The wrong brother

Lauren pov,

I thought the sound of the waves outside my window would be enough to soothe the burning fire inside of me–but I was wrong. Coming to Greece had always been my getaway plan for me and my husband, but now I was standing in my hotel room alone.

The air was laced with salt and heat, the promise of a home away from home, but mine had cancelled at the last minute.

The hotel room was quiet, too quiet–I felt the impact against my chest. I shifted unto the edge of the bed, my laptop already propped open in front of me, as my fingers hovered over the track pad–I won't lie, I hesitated a bit before pressing play.

The video began with low moans, filtering through the speaker. I exhaled slowly before leaning back against the headboard. At first, I told myself that I was just doing it out of curiousity– I wanted to know how it felt to be touched again, trying to distract myself for a few seconds. But the more I watched, the more my mind betrayed me.

I tried imagining my husband's hands on me–trying to recall the last time he made me feel like a real woman, but I guess my brain couldn't grasp any, because he hadn't touched me in months, nor have he looked at me with any desire. The ache in between my thighs now wasn't about him at all, but still the guilt stung me sharper as the ladies moan grew louder with every thrust she was receiveing– and for a moment there, I couldn't help but wish I was her at that moment.

My fingers slipped beneath my pants, which were underneath the waist bands of my shorts. I moved slowly, desperate to feel something–like closeness. I felt a wimp escape my lips as I clung to the fantasy of having my husband here with me, even though I knew deep down my feelings were already shallow.

"Lauren?"

My best friend's voice snapped me out of it. My heart skipped as I slammed the laptop shut just as the door got closed behind her.

"Oh–my–God–" Vivian froze by the doorway, then she broke into a mockery laugh, which made me ache a bit.

"You've got to be kidding me." she whispered, placing her thumb over her brows.

I yanked the blanket over my lap as I felt my face boil up from shyness. "Don't you knock?"

""I did–" she pouted, "But it seemed you were too far gone to hear any of it."

"But seriously, Lauren, you are watching porn. On a vacation. Alone. Really?" she grinned, her ears stretched as her eyes gleamed with her persuasive wicked delight.

"And here I was thinking this trip was going to be a sunny getaway for a bunch of cocktails and bad decisions together."

"Shut up, Vivian.. " I muttered, burying my face into my hands. "This is already so humiliating."

Vivian strolled over to the bed before flopping onto it and stationing herself close to me. Her laughter faded when she saw the look on my face.

"Calm down, Lauren, I'm not judging, okay? But seriously, this trip was supposed to be with Ezra. Why are you sitting here pretending you can be loved back by a freaking macbook?"

I felt my throat squeeze up on me. Immediately, she mentioned his name. I looked away, staring at the curtains , then down to the moonlight, which cut across the floor.

"He had to cancel at the last minute because of work."

"Work?" Vivian repeated, like it was the flimsiest excuse ever in the world.

"Lauren, may I ask you something?" She asked as I nodded in approval.

"Who turns down a vacation in Greece with their wives?–"

Without waiting for an answer, she blurted out. "No one in their right senses darling–No one."

My eyes burned as her words helped me place the pieces together, I tried holding back my tears from falling.

"That's why I asked you to come, and I'm glad you didn't turn me down."

"Why would I say no to my best girl–" she teased.

The room became silent once more, as she studied me for a long moment.

"You don't deserve this, lauren–do not get me wrong, no one has the right to treat his wife the way yours treats you, and for that you really do not have to be stuck here in this hotel room."

"Stop pretending like your marriage isn't killing you." she added.

I shook my head firmly. Honestly, I knew she was right with every single word, but I wasn't going to back down in supporting my husband.

"Don't say that. I love Ezra."

"I know you do." she said, leaning closer. Her voice was sharp but soft at the same time. "But does he love you the way a husband should? Because from the look of things, you're only married on paper, lauren– and you, my friend, do not feel married. Not in here." She tapped her chest.

I felt a lump formed against my throat as I tried hard to push it down. "You don't understand, Vivian. Marriage is more than sex."

I tried to cover up for him–stupid me.

"Sex is something married people enjoy," she countered. " Now let me ask you, when was the last time you actually enjoyed it? With him?"

I had no answer, no counterback, as I opened my mouth and closed it again. The silence stretched out once more, but time it was heavy.

