Flawless Ruin

Standing next to him is a man that could only be Roman Barretti – the spitting image of his son, Nero at that age.

My heart twists, conflicted. As much as I’m angry and confused about the blackmail lurking like a shadow over mine and Caleb’s life, it must be nothing compared to what Caleb is going through. After all, this is his family’s dirty laundry, his secrets and reputation on the line. And something about being in this house drives it home, how protective he must be of the good Sterling name.

I look again at the photos of him growing up. Young, happy, carefree. I can’t believe this little boy has grown into the icy, dominating man I know today.

What would it take to make him smile like this again?

A noise behind me makes me startle. I whirl around, and there he is, like I just conjured him up with sheer longing.

Caleb.

He stands in the doorway, his body filling the space, just watching me.

I shiver. “Sorry, I wasn’t snooping—” I start to apologize, but he just shakes his head.

“I had to get away, too. Your boyfriend is about as exciting as the ingredients list on a detergent bottle.” Caleb says dryly, sipping from the drink in his hand.

I scowl at him. “Really? Are you sure your girlfriend is even legal?”

He steps into the room, almost closing the door behind him. Almost. “Jealous?” he asks, taunting.

“Not at all,” I lie, trying to sound casual. “I’m having a lovely time.”

“With David.” Caleb still sounds like he’s mocking me.

“With David,” I repeat, defiant.

“It’s funny,” he says, moving closer. Like a lion, circling its prey. “I wouldn’t have thought he was your type.”

“He’s kind, sweet, thoughtful…” I say, trying to ignore the heat already rising in me, just from Caleb’s nearness. “He’s actually straightforward about his feelings, instead of playing games,” I can’t help adding.

“Oh?” Caleb pauses, just a couple of feet away from me. he surveys me slowly, smirking. “Is that what you want in a man then? A kind, straightforward, sweet man.”

No, I want to cry. I want you.

“Who wouldn’t want that?” I say instead, chin tilted stubbornly. “David is perfect for me.”

“Really… ?” Caleb’s eyes drift over me, and I can’t help shivering at the knowing intensity of his stare. “Does he make you beg before he fucks you?”

My jaw drops. My cheeks flush red.

“Does he know how wet you get, being ordered to your knees?” Caleb continues, his voice low and hypnotic. “Does he hold you down to suck his cock? Do you take it all the way, and swallow every drop, like a good girl?”

I gape at Caleb, speechless at his filthy words. I know I should be outraged, but Dear Lord, I’m turned on. Desperately so. My breath is already coming in shallow pants, and I feel that telltale ache curling between my thighs.

Wanting him.

“It’s none of your business,” I manage to say, my voice coming out high-pitched.

He smirks. “I didn’t think so. A man like David can’t give you what you need. He can’t even begin to imagine what it takes to satisfy you,” he adds, prowling closer, so his voice is rasping just inches away. “But I do, don’t I, Juliet? I’m the only one who knows all the wicked, filthy things you crave, deep down. The things you’re ashamed of. The things you could never admit in the light of day.”

“No.” I lie. I try to push past him, but Caleb grips my arm, holding me back.

“You want to be dominated,” he says, eyes dark on mine. “You want to be worshipped. Undone. Ravaged. Until you can’t take it anymore. Until you beg for your release.”

I shudder with heat and longing, unable to look away.

How can he see through me? How does he know all my midnight fantasies?