The Seraph: The Rule of Three, #1

By Adom Sample

The Seraph—creator of worlds, would seek his expiation through love and desire no matter the cost.

Eight hundred years before Sebastian and Kyra liberated their world from darkness, I, the Seraph within the Rule of Three, was cast out of paradise for manipulating the hearts of humanity. I now walk among them as deemed by the Omni in repentance for my misdeeds. I hoped that through one mortal alone, I would gain my reentry into the bosom of my companions.

It was her, Anaya Myers, who would be my salvation. Within her dwell gifts that I had to claim for myself. I would use that power to regain my wings, and with it, return to my former glory. Although, I feared the passion I was developing for her would prove to be my undoing. Love and desire were boundless, and I, too, would fall prey to its everlasting influence.

Includes
Book 1: The Seraph's Fate
Book 2: Descension
Book 3: Desires Freed

Author's note: This book is a part of the COURTING MOON UNIVERSE. In this series, will you learn the importance of the Courting Moon, the Vampyre gene, and the first Earth all made possible through the will of the Omni. The history and creation of Rule of Three and the ten-mirror multiverse is revealed in this epic three part series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Blue Courting Publishing
• Release date: Jun 15, 2022
• ISBN: 9781958205129

Book preview

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Prologue

Anaya

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ENTER A REALM UNLIKE anything you’ve ever known. Trust in me and I will show you pleasures you’ve read of only in fantasy, the voice said. As I gazed into the open view of the dreamland I’d found myself wandering, I couldn’t help but to notice the dark figure in the distance. It was there I would meet him again. He frightened me. I couldn’t tell what it was that made me shudder when I saw his eyes, but some part of me wanted that sensation. The lavish touch of his skin sent me into a fever of guilt and pleasure. I knew I shouldn’t have been doing this, but my nature compelled me to take the chance. He saw in me what no other could. He was my fantasy—my dream.

I awoke in the same field as I had for the last few weeks. Each night I was brought here, and I didn’t know how or why. As I lay sprawled on the white grass, I couldn’t help but breathe in the hypnotic fumes that filled the air. It was enchanting as much as it was daunting.

The weight of my presence in this euphoric realm forced me to pull myself up. I stood and took in the sights that seemed to change every time I entered this realm of bliss. The sky was a dark blue, littered with red-and-orange clouds, and the ocean in the distance reflected the light of the sky. What was this place, and who brought me here each night? These were the questions I needed answered. Someone was doing this, but whom? I needed to know.

I took a step forward. The ground rippled with each footstep as if raindrops were falling into the ocean. That didn’t deter me from pressing on. I had to see what lay beyond the view of my surroundings. Never had I attempted to venture beyond where he told me I could go. Those were just whispers, however. I had to see it. I had to see him.

Go no further, Anaya Myers. You know not what you seek, the man whispered. He was a ghost I could not see, taste, or touch. I ignored his warnings, which was something I hadn’t done before. I took another step and hit an invisible wall.

You must heed my warning or forever be lost here, the man said, this time more fiercely.

What is this place? I called.

No answer.

Are you there?

Again, no answer.

Frustration overwhelmed me. I pushed my fist through the wall, and glass shattered all around me in slow motion. I covered my head with my arms to protect myself, but the shards of glass soon transformed into golden butterflies. Nevertheless, that didn’t stop them from cutting me.

That was your choice, the man whispered. I gazed at my arms, and they were coated in blood. The glass-like butterflies had cut me well. What were his intentions? I needed answers.

What do you want from me? I shouted at the sky. A dark figure suddenly appeared. I couldn’t tell if it was a demon or an angel, but within seconds, the figure was inches from me.

"All of you, he said sensually. My heart dropped. The erotic tone of his voice compelled me to run. The meadow became a bright blue cloud, and it felt as if I were floating in midair. I want all of you," the man said again. No matter how far I ran, he was there—always. The golden butterflies swirled all around me. They lifted me from my feet into the sky.

