Chapter 18: Trapped In His Charm

ALMA

If I could wish for anything right now, it would be for the ground to open up and swallow me whole. What the hell had I just walked into? What on earth happened here, leaving this woman tangled in such a mess?

My eyes shifted to Sebastian. His gaze was fixed on me, completely, blank. A shiver ran through me. Then I turned to Victoria; she stared at me with pure disdain before rolling her eyes in that irritating way.

Even the woman I’d never met before looked confused, her gaze darting between us as if trying to piece together some puzzle.

Then she turned to Sebastian. “Which one of the women are you marrying?” she asked, her voice calm but bold.

Sebastian scoffed lightly, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “Take a guess, Mrs. Frederico,” he said gently, resting a hand on his jaw as he stared at her.

A soft laugh escaped her, light and amused. “You’re bad, you know that? That’s why I like you.”

Victoria snapped, pointing a finger toward the woman. My eyes widened in shock. Who the hell is she? And what… what was her relationship with Sebastian?

She slowly adjusted her black hair, picked up her handbag from the desk, and slid on her sunglasses. Without another word, she strode past me, heading toward the door. Her eyes flicked over me briefly, and she paused. “I think she—” she said, pointing in my direction.

“Fuck you! I’m the one, asshole!” Victoria snapped, flipping her middle finger at the woman.

The other woman might look smaller, a bit shorter than Victoria, but it was obvious there was an age gap between the two. She scoffed and shook her head. “You look like a fool,” she said firmly before pushing the door closed behind her.

Victoria exploded, groaning like a wild animal, her hands rubbing through her hair, face twisted in rage.

Then, almost suddenly, her gaze snapped to me, cold and hateful. “Why are you here, bitch?” she hissed.

“Don’t you dare call me that, Victoria,” I shot back, keeping my voice sharp.

She scoffed, stepping closer, her movements slow.

“Or what?” she taunted.

“Enough of this nonsense, Victoria!” Sebastian snapped, standing abruptly.

She froze, then rushed to him, grabbing his hands. “I’m sorry, Sebastian. I just… I couldn’t stand that woman sitting on your lap. I’m really not a violent type,” she pleaded.

My mouth fell open in shock. Sitting on his lap? What the hell…? A surge of jealousy twisted inside me. I couldn't help but wonder if he has … slept with all three of us?

I lowered my gaze, trying to swallow the rising bitterness curling in my chest.

“Just leave, Victoria,” he said, his voice firm and tired. She reluctantly released his hands, but her tone turned cold.

“But… why is Alma here?”

“Just do as I said, Victoria,” he replied, calm as ever. The irony of it was always confusing; he never raised his voice, yet his words carried a weight that bent people to his will.

She obeyed immediately, sliding a stainless-steel food flask toward him. “Please… make sure you eat,” she murmured, her eyes flashing coldly at me before she moved toward the door. She hesitated for a moment, then left, closing it behind her.

Sebastian exhaled, rubbing his forehead as he sank into the chair.

I stood there, watching him, disbelief written all over my face. I wasn’t expected to feel this way in any of this, but still… I can't help it.

“Sit, Alma,” he said softly, his hands pressed against his forehead.

“Just give me my bracelet, Sebastian,” I shot back, keeping my tone clear. I still feel embarrassed because of last night's incident and jealous of what I had just heard.

His jaw tightened. And he rose to his feet, taking slow steps toward me, his hands tucked into his pockets. I moved back instinctively till my back touched the door softly.

He closed the distance with calm precision. My heart raced, but I tried—desperately—to keep my face neutral. But it was impossible, because my lashes kept fluttering, betraying me.

“Alma… what’s wrong?” His voice cut through the tension so gently. My eyes snapped up at him, confused. Even a fool could read what I was feeling, yet he acted as if the way he left me last night was just normal.

I rolled my eyes and turned my face away, trying to mask the storm inside.

“Alma… are you angry about what I did last night?” he asked again.

I froze. My body went rigid. Before I could stop it, my head nodded. Damn it. I hated that I always submitted to him and hated how my desire betrayed my anger.

It was painfully clear—he didn’t love me. He didn’t care about my feelings. And yet… I couldn’t stop wanting more.

I want him to think of me the way I can’t stop thinking of him. I want him to want me—to crave me—the way my body already aches for his. I have only three months to save my father. One month won’t ruin anything if I take it for myself; then I can use the remaining two to find a way to save my father.

“Alma,” he said softly, his voice careful and controlled. “You’re my best friend’s wife. I don’t want anything to go wrong.”

Before I could stop myself, my fingers clenched around his suit jacket, pulling him closer. My head shook violently, panic and desire colliding in my chest.

“I won’t let him find out,” I whispered, desperation dripping into every word. I barely recognized myself anymore—my desires had taken the reins.

He smiled.

“What am I teaching you this time, Mrs. Flores?”

I swallowed hard, my gaze dropping, unable to meet his eyes as the thought flashed through my mind—dirty, forbidden, and terrifyingly clear.

I want to discover all the ways of pleasure that can drive me wild—both anal and vaginal. Every inch of sexual style I have seen. I want him to use every toy in that room… I want to feel it all.

But how could I say it without sounding like a desperate whore begging her husband’s best friend—and her doctor—to use her beyond recognition?

He slowly lifted my chin, forcing my eyes to meet his.

"Alma, feel free to tell me what you want," he said, his voice low but firm.

I swallowed, trying to steady myself.

“I want to explore… your sexual preferences,” I said carefully, my eyes locked on his.

For a moment, his body froze. I caught the shift in his expression—curiosity, surprise, maybe something darker. I knew the only way this could work was to make him feel it was for him. I wanted to let him take me the way he desired, not just the way I craved. If I could do that, maybe he’d see me… differently.

"Alma, my sexual preference is brutal. You won’t be able to handle it," he said softly, his eyes darkening with warning.

That was exactly what I wanted. I’d been starved of pleasure for a year, and I intended to reclaim every second in just one month. Because this opportunity won't come again. Once Luis returned and got treated and—if he agreed—to let me have a child with him, or whatever, the truth is I don't care how he does it. For now, I only cared about this moment: exploring my desires.

"That’s what I want," I whispered, my voice firm and daring. "I want you to fuck me—the way you want to."

His eyes lingered on me, disbelief flashing across them before a charming smile slowly spread on his lips, making heat rush through me.

"Alma… you know what to do, then," he whispered. I nodded, my heart pounding.

Of course I knew his rules. If I truly wanted him, I would come over to his house—and tonight, I would.