Page 17 of Unwrapping Ember
Dripping wet and shivering, I follow Baine into the house, with Koda and Everest trailing behind me—likely admiring my ass hanging out of my bathing suit. After a brief stop in the laundry room, Baine emerges with a stack of freshly folded towels, handing one to each of us before using one to dry himself off. I can’t help but watch every move he makes, captivated by the way his muscles flex as he rubs the towel all over his damp skin.
As we all work to warm up, the tension between Baine and me simmers just beneath the surface. Koda and Everest lead the way down the hall, and I steal glances at Koda. There’s something so alluring about him—an undeniable chemistry that has been building for fucking years.
With our shoulders brushing as Baine walks beside me, a rush of nervous excitement courses through me. I can’t help but wonder if he feels the same spark I do. Clearing my throat, I attempt to shake off the attraction that's electrified me since I arrived. But when our eyes meet, the electric connection is unmistakable, causing me to lose my voice.
"Are you okay?" he asks, his voice sending delightful shivers down my spine.
I nod, a sudden surge of boldness taking hold. “Yeah, perfect.” I offer a smile as I pause at the door to my room. "So, what’s the plan now?"
My gaze lingerson the three alluring, half-naked men in front of me, and I find my breath hitching in my throat. I'm unsure if it's the mimosas or the tantalizing atmosphere they're creating, but I've never felt so turned on.
“Slip into something dry—and sexy—for us,” Koda commands, a playful grin dancing on his lips.
“Are you going to dress up for me?” I challenge, crossing my arms over my chest with a seductively raised brow.
“You’ll see, won’t you?”
“I guess I will.”
“Well, hurry and change! We’re going to have some fun with Christmas decorating.” Koda’s mischievous grin promises an exciting time ahead, and I can’t fucking wait. I keep forgetting that he’s my stepbrother, but it doesn’t fucking matter to me—it never did.
As Everest and Baine slip into their rooms, Koda and I remain in the hallway. The look he gives me is charged with mischief, making a good girl consider rather naughty things... and tonight, I’m open to it all. Taking the leap, I step closer, my fingers teasingly gripping the waistband of his damp boxers.
“Hey there, my little Ember. What’s this naughty ass up to?” He grabs my ass as I lick my lips, locking my gaze onto his.
“I’ve wanted to do this for far too long,” I confess, inching in closer.
When our lips finally meet, my knees go weak, and a soft moan escapes into his mouth. His tongue dances playfully with mine as his hand finds its way to the back of my neck, pulling me closer and claiming me fervently. I smile against his lips, reluctant to pull away. But I do, lingering fingers brushing against the fine trail of hair leading to his cock.
"I like this new side of you, Ember."
“I’ve always been like this, Koda. We just haven't seen each other for years.” A spark of anger flashes in his eyes, replacing the passion that was once there, his jaw tightening, clearly wrestling with his feelings. "Are you ever going to tell me what happened all those years ago?"
Whenhe shakes his head resolutely, I know it's not the end of our conversation. “Don’t ask questions you don’t want the answers to, Ember.”
“But I want to know why, Koda. I deserve to know why we were kept apart and why you were kicked out.”
He steps back, raking a frantic hand through his damp hair, anguish etched across his features. “Don’t worry about it. We’re together now, and that’s what matters.”
I shake my head, curiosity gnawing at me. “If you won’t open up about what’s bothering you, why should I share either?” A heavy sigh escapes me as I take a step back, wishing for clarity. “Fine, Koda. I understand.”
“It seems we both have secrets we’d rather keep buried,” he replies, his eyes softening as they meet mine. “It’s not that I don’t want to tell you, Ember. It’s just… complicated.” The pain in his eyes suggests there’s much more to his story.
Reaching out, I take his hand and squeeze it gently. “I understand, Koda. I’m here for you whenever you’re ready to talk.”
He nods, a small, grateful smile flickering at the corners of his lips. “Thank you, Ember. I promise I’ll tell you everything when the time is right, but I expect you to do the fucking same.”
We stand there, fingers intertwined, the weight of unspoken truths lingering in the air. In the moment, I feel the quiet assurance that we will eventually find the courage to share our pasts. Hastily, I head to my room to change, trying to calm my racing heart and focus on my breathing. Once I slip into a dry yet sexy outfit, anticipation bubbles within me for the rest of the day’s adventures.
Stepping back out, I find Koda, Everest, and Baine already busy preparing the decorations. They turn to look at me, and I can see the approval sparkling in their eyes. As we begin to decorate, the banter and teasing flow freely, but the electric chemistry between us infuses everything with a thrilling energy. We work together, laughter ringing in the air, and I can’t shake the feeling of belonging—finally—excited for what’s to come.
Everest
I'mreally struggling to keep my hands to myself right now, especially as I watch Ember bend over in her tiny outfit each time she reaches for an ornament to hang on the tree. The taste of her tongue lingers on my lips, her warmth still echoing in my senses, and all I crave is more.
"I didn't realize you all go all out for Christmas," she remarks, playfully draping a long string of garland around her neck like a scarf.
"We usually keep it low-key, but since you're here, we thought, why not?"