Forbidden Intimacy

I let out a heavy breath as I stared at the woman hopelessly looking back at me in the mirror. The thick makeup designed for this occasion and the crystal beads adorning my hair weren't enough to hide the sadness in my eyes. If my sister were still alive, I wouldn't be the one in this situation. It should be her sitting in this hotel room. She should be the one dressed up for this occasion-not me. But what can I do?

Another sigh escaped my lips. I signed up for this, and I should take responsibility. I forced a smile even though my head ached from all the thinking. My practiced smile, the one I always wear in front of a crowd, was now reflected back at me. The smile everyone believed was real-but it was anything but. I can do this.

My gaze shifted to the door when someone knocked, and one of my cousins, Evany, entered. She gave me an unsure smile.

"Are you okay? Auntie's asking if you're ready," she asked.

Her eyes spoke a thousand unspoken words. She walked over, fixed the tiara resting on my head, and looked at me through the mirror. She gently squeezed my exposed shoulder and leaned closer to me.

"You know you can always say no. You don't have to follow everything they say." She looked at me as if urging me to do the opposite of what my parents wanted. Among all my cousins, Evany was the most mature. It's like she always knew the right thing to say-especially in situations like this.

I nodded at her words. I knew I could refuse to follow my parents' orders, but I still chose to obey them. I didn't really have a choice anyway. Whether I obey or not, they still had control over me.

I gave her a bitter smile, ignoring her words. "I'll be out in a minute."

She gave my shoulder another light squeeze and sighed. "Okay, I'll be outside."

I didn't wait for her to leave before turning back to the mirror. I guess this is my fate. This is what destiny handed me. Maybe I should just suck it up and move on. I can still live a life, even if I'm married. Niu isn't that bad. I'll just spend all his money on shopping-at least that way, I'd get something out of this.

When I stepped out of the room, my mom and dad were already waiting outside. My dad-a very strict businessman-had no room for mistakes, and my mom simply followed whatever he wanted. I guess I'm just like my mom: voiceless and expected to follow whatever orders are given.

I saw unshed tears at the corners of my mother's eyes. She gave me a bitter smile, like she understood exactly what I was going through. She clasped my hands and gently caressed my cheek with her other hand.

"My princess is going to be someone else's queen now. You're leaving me already," she said, her voice trembling slightly. My adorable mother. I gave a soft laugh at her words.

"Ma, I'm just getting married. You sound like I'm leaving for Pluto," I joked.

This is what I do best-hide all my emotions. My father always told me when I was young: never let anyone see through your eyes. The eyes reveal weakness. The eyes cry when they're sad and even when they're happy. And I've mastered the art of hiding everything in my eyes. I only show people what I want them to see. And right now, I'm showing the world that I'm happy about this marriage.

My father cleared his throat, snapping me back to the present. He stood tall and imposing beside my mother. I turned my gaze to him; his eyes were sharp and intense. Just like he always told me-I could never read what was going on in his mind. His face was blank and emotionless, as if he didn't care about anyone. I chuckled to myself. I don't know if I should be thankful to have a father like him, but it feels like I should feel the opposite.

"Don't keep your groom waiting," was all he said before turning around and walking away.

"It's okay, dear. Your father is happy that you agreed to marry Niu. He's a good man, he'll take care of you," my mom said, lightly patting both my cheeks. I nodded.

I guess this is for the best. I let out a heavy breath and smiled at her.

"Let's go, Ma."

---

"Congratulations, hija. You look so lovely. My daughter-in-law is so beautiful," greeted Amalia Altamirano-my mother-in-law.

"Thank you," I replied politely with a smile. This lady never aged. She looked so regal and classy despite her age, and she carried herself so well. She was one of my inspirations back when I was working hard to reach my dreams.

"Hijo, give us lots of grandchildren already. You know, your older brother hasn't given us any yet," said Don Manuelo Altamirano-the hotel magnate and father of my husband.

Husband. The word made me chuckle in my head. Why does it sound so empty? I looked at Niu beside me, his arm resting on my shoulder. I must admit, he was very good-looking. With his background and achievements, I'm sure hundreds of women would throw themselves at his feet and worship him. Should I consider myself lucky?

"Dad, it's too early to talk about pregnancy and babies. Claire and I just got married-she might run away after the reception," Niu joked as he wrapped his arm tighter around my waist. I frowned slightly at his action.

Don Manuelo laughed heartily, clearly amused.

"Well, I want grandchildren by next year," he insisted like a child demanding candy.

His wife nudged him lightly. "Come on now, let them enjoy their marriage first." She turned to me. "Hija, don't let this husband of mine pressure you. He's just been waiting so long for a grandchild, but our eldest refuses to get married. And take note-he's already in his forties!" She rolled her eyes as if her son were a hopeless case. "Niu, where is your brother anyway? I didn't see him at the church."

