Between Sheets and Lies

**Between Sheets and Lies** The Grand Miramar Hotel’s ballroom breathed opulence beneath the golden glow of crystal chandeliers. The walls, draped in champagne silk, reflected the clink of champagne flutes in the hands of impeccably dressed guests, while the murmur of conversation blended with the soft strains of a string quartet. The air carried the expensive scent of white roses arranged in towering displays and the faint aroma of Cuban cigars, smoked in small clusters near the windows open to the Carioca night. Lara adjusted the neckline of her black silk dress, a design that clung to her curves with the precision of a second skin. The fabric, light as a caress, slipped between her fingers as she smoothed the skirt, feeling the weight of someone’s gaze upon her. She didn’t need to turn to know she was being watched—it had always been that way. At thirty-four, her body still held the memory of hungry stares, even after five years of marriage. The diamond ring on her left ring finger gleamed under the light, a silent reminder that this night wasn’t meant for her. — Lara Vasconcelos? I don’t believe it. The voice was deep, familiar, laced with the same teasing tone she remembered from their college days. She turned slowly, as if time could stretch between one movement and the next, and found Daniel. He was taller than she recalled, his broad shoulders filling out the charcoal-gray suit with effortless elegance. His dark hair, once rebellious, was now slicked back, revealing a high forehead and green eyes that seemed to absorb the light around them. His smile was the same—slow, confident, as if he knew a secret she hadn’t yet uncovered. — Daniel Costa — she said, his name escaping her lips like a sigh. — How long has it been? — Six years, three months, and... — he paused, pretending to calculate — about seventeen days. But who’s counting? Lara laughed, surprised by the precision. Or perhaps not. Daniel had always been like that: meticulous about the things that mattered. She remembered the nights he memorized exam dates, birthdays, even the day she’d cut her hair for the first time. "So I’ll never forget," he’d say, running his fingers through the short strands as if he could memorize each one. — You look beautiful — he murmured, stepping close enough for her to feel the heat of his body without invading her space. — Marriage agrees with you. She lifted her chin, challenging him to say more. The compliment was dangerous, laced with something that wasn’t just politeness. Daniel knew it. Lara did too. — And you? — she shot back, letting her eyes roam over the impeccable suit, the Italian shoes, the leather bracelet on his left wrist—a detail that clashed with the formality. — An entrepreneur, from what I’ve heard. — You heard right. — He extended his hand as if to touch her arm but changed his mind at the last second, grabbing a champagne flute from a passing waiter’s tray instead. — Real estate. Not as glamorous as it sounds. She accepted the glass he offered, their fingers brushing for a second longer than necessary. The contact sent a shiver down her spine, quick as lightning. — And your husband? — Daniel asked, bringing the glass to his lips. — Didn’t he come? Lara took a sip of champagne, letting the bubbles burst on her tongue before answering. — Ricardo had a last-minute meeting. He sends his regards. It was a lie. Ricardo had said he didn’t want to "waste time at boring parties," but Lara wasn’t in the mood to explain that to Daniel. Not when his green eyes watched her with that intensity that always left her breathless. — What a shame — he murmured. — I’d have liked to see him again. — I doubt it — she retorted, smiling. — You never liked him. Daniel laughed, a low, rough sound that made Lara’s stomach clench. — It wasn’t him I had a problem with, Lara. It was the fact that you chose him. The room seemed to spin for a moment. She knew she shouldn’t take the bait, but the words escaped before she could stop them. — And what would you have done differently? He leaned in, his hot breath against her ear as he whispered: — I would’ve taken you away before you had time to choose. Lara’s heart raced. She took a step back, needing space, but Daniel didn’t let go. Not with his eyes. He held her there, in that old game of seduction and challenge, as if the years hadn’t passed. As if she were still the girl who trembled when he pressed her against the college parking lot wall, his hands roaming her body with an urgency bordering on violence. — You’ve always been good with words — she said, trying to sound light, but her voice came out hoarse. — And you’ve always been terrible at resisting them. A silence settled between them, heavy with everything left unsaid. Lara looked around, searching for something—anything—to distract her from the electric current