Page 41 of Sweetest Temptation
“Zanova, I’m not your ex. He was a boy. I’m all man. That’s the difference. I just want to get to know you. We can go with the flow for now. But I’m letting you know, I’m coming for youhard.”
I swallowed vigorously, my chest rising and falling under his hand as his words sank into the cracks of my armor.
God, he makes it sound so easy. But can I really trust his words? Can I really let someone close without getting hurt all over again?
My mind raced, images of betrayal and heartbreak flashing in the corners of my memory.
No… I can’t go through that again. Not with him. Not with anyone.
“You say that now…” I whispered, searching his face, “but people change. They always change.”
Samir’s thumb brushed the side of my waist, his touch firm but not demanding. “I’m not looking to play games with you. I don’t need to,” he said, his eyes locked on mine. “I want your time, your conversation, your trust. And eventually, your heart.That’s it. The rest you will give me, and not because I pushed you, but because you’ll trust that I won’t fumble you.”
He didn’t wait for an answer. His confession hung in the air, heavy and intoxicating, before his lips descended on mine. The kiss started gentle, like he was asking permission with every press of his mouth against mine. My knees went weak, my hands instinctively resting on his chest. Then, slowly and deliberately, he deepened it. His tongue slipped into my mouth, and I couldn’t help but melt against him. The warmth of him pressed into me, every inch of contact pulling me closer, leaving no room for hesitation. When he finally pulled back, just enough to let me breathe, his forehead rested against mine.
His eyes were dark as they searched mine. “Let me prove that not every man leaves a mark the way he did. We can take this at whatever pace you want. Fast or slow.” He gave my lips a quick peck, proving he couldn’t stay off of me.
“Give me some time, Samir. But I can’t make you any promises.”
“I can take that.”
I swallowed hard, my heart hammering against my ribs, torn between the part of me that wanted to believe him and the part that remembered pain all too well.
Hand and hand, Zanova and I made our way through the lobby until we reached the ballroom. Two men dressed in suits scanned our wristbands before allowing us to enter through the double wooden doors. I smirked, seeing that Zanova was wearing a green band. It had me thinking if she’d meant to pick that color or if her friend had something to do with it. I went with my second thought because I highly doubt Zanova was into shit like this.
The meet-and-greet wasn’t your ordinary party. This was exclusive as hell; the type of scene where the velvet ropes and private tables were just the surface, and nothing was off-limits. The bass from the music vibrated through the floor and into my chest, lights flickering across the crowd in streaks of gold and purple. Each guest picked a colored wristband that described what they were willing to partake in tonight. Green meant you were open to play and approachable, which was the color Zanova was wearing. Black was for dominant energy, which I waswearing tonight. I didn’t give a fuck about the rest of the colors. All I know is that I planned to see if Zanova was really down to play.
“What type of party is this?” Zanova looked up at me, her eyes full of curiosity.
I chuckled, knowing I was right about her wristband. “You didn’t read your invite?” I smirked with raised brows.
“No. Why?”
“Let’s just say… this isn’t yourtypicalchampagne and cocktails mixer. This is a playground, baby, where rules are optional. And boundaries… Well, they’re mostlysuggestions.”
Her eyes widened, a blush creeping up her neck. “Playground? You mean sex is going on here?” she said in a gasp, unsure if she should laugh or run.
I laughed quietly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “Yeah. If that’s what you are comfortable with.” I smirked. “People are here to let go, explore… See where the night takes them. You picked a color to tell the crowd what you’re down for…” I nodded at her wrist. “Well, anything. Green means approachable and open to play. You’re not shy about experimenting, huh?”
She looked down at her green band, then back at me. “What?! No! I didn’t know. Ooh! I’m going to choke Nyala. I knew that heffa was up to something!” She tried removing the band, but she couldn’t. I knew that once you snapped them on, they could only be cut off, which happens when you leave the party for the night.
“Chill, baby. There is no pressure. I figured you had no clue. If you don’t feel comfortable, we can leave.”
She took a breath before answering. “No, I’ll stay.”
“Look who finally made it!” Nyala came strutting up with Ryan by her side, both grinning like they were the hosts of thedamn party. “I thought you’d chicken out, friend.” She smirked at Zanova.
“You know you’re going to hear my mouth later, right? You tricked me.” Zanova was visibly flustered as she shot daggers at Nyala with her eyes.
I dapped Ryan up, still watching the two best friends exchange words.
“No… I just didn’t tell you whattypeof party it was.” Nyala laughed, completely unbothered. “You are wearing this gown, huntayyy!”
“Ain’t she, though?” I licked my lips, staring down at a Zanova. My hand slipped to the small of her back and rested at the top of her ass. Her body tensed for a split second, but she didn’t move away. That alone had my blood stirring.
Nyala fanned herself dramatically. “Oh, y’all about to start some trouble tonight. I can already tell. Hey, Ryan. Aren’t they looking like ‘couple goals.’” She teased us, giving me a knowing grin.
“Hey, Zanova. It’s good to see you again,” Ryan said, eyes flicking from Nyala to me, then to her.
