Shadows of desire

Chapter 7: The Mask Begins to Slip

The silence between them was thick, charged with something neither of them could name. Amara should have been afraid—she had just received a chilling warning, and yet here she was, locked in an unspoken battle of wills with a man she barely knew.

Jide's fingers lingered on her knee, his touch sending waves of heat through her. But beneath that warmth was something else—something unsettling.

"You're hiding something," she whispered.

Jide's expression didn't change, but his eyes flickered—just for a second. Then, he exhaled a slow, measured breath.

"We all have secrets, Amara," he said. "Even you."

She stiffened. "That's not an answer."

He smirked, but there was no humor in it. "It's the only one you're getting tonight."

A part of her wanted to push—wanted to demand the truth. But another part… another part wanted to forget everything, to lean into the way he made her feel. Safe. Desired. Alive.

The air shifted as Jide lifted a hand, brushing his fingers along her jawline. "Stop thinking so much," he murmured. "You're safe with me."

Amara wasn't sure if that was the truth or a well-crafted lie. But when his lips captured hers, she stopped caring.

The kiss was slow at first, deliberate. But then it deepened, turning into something darker, hungrier. Jide pulled her onto his lap, his hands gripping her waist as if he couldn't get enough of her.

She gasped as his lips trailed down her neck, his breath hot against her skin. Every touch, every movement ignited something reckless inside her.

But just as his hands moved lower, a sharp knock on the door shattered the moment.

They both froze.

Jide's expression hardened instantly. He stood, his entire body tensing like a predator sensing danger. "Are you expecting someone?"

Amara shook her head, her pulse racing.

Another knock. Louder this time.

Jide moved toward the door, his jaw tight. "Stay here."

Amara's heart pounded as she watched him.

Something was wrong.

And she had the sinking

feeling that this was only the beginning.