans. He slides

    Last Updated : 2025-04-22
  • Resisting The Playboy's Charm   63

    CarolinaMy hips start to undulate, my clit throbbing as pressure builds inside me. I release my death grip on Evans's forearm and wrap my arm around his neck instead, holding myself up as little whimpers and moans pour from my lips."You're getting close, aren't you?" he asks, his voice a deep rumble against my back."Uh-huh," I gasp out."Knew it." His teeth scrape along the line of my jaw. "You make the sexiest fucking noises when you're about to come. I could listen to those sounds all night.""Evans..." My fingers slide into his wet hair, my back arching as I lean against him. "Please.""Please what, angel? Use your words.""Touch me," I breathe."I am touching you. Be more specific."God, I both love and hate how he always makes me ask for exactly what I want. But I love it more than I hate it, because every time I ask, he gives it to me."Fuck me with your fingers," I whisper. "Please."He makes a noise in his throat as the hand around my waist slides lower, delving between my

    Last Updated : 2025-04-22
  • Resisting The Playboy's Charm   64

    CarolinaBefore the last aftershock has worked its way through me, Evans is on his feet again. He lifts me as if I'm lighter than a feather, wrapping my legs around his waist as my arms automatically go around his neck.My clit presses against the hard muscles of his abs in this position, and I drop my head and whimper against his neck as another burst of pleasure shoots through me."Goddamn, I can feel how wet you are," he mutters roughly. "You're making a mess all over me."I nod, because I know it's true. My arousal is smearing over his skin as I grind against him, and I don't stop. I roll my hips, pressing kisses to his neck as he carries me to the bed. When we reach it, he lays me down and crawls up over me, settling himself between my thighs."Need to be inside you," he murmurs, water droplets clinging to his hair as he gazes down at me, his face only inches away."Yes," I breathe, pulling him down into a kiss.His lips are hungry against mine as he reaches out to the side blind

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  • Resisting The Playboy's Charm   65

    Carolina"Evans!" I gasp, my nails digging into his shoulders as I cling to him. I can't seem to make myself form any more words than that, but he nods as if I said something bigger than just his name."I know," he grits out. "Fuck, Carolina."His lips find mine again, his tongue plunging into my mouth like he's trying to lay claim to it as he draws almost all the way out and then slides in again. I shudder beneath him, overwhelmed by how good it feels, how different, with no barrier between us.I can tell that despite Evans's warning, he wants to make it last. His strokes are measured and long, drawing out almost completely each time and then slamming back in so hard that the bed rocks beneath us. His breathing is ragged, just like mine, and he reaches down to hook one of my legs under the knee, pressing it up toward my chest to make the angle even deeper and more intense.My skin is damp, residual heat from the shower and the exertion of sex making a light sheen of sweat cover my bo

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  • Resisting The Playboy's Charm   66

    CarolinaOn Saturday morning, I wake up early to a text from Noah.NOAH: Not sure if you have time today, but you should come over to my house. It's been a while since I've seen you.The structure is a little bit formal for Noah, who's typically more laid back over text—especially with me. But he's right; it has been a while, even though I now live right next door to him, and there's really no excuse for that.ME: You're right, lol. In my defense, I've been really busy with work.ME: But I can come over today, I have some time before I volunteer at the shelter!I close my phone, not waiting for his response. I get dressed quickly, eager to finally take advantage of Evans's proximity to Noah.When I get downstairs, Evans and Brandon are both already awake. Since it's my day off, nobody could fault me for getting up late, but these two are eternal early birds—even on a Saturday, with Evans not working for once and Brandon's preschool closed, they never stay in bed past eight."Good morn

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  • Resisting The Playboy's Charm   67

    CarolinaThe wine is perfect—not too sweet, not too acidic, with fruity notes.As I drink my wine, I watch him cook. He's genuinely talented at it, and he's only gotten better with practice. He pours the eggs into a smaller skillet, and as they cook, he flips them without the spatula—just with a flick of his wrist on the pan's handle."Whoa," I say. "Where'd you learn that trick?"He scoffs. "I've known how to do that for years.""Sure you have," I tease.He looks up at me, and the humor fades quickly out of his eyes. I frown, suddenly remembering how serious the tone of his text was, and wondering if there's some other reason he invited me over."So," he says. "Tell me what's going on between you and my neighbor.""Evans?" I blink, taken aback. My heart pounds in my chest. "Nothing."He sets the skillet down on the burner, arching a brow. "You sure about that? Because I saw you kissing on the front stoop of his house last night." He nods over at his kitchen window, which has a plain