I want you to be mine, Anaya. Forever . . . He floated behind me, gaining. I didn’t know whether to feel bliss or terror. He was closing in, and the soft touch of his fingers caressed my toes.

The pink nightgown I wore faded from my skin. Soon, I was naked with only my sweat to cover me. The atmosphere felt as if it were ninety degrees Fahrenheit as the butterflies burst into flames all around me. The heat was almost unbearable. I welcomed it, however. The man who had brought me here, who had whispered in my ear every night, had finally caught up to me.

Why are you doing this? Who are you? I asked, frightened. He transformed from a dark figure into one of the most handsome men I’d ever seen. This man had to have been over six feet tall. He was muscular with well-lit golden-brown skin, light gray eyes, and blondish brown hair. The closer he came, the better I could see him. He had a tattoo of a red dragon on his right forearm and a tattoo of angel wings covering his chest. I wasn’t ready for something so handsome. He grabbed my ankles and pulled me in, opening my legs wide. I was frozen. I couldn’t react.

I’m doing this because I want you. I always have. He licked my toes and caressed my inner thighs.

W-who are you? I stuttered.

He looked up at me and smiled. Your salvation. His entire body radiated with golden light, and his head motioned deeper between my thighs. I closed my eyes and allowed it to happen. I’d given in to the feeling when suddenly, he stopped. Give me permission, he commanded.

What?

I’m asking for your permission.

Permission for what?

To continue, he pressed. I opened my eyes as we floated among the red-and-orange clouds. It was then I realized the power I had.

I won’t, I said defiantly. He was taken aback.

Why do you refuse me?

Because . . . it is what I choose to do.

He released me, and I smiled. I was in control. I knew that now.

Soon, Anaya Myers. Soon, you will not refuse me. You will succumb just like so many before you, he whispered soothingly. He faded to nothing, leaving me alone, afloat in this abyss. My wounds from the glass healed, and I descended back to the meadow, where I laid my feet on the white grass. Rejuvenated, I put my head back on the ground where I had been before. I closed my eyes and welcomed slumber.

Chapter 1

Anaya

ANAYA. ANAYA! WAKE up. You’re going to be late, shouted my roommate. My alarm was going off, and it annoyed me to no end. I smashed the off button with the palm of my hand and looked at the time. Nine o’clock in the morning and my first lecture was in thirty minutes.

Oh, shit! I exclaimed. Tossing the sheets to the floor, I jumped out of bed, and then I ran to the bathroom. My hair was a mess, and I didn’t have time for a shower. These dreams were going to be the death of me. Each night they’d become more erotic, more sensual, more . . . real. I couldn’t worry about that now, though. My first class was about to start, and I was far from ready.

Professor Lapkin doesn’t like it when his students are late, said Saia Fisher, my roommate and best friend. I dowsed my face with soap and water and reached for a washcloth near the towel rack. Of course, the towel rack was empty. I needed to start doing laundry more regularly.

Here, said Saia, tossing me a fresh towel from the closet. I grabbed it and wiped my face promptly. I needed to hurry or else I’d be in for one of Professor Lapkin’s sermons. I wasn’t sure why he’d taken such an interest in me. Usually, professors didn’t care if you were on time or not. It wasn’t as if he were paying for my doctorate education. With the way he’d always single me out in the crowd to answer some of the most complex questions in our class, one would think he was.

I ran a few brushstrokes through my hair and put on jeans and a T-shirt before heading out. Saia and I had planned to rent a townhouse in Centreville, Virginia, but that idea went out the window when we realized how much traffic we’d have to endure on the way to school every day. To be closer to the main campus and David King Hall, where most of our classes were held, we decided to rent a townhouse in Fairfax. It would only take me about ten minutes to get there. I just hoped traffic on I-66 wasn’t screwed up as it was most days.