I glanced around. She was right. I hadn't seen any trace of his brother during the ceremony. We hadn't even been introduced yet since he only came home for the wedding. His older brother had lived in the U.S. for years as the CEO of a hotel chain he built on his own.

"Ma, stop looking for kuya. I'm sure he's just around. You know him," Niu said, giving his mother a meaningful look.

His mom looked scandalized by what Niu implied-and I instantly knew what he meant. I shook my head. Men and their escapades.

Suddenly, the excited murmurs of women nearby caught our attention. I turned to see what the fuss was about and was greeted by the most enigmatic pair of eyes I had ever seen. I found myself frozen, staring at the man whose eyes held both mischief and mystery. His presence exuded power and authority. The crowd parted as he made his way toward us.

I swallowed the lump in my throat. I suddenly felt thirsty. His masculinity was overwhelming-it made my heart race when I saw him looking straight at me with those intense eyes. I was rooted to the spot as our eyes met. It felt like time stood still and the noise around me turned into nothing but a blur.

He stopped in front of us, and immediately, his scent hit me-intoxicating and dangerously seductive. It made me think of thoughts I shouldn't be thinking.

My thoughts were interrupted when his mother lightly slapped his broad shoulder. He laughed softly and took her hand.

"Missed you too, Ma," he said as he kissed her hand and pulled her in for a hug.

His mom playfully slapped his back, making him laugh harder. I guess she really did miss her firstborn-she seemed speechless upon seeing him.

"Dad," he said, hugging his father before finally turning to us.

"Congratulations, brother. You're finally shackled," he said as they fist-bumped.

"And you must be Claire, the beautiful bride," he said, turning to me and extending his hand.

I looked at his outstretched hand. They were large and looked rough. I hesitated for a moment, but it would be awkward if I didn't take it, so I had no choice.

The moment our skin touched, a jolt of electricity surged through my body. It was a tingling current that awakened every nerve, sending sensations I shouldn't be feeling. Forbidden feelings.

He brought my hand to his lips and kissed it. I gasped. His kiss promised a thousand things. He looked into my eyes as his lips brushed against my hand. His warm breath wreaked havoc on my nerves, and my knees almost buckled.

"Lovely. Such a lucky bastard," he whispered before looking at Niu with a devilish grin.

"You ass," Niu laughed and lightly punched his shoulder.

I composed myself and smiled back, hiding how much he had shaken me.

"Glad to finally meet you, Sebastian," I said with a smile.

"Welcome to the family, Mrs. Altamirano." He smiled at me-seductively. And I knew... I was doomed.

I stared blankly into space while twirling the pen in my hand. I'd been out of it for a while now, replaying everything that happened earlier this morning while I was preparing breakfast. As usual, my husband was on another out-of-town business trip and wouldn't be home until next week.

Being the wife of the CEO of one of the wealthiest companies, I expected all of this. I had no problem with him constantly being busy with work-I understood it, and I had my own business, so I didn't get bored easily. I was used to being alone at home with just the maids, and I was fine with it-until yesterday. Sebastian suddenly showed up at our doorstep last night, grinning like a Cheshire cat, and announced that he'd be staying here for an indefinite period-and that Niu couldn't do anything about it.

They were the Altamiranos. They owned several houses in the city-not to mention all the condos and townhouses. They were filthy rich, and I didn't understand why he had to crash at our place like some homeless guy.

I was snapped out of my thoughts when Kate, my friend and secretary, waved her hand in front of my face. I stared at her for a few seconds, debating whether I should tell her what had been bugging me for the past twenty-four hours or just keep it to myself.

"Can I ask you something?" I asked cautiously. I was a bit nervous. I'd been holding this in for a year, and if I told her now, it would be the first time I admitted this feeling out loud.

Kate raised her perfectly arched brows at me, which made me uncomfortable. Her intimidating aura got to me, and it made me want to reconsider telling her. It wasn't that I didn't trust her-I just wasn't used to talking about sensitive things. And this one was a very sensitive topic, especially for someone like me who's married.

"Well?"

I sighed deeply.

"I have this friend from high school, and she's a little bothered because... she's attracted to her brother-in-law. I mean, this man is also giving her signals."

Kate studied my face like she was measuring the weight of what I just said. My heart pounded louder with every passing second, and she just kept staring, like she was trying to read my soul.

She crossed her arms over her chest and raised her brows again.

"What?"

"Do I know her?" she asked.

I breathed a sigh of relief when she looked away and started playing with her freshly manicured nails.

"She's a friend from high school and no, you don't know her," I answered quickly, even shaking my head, hoping she wouldn't get suspicious since I was stuttering a bit.

She nodded slowly and adjusted her position, leaning forward and resting her arms on my desk.

"You know what? You don't have to hide it from me," she said bluntly.

