“Guys, I dare you to say ‘Bloody Mary’ three times,” Becca suggested, her eyes wide with excitement.

Emma rolled her eyes. “That’s so lame, Becca. That’s just a myth,” she said, taking a swig of her cola.

“Come on, it’ll be fun!” Alex urged, his voice echoing in the quietness of the room.

Mark’s eyes lit up. “Okay, okay, I’ll do it,” he said, his voice shaky with anticipation. He stood up, and the three cousins gathered around the bathroom mirror. “Bloody Mary, Bloody Mary,” he whispered, and then took a deep breath before shouting, “BLOODY MARY!”

The house remained still, the only sound the thumping of their racing hearts. Then the lights flickered. The room grew chilly, and a faint, eerie giggle seemed to fill the air. They stared at each other, frozen with fear.

“What was that?” Becca whispered, her hand reaching for the door.

“It’s probably just the house settling,” Emma said, trying to sound brave. But even she couldn’t ignore the goosebumps prickling her arms.

They all looked at the Ouija board sitting innocently on the floor, the planchette still resting on the ‘YES’. It was the last thing they’d used before the weirdness started.

“Maybe we should put it away,” Alex suggested, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Yeah, let’s do that,” Mark agreed, his eyes not leaving the board.

They all grabbed an edge and carefully lifted it. The board felt heavier than it had before, as if it didn’t want to be put away. They shuffled into the walk-in closet, the darkness seemingly closing in around them. The wooden floorboards creaked under their feet, adding to the tension. They placed the Ouija board on the top shelf, shoving it back until it was as far as it could go, buried under a pile of old winter clothes and forgotten board games.

“What if it doesn’t work?” Becca whispered, her voice echoing in the closet.

“It’s just a game,” Emma reassured her, closing the closet door firmly. But she couldn’t shake the feeling that something had changed. The house didn’t feel as welcoming anymore.

They all settled back into Mark’s room, the adrenaline still pumping through their veins. Alex suggested they talk about something else to take their minds off the weird vibes. “How about we talk about aliens?” he said, trying to lighten the mood.

Emma rolled her eyes. “You’re such a nerd,” she teased, but she was grateful for the distraction.

“No, no, it’s cool,” Mark said, leaning in. “I read this article about astral projection. It’s like you can leave your body and travel anywhere. Imagine seeing aliens or ghosts for real!”

Becca’s eyes went wide. “Or what if someone tries to hypnotize us?” she asked, a hint of excitement in her voice.

“Don’t even joke about that,” Emma warned, but she was intrigued. “How does it work?”

Alex shrugged. “I don’t know, but it’s gotta be like in the movies, right? Just stare into someone’s eyes and tell them to do something?”

They all laughed, the tension in the room dissipating slightly. They began swapping tales of paranormal experiences they’d heard, each story more outlandish than the last. The conversation grew more and more intense, until their laughter turned to gasps and their smiles to frowns of concentration.

“Alright,” Alex said, “who’s going to go first?”

“I’ll do it,” Mark said, standing up with a flourish. “Becca, come sit here.” He patted the edge of his bed.

Becca took a seat, her eyes locked on Mark’s. “What do I do?” she asked.

“Just stare at me,” Mark instructed, his voice taking on a strange, rhythmic tone. “And don’t move.”

They all watched as Mark began to sway slightly, his eyes focused on a spot between Becca’s eyes. “You are feeling very sleepy,” he murmured.

Becca giggled. “This is so dumb,” she whispered.

Emma elbowed her. “Shh, let’s see if it works.”

But no matter how hard Mark tried, Becca remained stubbornly aware, her eyes darting around the room and her legs bouncing with excitement. “It’s not working,” she said, a smirk playing on her lips.

“Your turn,” Mark said, sitting back down, defeated.

Becca jumped up, eager to take the role of hypnotist. She settled into the chair opposite Mark, her gaze intense. “Look into my eyes,” she began, her voice low and serious.

Mark stared back at her, his eyelids drooping slightly. But every time she started to count backwards from ten, he’d jerk his head back, breaking the spell. “I can’t do it,” he said, frustration etched on his features. “It’s like my brain’s fighting it.”

They decided to take turns, each one trying to hypnotize the other. The night grew later, their yawns longer and more frequent, but still, none of them could achieve the desired effect. It was as if their minds were too buzzed from the sugar rush and too wired from the earlier scare to succumb to the power of suggestion.

Emma, who had been watching her cousins’ attempts with growing amusement, decided it was her turn to give it a shot. She sat cross-legged on the floor in front of the bed, her eyes locked onto Mark’s. “Look at me,” she said, her voice calm and steady. “You’re getting sleepier and sleepier.”

To her surprise, Mark’s eyes grew heavy, and his head began to nod. His breathing evened out, and his body relaxed into the pillow. “You’re doing it,” Alex whispered in amazement.