that seemed to connect them. She saw couples dancing to the slow waltz, women laughing with their heads tilted, men exchanging handshakes and knowing glances. None of it felt real. Nothing except Daniel. — Shall we dance? — he asked, extending his hand. She hesitated. The last time they’d danced together was at a graduation party, when he’d pulled her into a dark corner and kissed her until her lips were swollen. Lara still remembered the taste of vodka and mint in his mouth, the way he held her as if she were something precious and fragile. — I don’t think that’s a good idea — she said, but she didn’t pull away. — Since when do you care about good ideas? Before she could answer, he pulled her by the waist, guiding her to the center of the ballroom. Lara should have protested, but Daniel’s touch was hypnotic, and her feet moved on their own. When he spun her, the dress swirled around her like a dark wave, and she felt the fabric brush against her thighs, an almost indecent sensation. — You still smell like jasmine — he murmured, his lips nearly touching her temple. Lara closed her eyes for a second, letting the scent of champagne, the heat of his body, and the sound of the music blend into a memory that wasn’t quite a recollection but something more dangerous: desire. — And you still lie very well — she replied, opening her eyes to meet his. Daniel smiled, slow and dangerous. — Who said I’m lying? The music changed, and they stopped dancing, but they remained close, as if the world around them had vanished. Lara knew she should step away. She knew every second there was a silent betrayal, a crack in the life she’d built so carefully. But then Daniel tilted his head, his green eyes darkening, and she knew she wasn’t going anywhere. At least, not yet. And for the first time in years, Lara Vasconcelos allowed herself to want something she shouldn’t. The orchestra played a slow version of *"Fly Me to the Moon,"* the piano notes drifting through the ballroom like golden smoke. Lara leaned against the marble bar, twirling the stem of her glass between her fingers, the thin crystal reflecting the amber light of the chandeliers. The champagne had lost its celebratory taste, turning into something sharper, more urgent. She felt his gaze before she even turned her head. Daniel stood on the other side of the dance floor, talking to a group of investors, but his green eyes—those same eyes that had once made her forget her own name—found her with the precision of a predator. He raised his glass toward her, a nearly imperceptible gesture, and Lara responded with a slight nod, enough for him to know she’d noticed. That she *was* noticing. The crowd moved between them, elegant bodies in silk dresses and tailored suits, but it was as if an invisible current pulled them toward each other. Lara looked away first, pretending interest in the candied fruit buffet, but her hands trembled slightly as she picked up a grape. The sugar melted on her tongue, too sweet, almost obscene. — Are you avoiding someone? His voice came from behind her, low and rough, as if dragged through years of sleepless nights. Lara didn’t need to turn to know he was close enough for the heat of his body to warm the space between them. She took a deep breath before answering, letting the jasmine scent of her perfume mix with the leather and spice that emanated from him. — Or maybe I’m just admiring the view. Daniel chuckled, a deep sound that vibrated against her skin. He moved closer, his fingers lightly brushing her elbow as he took a wine glass from a passing waiter’s tray. The touch was brief but enough to send a tingling sensation up her arm. — The view here is interesting, yes — he murmured, bringing the glass to his lips. — But not as much as the one I remember. Lara arched an eyebrow, feigning indifference, but her heart beat so hard she feared he might hear it. — You’ve always been good with words. Is that why you’re a businessman and not a poet? — Ah, Lara. — He tilted his head, his eyes gleaming with something that could be amusement or challenge. — You know I never needed words to convince you of anything. The air between them grew thicker, charged with the unspoken memory of nights in tiny apartments, tangled sheets, and muffled laughter against pillows. Lara bit her lower lip, feeling the flush rise up her neck. She needed to regain control. She needed to *remember* who she was now: Lara Vasconcelos, wife of a powerful man, hostess of impeccable dinners, a woman who didn’t give in to impulses. But then Daniel moved even closer, and the fabric of her dress suddenly felt too tight, as if her body knew, even before her mind, what was coming. — You’ve changed — he said, watching her with an intensity that made her feel naked. — You’re more... restrained. — People change. — Not everyone. — He reached out as if to