Chapter 3 Jasmine

Jasmine

I steal glances around the room, as my eyes search, with the possibility of another glimpse of him.

The music thrums in the background, as it blends with the low hum of conversations, but my focus remains on the stranger.

I take another sip of my drink, the cool liquid trailing down my throat as I hum along to the familiar tune playing over the speakers.

Tonight feels different like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. It has been so long since I let myself enjoy a night out, and I revel in the rare moment.

And then, I see him again.

The mysterious stranger moves through the crowd effortlessly, his tall frame commanding attention.

He walks with purpose, his dark, wavy hair falling smoothly over his forehead, accentuating the sharp angles of his jaw.

His piercing eyes seem to hold a thousand untold stories, locked on mine with a quiet intensity that sends a shiver down my spine.

A warm smile tugs at his lips as he approaches. My breath catches, my pulse quickens, and I can't look away.

"Hi," he says, his voice smooth, velvety, and rich with an undertone that makes my skin tingle.

A sudden warmth spreads across my cheeks. "Hi," I reply, my voice softer than I intended, carrying a hint of something playful.

I scold myself inwardly for how easily I fall under his spell, but I can't help it.

The way he looks at me-hungry, intrigued-makes my stomach twist with something dangerous, something thrilling.

A knowing smile plays at his lips as he leans in just slightly, the space between us crackling with heat.

"It's getting hot in here, don't you think?" he murmurs.

A slow shudder rolls through me at the deep timbre of his voice. My breath hitches, and my body betrays me, responding to him in ways I don't fully understand.

Before I can process my reckless desire, I find myself melting into him.

His lips capture mine, firm and insistent, it ignites something deep inside me. I gasp into his mouth, my fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt as he presses closer.

The room blurs around us, dissolving into nothing but heat, breath, and the intoxicating pull of his body against mine.

I barely register when he kicks open a door, guiding me inside. My back meets the cool surface of a wall, but the chill does nothing to quench the fire burning between us.

My leg wraps around his waist, as I pull him closer, his erection pressing against me through our clothes.

A soft moan escapes me as his hands roam my body, one pinning my arms above my head, the other tracing my curves.

I surrender completely.

His touch is electric, every brush of his fingers sending a wave of pleasure course through me.

My body reacts instinctively, arching into him, craving more. He groans against my lips, breaking the kiss just long enough to whisper, "Fucking beautiful," as his fingers tangle in my hair, releasing my curls freely.

My clit drips for him in a way I've never felt before-not even with Maxwell.

His eyes, dark with lust, stir something deep inside me. Without hesitation, he grips my waistband, yanks my panties to the side, and slides them off in one swift motion.

I gasp, my body already craving his touch. I know I should stop him, but do I want to? Hell no.

His fingers graze my clit, circling with slow, deliberate strokes, sending ripples of pleasure through me. A desperate ache builds in my core and my body trembles. I need more.

Moisture pools between my thighs as his fingers move expertly around my cunt, teasing.

My legs shake and the intensity is overwhelming. But just as I surrender to the pleasure, he pulls his hand away.

And then I feel his sudden thrust inside me.

I inhale sharply, my breath shaky as I arch into him, my hips rolling to take every inch.

He moves slowly at first, controlled and deliberate, but I don't want to be slow. I want it rough. I grip his hips, urging him deeper.

"Fuck me good. Make me forget," I slur with need. His gaze trails down to my breasts as his fingers ghost over my skin.

A low growl rumbles from his throat as he grabs me tighter; his thrusts become harder and desperate.

He moves in a way that makes my entire body burn for him, each stroke sends waves of pleasure through me.

His hands roam, as he explores every inch of me, driving me wild. This is different-raw, reckless, consuming.

He captures my breast in his mouth, sucking, and biting as he slams into me, pushing me closer to the edge.

I feel him-thick, stretching me to my limits. My head tilts back, eyes rolling, as his pace is relentless. My clit clenches around him, and my body tightens.

And then-ecstasy.

I cry out as he thrusts deeper, harder, my entire being shatters under the force of my orgasm. He let out a low growl, his body tense as he followed, filling me with a final, powerful thrust.

The room spins. My pulse pounds.

He stills, breathing heavily before he presses a soft kiss to my forehead. Then, slowly, he lays beside me.

In his arms, I find a reckless freedom I have never known before. The world outside ceases to exist. Nothing matters except the stranger and the fire he ignites within me.

-

The sharp ringing of my phone shatters the silence.

My eyes snap open, and my stomach lurches as I take in my surroundings.

The sheets tangled around my bare skin Panic grips me as I sit up abruptly and scan the space for any sign of him.

Nothing.

No note. No trace of the man who had consumed me so completely.

What the hell have I done?

I don't even know his name.

I hurry to gather my clothes, my hands shaking as I dress.

My mind races, as I try to piece together last night, but the only thing I know for certain is that I let myself get lost in something I don't understand.

I slip out of the room, and head home, as I dread the conversation waiting for me.

-

Ava is already at the door when I walk in, the moment she sees me, she rushes forward and wraps me in a tight hug.

"I was afraid something happened to you," she breathes, with relief.

I exhale shakily. "Ava, you wouldn't believe what happened."

She pulls back, "What? What is it?"

I hesitate, then blurt out, "I met a guy at the club... and we... we..." I struggle to find the words, feeling my throat tighten.

Ava's eyes widened. "Wait. You slept with him?"

I nod, pressing my fingers against my temple. "It was hasty. Reckless. Completely out of character for me. I don't know what I was thinking."

Ava guides me to the couch. "Okay, take a deep breath. It happened. You can't change it now. Just tell me everything."

I do. I told her about the stranger, the pull between us, the way he made me feel like I was on fire.

Ava pulls me into another hug. "It's okay, Jasmine. We all make mistakes."

I shake my head. "This feels different, Ava. I feel like I've lost control of my life."

She strokes my hair. "You haven't. You're just going through a rough time. And you don't have to do it alone."

Tears sting my eyes as I cling to her. "Thank you. I don't know what I'd do without you."

-

Days pass, but I can't stop thinking about him. Why did he leave without a word?

I lounge on the couch, scrolling through my phone, trying to distract myself. But something feels... off.

I'm exhausted no matter how much sleep I get. My cravings shift-salty fries with sweet ice cream? My breasts feel sore and fuller than usual. And then it hits me.

My period. It's late.

I grab my keys and rush to the store. The thought of pregnancy, especially after my divorce, sends a fresh wave of fear through me.

At the store, I grab four pregnancy test kits, my hands trembling as I pay. The drive home is a blur of anxiety.

Ava glances up from her laptop as I walk in. "Hey. You okay?"

I swallow hard. "Ava... I think I might be pregnant."

Her eyes widened. "What? Are you sure?"

I shake my head. "No. But I have the signs."

Ava stands up. "Let's not panic. Let's be sure first."

I nod and head to the bathroom. My hands tremble as I unwrap a test, carefully following the instructions. My heartbeat thunders in my ears as I wait for the result, each second dragging unbearably.

Then, the timer beeps.

I pick up the test strip, my breath hitching as I look at the result.

And the world tilts beneath me.