Emma’s heart raced with excitement. “Keep looking at me,” she murmured. “You’re under my control.” But as she spoke, she noticed something was off. Mark’s breathing was too even, his features too peaceful.

Suddenly, she realized he wasn’t under hypnosis; he’d simply passed out from exhaustion. She couldn’t help but laugh softly, shaking her head at her own gullibility. Becca, curled up in the corner of the room, had also dozed off, her head resting on a pillow she’d pulled from the couch.

It was just Emma and Alex now, both wide awake in the dimly lit room. “Looks like we’re the only ones left standing,” Alex said with a yawn.

Emma grinned. “Guess so. Want to try it now?” she asked, eager to see if she had the power to hypnotize him.

Alex shrugged. “Sure, why not?” he said, leaning back in the chair Mark had vacated. “But I doubt it’ll work on me.”

Emma took a deep breath and began her attempt, her voice smooth and soothing. “Look into my eyes and relax,” she instructed, her gaze unwavering. Alex stared back at her, his skepticism clear. But as she continued, speaking in a low, rhythmic tone, he found his eyelids growing heavy.

“You’re feeling very sleepy,” she murmured, watching as Alex’s head tilted back and his breathing slowed. “Good, now you’re under my control.”

Alex played along, his eyelids dropping but his mind fully alert. He couldn’t help the smirk that tugged at the corners of his mouth. “Okay, what’s your command?” he slurred, his voice thick with feigned slumber.

Emma’s heart raced with excitement. This was it. She’d actually done it. “Alright, Alex, touch your nose,” she said, watching intently.

Alex’s hand shot up and gently tapped his nose, his eyes never leaving hers. “Good boy,” she whispered, trying not to laugh at her own words.

Encouraged by his response, Emma continued with the simple commands, her excitement growing with each successful attempt. “Now, stand on one foot,” she said. Alex complied, his balance surprisingly steady. She watched him, her heart racing with the thrill of power.

“How about something a bit harder?” she whispered, her eyes gleaming. “Tell me a secret,” she instructed, her voice a mix of curiosity and challenge. Alex’s smirk grew wider, and for a moment, she wondered if he was just messing with her. But then, his expression changed, his eyes glazed over, and he spoke.

“I ... I’ve always had a crush on you, Emma,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. The room grew still, the air thick with the sudden revelation.

Emma’s cheeks flushed, her heart skipping a beat. She’d had no idea Alex felt that way. For a moment, she didn’t know what to say. Then she realized the power she had in this moment. “Walk with me,” she ordered softly, taking his hand. Alex obeyed without hesitation, his feet moving almost robotically as she led him out of Mark’s room.

They tiptoed down the hallway, the old floorboards groaning under their combined weight. The darkness of the house felt thicker, more alive with secrets, and Emma felt a strange thrill at the thought of sharing one with Alex. She opened her bedroom door and stepped inside, pulling him in behind her. The door clicked shut, leaving them in a cozy cocoon of moonlight that spilled in through the open curtains.

Her room was indeed a typical teenage girl’s sanctuary, with posters of pop stars plastered on the walls and a pink bedspread thrown haphazardly over her bed. The scent of her favorite deodorant and perfume mingled with the faint smell of laundry that hadn’t quite made it into the basket. The sight of her messy room brought a comforting sense of normalcy to the night’s events, but the presence of Alex, standing obediently in the center of it all, was anything but typical.

Alex looked around, his mind racing. Why had she brought him here? He’d hoped it was because she felt the same way he did, but the way she was looking at him, her expression a mix of amusement and curiosity, made him question his own judgment. Was this just another game to her? Or was there something more?

“Say it again,” she whispered, her eyes searching his. “Say you have a crush on me.”

Alex swallowed hard. He’d meant it when he’d said it before, but saying it now felt like a declaration, a confession that could change everything. “I have a crush on you, Emma,” he murmured, his voice sounding strange in the quiet room.

Emma’s cheeks grew even redder, and she couldn’t help the little smile that tugged at her lips. “Have you ever had a girlfriend, Alex?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

He shook his head, the truth slipping from his lips with surprising ease. “No,” he replied, feeling vulnerable under her gaze.

Her smile widened, and she took a step closer. “Really?” she said, her eyes sparkling. “Well, that makes me feel kind of special.”

Alex felt his heart flutter at her words. Maybe she didn’t think it was all just a joke. Maybe she felt something too.

Emma took a deep breath, her heart racing. “Okay,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper, “now remove your shirt.”

Alex looked at her, confusion clouding his gaze. But before he could protest or ask why, she added, “You’re under my control, remember?”

Her words were like a spell, and he found himself raising his arms, allowing her to pull his shirt up and over his head. The cool air of the room brushed against his bare skin, sending a shiver down his spine. He watched as Emma’s eyes took in his physique, the flicker of light from the moon playing across her face revealing a look of both fascination and power.