touch the pearl necklace she wore but stopped at the last second, his fingers hovering inches from her skin. — Some things stay the same. Lara held her breath. The necklace was a gift from her husband, a symbol of everything she’d achieved. But at that moment, it felt like a collar. — Are you flirting with me, Daniel? He smiled, slow and dangerous. — I’m just being honest. You always hated when I lied. — And you always lied very well. — Not now. — He lowered his voice, leaning in until his lips nearly brushed her ear. — I can smell your perfume from here. Jasmine and something else... something hot. Like you’re still the same girl I left sweaty and breathless that night in Búzios. Lara closed her eyes for a second, feeling the heat spread between her legs. When she opened them, Daniel was watching her with an expression that mixed triumph and hunger. She should have stepped away. Should have made up an excuse and disappeared into the crowd. But the words died in her throat when he reached out again, this time without hesitation, and touched her wrist, his fingers sliding over the sensitive skin until they found the spot where her pulse raced. — You’re nervous — he stated, satisfied. — You’re insufferable. — And you’re lying again. Lara laughed, but the sound came out shaky. Around them, people danced, talked, laughed, oblivious to the tension coiling between them like a rope about to snap. She looked at the dance floor, where couples moved to the rhythm of the music, and suddenly felt an absurd urge to be one of them. To pretend, even if just for three minutes, that there wasn’t an abyss opening beneath her feet. — Dance with me — she said before she could regret it. Daniel didn’t answer. He just took her hand and guided her to the center of the ballroom, where the light was softer and the shadows more generous. When he pulled her close, Lara felt his body against hers, firm and familiar, as if the years hadn’t passed. He smelled of expensive whiskey and something more primal, something that made her stomach clench. — Do you remember the last time we danced? — he asked, his lips brushing her earlobe as he led her in a slow step. — It was at a graduation party. You stepped on my foot three times. — And you laughed as if it were the funniest thing in the world. — Because it was. — Lara rested her forehead against his shoulder for a second, feeling the heat of his skin through his shirt. — You were a terrible dancer. — But great at other things. She didn’t answer. She didn’t need to. They both knew what he was talking about. Her body remembered, even if her mind tried to deny it. Daniel’s hands slid down her back, stopping just above the curve of her waist, his thumbs making slow, deliberate circles. Lara felt the dress become a second skin, the fabric too thin to contain the heat rising through her body. — Do you still think about it? — he asked, his voice rough. — About us? Lara lifted her face, meeting his eyes. There was something there beyond desire, something more dangerous: a question she didn’t want to answer. — Sometimes — she admitted. Daniel smiled, satisfied, and pulled her closer until there was no space left between them. Lara felt his erection against her belly and bit her lip to keep from moaning. The music changed, but they kept moving to the same slow rhythm, as if the world around them had vanished. — And your husband? — he asked, his lips nearly touching hers. — Does he make you feel like this? Lara closed her eyes. The question was a knife, sharp and precise. She could have lied. Could have said yes, that she was happy, that she didn’t miss this—this madness, this fire. But the words died in her throat when Daniel tilted his head and brushed his lips against hers, a touch light as a promise. — Don’t answer — he murmured. — I already know. And then, before Lara could react, he pulled her off the dance floor toward the glass doors leading to the balcony. The cool night air hit her face, but it wasn’t enough to cool the fire burning inside her. Daniel pressed her against the wall, his hands cupping her face with an urgency that made her tremble. — Tell me to stop — he whispered, his lips inches from hers. Lara said nothing. She just closed her eyes and pulled him closer. The balcony stretched like a secret open to the night, a rectangle of cold marble beneath Lara’s feet, lit only by the diffuse glow of the city lights filtering through the gaps in the heavy curtains. The air carried the scent of recent rain, mixed with the sweet perfume of gardenias planted in porcelain pots along the railing. Daniel guided her with a firm hand at the base of her back, his fingers burning through the thin fabric of her dress, as if he already knew exactly where every curve of her body fit against his. She didn’t resist. Not when the heat of his palm spread across her spine, not