HIS TEMPTATION

UNWELCOMED TENSION

-----------------Emily's P.O.V.-------------------
_______
Shit! Shit! Shit!
How does he know it!?
What do I do now? Deny it? No, stupid, the look on his face says it all-he's absolutely sure of it.
I clear my throat, trying to calm both my thoughts and my nerves before I speak.

"Why are you here all of a sudden?"

Really? I'm actually trying to be polite with him? Who is he, my uncle from back home?

"I forgot my keys at the office, and I can't go back for them for... reasons."

"So it's just that? You forgot your keys?"

"Yes, just that. Did you expect something more, darling?"

Darling?
Darling!?
DARLING!?

"I-I didn't expect anything... I was just surprised by your sudden appearance," I stammer, unable to shake the embarrassment surging through me.
That damn smirk of his stayed plastered on his face the whole time, giving me chills. His gaze kept shifting, and it was making me shiver... but the way he was looking at me-what was he doing to me? Whatever it was, I didn't want it to stop.

I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks, but I quickly snap out of my daze as he stands from the couch, moving closer... so close I can feel the warmth of his body through my clothes.

"Can I use your washroom, princess?"
His voice was smooth, but the stupid question made my face flush even more.

I could only nod, unable to form words. He chuckled under his breath, a low, sexy sound that made my heart skip. Then, without missing a beat, he headed upstairs-straight to my room.

Wait. Did I tell him where my room is?

My heart races. This man is starting to seriously scare me. One second, I feel like running away and leaving my own house behind, but the next... I want to stay, pulled toward him against my better judgment.

Just as I was staring at the door he disappeared behind, a loud knock jolts me out of my thoughts. I whirl around, my panic fading when I recognize the familiar face-it's Kevin. Relief floods through me, and I rush into his open arms.

"Hey, baby!" Kevin's deep voice wraps around me with warmth. He's my brother's best friend, practically family to me-protective and caring, yet easygoing like a buddy. But what's he doing here this late?

I chuckle as he lifts me off the ground, holding me tightly against his chest as we walk inside. Every step he takes makes me laugh, and by the time he sets me down on the couch, I'm feeling lighter-until he speaks.

"So, what's up, baby? Why do you seem tense?"

"I'm fine, Kevin. What brings you here?"

"Hmm... didn't your brother tell you? I'm here to keep an eye on you until he gets back."

Wait, what!? So Kevin's staying here? Then what was Arson's excuse about the keys all about? Damn, I almost fell for that!

"Baby?"

I snap back to attention, turning toward Kevin. "Y-yes... Kevin?"

"You don't look great. Is something bothering you?"

Yes. There's a man in my room who could drive you crazy if you knew he was here! My throat goes dry, but I manage a nervous laugh.

"N-no, everything's fine! What could possibly be bothering me?"

Just as I'm about to convince him with my poor acting skills, Arson opens my door and strolls out, taking slow, deliberate steps. Kevin's head snaps toward the sound, his arm instinctively wrapping around my waist, grounding me.

"Baby, who is that?" Kevin's tone is rough now, his protective side coming out in full force.

I open my mouth, but Arson strides forward, cutting me off.

"Nice to meet you. Arson Mathew," he says, extending his hand toward Kevin. "I'm Emily's friend."

My eyes widen, and I shoot Arson a glare, but he ignores me completely, as if I'm not even in the room.

"Emily's friend?" Kevin's voice is low, filled with skepticism. Oh no, Kevin, please don't kill him. Don't kill me!

Arson pulls his hand back, clearly irritated by Kevin's lack of response. I can see his ego struggling to handle it, but Kevin is no pushover.

"Yes, her friend," Arson repeats calmly. "And you are...?"

Kevin raises an eyebrow, his eyes screaming, 'Are you seriously asking me that?'

"I'm someone you'd need permission from if you're planning to stay here," Kevin says, his voice firm.

Wow. Good line, Kevin. You're winning this... I think?

"Then I guess I'll have to ask you, sir. Would you mind if I stayed the night? As her friend?"

Oh no... he did ask, and with that damn smirk. The tension between the two of them is suffocating, my heartbeat racing out of control. What if Kevin says no? Will this turn into a fight?

"What if I say no?" Kevin's tone matches Arson's, full of seriousness.

It feels like I'm introducing a boyfriend to my father. Wait-boyfriend!? No, no, no... not my cheeks flushing again!

Arson just gives a soft, dismissive "hmph," like he's already won this battle.

Kevin's grip on my waist tightens, and I can feel the heat of his anger rising. He's not backing down.

"Emily, are you sure you're comfortable with this... friend?" Kevin asks, his voice low but filled with concern, his eyes never leaving Arson.

I swallow hard, caught between their gazes, both demanding answers in different ways. My heart pounds in my chest, and for the first time, I realize something else: no matter what but... I felt like disappointing anyone of them will bring nothing good to me.

I'm completely and utterly doomed.