TRAPPED WITH THE STRANGER WHO TAUGHT ME HOW TO SIN

~SCARLETT.

"Welcome to Le Casa Rosa. We're so glad to have you here. Your suite is ready, and we've made sure everything is prepared for your stay," the receptionist greeted us warmly, handing the keycard to the man I've known for four years, and come to love somewhere along the way.

Jake took the card without so much as a smile or a thank you. His eyes were glued to his phone, fingers tapping away like the glowing screen held more importance than anything around him.

"Thanks," I said, offering a smile as I shot an apologetic look at the receptionist. She seemed to understand, nodding with a practiced grace.

Two weeks ago, I stumbled across Le Casa Rosa while scrolling through instagram. It was a dreamy destination for couples. Perfect sunsets, private dinners, everything drenched in romance. It had seemed like exactly what Jake and I needed.

Our relationship had been... off. I didn't know when it had started to shift, but now, I felt like I was chasing something that wasn't there anymore. Jake's reluctance to come on this trip had been clear from the beginning. He'd groaned at the idea, claiming he was too busy, but I'd pushed. I'd begged.

The bellhop wheeled our luggage up to the counter. "Shall I show you to your room?" he asked, his gaze darting between us, clearly sensing the tension.

Jake shrugged, still not looking up. "Sure."

Forcing a smile, I nodded. "Yes, please."

We followed the bellhop to the elevator, Jake trailing behind me, his attention fixed on his screen.

When we reached the suite, I was momentarily struck by its beauty. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed the ocean, the waves catching the golden light of the setting sun. A king-sized bed with crisp white linens, a plush seating area that looked like it belonged in a luxury ad, and a spacious balcony overlooking the water completed the picture. It was perfect.

Except... Jake wasn't here with me. Not really.

The bellhop set our luggage down and left with a polite bow. Jake didn't even glance at the room. He walked straight to the balcony, slid the door open, and closed it behind him.

I stood in the middle of the suite, staring at his back. How had we gotten here?

We used to be so in sync effortlessly. Now, every interaction felt strained, like I was clutching at frayed threads, trying to hold us together on my own.

Two years. That's how long it had been since we'd had sex. Since he'd touched me like he wanted me.

I had desperately tried to fill the void, futile attempts to satisfy the ache with toys, but nothing worked. My body craved him, yearned for the connection we once had. But Jake? He seemed perfectly content to ignore the growing void between us, as though it didn't even exist.

Not this time. I wouldn't let him.

I walked to my bag, fingers trembling as I pulled out the delicate red lingerie. It was for him, for us. I wasn't ready to give up.

Slipping into the walk-in closet, I changed. The lace clung to my curves, accentuating every part of me I wanted him to notice. My ginger hair tumbled down my shoulders as I pulled out the pins holding it back.

For a moment, I stared at my reflection in the mirror, searching for confidence I wasn't sure I possessed. The gold locket around my neck caught the light, its familiar warmth grounding me. Inside was a photo of my parents and me, their arms wrapped around me in a moment of love that felt like a distant memory.

I missed them.

Shaking the thought away, I straightened. This wasn't about them, or the years of struggle I'd faced since losing them. This was about Jake and me.

I slipped on a robe to cover the lingerie and stepped back into the bedroom. Perched on the edge of the bed, I let the robe fall open slightly, revealing a leg through the high slit.

"Jake," I called softly.

No response.

"Baby," I tried again, a sultry edge slipping into my tone.

A long silence followed before the sound of the balcony door sliding open broke it. Jake stepped into the room, leaning casually against the doorway. His steel-blue eyes swept over me, lingering on the curve of my exposed leg.

Slowly, his gaze traveled upward, pausing on the silk robe barely draped over my shoulders and the red lace peeking through.

His jaw tightened, his fists clenching at his sides.

For the first time in what felt like forever, I felt seen.

I stood slowly, letting the robe fall from my shoulders, pooling at my feet. My skin prickled under his gaze, a mix of nerves and anticipation flooding through me.

"Do you like it?" I asked, taking slow steps toward him.

His expression was unreadable, his gaze locked on mine.

I closed the distance between us, my bare feet brushing the cool floor. I stood on tiptoe, tilting my head to press my body against his. My arms slid around his neck as I whispered, "I've missed you."

For a moment, he stood still, his hands hovering near my waist. I thought... no, I hoped he would pull me closer. But instead, his hands shoved me away, forcefully.

The force sent me stumbling backward. My foot caught the edge of the rug, and I crashed to the floor, the impact sending a jolt through my body.

I stared up at him, breathless and shocked.

His eyes were a deeper shade of blue now, his fists clenched tight at his sides. A sneer twisted his lips, and disdain seeped from every line of his face. "Do you think this is going to fix anything? Throwing yourself at me like this? It's pathetic."