when his thumb brushed the exposed skin just above her waist, sending a shiver down to her toes. The music from the party still echoed faintly through the glass doors, a distant murmur, as if they belonged to another world. Here, only they existed, the complicit silence, and the weight of what they were about to do. — Do you remember the last time? — Daniel asked, his voice low, almost rough. He didn’t need to specify. Lara knew. The memory hit her like a punch to the stomach: his tiny apartment during college, the walls too thin, the tangled sheets, the way he kissed her as if he wanted to devour her whole. — I still dream about the taste of your mouth. She should have said something. A joke, a denial, anything to break the spell. But the words were lost when he moved closer, his tall, broad body blocking the light, his shadow falling over her like a promise. Lara felt her chest rise and fall too quickly, the silk dress suddenly too tight, her nipples hardening beneath the fabric. — Daniel… — His name escaped like a sigh, a weak warning. He smiled, slow and knowing. — You say my name like it hurts. And it did. It hurt because she remembered what it was like to be his, what it was like to lose herself in him, what it was like for the whole world to disappear when he touched her. It hurt because, even after years, even after a marriage, an entire life built on small and big lies, her body still recognized his. Still responded. Daniel raised his hand, his knuckles brushing the line of her jaw, descending down her neck, stopping at the point where her pulse beat wildly. Lara closed her eyes, feeling the heat of his skin, the slight roughness of the scars he’d acquired over time—a small one on his temple, another on the back of his hand. Scars she didn’t know but wanted to explore with her mouth. — You’re trembling — he murmured, his lips nearly touching her ear. — It’s the cold. A low, disbelieving laugh. — Lie. He was right. It wasn’t the cold. It was fear. Not of what they were about to do, but of what it would mean afterward. Of what she would become. But then Daniel tilted his head, and his hot breath hit her mouth, and Lara forgot everything. The first touch was hesitant, almost reverent. His lips brushed hers once, twice, as if giving her one last chance to pull away. But Lara didn’t pull away. Instead, she rose onto her tiptoes, her fingers tangling in the lapel of his jacket, and kissed him back. And it was as if a dam had burst. Daniel groaned against her mouth, a guttural, animal sound, and pulled her close, his hands descending to her waist, squeezing, as if he wanted to fuse their bodies right there. Lara parted her lips for him, letting his tongue invade, hot and demanding, and the taste of wine and desire mixed into a flavor she recognized instantly. It was the taste of before. The taste of always. His hands slid downward, grabbing her buttocks, lifting her slightly, fitting her against the erection pressing against his zipper. Lara arched her back, a moan escaping her throat when she felt how much he wanted her. The fabric of her dress rode up her thighs, and the cool night air contrasted with the heat emanating between her legs. — Fuck, Lara… — Daniel broke the kiss just to breathe, his lips descending down her neck, nipping, licking, leaving a trail of fire on her skin. — You have no idea what I want to do to you. She did. Because she wanted the same things. She wanted his hands everywhere, his mouth everywhere, she wanted to feel the weight of his body on hers, inside hers. She wanted to forget she had a husband waiting at home, that she had a life that didn’t include this—this madness, this urgency, this desire that burned stronger than any promise. — Then do it — she whispered, her nails digging into his shoulders. — Do everything. Daniel didn’t need more encouragement. With a quick movement, he spun her, pressing her against the cold balcony wall. Lara felt the rough marble against her back, a delicious contrast to the heat of his body pressed against hers. Daniel’s hands slid downward, lifting her dress to her waist, his fingers finding the thin lace of her panties. — So wet — he murmured, his thumb pressing against the damp fabric, making her arch. — You’ve always been like this with me. Lara bit her lip to keep from moaning loudly. She couldn’t. Not here. Not where anyone could hear. But Daniel didn’t seem to care. He moved her panties aside with a rough motion, and then two fingers slid inside her, slow, deep, while his thumb circled her clit with a precision that made her tremble. — Daniel… — His name came out as a plea, a supplication. — I know — he replied, his voice rough. — I know what you need. And he did. Because he’d always known. Always knew how to touch her, how to make her lose control, how to make her forget everything but him. His fingers