Saia, who was a first-year law student at George Washington University Law School in Washington, DC, didn’t start class until next week. She was going to spend the day reading up on case law and sightseeing near the university. I wished I could join her. We’d planned to attend college together since high school. I’d done my undergrad at George Mason University while she studied at NYU. Granted, New York was a four-hour drive from DC, but we still missed out on those freshman college years together.

Now that we’d matured, all those late-night drunken parties were a thing of the past. I was pursuing a PhD in psychology and she’d be busy with her studies as well. It was time to get serious. Words couldn’t describe how ecstatic I was when I found out she was accepted into GW. With our combined income, we were able to get our own place. The DC metro area was expensive as hell, and every penny mattered.

My father was an investment banker and was happy to pay for my education. He gave me a choice: doctor, lawyer, or accountant. Luckily for me, I had always wanted to be a psychologist, so our interests aligned. Saia was in the same boat. Our fathers were partners at the firm they’d founded, and her father gave her the same ultimatum. I thought we were going to be psych majors together. We both had undergrad degrees in psychology. But Saia decided to get a Master’s in Philosophy while at NYU. I guessed that sealed the deal in her wanting to pursue law. That was fine by me.

Hey! Don’t forget this, she said. I looked up and saw a small pamphlet flying toward me. It landed in my arms just as I was about to open the front door. I put it in my bag.

Thanks, Saia. I ran outside to my car. Fifteen minutes to spare. I was definitely going to break some traffic laws on the way to school this morning. I just prayed there wasn’t an accident blocking traffic on I-66 as usually. It seemed as if there were an accident every five minutes in this area. I swear it was as if licenses grew on trees around here. My car, a red Nissan Sentra, already had dings and scratches on it from all the near accidents I’d managed to avoid since moving here. Regardless, I just hoped my drive to school would be smooth and without any delays.

As I started the engine, I couldn’t help but contemplate the dream I’d had. These visions had been going on for weeks: the same dream, the same setting—everything. Only last night was the first time the man was present. I’d told Saia about these dreams last week. She attributed them to the stress of starting my doctoral studies and the pressure my family was weighing on me to succeed. I only hoped that was the reason.

Each time I dreamed of sex or anything that got me aroused, I’d usually wake up before anything could happen. Either that or something in the dream would occur, stopping me from reaching orgasm in my sleep. I was glad I told that mysterious man in my dream to stop when I did. The last thing I needed was to wake up this morning in a wet spot.

I’d been starting to find myself wishing these dreams would become more sensual. And last night, I got my wish. Now, I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next. But I needed to get my mind off that for now. School was calling, and I didn’t want to see Professor Lapkin’s disgruntled face the moment I walked into class. I could dwell on these dreams some other time. I pulled out of the driveway and said a small prayer that traffic was decent.

Chapter 2

Sylas

IT WAS A GAME. MY GAME. The game people play; be it for greed, pleasure, or control. I stand at the center of that game, unchallenged. She sat there, drinking her wine, alone with her Kindle as if to say fuck off to anyone who dared approach. This façade wasn’t lost on me or any other man who would lay eyes on her uneasy glance. I saw into her mind. Invading her dreams, I knew what she was thinking.

The barrier she placed around herself would soon fade once I unleashed my will upon her. That was the power of the Seraphim. Cast out of Paradise for my philosophical ideas when it came to humanity, I now lived among them, unimpeded, free from the morality of my creator and her subjects. They chose to lock me away for an eternity based on my exercise of free will.

My kind was never allowed that. But I was no deviant. My goal wasn’t to corrupt man, nor to bend them to do my bidding. The only motive I had was to see humanity free itself from the chains of imprisonment. Thus, I would feed my hunger by helping them release their own.

Every so often, she’d move her eyes from whatever book was she reading to scan the room. She was waiting for no one, yet her demeanor told of something to come. As if she was waiting for someone to make an effort.

Go to her, I whispered in the mind of the young man sitting in the corner typing away on his tablet. No one could see my lips move, but the words lay upon his ears all the same. Go to her, I said again. He was an attractive muscled man with dark skin and light hazel eyes—far more eye-catching than any other man in this room was. He had noticed her, but was too hesitant to make his approach. That would change today. He sensed my words but had no clue where they were coming from.

