Without warning, I reached down and gave her ass a hard smack.
"That's for spray painting my car," I said.
Her breath hitched, and she bit her lip, trying to suppress a smile. "You're such a caveman."
"Caveman? How about this?" I said, smacking her...
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Esmeralda's POV
I felt a flutter of anxiety as I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the soft blue fabric of my dress. It hugged my curves perfectly, accentuating my figure in a way that felt both empowering and vulnerable. I had spent the last few hours getting ready for this house party my mom had organized. She said it was a chance for me to mingle and socialize, but in reality, I knew it was more about maintaining appearances.
esme's outfit:
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"Esmeralda, sweetheart!" My mom burst into my room, her presence both commanding and warm. She held something shimmering in her hands. "I want you to wear this tonight."
It was one of our family's generational jewelry pieces—a delicate silver necklace adorned with a single sapphire. "Mom, it's beautiful!" I gasped, letting her fasten it around my neck. The cool metal against my skin felt like a blessing, tying me to my heritage while I stepped into a night filled with potential.
As the evening progressed, I could feel the electric energy in the air as guests arrived, filling our mansion with laughter and chatter. My heart raced as I entered the main hall, taking in the lavish decorations and the thrumming music. The party was in full swing, and I could already spot a few familiar faces.
I moved through the crowd, exchanging pleasantries with people I hardly knew. Everyone seemed so much older, more experienced in the ways of socializing. But then, I spotted him—Caleb.
He was standing in the corner, surrounded by a group of older boys, a drink in one hand and a cigarette in the other. His gaze drifted toward me, piercing through the haze of smoke and noise, and I felt my cheeks heat under his scrutiny.
"Who's that?" a voice broke into my thoughts, and I turned to see a girl with vibrant blonde hair and bright green eyes—Sylvie, I remembered.
"That's Caleb, my stepbrother," I said, trying to sound casual, but my heart raced at the thought of him being so close.
"Damn, he's hot," she remarked, her tone teasing. I rolled my eyes, but the truth was undeniable. "Come on, let's go introduce you to my friends!"
With that, Sylvie led me through the crowd. She introduced me to a group of six others: Mia, the bubbly blonde with an infectious laugh; Jason, the tall guy who had a mischievous grin; Nora, who was quiet but observant; Leo, the charming flirt; and Tyler, who was a joker at heart.
The energy was intoxicating, and I felt an immediate connection with them. They welcomed me with open arms, and soon we were laughing and sharing stories.
"Esme! You need to come join us for facials tomorrow!" Sylvie exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "It'll be fun! Plus, I can show you around campus afterward."
"I'd love that," I replied, my heart swelling with happiness at being included.
But even as I mingled, my eyes kept drifting back to Caleb. He was still watching, a slight smirk playing on his lips as he chatted with his friends. I could feel the tension crackling in the air every time our eyes met, a silent acknowledgment of the attraction that had sparked between us.
As the night wore on, the music turned louder, and people began to pair off, some finding solace in corners while others danced shamelessly. I watched as Caleb took a swig from his drink, his gaze lingering on me. The intensity in his eyes made me shiver.
When I finally found the courage to approach him, he was leaning against the wall, looking dangerously alluring. "Hey," I said, my voice slightly shaky.
"Hey, cherry," he replied, his voice low and teasing. "You look amazing tonight."
"Thanks," I managed, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks. "I could say the same for you."
He stepped closer, the scent of smoke and whiskey surrounding him, igniting something deep within me. "You shouldn't be out here all alone. Let me show you how to have some fun."
Before I could respond, he pulled me closer, his fingers brushing against my arm. The heat from his touch sent a rush of adrenaline through me, and my heart raced as he leaned in, his breath warm against my ear. "What do you say we escape this place for a bit?"
I was torn between fear and excitement, the thrill of the unknown calling to me. "Where?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Just follow me," he murmured, his eyes dark with something I couldn't quite decipher.
As he led me toward a quieter part of the mansion, the air felt charged with anticipation. My body hummed with the possibilities, and despite the nerves twisting in my stomach, I knew I wanted to see where this night would take us.
"Caleb, wait!" I called as he stopped in a dimly lit hallway. He turned to me, and in that moment, everything shifted. The world around us faded, leaving only the heat of our bodies and the unspoken tension between us.
My breath hitched as I searched his gaze. "I... I don't know if i wanna do this."
"You're not a little girl anymore," he whispered, closing the distance, his lips inches from mine. "And I promise, I'll be gentle."
Before I could respond, he leaned in, capturing my lips with his. It was a slow burn, electric and intoxicating, and I melted against him, my body betraying my mind.
Just as the kiss deepened, the sound of laughter echoed down the hall, breaking the moment. Caleb pulled back, his breath mingling with mine as we stared at each other, hearts racing.
