Shadows of desire

Chapter 4: Consumed by Fire

Amara's hands trembled as she unlocked the door to her apartment. She could feel Jide's presence behind her, his heat radiating against her skin. A part of her screamed that this was reckless, but another part—one she had spent years suppressing—was desperate for this moment.

As soon as she stepped inside, Jide was there, closing the door behind him. The air between them was thick with unspoken tension.

"You're playing with fire," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath.

Jide's lips curved into a slow, knowing smile. "And yet, you invited me in."

She swallowed hard, stepping back, but he followed, closing the distance between them. His fingers grazed her arm, sending a shiver through her.

"Tell me to leave," he murmured.

Amara's lips parted, but no words came. She couldn't say it. She didn't want to.

Jide took that as his answer. In the next second, his mouth was on hers—hot, demanding, consuming. Amara gasped against his lips, her body instantly igniting.

She clutched his shirt as he pressed her against the wall, his hands exploring, teasing, setting her on fire. She had never wanted anyone this way before—never felt this level of raw, undeniable hunger.

Jide's lips trailed down her neck, his breath warm against her skin. "You taste like sin," he growled.

Her head fell back, a moan escaping her lips. He lifted her effortlessly, carrying her toward the bedroom. Logic was a distant memory. All that mattered was the way he made her feel—like she was losing herself in the best possible way.

But just as his hands moved lower, just as she was about to surrender completely—her phone rang.

The shrill sound sliced through the air like a blade, breaking the spell.

Jide paused, his breathing ragged against her skin.

Amara hesitated before reaching for her phone. Unknown Number.

Something about it sent a chill down her spine.

She answered, her voice shaky. "Hello?"

A distorted voice came through the line. Cold. Unfamiliar.

"You should be careful who you let into your bed, Amara."

Her blood ran cold. She sat up, her fingers tightening around the phone. "Who is this?"

But the line went dead.

Silence filled the room. The air was no longer thick with desire but something else—something far more dangerous.

Jide frowned, his jaw tightening. "Who was that?"

Amara swallowed, her heart pounding. "I don't know."

But deep down, she knew this wasn't just a random call.

This was a warning.

And she had just crossed a line she could never undo.