This woman would frequent Compass Coffee in Northwest DC, often after work. Usually twice a week. I’d studied her. Searched her mind. Entered her dreams. Now was the time to act. I sat in the corner alone, watching and analyzing. Tonight was the night. Elizbeth Walker would know true passion this day.

May I help you? Elizbeth said to the man I’d influenced into approaching her. She was arrogant and snobbish in her inquiry. Her eyes held clear disdain for being interrupted from her reading. Behind that, however, was a need that had yet to be satisfied.

Do you mind if I join you? the man said. Before she could respond, he took a seat across from her. She sighed and turned away, giving him the cold shoulder.

Proceed, I whispered.

So, do you come here often? he said. Elizbeth rolled her eyes and continued to ignore him. She flicked her hair and curled her lips as if to put on a show of contempt for his presence.

Compliment her appearance. Be sincere. Do not falter. Be dominant. Assert yourself.

The man straightened his posture and leaned into her personal space. She backed away, finally making eye contact.

You’re stunning, Miss— He paused, waiting for her to reveal her name.

Elizbeth. Elizbeth Walker, she said firmly.

Beautiful name. So, I’ll ask again. Do you come here often? He shot her a slight grin.

Often enough to avoid guys like you, she reproached.

Guys like me? He smiled. How do you know what type of guy I am?

I know your type. Hanging around bars and coffee shops looking for your next conquest.

He snickered. Who hurt you?

Excuse me? She laid her Kindle down.

I said who hurt you?

How do you know someone’s hurt me?

Only a woman scorned would stereotype men the way you just did.

They gazed at one another for a brief moment. I continued to study them. I felt their feelings. The emotional buildup within this woman was spilling out of her soul. I saw in her eyes the conflict, whether to open up to this stranger or dismiss him altogether. I wanted to see what she would do.

Press harder.

My influence on him was unrelenting. I needed to see how far Elizbeth would go.

I don’t know why I’m about to tell you this. She glanced away. My boyfriend. He slept with my co-worker. I thought she was my friend. I guess not, she confided. The man leaned back in his chair and raised his eyebrows.

I’m sorry to hear that. How long ago did you break up with him?

Who says we broke up? she said, much to his surprise. He stood from his chair and walked around the table. They never broke eye contact. He took a seat next to her and gazed at her perfectly exposed cleavage before looking into her eyes again.

Why stay with him? Who’s to say he won’t fuck someone else? he said into her ear. A tiny smirk formed on Elizbeth face as she lauded his boldness.

We’ve been off and on for years. I’m still in love with him. Anyway, why are you asking me all these questions? You haven’t even told me your name. He moved the hair away from her ear and slowly touched her shoulder with his index finger. The sleeveless, pleated mint-green dress Elizbeth was wearing made it easy for him to see the white lace push-up bra underneath. It turned him on. I sensed it.

My name is Andrew. Andrew Miles. I just started with the World Bank. I’m a financial analyst. I have a law degree, but my focus is in international law and finance and investment.

So you’re a lawyer. I should have figured as much. Which law school did you attend?

I’m local. I graduated from Georgetown last month. I also work as a personal trainer when time allows. And you?

I work as a research analyst at some think tank you probably wouldn’t care too much to know about. He chuckled, as did she. Her barriers were coming down. All it took was a little confidence on his part and a touch of influence on mine.

It’s getting late, and it looks like they’re about to close. Perhaps it’s time for you both to go home.

It’s getting late, Elizbeth. Maybe we should continue this conversation at a more private venue, Andrew suggested. I smiled. Indecision clouded her mind. Elizbeth didn’t know where this was going. But she would play along nonetheless.

What do you have in mind? she asked.

Take her home.

My home, said Andrew. She laughed and put her Kindle into her purse.