moved faster, deeper, and Lara felt the orgasm approaching like a wave, high and inevitable. She grabbed his shoulders, her nails digging into his flesh, her hips moving in sync with his hand, seeking more, always more. But then, just as she was about to come, Daniel stopped. Lara opened her eyes, panting, confused. He smiled, a wicked smile, his lips glistening from their kiss. — Not here — he said, his voice low, decisive. — Not like this. She should have been relieved. Should have straightened her dress, taken a deep breath, returned to the party as if nothing had happened. But she did none of that. Instead, she looked at him, her eyes dark with desire, and nodded. — Where? — she asked, her voice trembling. Daniel didn’t answer. He just took her hand and pulled her back into the hotel, toward the elevators, leaving behind the balcony, the party, and any shred of control she had left. The elevator ascended in silence, the foggy mirror reflecting only distorted shadows of two intertwined bodies. Lara felt the heat of Daniel’s hand in hers, his fingers entwined with hers as if made to fit there. His scent—something woody with a hint of spice—mingled with the sweet aroma of the wine still burning in her throat. She couldn’t tell if it was the alcohol or the desire making her tremble, but every beat of her heart seemed to echo against the metal walls of the elevator. When the doors opened, Daniel pulled her out with a decisive motion, as if afraid she might change her mind. Lara followed him down the carpeted hallway, her heels sinking slightly into the thick fabric, her steps muffled by the distant hum of the air conditioning. His room was at the end of the hall, the door already ajar, as if the space itself were waiting for them. As they crossed the threshold, the outside world seemed to vanish—no more party, no husband, no years of distance. Only them, the room bathed in the amber light of a lamp, and the sound of their ragged breathing. Daniel closed the door with a soft click, and before Lara could turn around, he was already behind her, his hands sliding down her waist, pulling her against his firm body. She felt the outline of his erection against her back, the hot, insistent pressure, and a moan escaped her lips before she could stop it. He chuckled softly, his lips brushing her ear as he whispered: — You have no idea how many times I’ve imagined this. Lara closed her eyes, guilt and pleasure warring inside her. *I shouldn’t be here. I shouldn’t want this.* But then Daniel’s mouth found her neck, his teeth lightly grazing her sensitive skin, and all rational thought dissolved into a shiver. His hands moved upward, unbuttoning her dress with torturous slowness, each button undone revealing more of her body—the black lace bra, the curve of her breasts, the skin prickling under his touch. — Beautiful — he murmured, his fingers tracing lazy circles over her already hardened nipples. — As beautiful as I remembered. Lara turned around at last and kissed him with a hunger that surprised her. It was as if all the years of longing, of repressed desire, were concentrated in that single moment. His tongue invaded her mouth, possessive, while her hands slid down his chest, feeling the defined muscles beneath his shirt. She pushed him against the wall, surprising even herself with the boldness, and he groaned when she bit his lower lip, pulling it between her teeth. — Fuck, Lara — he growled, his hands gripping her hips tightly. — You’re going to kill me. — Then die — she replied, her voice hoarse, before pulling his shirt out of his pants and tearing the buttons off in one swift motion. The fabric parted, revealing his tanned chest, the dark hair trailing down in a thin line to the waistband of his pants. Lara couldn’t resist: she leaned in and ran her tongue over one of his nipples, feeling it harden under her touch. Daniel groaned, his fingers tangling in her hair, pulling her closer. But then, with a quick movement, he spun her around, pressing her against the wall. Lara felt the cold plaster against her back, a delicious contrast to the heat of his body pressed against hers. His hands moved downward, pulling her dress down until it pooled at her feet in a heap of silk. She stood there in just her lingerie, her heels still on, and Daniel watched her with an expression that made her feel both exposed and powerful. — You’re even more perfect than in my dreams — he said, his voice rough, before kneeling in front of her. Lara held her breath as he kissed the inside of her thigh, his lips hot against her trembling skin. His hands gripped her buttocks, pulling her closer, and she felt his breath against the damp fabric of her panties. A moan escaped when he pressed his mouth there, his tongue tracing slow circles over the cotton, teasing her. — Daniel… — she whispered, her legs