The temptation of my brother-in-law-Chapter 55 - fifty five

Chapter Fifty-Five

Alicia’s POV

I woke up still feeling sore between my legs. Every movement reminded me of last night. Of Malachi’s hands on my body. His mouth on my skin. The way he’d taken me like he owned me.

I shifted in bed and winced. The soreness was worse than I’d expected. Deep and persistent, making it clear that walking anywhere would be a challenge.

I couldn’t go for breakfast. The thought of sitting at that long table, trying to act normal while everyone stared at me, was unbearable. Plus, there was the mark on my neck. The hickey Malachi had left that was probably dark and obvious by now.

So I stayed in bed. Hungry, uncomfortable, but at least alone.

There was a soft knock on the door around mid-morning. I pulled the blanket up higher, covering the marks on my skin.

"Come in," I called out.

A young maid entered, carrying a tray. "Good morning, Miss Alicia. Mr. Malachi sent this for you."

My cheeks heated immediately. Of course he did.

"He said you might need the pain killers," the maid continued, setting the tray on the bedside table. "And he wanted to make sure you ate something."

On the tray was a bowl of warm soup, some bread, a glass of juice, and a small bottle of pain medication. Simple but thoughtful.

"Thank you," I said quietly.

The maid smiled and left. I stared at the tray for a moment before reaching for the pain killers. I took two with the juice, then started on the soup. It was good. Rich and warming, exactly what I needed.

Malachi had done this. Had thought about me this morning and made sure I had what I needed. The realization made something flutter in my chest. Something dangerous that I shouldn’t be feeling.

I finished eating and checked the time. Sophie’s first day at school. I’d almost forgotten in the haze of soreness and memories.

I needed to get up. Needed to be there for her.

I took a shower, careful with the hot water on my sensitive skin. Got dressed in something comfortable but presentable. A simple dress that covered the marks on my body. I tried covering the hickey on my neck with makeup, but it was too dark. Too obvious. Eventually, I just wrapped a light scarf around my neck and hoped no one would question it.

I waited in my room, listening to the sounds of the house. Heard the family members moving around downstairs. Heard their voices, their footsteps, their cars starting in the driveway.

I waited for all of them to leave. Waited until the house was quiet except for the staff.

Only then did I venture out.

Sophie was waiting in her room, already dressed in her new school uniform. She looked so small in it. So nervous.

"You look beautiful," I told her, fixing her collar.

"I’m scared," she admitted. "What if the other kids don’t like me?"

"They’ll love you. You’re smart and kind and funny. Anyone would be lucky to be your friend."

She didn’t look convinced, but she nodded anyway.

We left the house together. The driver took us to the school, and I held Sophie’s hand the whole way there.

This made us a little late. The other students were already filing into their classrooms when we arrived. The school itself was massive. All modern architecture and manicured lawns.

The high school was definitely for the rich and expensive. Everything screamed money. From the pristine buildings to the luxury cars in the parking lot. This was where Silver Lake City’s elite sent their children.

I helped Sophie settle down in her classroom. Met her teacher, a kind-looking woman who assured me Sophie would be fine. I stayed until Sophie seemed a bit more comfortable, then reluctantly left.

I had a meeting with the principal next. Something about finalizing Sophie’s enrollment and discussing any special accommodations she might need.

The principal’s office was on the second floor. Large windows overlooking the campus. Expensive furniture. Diplomas and awards covering the walls.

When the principal walked in, I was shocked.

He was such a young man. Couldn’t be more than thirty. Handsome in a polished, professional way. Dark hair neatly styled. Sharp suit. Confident stride.

"Mrs. Blackwood," he said, extending his hand. "I’m Principal Chen. It’s a pleasure to meet you."

"The pleasure is mine," I said, shaking his hand. "Thank you for meeting with me."

"Of course. Please, sit." He gestured to the chairs in front of his desk. "Can I offer you some tea?"

"That would be lovely, thank you."

He called his assistant and ordered tea for both of us. Then sat across from me, his attention fully focused.

"So," he said. "Tell me about Sophie. I’ve reviewed her file, but I’d like to hear from you directly."