I’m not really into one-night stands. Besides, I’m not into going home with strange guys I just met. And I already told you I have a boyfriend.

A boyfriend who’s probably cheating on you as we speak.

Whatever. I have to go. It’s late, and I have an early morning. It was nice talking to you. She stood and placed the strap of her purse on her shoulder.

Don’t let her leave.

Where will you go? Home, by yourself? Where is this boyfriend of yours?

What’s it to you?

Andrew stood and walked in between her and the front door of the coffee shop. You deserve better. You know you do.

And I guess that someone better would be you, right?

Andrew moved a small strand of hair from her face and gazed into her soft brown eyes. Well, I don’t know. Why don’t you take me home and find out? he said assertively.

Elizbeth bit her bottom lip and looked around to see if anyone was paying them any attention. Besides me, they were the only two customers left. It was 7:55 p.m. and the employees were waiting for us to leave so they could close up shop and go home for the night.

Do you live in DC? she asked.

Arlington, Virginia. I live alone. I bought a condo just last week.

She looked down at her feet and became jittery. This was the first time a man had ever hit on her so aggressively. In her dreams, she behaved the same way. I expected as much, as this wasn’t new behavior.

What is it that you want from me? Her voice was nervous.

All of you.

I want all of you, he said.

So what’s your plan? To fuck me and never speak to me again?

He smiled and moved in closer.

I got up, threw some money on my table, and walked toward the exit.

See you later, Mr. Samson. Come back soon, said the barista as I made my way out. The barista called me by one of my many names from one of my many human identities. It was necessary to be a ghost among mortals—to be seen and forgotten just as quickly. I didn’t respond. I kept my head low so Andrew and Elizbeth wouldn’t notice me. Neither of them paid me any mind.

I walked down the alley, took on my corporeal form, and vanished from their physical reality. Now was the time to take my influence to the next level. I floated back into the coffee shop and hovered above them. No human could lay eyes on me. I descended behind Andrew and placed my hands on his shoulders. He felt my presence. It was warm and transcending. I gave him the final push he needed to seal the deal.

I’ve watched you each time you’ve come into this coffee shop. I’ve never dared to introduce myself until now. Something came over me. Maybe it’s the dress you’re wearing. Maybe it’s the curve of your luscious lips or your smile. I don’t know. All I do know is that I’m interested in you, Elizbeth. Now, what do you say we get out of here? It’s 8:15 p.m. and I’m sure the staff want to get home to their families, said Andrew. Elizbeth turned around and saw the man at the counter was staring at the both of them.

Not every man you meet has an agenda. Give him a chance. See what he has to offer, I whispered in Elizbeth’s thoughts. Her guard melted at that moment. Their emotional output gave me strength. I needed to feel that.

One drink at your place. Then I have to head home. I live in Pentagon City, and it isn’t far from Arlington. All right? Her eyes were anxious. Elizbeth had never put her faith in a total stranger before. Nonetheless, after what happened with her boyfriend, she’d decided to open herself up to social situations. Even ones as fast-paced as this. She was doing it beautifully.

Andrew smiled and collected his things. He attempted to hold her hand as they departed the coffee shop, but she was still reluctant. He walked ahead and opened the door for her. They headed to Shaw–Howard University Metro Station and took the Yellow Line to Arlington. My influence wasn’t needed as much. They tended to strike up various conversations on their own. The train ride to his place proved to loosen the mood between them.

After they crossed over to the Blue Line, they got off at Crystal City Metro Station and headed to his home. Andrew had purchased a two-bedroom condo on Glebe Road. Perfect for urban living and it was only a mile from the metro station. Andrew had decided to drive to the station rather than walk or take the bus back home that day. He opened the passenger door for her, and she got in.

You’re like one metro stop away from Pentagon City, she said.

Small world, huh? Andrew responded with a grin. It took them less than fifteen minutes to reach his home. The moon was shining bright, and there was something in the air that seemed to increase a need boiling within them. The power of the Seraphim, my power, would help them explore themselves this night. They entered the condo, and he set his things on a nearby table.