weakening. He laughed against her, his hot breath making her tremble. — What is it, love? — he asked, his fingers hooking into the side of her panties. — Want me to stop? — Don’t you dare — she replied, her voice firm despite the tremor. With a quick motion, he pulled her panties aside and buried his face between her legs. Lara arched her back, her nails digging into the wall as his tongue invaded her, exploring with a precision that made her see stars. He alternated between slow licks and hard sucks, his fingers joining in, entering and leaving her in a rhythm that left her on the edge of the abyss. — That’s it… just like that… — she panted, her hips moving involuntarily against his mouth. Daniel groaned, the sound vibrating against her, and increased the intensity. Lara felt the orgasm approaching, a hot, overwhelming wave, but then he stopped suddenly, leaving her panting, her entire body pulsing with frustration. — No… — she protested, but he was already standing, his lips glistening, his eyes dark with desire. — Not yet — he said, his voice rough. — I want to feel you coming on me. Before she could respond, he picked her up and carried her to the bed, laying her down on the soft sheets. Lara watched as he removed his pants, the dark underwear revealing an erection that made her bite her lip. He knelt between her legs, his fingers tracing lazy circles over her clit, making her arch her back. — Do you have any idea what I want to do to you? — he asked, his voice low and dangerous. Lara shook her head, unable to speak. — I want to fuck you until you forget your own name — he said, his fingers sliding inside her again. — I want to hear you moan mine while you come. I want to mark you in a way that he’ll never be able to touch you without remembering me. His words set her on fire. She pulled him down, kissing him with an urgency that left no room for doubt. Daniel responded with the same hunger, their bodies fitting together as if made for each other. He positioned himself between her legs, the tip of his cock brushing her entrance, and Lara moaned, her nails digging into his back. — Please — she begged, her voice breaking. Daniel didn’t need more encouragement. With a slow movement, he entered her, filling her in a way that made her arch her back and cry out. He paused for a second, his eyes closed, as if savoring the sensation, before starting to move. The first thrusts were slow, deep, each one drawing a moan from her lips. But soon the rhythm increased, their bodies crashing together in a frenzied dance. Lara wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him closer, wanting him deeper, harder. Daniel obeyed, his hands gripping her hips tightly as he fucked her with an intensity that left her breathless. She felt the orgasm building again, stronger this time, a delicious pressure growing inside her. — Come for me — he ordered, his teeth clenched. — I want to feel you. And she did. The pleasure hit her like lightning, making her scream his name as her entire body convulsed. Daniel didn’t stop, continuing to move inside her, prolonging the orgasm until she was panting, her muscles trembling. Only then did he allow himself to come, burying himself deep and groaning as he spilled inside her. For a moment, there was nothing but the sound of their ragged breathing and racing hearts. Lara closed her eyes, feeling the weight of his body on hers, the heat of his sweat-slicked skin. But then, like a bucket of ice water, reality crept back into her thoughts. *What have I done?* Daniel sensed the shift in her. He propped himself up on his elbows, looking at her with an expression that mixed satisfaction and concern. — Hey — he said, brushing a strand of hair from her face. — Where are you? Lara swallowed hard, feeling the tears burning in her eyes. — I can’t do this — she whispered. Daniel frowned, but before he could respond, the shrill sound of a phone cut through the silence. Lara froze. The ringtone was unmistakable—her personalized ringtone, the same one her husband used to call her. And he was calling. Again. The phone’s ring echoed like a scream in the dark room, cutting through the thick haze of pleasure. Lara felt Daniel’s body still inside her, heavy, pulsing, as the insistent sound tore through the silence. Her husband’s name lit up the phone screen, abandoned on the nightstand, and for a second, the world seemed to stop. The air conditioning whispered against their sweat-dampened skin, the scent of sex mingling with Daniel’s expensive cologne, the salty taste of their kisses still clinging to her lips. She didn’t move. Daniel lifted his head, his dark eyes fixed on her, his breathing still ragged. A slow smile spread across his lips, as if he knew exactly what that ring meant—a line being crossed, a boundary being trampled. He propped himself up on his forearms, the