    Last Updated : 2025-04-22
  • Resisting The Playboy's Charm   68

    CarolinaEvans takes me and Brandon to the movies on Sunday, which is a welcome treat. Technically, I'm off the clock, but Brandon begged me to come with them to the theater—and Evans seemed eager to bring me.Brandon sits between us in the theater, eyes wide as he takes in the brightly-colored, animated spectacle. Despite the distance between us, Evans keeps stealing glances over at me; we make eye contact every few minutes.I can't help but wonder where his hands might wander if we were sitting next to each other. It's probably for the best that we aren't. I don't know if I could trust myself to be good.This man is pure sex, unadulterated and addictive.After the movie ends, Brandon sits in his seat with his mouth open slightly, dazed. I remember that feeling—being a little kid and seeing a movie up on a huge screen, surrounded by the music. I help him up, and he blinks, getting his bearings.Evans leads us out of the theater, and as we troop out into the hallway, I lean forward to

    Last Updated : 2025-04-22
  • Resisting The Playboy's Charm   69

    Carolina"That's unbelievably fucked up," Olivia says.She's on speaker as I sit in my room, drawing at the little desk in the corner. I'm putting the finishing touches on a pencil sketch of a tortoise, which I promised Brandon I would teach him to draw. I just finished filling Olivia in on the situation with my mother."You're telling me," I groan, shading the tortoise's pupils. "She's a mess. The whole situation is a mess.""I don't know why, but I thought she might give up after the last time."Olivia has been my friend long enough to know the entire sordid history between me and my mother. She's been there on other occasions when my mom tried to contact me, and she's been my shoulder to cry on when everything fell apart. It's nice, not having to explain myself to her."I know," I agree. "But she never does, does she?""Guess not. But you were right to try to keep those walls up. Your mom doesn't deserve to be in your life, and it's for the best if you keep her at a distance.""Yea

    Last Updated : 2025-04-22

Latest chapter

  • Resisting The Playboy's Charm   113

    CarolinaFor a few seconds, I'm silent, in shock. Then the tears start, and I'm powerless to stop them. "Of course," I manage to choke out, a feeling of weightless elation filling my heart. I feel as though I might drift straight out of this Ferris wheel, up into the sky. "Of course I will."Evans smiles, pressing a kiss to my lips over Brandon's head."Yes!" Brandon shouts, delighted, and Evans and I break apart. I smile at Brandon through my happy tears."What's up, bud?""You're getting married to each other!" Brandon exclaims, beaming. "This is the best birthday ever!" Then he frowns abruptly, noticing my expression. "Why are you crying? Are you sad?""No," I assure him. "Sometimes, people cry when they're very, very happy."The Ferris wheel lurches back into motion, and I feel Evans's hand on my shoulder, his fingertips brushing my neck.As we near the ground, I peer down at the crowd, my eyes widening when I recognize a few familiar faces. "Wait—Evans, is that Olivia?""I invite

  • Resisting The Playboy's Charm   112

    Carolina"Go easy on the cotton candy," I chide Brandon, whose lips are sticky and purple from the confection. "That stuff is gonna make you feel sick.""But it's my birthday!""I know," I say, "but you don't want to be sick on your birthday, do you? After all, you haven't ridden the roller coaster yet."He frowns, considering this, his gaze straying to the kiddie roller coaster across the fairway. Then he shrugs, conceding the point. "Okay," he says. "Everyone else can share the rest of mine."He hands the remaining candy floss over to one of his friends, Jazz, who eagerly tears off a chunk and passes it to the next child.I smile, stepping back to stand beside Evans. Brandon wanted to invite his entire class back to the amusement park for his birthday—a huge fling that would've been immensely difficult if it weren't for the presence of some of the other parents, extra watchful eyes on the kids."We should go on the roller coaster next," Brandon says, trying to cajole his friends. "W

  • Resisting The Playboy's Charm   111

    EvansAfter I finish, Carolina is silent for so long that it terrifies me.I just unloaded my entire heart to her, but for the first time in my life, I'm not sure if I said the right thing. I'm not sure if there's anything else I should say, or if another word might only make things worse.I've always known how to handle myself in any situation, always prided myself on being able to manage whatever came my way. But as I gaze at Carolina, desperately wanting her to believe me, all of that confidence slips away.There are tears in the corners of her eyes. Did I just make her cry? Is she upset? Did I just fuck up again?I open my mouth, not sure what else is going to come out—probably a babbling mess of nonsense, to be honest—but before I can stammer a single word, Carolina leans up to kiss me.We stay there for a few moments, locked in a deep kiss. All I can think about is how soft her lips are against mine, the scent of her floral shampoo that I sought in the sheets of my empty bed for

  • Resisting The Playboy's Charm   110

    CarolinaIt's a long drive, all the way from Evans's place up to the Bronx. With each passing minute, I grow more confused, until finally, Evans pulls into a tree-lined asphalt drive, dappled with sunlight.I don't know what destination I was expecting, but whatever it was, it wasn't this. We're at Woodlawn Cemetery.Evans drives slowly through the wrought iron gates, then up the winding access road, in silence. I turn to him, frowning."Evans—""Almost there," he says.He stops the car beneath the sweeping branches of a massive maple, then steps out, gesturing for me to do the same. I hesitate for a few moments, watching as he crosses the street and approaches a simple, granite headstone.Finally, my curiosity gets the better of me. I climb out of the car and approach him. He turns to face me."I wanted to take you to meet my sister," he says. He's smiling, but there's something sad in the depths of his eyes. "I thought that the most important ladies in my life should get the chance