"You are beautiful, smart, and here you are in Greece, for crying out loud." She said, reaching out and tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

"Why don't we go out tonight? Have some fun. Meet people, and maybe find you a fling for these three nights we're here for."

"Are you insane? I'm a married woman." I said, my stomach twisted.

"Married," she muttered, rolling her eyes and mimicking the way I sounded.

"But you are not living like one. You are not loved like one. You are neither touched like one, so what the hell are you saying?" Her gaze softened.

"Don't you want to remember what it feels like? Just once? For yourself?"

I felt my heart race, torn in between the truth and my obligations as a well loving wife. I shook my head, trying to push the thought away.

"No. I can't and I won't." I whispered

Vivian's smirk increased as she leaned back on the bed like she had already won. "Okay, if you say so.." she paused, her eyes narrowing as she reached for her phone on the bedside table.

Just then her screen lit up and I saw "Ezra Len-." across, bright and unmistakable.

Vivian froze for a second, then she casually ended the call before tucking the phone away like nothing had happened.

I blinked, unsure if I'd really seen it right. "Vivian–was that–"

She immediately cut in with a grin, "Now, where were we? Oh right–about tonight."

I couldn't find my voice, at one point I couldn't just suspect things and lose my best friend, I quickly shoved the thoughts to the back of my mind.

"Are you okay, Lauren?" she asked.

"Definitely–" I smiled.

"I know you better than you know yourself. And I promise you, Lauren Lennox ... by the end of tonight, you won't be sitting in this room watching and touching yourself with the help of porn."

Lauren pov,

I stood by the hotel mirror as I admired my reflection, my arms were crossed over my chest–I was too exposed, as a married woman. The little black dress clung to my skin in ways I haven't dealt with for years. I quickly reached for a cardigan, which was fitted on the bed, with hopes of taming the outfit into something safer.

"I thought you were going to pick your call earlier–" I muttered.

I knew I trusted my friend, but I couldn't help the battle of scenarios going on in my head.

"I thought we both agreed on no calls, and by the way that's just a friend calling–"

"A friend-" I smiled as all the crazy thoughts in my head disappeared, at least I could actually say, my husband was not the only Ezra in the world.

And just when I thought I could get away with the cover up, Vivian slapped my hands away. "Absolutely not."

"Vivian–" I groaned.

"Definitely not happening under my watch." Her voice was final, her lipstick popped, red as blood as she adjusted the strap on my dress.

"If we are both going out tonight– I don't need that watered down version of you who hided behind sweaters and excuses–come on girl look at you"

I couldn't help but smile a bit, but I had a lot of doubts in my head.

"I told you I don't want to do this." I forged my tone, sharper than I meant it, but my nerves were eating me away.

Her brows arched as she stared back at my reflection, before bursting into a quick laugh. "The fact that you allowed me to zip you into this dress. Deep down, I know, you want this more than me myself."

I turned back to the mirror, my heartbeat now unsteady. I guess it wasn't just about wanting it. Maybe it was about not wanting to sit alone in this room again, drowning in guilt and silence.

To be honest, my husband's absence had left a hole I can't seem to fill, even when I clung to my vows.

"It's just one night," I whispered, and guess what? I had already given myself the what can go wrong speech.

---

The street of Athens hummed with life as we both stepped out of the cab. I had on that black gown from earlier, my hair curled down grazing my waist– along with the Louboutin heels Vivian had shoved into my hands. The music spilled from the nearby shops, as laughter rose over the humming of bicycles, cars and small talk. Vivian held my hand as she led me, our heels clicking against the cobblestones, every step was confident, with purpose. I trailed behind, my nerves knotting tighter with each turn we took.

"Finally..." I whispered, letting out a sigh of relief. Vivian had stopped at the end of a nondescript wooden door at the end of the narrow alley.

"This looks sketchy, Vivian..." I frowned, already thinking of ways to head back if suits go sideways.

"That's the point," she said with a crazy grin, before knocking twice, then once more. Just then a man in black suit opened the door, as his eyes flickered over us before stepping aside.

I won't lie– in that moment I felt my heart jolt into my throat.

I hesitated, but Vivian grabbed my hands and pulled me along with her.

The air inside was thick with expensive perfumes, it was something dark– spicy, filled with desire. The golden lights poured out from the chandeliers, It glittered over the velvet polished marble floors. It had this mischievous castle-like setting–I was wowed.

The room pulsed with low music, laughter and the sound of occasional gasp which muffled behind an handfan.