"Hide what?" I asked, still stuttering. My heart was pounding and my breathing hitched.

Kate let out a soft laugh, like she already knew my secret. I blushed because of it. I felt ashamed that, as a married woman, I was attracted to someone else. Even if our marriage wasn't founded on love, I was still bound to be faithful as long as we stayed married.

"You can't hide anything from me, Claire. We've known each other since we were babies. We're practically sisters," she reminded me. I felt stupid for trying to hide something so obvious.

"I didn't mean to, okay? That man is a walking sin-and you know him personally, right?"

"Yeah... but Samuel is way hotter than him," she replied with a smug grin, referring to the man currently courting her. I rolled my eyes at her.

Well, Samuel Ortigas was one fine male specimen, no denying that. But there was something about Sebastian Altamirano that pulled me toward him. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but he had the power to shake my world just by standing in front of me.

"We're not talking about Samuel, Kate. We're talking about Sebastian Altamirano, Niu's older brother." I frustratedly tugged at my hair and slumped in my seat. "Being attracted to him is one thing, but him sending signals and everything... I don't get what he wants when he knows I'm his brother's wife."

"Look, Claire. Men are just like that. They're pigs. They don't respect boundaries once lust takes over," she said bluntly, shocking me a little.

My cheeks flushed at her words. Even though I was already married, I was raised to always be formal, and vulgar words were never allowed in our house. Kate's choice of words was always outrageous-I should've been used to it by now.

I sighed and closed my eyes tightly. Niu wouldn't be home for a week, and having Seb in the house was a huge problem. In our year of marriage, Seb had only come home a few times-for important meetings or family gatherings-and whenever he was in town, I always made sure to avoid him as much as possible.

It frustrated me that I couldn't avoid him now that he was staying with us. I didn't know what his intentions were, but I was sure he had something planned. I couldn't trust him. Besides being a ruthless businessman, he was a notorious playboy. He'd made countless women cry, and not once had he taken any of them seriously, even though he was already in his forties. I scoffed at my thoughts-sure, he was aging, but he aged like fine wine.

I jumped when Kate slammed her hand on the table-I swear my heart almost leapt out of my chest from the shock. I glared at her.

"Stop thinking about him already. Focus! Miss Stanford's about to arrive. We can't afford to look sloppy in front of that lady. She's super picky when it comes to her jewelry," she reminded me.

Yeah, a big-time client was coming. That's what I should be focusing on. I'll think about what to do later-I had to prepare for my inevitable confrontation with Seb. I absolutely would not let myself be affected by him, even if he stripped naked and served himself to me on a platter.

I stood up, fixed my clothes, and walked over to the jewelry display area. My love for gems and jewelry helped me decide what I truly wanted to be-a jeweler. Ever since I was a child, I was fascinated with jewelry. My mom always wore them, and I thought they made her look even more beautiful and sophisticated. I loved seeing her adorned with sparkling diamonds.

"Isabel, is everything ready?" I asked one of my employees, who was busy arranging the jewelry on the shelves.

The necklaces were neatly arranged on one side, and the rings were displayed in another section. I personally designed the layout of the store, so it had my personal touch, though a friend of mine handled the overall interior design.

This was one of the reasons why my father married me off to one of our business affiliates. As the sole heiress, he thought I was incapable of managing the empire. He wanted to make sure the company he worked so hard to build would end up in the right hands. My father hated it when I joined the national beauty pageant. To him, pageants were just platforms for gold-diggers who wanted rich men to fund their lifestyles. But I pursued it anyway, and I didn't regret it-I achieved one of my dreams, to become a beauty queen. But like every victory, it came at a price-I agreed to let my father choose my groom.

I was busy instructing my employees when an unexpected guest arrived-along with our anticipated client, Miss Stanford.

He looked ruggedly handsome in brown jeans and a white shirt. Even though he wasn't dressed formally like he usually was, it was impossible to deny how handsome he looked. His aura was a mix of intimidation and authority.

I bit my lower lip as he slowly walked toward me, his arm draped around Stephanie Stanford, who looked very pleased with how close they were. He stared into my eyes with such intensity, it was like he was devouring my soul-and I couldn't look away. It was like he was pulling me in with just his gaze.

His eyes dropped to my tube top, and his expression darkened. For some reason, his intimidating and dangerous aura thrilled me. My neck and cleavage were exposed, and he stared longer than he should have. My knees weakened when he deliberately licked his bottom lip while staring straight at my chest. I saw the tip of his tongue as he licked his lips-and dirty thoughts instantly filled my head.

Flashback

"Which do you prefer?" I asked Niu. He was usually the one who picked his ties, but today I made an effort to appear just a little interested in him-even if I was annoyed with him last night. Our relationship was a bit complicated. Being his wife had its pros and cons. As the CEO and successor of the empire, he was expected to sire an heir. He asked for it, his parents did too-but I really couldn't bring myself to do it. And ever since I refused him, he changed.

