Deadly Affair With My Brother Inlaw

I stirred on the bed and then my eyes flipped open. Glancing around, my eyes slowly adjusted to my surroundings. My head throbbed a little, and my hand went to my temple, and then it hit me. I wasn't sleeping. I was under the influence of alcohol, barely aware of what was going on. The only thing that mattered was the heady mix of alcohol that plagued me and the forbidden emotions that thickened the tension in the room.

The man kneeling over me on the bed undid the buttons of his shirt and peeled it off, his eyes fixed on mine, sultry and burning with desire. I blinked as his image doubled-tripled, before coming back to form one person-my brother-in-law. The thought of who he was should keep my conscience in check, but it didn't.

I wanted him. Now. And that's what mattered.

He arched towards me slowly, his hand grabbing the back of my head as his warm lips met mine. My breath caught when he began, slow at first, before the kisses grew more passionate. His free hand trailed down from my cheek to my neck and chest, leaving trails of fire in its wake. Almost of their own accord, a hand travelled to the small of his back, while the other one threaded through his hair.

I returned the kiss with the same fervour as his weight leaned against me, and when he broke away, tracing the kisses down my neck, my breath caught in my throat...

Six Hours Earlier

I watched my reflection in the mirror as tears trailed down her cheeks, staring back at me with hollow eyes, looking defeated.

"I miss you dad," I whispered, the emotions within me bubbling forward. I clenched my jaw as more tears ran down. Then I heard footfalls echoing in the distance, growing closer.

Piper's reflection appeared at the door, clearly irritated. "You're still not dressed up?"

I hesitated for a brief moment before I turned to her. "I've told you before-"

"No!" She snapped. "You don't get to tell me anything as it has to do with my orders." She took a few menacing steps towards me.

I opened my mouth and words failed to come out. She continued without a pause.

"How many times do I have to remind you that you're a Pearson?" Her voice came with weight and command.

"I know that-"

"No, you know nothing!" She shut me up, her trademark scowl taking over her face. "Because if you do, you'd know that part of your responsibility as a part of the Pearsons is never having to question my instructions!"

"I'm willing to marry anyone else," I pleaded. "I just don't want Luther Williamsburg, please."

"You don't get to make that choice, Elena," she took a few more steps into the room, her voice reducing to a low purr. "The Williamsburg are the most powerful families in all of New York, and they control Wall street. You're lucky they even want you."

I frowned, my hands clenching into fist by my side. "So, you're using me as a pawn? You're using me for your own selfish gains and-"

A sharp sting landed on my cheek before I could register the action that caused it. My hands went to my cheek, eyes stinging with warm tears as I staggered a little.

"That's not how you talk to Piper Pearson," she hissed with disdain. "I own you, and you owe me! I saved you from your worthless family that Vladmir Eldridge almost wiped out. You're living because of me, and you owe me the honour at least."

She started pacing the room slowly like she owned the place, circling me like a vulture eying its prey. "You'll marry Luther, or I'll send you back to the street. And trust me, by the time I'm done with you, you'd wish we never met in the first place."

Her words stung harder than the slap still ringing in my ears. My heart raced and my knees almost buckled.

"I don't have to remind you again," she huffed, still circling me. "You have five minutes. If I have to come up here again for you, well, you don't need a soothsayer to tell you the repercussions." She strolled towards the door and disappeared through it.

The door slammed harder than I expected, and I trembled, my body burning despite the cold temperature of the room. I sank back on the chair before the dressing table, my face going to my hands as I let it all out. My body trembled with sobs as desperation clawed at my chest.

I need a way out.

After a moment, I struggled to my feet, staring back at a sorry version of myself at the mirror as I struggled to draw the zipper of the elaborate dress Piper had chosen for me. It was too tight-that I thought I'd suffocate. My fingers grabbed the zipper and pulled, but it wouldn't bulge. I groaned.

The light flickered and went out.

I glanced around, wondering what was wrong. Hurrying to the window, I could see light rays from downstairs. The light issue must be from my room, I thought.

A soft creak snapped me at attention.

I stilled, glancing this way and that way. Sure that I heard something, I walked towards the closet, pulling one of the leaves open. My dresses on the hanger stared back at me. I made to close the door when a strong hand clamped my mouth shut. I trashed against his grasp when his other hand wrapped around my waist, holding me steady.

"Shiiii," he hissed. "I won't hurt you."

Slowly, I stopped struggling and bobbed my head so hard, my chest pounding. Slowly, he let go of me and I turned to meet his gaze. I couldn't make out his features clearly in the dark, but I could tell the man standing before me had a strong jawline and his hair was dark.

"Who are you?" I hushed.

"I-" A sharp knock from the door stopped him. I flinched.