I thought it was all nice till I saw them –I had no idea if they were couples– they were pressed together in the corner, as their hands explored themselves shamelessly as the people watched and clapped.

"Vivian, what the hell is this place?" I asked as my cheeks flamed up.

"Underground," she muttered with a wink. "Exclusives. exactly what you need."

"Thus is insane, Vivian, I can't be here." I said, clutching the drink a waiter had just pressed into my hand.

I shook my head trying to reset, my body urge, when Vivian's hands rested on my shoulders.

"Come on now, calm down.." she whispered. " We are just watching," she reminded me. "No one's asking you to do anything. Unless...." She paused, leaning closer as her eyes sparkled. "You want to."

I quickly sipped my drink, fast, allowing the burn against my throat to distract me. I wanted to protest, to walk back out of that door–but something inside me tightened at the sight of the couples touching freely by my side– I sat there wishing I could trade places.

"Stop it... you are married." I cautioned myself.

Just then, the music stopped, as an announcement echoed through the room, pulling me out of my thoughts. A lady dressed in a crimson dress stepped onto the raised platform, with a wicked smile.

"Ladies and gentlemen, " she purred.

"Tonight ,as always, we host our auction. Subs and doms, bidders and the brave–let the games begin."

I felt the knot in my stomach drop. I turned sharply to Vivian. "What the fuck are they auctioning?"

"Like I said earlier, calm down. It's harmless. People volunteer, while others bid. It's just a game."

I shook my head violently. " Absolutely not. I am not volunteering."

"No one said you are mandated to do so. But..." she paused, sliding a card across the table towards me. "Why not sign up? Just for fun. No one will pick you. You'll see. I guess we would both laugh about it tomorrow."

I stared at the blank line on the card, my heart hammering against my chest. "This is ridiculous–I am married, remember."

"Oh.. cut me that crap, do you want me to go over my lectures once again.."

"No..but my name, what if someone recognises me?"

She rolled her eyes and leaned in "Come on now... in Greece, oh please, alright then, don't put your name, use a fake one. Everyone does it–it's part of the game. Trust me, Lauren. No one here cares who you really are. They just want their fantasy to be fulfilled."

My throat tightened as I held the pen. A fake name. That made it less real...right? And safer. More like it wasn't really me that signed up–I convinced myself.

My fingers shook as I scribbled the first name that came to my mind, a strange name that gave me the access to what I wanted to feel. I shoved the card back at Vivian as I could feel the numbness of my fingers.

"Here, you go. Happy?" I muttered.

"More than happy–I'm ecstatic." She smirked.

-

The auction began. And one by one, the names were called out, laughter and applause filled the room as the bids flew. Some went for an outrageous sum, while the others were barely a token. I sat stiff in my chair, praying the name I had chosen would pass unnoticed.

And then it came.

"Ophelia Sinclair."

I had no idea I was the one, till I got tapped by Vivian, who reminded me that my fake name was being called.

My blood ran cold as the host's smile curved. "Do I hear a bid?"

I shook my head, before rising half way from my seat. This was already happening–I wished I was dreaming. The numbers flew, higher and higher, echoing like hard rock against my chest. I clutched the edge of the table, my hands trembled.

Finally, the bid ended as the host lifted her hand. "Sold!–to the highest bidder of the night."

The crowd applauded, but I could barely hear it. My gaze lifted, as I was drawn to something magnetic and inevitable.

Across the room, stood the man I was bidded to. The moment he stepped forward, I could feel the bolts of shock streaming down my body. He was tall, broad–shoulderd, but his face was hidden in the shadow like an half mask. His eyes locked unto mine–steady and dark as it burned with hunger.

I quickly turned trying to distract myself, as I sipped back on my drink– I choked, coughing out loud. I felt Vivian's warm hand rest on my back, as she stroked me to calm down.

"Ooh.. look who got a dick for the night.." Vivian whispered into my ear, but before I could react, I heard him behind me.

"Are you alright–" the voice was thick, but the moment I turned I swore in that moment, I had forgotten I was married, my panties were all mushy and soaked just from his voice.

Lauren Pov,

I nodded, definitely wowed–I guess he had seen me choke earlier, he was out of the dim light and before me stood a magnificent handsome man, his jawline was precise, his blue eyes tempting. I couldn't resist staring into them–I guess I regretted why I was already married.