He looked at the ties I was holding and raised an eyebrow at me. Maybe he was confused why I was suddenly attending to his needs like a devoted wife. I cringed at the thought.

"The blue one," he answered. He went back to his work and I let him be. He said he was going out of town again for a project presentation in Hong Kong and would be gone for a week.

"I'll be in the kitchen," I said to him before walking off. I glanced at the clock mounted on the wall-it was already past eight in the morning. I remembered Sebastian-maybe he was already awake.

I always felt uncomfortable whenever that man was around. I didn't know why, but whenever he was there, I always tried to avoid him. It's like his presence exudes so much danger-he's the predator and I'm his prey. That's why every time there's a reunion or a gathering with the Altamirano family, I always kept my distance. And it seemed like he noticed, because he'd subtly follow me around as if teasing me.

"Manang, please check-" I froze at what I saw. Broad, tattooed shoulders welcomed my vision. He was reaching for something in the cupboard, and the way the muscles in his back flexed as he moved shocked me. When he turned to face me, I gasped. His back was just the intro-what I saw in front was worse.

"Well, good morning my dear sister," he greeted. The way he said "sister" sounded so sexy and inviting. I just stared at him, speechless from the shock. He never really talked to me much-especially not like that.

"You know, it's free." He grabbed a glass and poured orange juice. He sat on one of the counter stools, facing me.

"Huh?"

I couldn't understand him. What did he mean it's free? The orange juice?

He smirked and drank all the juice while his eyes stayed on me. From where I stood, I could clearly see the way his Adam's apple moved. I wanted to punish myself for staring. After he emptied the glass, he put it on the counter and then spread his arms, like he was offering himself to me.

"It's free to ogle. Drool even," he said in a sexy tone.

My mouth opened to say something, but nothing came out. I was pretty sure I looked like an overripe tomato. So embarrassing! He noticed I was staring at his body-that's why he said that. I quickly turned my back to him and walked to the far end of the kitchen. I wanted to put as much distance between us as I could.

"Put some clothes on. You shouldn't be walking around here naked." I took the milk out of the fridge.

I hesitated to get a glass because the cabinet was close to him. I was about to go get one when he stood up and grabbed a glass from the cupboard. I froze. I thought it was for him, but then he walked over, grabbed the milk from my hand, and poured it into the glass. I was stunned when he offered it to me.

I looked at his veiny arms-every part of him screamed masculinity and dominance. Like he was born to rule and be worshipped. From his arms, my eyes traveled up to his face, and I forgot to breathe when his eyes met mine. They were hypnotic, pulling me into the deepest part of his mind.

He raised an eyebrow when I didn't take the glass. His arm was still extended, holding the milk. I swallowed hard and forced myself to take the glass from him. I quickly drank the milk and placed the empty glass on the counter.

"T-thanks," I muttered. I was about to leave when he suddenly grabbed my right arm. I immediately looked at him-and at the hand holding me. A surge of tingling sensation enveloped my entire body. What shocked me more was I had never felt that kind of spark when Niu touched me. This was the first time I'd ever felt something like it.

I tried to pull away, but he tightened his grip. On my second try, he held me even more firmly. My chest hurt from my racing heartbeat-it felt like it was going to burst.

"Sebastian, please," I begged.

He pushed me lightly, and I found myself cornered against the sink. His massive body towered in front of me, and we were so close I could feel the heat radiating from him.

"Niu is upstairs," I told him. I planned to use it as a warning-that his brother was just upstairs and if someone saw us in this position, it would cause trouble.

But instead, he closed the distance between us even more, leaned over to my ear, and whispered breathily, "It's fine. This won't take a minute."

My heart pounded harder when he pressed his body against mine and held my waist to keep me still. His hands were big and warm.

I wanted to scold myself for actually anticipating what he was about to do. He looked into my eyes, then his gaze dropped to my lips. I unconsciously licked them-and that made his expression darken, like he was hungry for something. He stayed focused on my lips before raising his hand to trace them with his thumb.

His touch was so warm against my trembling lips. I didn't know if he noticed. He showed me his thumb-and my eyes widened when I saw the trace of milk. That meant he had wiped it off my lips.

I let out a relieved sigh when he finally stepped back and walked away from the kitchen. I held onto the edge of the sink for support-my knees had gone weak. I turned away and fanned myself.

"Claire," he called.

He was standing by the door. He raised his hand and sucked his thumb-the same one he used to brush my lips.

I felt my core clench at the sight of him sucking his thumb. Images of licking and sucking stormed into my mind, making me even more sensitive down there. I pressed my thighs together to stop the heat I was feeling.

"It won't be my thumb next time." That's all he said before walking out of the kitchen.