movement making his body slide a little deeper inside her, drawing a low moan from Lara. — Aren’t you going to answer? — he murmured, his voice rough with sleep and satisfaction. Lara bit her lower lip, feeling the heat rise in her neck. The phone stopped ringing, but seconds later, it started again, relentless. She closed her eyes, trying to ignore the guilt coiling in her chest like a serpent. But then Daniel moved again, a slow, deliberate motion, and the pleasure drowned out everything else. — No — she whispered, her nails digging into his shoulders. Daniel chuckled, a dark, satisfied sound, before leaning in to capture her mouth in a hungry kiss. Lara responded, tangling her fingers in his hair, pulling him closer. The phone stopped ringing again, but she barely noticed. The world had narrowed to this room, this moment, Daniel’s body on hers, inside hers, moving with a precision that left her gasping. — That’s right — he murmured against her lips, his hands sliding down her thighs, lifting them so he could bury himself even deeper. — Forget everything. Just us. Lara moaned, the sound muffled against his skin. The phone rang again, but this time, she didn’t hear it. Daniel’s rhythm quickened, each thrust more intense, more possessive, as if he wanted to brand every inch of her. She clung to him, her legs wrapping around his waist, her heels pressing into his back, urging him deeper, harder. — You’re mine — he growled, his teeth grazing her earlobe. — Only mine. Lara didn’t answer. She couldn’t. The words were lost in a moan as he changed the angle, hitting a spot that made her see stars. The pleasure consumed her, a hot, overwhelming wave that drowned out any coherent thought. The phone rang once more, but she ignored it, lost in the whirlwind of sensations. Daniel watched her, his eyes half-lidded, sweat trickling down his temple. There was something predatory in his gaze, a raw satisfaction at seeing her like this—undone, surrendered, oblivious to everything but him. He slowed his pace for a moment, just to tease her, and Lara moaned in protest, her nails digging into his back. — Please — she begged, her voice breaking. He smiled, slow and wicked, before resuming his movements with renewed force. Lara arched her back, the pleasure spiraling higher with each thrust. The phone stopped ringing, but the silence that followed was even more charged, as if the universe itself were holding its breath. — Come for me — Daniel ordered, his voice rough. — Now. And Lara obeyed. The orgasm hit her like an explosion, a liquid heat spreading through her body as she cried out, her muscles clenching around him. Daniel groaned, feeling her tighten around him, and buried himself deep one last time, coming with a guttural growl, his body trembling over hers. For long seconds, there was nothing but the sound of their ragged breathing, their racing hearts, the sweat trickling between their entwined bodies. Lara closed her eyes, feeling Daniel’s weight on her, the heat of his skin, the scent of sex and desire that permeated the air. But then, as if the world had decided to remind her of its existence, the phone rang again. This time, Lara opened her eyes. Daniel lifted his head, his lips still damp from their kisses, and looked at her with an expression that mixed desire and something else—something she couldn’t quite decipher. Possessiveness, perhaps. Or the certainty that, now, she was lost. — He’s not going to stop — Daniel murmured, his fingers tracing the contour of her face. — And you know it. Lara swallowed hard, feeling the weight of those words. The phone stopped ringing, but the silence that followed was even more oppressive. — I have to go — she whispered, but made no move to get up. Daniel didn’t try to stop her. He just crossed his arms, his smile never leaving his face. — You’ll be back. It wasn’t a question. Lara didn’t look back as she left the room. The hotel hallway was silent, the kind of silence that precedes chaos. She pressed the elevator button several times, as if that could speed up her escape, but when the doors opened, she hesitated. Inside, the mirror reflected a woman with haunted eyes, her makeup smudged, her dress wrinkled in a way no iron could fix. She took a deep breath and stepped in. The hotel lobby was nearly empty, just a few staff arranging flowers on the tables and an elderly couple having breakfast. Lara walked past them with her head down, feeling like a criminal. But then she heard her name. — Lara? It was a woman’s voice, familiar. She turned and saw Clara, an old college friend, waving at her with a friendly smile. Clara wasn’t close enough to notice the details, but Lara felt panic rise in her throat anyway. — Hi! — she replied, forcing a smile. — I didn’t know you were here. — Arrived yesterday for a conference — Clara said, approaching. — And you? Here