He took my hand into his. His grip was firm, steady and confident in a way that made my body react before my mind could catch up. I felt the heat beneath my skin increase as my breath slowed.

Using the corner of my eye, I saw Vivian with her crazy smirk.

"I get it, I get it.... I'll get out of your hair," she teased, making an obscene gesture in the air, a little "crazy fuck" motion that send my cheeks burning red.

"You got this.." she whispered, winking before spinning around and disappearing into the crowd, leaving me all alone with this stranger.

I couldn't help it, but laughter bubbled out of my lips, spilling free as I could only recall Vivian's crazy expression before leaving. I clamped my lips shut, immediately I realized I was laughing so freely in front of a stranger.

"Don't stop–please" his voice cut through me like a soft flustered silk.

"Don't ever stop smiling," he said , his eyes locked on mine. "You are way more beautiful when you do."

I felt my heart thumping against my ribs. He wasn't just handsome –but his aura was something out of the ordinary, the kind of authority that filled the room without him trying.

"Is this your first time here?" He asked, I nodded as words weren't cropping up in my lips.

"I knew it... you don't belong here," he continued smoothly, tilting his head towards the crowded room.

"Shall we ditch this circus for somewhere more...fitting for a queen like yourself?"

I opened my mouth to protest, but it wasn't forthcoming. All my mind could think about were warnings.

Married women, don't go off with strange men, we don't feel sparks just from a stranger's voice, we don't lean closer just to breathe in his scent.–every word my mind had countered, I did it all–His scents were heavenly.

And here I was trying to say no–but my voice betrayed me.

"Where do you think is more fitting?" I blurtted.

He smiled faintly, as if he had already won. "You'll see."

--

The air shifted, the moment we both stepped into a private dining hall. Everything was brighter, more quiet and refined. The crystal chandeliers glittered overhead, as soft jazz hummed in the background.

The door man bowed the moment we stepped in, hurrying us past other waiting guests with a whispered apology.

His hands clutched against mine as we walked side by side, I couldn't help it but a faint smile plastered over my cheeks. My eyes widened from the way the staff worshipped him. This wasn't just any man. This was someone of status, power. He was respected differently–making it obvious he lived in a world far higher from mine.

He guided me into a gold chair, his hands lingered long enough on my back-making me shiver.

"Relax," He whispered close to my ears–this wasn't helping, but it was a command and comfort at the same time.

The dinner arrived in courses I could barely remember – there were delicate plates of seafood, fine wines, poured endlessly into my glass.

He asked some questions, not the shallow kind , but piercing ones that stripped me off of my defenses:"What do you desire?" Do you feel free? What were my fantasies?"

I answered all expressing myself like I had never before, my laughter came easy with every sip of wine. The heat in my belly had nothing to do with the alcohol–I was horny just from staring at him in his deep blue eyes.

At some point, I realized I was leaning across the table, closer to him than I should have been. His gaze lingered on my lips as the spark burned in between us until I could no longer resist it.

I leaned in, dizzy with wine and urge, I pressed my lips over his.

His hands brought me to a pause, as his firm fingers caught up my chin–my mind was racing, was I wrong to start first?

He held me in place just at a shy distance and his eyes locked unto mine– filled with dark intent.

I thought I was getting pushed away, but instead his lips curved into a faint smile, like he had just confirmed something he had been expecting.

Without another word, he rose to his feet and lifted me effortlessly out of my chair. The waiters pretended not to notice as he carried me through the quiet hall, out into the night.

--

He didn't call a taxi, he had a driver waiting outside for him, I was too drunk to access the car. The car door shut with a soft thud, as the driver took to the road.

Silence hung in the air for a single charged second. Just then I felt his hands trace up on my laps, I wanted to stop him–but I didn't. I tried imagining my husband in the process trying to help ease my guilt, but it didn't.

His lips claimed mine with an hunger that made me gasp for air. He traced my body like he owned it, like it had always belonged to him.

My last thoughts were coherent–I wanted to stop his hands from tracing up on my laps‐to say it was wrong.. that I was married.

But the moment his hands parted my laps and his fingers touched up on my already pulsating clitoris–I realised I didn't care, his fingers slipped underneath my wet panties–sliding across my already wet cheeks. I felt the shiver down my spine as he penetrated me with his fingers.

I let out a soft moan underneath his lips– and for the first time in years, I felt alive.

I should have been ashamed. Instead I was begging the universe to let this stranger ruin me.