I took a breath. This was the hard part. Explaining Sophie’s situation without revealing too much. Without making her sound damaged.

"Sophie is a wonderful child," I started. "Bright, curious, creative. But she’s been through some difficult experiences. She might have some trauma that affects how she interacts with others."

Principal Chen nodded, his expression sympathetic. "What kind of trauma, if you don’t mind me asking?"

"Family issues. Instability. She’s been moved around a lot. She needs consistency. Patience. Someone who understands that sometimes she might need extra support."

"I see." He leaned back in his chair. "We have experience with students who’ve faced challenges. Our counselors are excellent, and we can arrange for Sophie to meet with them regularly if that would help."

"That would be wonderful."

"We’ll also make sure her teachers are aware. Not in a way that singles her out, but so they know to be attentive. To watch for signs that she’s struggling."

The tea arrived. We both took a moment to add sugar and cream.

"I appreciate this," I said. "Sophie deserves a good education. A safe place to learn and grow."

"She’ll have that here," Principal Chen assured me. "We take care of our students."

We talked for a while longer. About the curriculum, the extracurricular activities, the school’s approach to education. He was impressive. Clearly passionate about his work.

By the time I left his office, I felt better about leaving Sophie there. She’d be okay. She’d be safe.

I had a few hours before I needed to pick Sophie up, so I called Cassie. We agreed to meet at a café near the school.

She was already there when I arrived, sitting at a corner table with a huge smile on her face.

"Alicia!" She waved me over. "You look glowing. What’s going on?"

I sat down, adjusting my scarf self-consciously. "Nothing. Just tired."

"Liar." She leaned forward. "Spill. What happened?"

"Nothing happened."

"The scarf says otherwise." Her eyes were twinkling with mischief. "Someone gave you a hickey. Who’s the lucky guy?"

My face heated. "Can we not do this right now?"

"Oh my god, you’re blushing. It’s serious, isn’t it? Tell me everything."

"There’s nothing to tell."

She sat back, studying me. "Fine. Keep your secrets. But I’m happy for you. You deserve someone who makes you feel good."

If only she knew. If only she knew it was my brother-in-law. That I’d crossed every line I’d promised myself I wouldn’t cross.

"What about you?" I asked, desperate to change the subject. "What’s new?"

Her face lit up. "Oh, Alicia. I’m in love."

"What? Since when?"

"Since three weeks ago. I met him at a gallery opening. He’s amazing. Successful, handsome, and he actually listens when I talk."

"That’s wonderful. What does he do?"

"He’s in real estate. Big shot developer. He’s building this huge commercial complex downtown." She pulled out her phone and showed me pictures. "Look at him. Isn’t he gorgeous?"

The man in the photos was indeed handsome. Tall, well-dressed, confident smile.

"He looks great," I said. "I’m happy for you."

"We’re having dinner tonight. Our fifth date." She practically glowed. "I really think this could be something, you know? Something real."

I smiled and nodded, but my mind kept drifting. Back to Malachi. Back to last night.

The way he’d looked at me. Like I was the only thing that mattered. Like he’d burn the world down just to have me.

The way his hands had felt on my skin. Rough and demanding but also careful. Like I was precious and he was afraid of breaking me even as he took me apart.

The way he’d marked me. Claimed me. Made sure everyone would know I belonged to someone.

"Earth to Alicia," Cassie said, waving her hand in front of my face. "Where did you go?" 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

"Sorry. Just thinking."

"About the guy who gave you that hickey?"

I didn’t answer. Couldn’t.

Cassie laughed. "You’ve got it bad, don’t you? Whoever he is."

"It’s complicated."

"The good ones always are."

We talked for a while longer. About her new relationship, about work, about nothing important. But the whole time, part of me was somewhere else.

Part of me was still in Malachi’s room. Still feeling his touch. Still hearing his voice in my ear telling me I was his.

And the terrifying part was that I wanted to be.

Despite everything. Despite all the reasons it was wrong. Despite the fact that it could never work.

I wanted to be his.

And I didn’t know what to do about that.