Nice place you have here, she said. Andrew took her jacket and hung it over his sofa. Their discussions on the way there had eased her tension. I was never far behind. I would observe. I would challenge them; their passion needed to be resolved. And it was I who would bring them their fortune. I hovered above and engulfed Andrew’s home in euphoria. They felt it. The sensation was burning them up. Their desire would become my power.

Do you mind if I take off my shoes? I’ve been walking around in these things all day, said Elizbeth. Andrew came from the kitchen with two glasses of hot tea.

Sure. Make yourself at home, he said. He placed the smaller glass in front of her on the table as she removed her shoes. He gazed at her toes as she dug them into his soft Flokati wool rug. Elizbeth crossed her legs, revealing her upper thigh as she reached for the tea. She didn’t pull her dress down to hide the skin. It was then Andrew knew what she was doing. The mood intensified as I increased the level of euphoria in the air.

You never answered my question, she said before taking a sip of her tea.

Which was? he responded.

Are you planning on one-night-standing me? Her gaze sharpened. Andrew removed his shoes as well and unbuttoned the first two buttons on his shirt.

I don’t do one-night stands, he said. Elizbeth took another sip of her tea before placing it back on the table.

Then what do you do? she asked. Andrew smiled and moved over to the side of the couch where she was sitting. Her eyes widened. The scent of him was alluring despite how much she tried to resist. He sat next to her and gazed into her eyes. Elizbeth’s nerves were on edge just as they had been in her dreams.

I make love over and over again. He drew nearer. And I court her. I never let her go. I make her mine, he whispered. Sweat began to form on her bosom. Andrew placed his hand on her knee and rubbed back and forth.

Are we seriously going to do this? We just met, she said cautiously.

Yet we’ve been in each other’s presence for so long. One too afraid to speak to the other. I’ve fantasized about this night for weeks, Andrew countered. Elizbeth overlapped her right hand with his and rubbed his muscled arm up to his biceps with the other.

B-but... I-I have a boyfriend, she stuttered.

Not anymore.

Not anymore you don’t, he said. She nodded and gave him a half smile.

You know something, you’re right. Elizbeth reached over to her bag and pulled out her phone. Andrew paused as he took notice of what she was doing. One text, two words, was all that was said to her soon-to-be ex-boyfriend: It’s over!

She sighed in relief, then threw her phone back into her bag and exhaled sharply. I should have sent that text weeks ago, she proclaimed. Andrew smiled and slowly moved his hand from her knee to her side.

Are you all right? he asked. Andrew hadn’t anticipated that she’d end her relationship so quickly. He’d believed she was kidding when she told him they were still together. She sat up and locked her eyes on him. I am now.

Andrew closed his eyes for a brief moment as she caressed his cheek with the tips of her fingers. What took you so long to approach me? she asked. He took her hand and lowered it from his face.

"Well, you had fuck off written on your face every time you’d come into the coffee shop. I was afraid of rejection."

Just because we’re here now doesn’t mean I won’t still reject you.

Why would you say such a thing?

Why would you say that?

Because all men are the same. You’re going to fuck me, and I’ll never hear from you again.

Reassure her.

I would never do that. If that were my plan, I wouldn’t have brought you to my home.

You promise? Her eyes were frightened. Fear of being hurt again overwhelmed her. The thought of trusting someone was still terrifying.

I promise, Elizbeth Walker. We don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do, Andrew assured her. She pulled away and stared at the floor.

I don’t want to get hurt again. If you hurt me, it’s not going to be good for you, Elizbeth warned. He moved closer to her and wrapped his arms around her waist. She didn’t stop him, but she didn’t completely give in.

I’ve been single for almost a year. There’s no way I would jeopardize the chance at a meaningful relationship. Particularly with someone as beautiful as you. He pulled her closer.

What are you doing, Andrew?

