The temptation of my brother-in-law

Chapter One Hundred and Eight

Malachi’s POV

Dinner time came and Cecilia couldn’t walk on her injured ankle. I found myself carrying her down the stairs, her arms wrapped around my neck for balance. She was light, but the closeness felt awkward, like I was playing a role in a bad play. Her perfume was too sweet, clinging to me in a way that made me think of obligations, not desire.

"I’m so sorry about this," she said. "I feel ridiculous."

"It’s fine. Just hold on."

The family was already gathering in the dining room when we arrived. I set Cecilia down in her chair carefully. Made sure her ankle was elevated on a cushion one of the staff provided. She gave me a grateful look, but it did nothing for me. This was all pretend, a cover to make sure she got her inheritance. After that, all of this would be over.

Everyone watched. Some with curiosity. Some with approval. Layla, my mom, smiled like this confirmed everything she wanted to believe about us. She had always pushed for me to settle down, and this fake setup fed right into her hopes.

I took the seat next to Cecilia. Across the table, I could see Alicia sitting next to Travis. She was looking at her plate. Not at me. Not at anyone. But I felt her there, like a shadow in the corner of my eye. Memories hit me hard, the kind that twisted my gut. Her skin under my fingers, hot and yielding. The way she’d arch into my touch, whispering things that made the world fade. Dark, forbidden nights where we crossed lines we shouldn’t have. I shifted in my seat, forcing my gaze away, but the heat lingered.

I wanted to grab her and kiss her in front of all of them. Make them know she belonged solely to me.

Dinner was served. Plates piled with steak and potatoes, the smell filling the room. Conversation flowed around the table. Pa Wood talked about the estate, the old barns and fields that stretched out forever. About activities planned for the two weeks. About making this trip memorable. His voice boomed, pulling laughs from the group, but I barely heard it. My mind was on Alicia, on the way her hair fell over her shoulder, hiding the spot where I’d once left a mark that took days to fade.

She made sure to avoid eye contact with me. I hated that.

"Tomorrow we’ll go hunting," he announced. "There’s excellent game in the area. We’ll split into teams of two. Make it interesting."