  • Resisting The Playboy's Charm   109

    CarolinaOutside of Evans's ceiling-high windows, there's a flawless view of the winding branches of the oak tree in the backyard. I wake to the sound of a bird, sitting on the branch, chirping a morning tune.I'm nestled into Evans's arms, and that feels... good. Warm. Right. He's still asleep; the bird hasn't woken him. I spend a few seconds dwelling on the blissful feeling, the pleasant soreness in my muscles, as I watch the chickadee hop around on the branch and finally take flight.As soon as it vanishes out of sight, the reality of everything starts to sink in, and I bite my lip as a knot forms in my stomach.Shit. What did I just do?This was a huge mistake. The wound of our breakup was finally starting to heal over, enough that we could have a nice dinner without any awkwardness and with minimal hurt.And now, after this, I've definitely just reopened it, to its fullest extent.It's just going to get harder and harder every time I let myself have a taste. I can't let this cycl

  • Resisting The Playboy's Charm   108

    CarolinaEvans trails his mouth over my neck and shoulders, teeth scraping my skin as I hook my legs around his waist, both of us desperate for the other."So fucking perfect." His voice is muffled against my skin, as if he can't bear to pull away long enough to speak. "You taste so good, Carolina. Every inch of you. I need you so goddamn badly."His hands move to the waistband of my pants, working the button and zipper down, and I rock from side to side a little, lifting my hips enough for him to slide them off. He takes my panties with them, and I hiss out a breath as the cool marble meets my bare skin."I need to be inside you," Evans groans, nearly ripping my pants off my legs as I desperately kick off my shoes. The heat between us is like an inferno, and I swear the rest of my clothes are about to burn to ash just from touching my skin. "Can I...?""Yes!" It's a breathless gasp, and I nod, reaching for his pants too.He's still wearing his shirt, and so am I, but I hardly even ca

  • Resisting The Playboy's Charm   107

    CarolinaA rush of memories hits me as I walk down the second-floor hallway, especially as I walk past the room I lived in while I worked here. Unable to help my curiosity, I pause outside the door, leaning in to survey my old living space.It's almost empty. The bed is made, but it looks like it hasn't been touched since I was here. It's a little depressing, so I move on quickly.Brandon, in his room, has already put on his pajamas with lightning speed. He's crawling into bed as I enter."Story, story, story!" he chants, an eager grin on his face."Ah, ah," I say. "What are you forgetting?"Brandon frowns for a moment, unsure; then realization dawns on him. He climbs back out of bed and goes into the bathroom to brush his teeth. Only once he's back do I settle on the side of his bed, racking my brains for a story.Eventually, I spin a tale about our two betta fish meeting in a stream and becoming friends. Given what I know about betta fish, this is a pretty fanciful story—if Gill and

  • Resisting The Playboy's Charm   106

    CarolinaWe all head up to the registers together, and once everything is paid for, I pause by the door awkwardly, glancing back at Brandon and Evans."Well, it was really nice to run into the two of you," I begin, expecting to ungracefully part ways."You should come have dinner with us!" Brandon bursts out loudly—he's having an energetic day.I cringe internally, glancing over at Evans. "Um, I don't know if that's a good idea, kiddo.""But it would be so fun!" Brandon cries.Evans nods, his eyes warm as he meets my gaze. His voice is sincere as he says, "Please. You should join us."Whatever I was expecting Evans to say, it wasn't that. I open my mouth to refuse, then close it, considering. It couldn't hurt to just go over for dinner. In fact, it might help with the heartache I've been feeling—a reminder that time moves on, or something."Okay, sure," I say hesitantly. "I didn't have anything to do this evening, anyway."Rather than taking the subway back to my place, I get into the

  • Resisting The Playboy's Charm   105

    CarolinaThere are at least fifteen different brands of fish food at the pet store, which makes shopping for my still-unnamed betta fish way more difficult than it needs to be.It's a low maintenance creature, so I don't know what could possibly necessitate all of these different brands. One promises shinier scales, and the other claims to promote healthier fins. I shake my head, weighing one option in each hand.Finally, I decide to make the choice at random. If I picked wrong, my unnamed fish will just have to cope with subpar pellets.I toss the box into my shopping basket and continue down the aisle. I have to pick out a new filter for his little tank, then I'll be on my way.As I round the corner into the next aisle, I almost run straight into someone. I stumble back, startled, and drop my basket. The box of fish food slides across the floor."S-sorry," I stammer, my cheeks flushed with embarrassment."No worries," says a familiar voice.I freeze with my hand halfway to the fish

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