for work too? Lara nodded, the words stuck in her throat. Clara tilted her head, as if trying to decipher something. — Are you okay? You look… tired. — Long night — Lara managed to say, and then, because she couldn’t help it, added: — Ran into an old friend. Clara’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. — Someone I know? — Daniel — Lara replied before she could stop herself. Clara’s smile widened. — Daniel *Ribeiro*? Wow, it’s been ages! How is he? — The same — Lara lied, feeling the weight of the betrayal multiply. — Charming. Successful. — You two always had incredible chemistry — Clara commented, without malice, but the words hit Lara like a punch. — I’m glad you reconnected. Lara managed a murmured thanks and said goodbye, but Clara’s words echoed in her mind all the way to the taxi. *Incredible chemistry.* Was that what people saw? A spark that had never faded, an old story now gaining a new chapter? Or was it just her, clinging to excuses to justify what she’d done? The car stopped in front of her building, and Lara paid the driver with hands that trembled slightly. The doorman greeted her with a wave, and she responded with a mechanical smile, praying he wouldn’t notice the scent of sex still clinging to her skin. In the elevator, she closed her eyes and pressed her forehead against the cold mirror, trying to compose herself. When the apartment door opened, silence greeted her like a slap. The house was immaculate, as always—her husband, Ricardo, was meticulous to the point of obsession. But today, every detail felt like an accusation: the photo frames with pictures of happy vacations, the couch where they’d last made love, the kitchen where she prepared dinners he barely tasted. Lara took off her shoes and walked to the bedroom, where she found Ricardo still asleep, his body turned to the side, his breathing steady. For a moment, she just watched him. He was handsome in a classic, secure way, the kind of man who never had to try to be desired. But now, looking at him, Lara felt nothing but a cold guilt mixed with a strange indifference. She went into the bathroom and turned on the shower again, letting the hot water run over her body until her skin turned red. When she stepped out, Ricardo was sitting on the bed, rubbing his eyes. — You got home late — he said, his voice still sleepy. — The party went on longer — she replied, wrapping herself in a towel. — Didn’t want to wake you. Ricardo nodded, as if the explanation were enough. Lara knew he suspected nothing—Ricardo never suspected. He trusted her, or maybe he just didn’t care enough to question. Either way, it was convenient. — Are you going to work today? — he asked, getting up and putting on his robe. — Yes. I have an important meeting. Ricardo approached and kissed her forehead, as he did every morning. — Don’t be late. Lara smiled, but the gesture didn’t reach her eyes. When he left the room, she sat on the edge of the bed, her fingers gripping the sheet tightly. The phone was on the nightstand, and she picked it up, running her fingers over the screen. There were three unread messages—all from Daniel. *"Did you get home okay?"* *"I thought about you all night."" *"When are we doing this again?"* Lara took a deep breath and blocked the number. Not because she didn’t want to respond, but because she knew that if she did, she’d be lost. But then, as if the universe were mocking her, the phone vibrated again. It was a message from an unknown number. *"You forgot something in my room. Your bracelet. I’ll keep it for you."" Attached to the message was a photo. The gold bracelet Ricardo had given her on their last anniversary, tossed onto the rumpled sheets where she and Daniel had lost themselves hours before. Lara closed her eyes, feeling the ground give way beneath her. There was no going back. No pretending nothing had happened. And deep down, she knew she didn’t want to. That night, when Ricardo left to have dinner with a client, Lara stayed home, staring at the phone as if it might explode at any moment. But then, as if it were inevitable, her fingers began to type. *"Where are you?"* Daniel’s reply was immediate. *"Same hotel. Room 812."" Lara hesitated for only a second before getting up, grabbing her car keys, and leaving. The drive to the hotel was a blur of adrenaline and desire. When the elevator doors opened on the eighth floor, she already knew there was no turning back. Daniel was waiting for her, leaning against the doorframe, the smile of someone who had already won. — Took you long enough — he murmured, pulling her into the room. Lara didn’t resist. Not when his lips found hers, not when his hands slid under her dress, not when he pushed her against the wall and whispered in her ear: — I told you you’d be back. And she was. Because, in the end, some lies were too sweet to let go.