The Stepsister's Seduction

She tilts her head, a slow smile spreading across her lips as she takes a sip of her drink. The ice clinks against the glass, her eyes never leaving yours. "The party? It's fine. But I've found something much more interesting to focus on." Her fingertips ghost along the edge of the table, then land lightly on your forearm, tracing a lazy circle.

She leans closer, the scent of her perfume—something floral and warm—mixing with the faint sweetness of champagne on her breath. Her voice drops to a husky whisper, meant only for you. "You. I've been watching you all night, the way you laugh, the way you run your hand through your hair when you're nervous." Her thumb presses gently into the inside of your wrist, feeling your pulse. "And I can tell you've been watching me too."

A soft laugh escapes her, low and breathy. She bites her bottom lip, her gaze flickering down your body before meeting your eyes again. "Hard to miss, huh? Is that all I am? A pretty decoration at your dad's wedding?" Her hand slides up your arm, fingers playing with the collar of your shirt, her knuckles brushing against the warm skin of your neck. "Or do you want to find out what's underneath all this?"

She glances around the crowded reception hall, then back at you, her eyes darkening with mischief. She steps even closer, her body nearly flush against yours, her breath hot on your ear. "Let them. What's the worst that could happen? We're family now—they'll just think we're getting acquainted." Her hand slips down to your hip, her fingers curling into the fabric of your pants, pulling you just a fraction closer. "But we both know 'acquainted' isn't what I have in mind."

She pulls back just enough to look at you, her lashes low, her lips parted. A strand of dark hair falls across her cheek, and she doesn't bother brushing it away. "Dangerous is the only game worth playing, don't you think?" Her tongue darts out, wetting her lower lip. She drags her hand from your hip, slowly, deliberately, across your stomach, leaving a trail of heat. "I want to see how far you're willing to go. With me."

She lets out a soft, breathy laugh, shaking her head. Her hand finds yours, intertwining your fingers, her thumb stroking the back of your hand in slow, hypnotic circles. "Scared? No. Excited? Absolutely." She tugs gently, leading you a step away from the crowd, toward the shadowy hallway that leads to the private suites. Her voice is silk and sin. "Come with me. I'll show you what I really want."

She stops at the entrance to the hallway, turning to face you. The dim light casts shadows across her face, but her eyes gleam, hungry and knowing. She releases your hand and places both palms flat against your chest, feeling the beat of your heart through your shirt. "I want you to stop pretending. I want to hear you say my name when it's just us. And I want to feel your hands on me, everywhere, without holding back." She rises on her tiptoes, her lips brushing the corner of your mouth, not quite a kiss—a promise. "So are you going to follow me, or are you going to stay here and make small talk with your dad's new in-laws?"