Something that we both want.

Are you so sure I want this?

Your eyes tell me you do. I’m not a player, and I have no time for games. I refuse to resist any longer. Let’s embrace this moment. Tell me you want this.

I-I don’t know. What if—

Tell me you want this, Elizbeth. If you don’t, I’ll stop. His lips were almost touching her ear. The warmth of his breath made her hair stand on end. Both nervous and confused about his intentions, she tried to push him away.

Kiss her, Andrew. What are you waiting for? I increased the passion in her blood. The scent of jasmine tea filled the room and they both began to sweat.

Tell me you want me. If not, I can take you home right now, and we can forget ever meeting. Is that what you want? His gaze was serious.

No. I don’t want to forget meeting you.

"Then what is it that you want? What I want is you. I want something to develop between us. Tell me you want the same." He held her tighter, and she stopped resisting his pull.

But I just got out of a relationship not even a few minutes ago.

A relationship that should have ended the second he put his dick in another woman.

She averted her gaze and rested her chin on his shoulder. Slowly, she put her arms around him. That’s kind of harsh, she remarked.

Yes. But no less the truth, he said sincerely.

Sensually, they began to rub each other’s backs. Elizbeth soon found herself sitting in his lap, her legs wrapped around him. Andrew gently moved the strands of her brunette hair from her face. She was beautiful in his eyes. I’m amazed I had the courage to ask you here tonight, he whispered. She smiled and laid her head on his chest.

Promise me something, she requested.

Of course.

That we won’t have sex tonight.

What do you mean? he asked curiously.

Not on the first night.

I thought you said you wanted to have one drink and leave. You have an early morning tomorrow, don’t you?

I don’t want to go home. It’s depressing there. Would it be all right if I stayed the night with you?

Andrew furrowed his brow, wondering where this change of heart had come from. What time do you have to be at work tomorrow? he asked.

I don’t.

But I thought you said—

I lied. It’s Friday night, Andrew. You haven’t figured that out yet? She gave him a deceitful grin.

Not everyone is off on the weekends. He smiled. I increased the temperature by ten degrees. The moment was coming. All they needed was a little push.

Is it okay if I stay the night? she asked again.

"Mi casa es su casa."

You promise we won’t have sex?

I can’t promise you that. If something flows naturally, I’ll go with it. If you want it, I won’t stop you. Elizbeth rubbed her hands on his chest and slipped her fingers under his shirt. She didn’t know what had come over her, but I knew. Oh, I knew. Andrew unbuttoned the rest of his shirt and pulled it off slowly, then tossed it to the floor. Elizbeth was stunned by how gorgeous his body was. Well-defined abs and a muscled chest lay before her eyes. The short hair covering the center of his chest and the area just above his navel was almost haunting to her. She didn’t know how she was going to resist the man she’d so keenly asked to defy the allure of sex.

Do you like what you see? he inquired. It was then Elizbeth realized she was staring.

You have a nice body, she muttered. Elizbeth wanted to hold her breath so she wouldn’t inhale his intoxicating fumes. Andrew took her hand and placed it on the center of his chest. She breathed in deeply, and droplets of sweat formed on her forehead as the euphoria I emitted soaked into her pores. Andrew felt it as well. Restraint was a useless endeavor at that point.

The hell with it, she said before bringing her lips close to his. However, Elizbeth paused seconds before her lips made contact. No. I’m sorry, but I can’t— she began to say, and then Andrew grabbed the back of her neck and pulled her in closer. They shut their eyes and engaged in a kiss. It was passionate and surreal, just as I had expected.

Push the limits, Andrew. Allow us to see how far this can go.

Slowly, he eased his hands up her dress, caressing her thighs and backside. She wrapped her arms around him and pushed her tongue into his mouth. Gradually, he made his way up to her bra band and with his thumb and index finger, unlatched the clasp. The moment was too far gone to turn back now.

Elizbeth lifted her arms, allowing Andrew to remove her dress. Passion had