With trembling hands, she reached out and touched his chest, her fingertips tracing the lines of his muscles, feeling the warmth and the steady beat of his heart. It was like nothing he’d ever experienced before, the sensation of being under someone’s control yet feeling so alive and aware of every little touch.

Emma’s eyes followed the trail her hand made, and she licked her lips. The power she had over him was intoxicating. “Now,” she said, her voice low and sultry, “kiss me.”

Alex’s eyes snapped up to hers, his heart pounding in his chest. He felt like he was in a trance, unable to resist her command. He leaned in, his breath mingling with hers, and their lips met in a soft, tentative kiss. It was a moment that seemed to stretch on forever, the heat of their bodies growing with every passing second.

Emma’s hands slid around his waist, pulling him closer, feeling the firmness of his muscles through his briefs. She couldn’t help but let out a small moan, the sound sending a jolt of electricity through Alex’s body. He deepened the kiss, his hands finding their way to her hips, gripping them tightly as the kiss grew more passionate.

Her breath grew ragged, and she whispered, “Take off your pants.” Alex’s hands fumbled with the drawstring of his pajama bottoms, his mind racing with both excitement and a hint of nerves. The fabric fell away, leaving him in nothing but his boxer briefs, his erection tenting the fabric. Emma’s eyes locked onto it, her own desire growing more intense.

Her cheeks flushed, and she could feel the heat between her own legs. The power she held over him was thrilling, but she hadn’t expected to be so affected by his vulnerability. She stepped closer, her hand reaching out to touch the bulge, feeling it throb under her fingertips. Alex’s eyes rolled back in his head, and a soft moan escaped his lips.

Emma felt a sudden rush of power. She’d never been in control like this before, and the sensation was exhilarating. “Now, remove your briefs,” she ordered, her voice husky with desire. Alex’s hands trembled as he hooked his thumbs under the elastic band and slowly pushed them down, revealing his hard, throbbing cock. It stood proudly between his legs, and Emma couldn’t tear her eyes away from it.

Her own body was responding in kind. She could feel her nipples hardening against the fabric of her shirt, begging to be released. With a flick of her wrist, she pulled her shirt over her head, tossing it aside. She was now wearing only her gray panties, which were already starting to show a damp spot. The anticipation was palpable, the air thick with it as they stood there, staring at each other.

Emma took a deep breath, feeling the coolness of the room against her bare skin. She reached down and peeled her panties down her legs, stepping out of them, leaving herself completely exposed before Alex. His eyes went wide, taking in the sight of her naked body, her skin bathed in the soft moonlight that streamed in through the open curtains.

With a sense of newfound power, she sat on the edge of the bed, her legs spread slightly. She looked down at him, the desire in her eyes unmistakable. “Kneel,” she whispered, her voice thick with want. Alex’s legs buckled slightly, but he managed to maintain his balance as he sank to the floor in front of her.

Emma took a hand and lightly traced a finger up and down her slit, the slickness of her arousal gliding along her skin. “This is my pussy,” she murmured, her voice husky with need. “I want you to lick it.” She removed her hand, leaving a glistening trail, and waited for him to obey.

Alex’s eyes followed the path her finger had taken, his gaze lingering on the soft pink folds of her sex. He could feel his cock pulsing with desire, and his mouth watered at the thought of tasting her. He hesitated for only a moment before leaning in, his breath hot against her skin. Emma’s legs quivered in anticipation, and she bit her lip, her eyes fluttering shut.

Alex’s tongue darted out, tentatively touching her clit. She gasped at the sensation, her back arching slightly. He took that as encouragement, pressing his tongue against her more firmly, tracing circles around the sensitive nub. He could feel her getting wetter with every stroke, her legs spreading wider to give him better access. The taste of her was intoxicating, and he found himself eagerly lapping at her, eager to please her.

Emma’s hands found their way into his hair, gripping it tightly as she pushed his face closer to her pussy. She moaned, her hips rocking slightly as his tongue danced across her folds. It was a sensation she’d never experienced before, and she was lost in it, the world around her fading away to just the two of them. Alex’s eyes remained closed, his focus solely on her, his movements growing more confident with every sound of pleasure she made.

He explored her with a hunger that surprised even himself. He’d heard stories, watched videos, but nothing had prepared him for the real thing. The sweet, tangy taste of her arousal filled his mouth, and he found himself eagerly devouring her. He licked and sucked, his tongue delving into her, feeling her body react to every touch. Her moans grew louder, her legs trembling around him as she approached her climax.

Emma’s eyes snapped open, watching Alex’s head bob between her legs. The sight of him, so eager and focused, was almost too much to handle. She felt her orgasm building, a delicious pressure that grew and grew until it exploded through her body, sending waves of pleasure crashing over her. She cried out, her back arching off the bed, her nails digging into the bedspread. Alex didn’t stop, continuing to lick and suck until she was panting and her legs had gone limp.

As the aftershocks of her climax began to subside, his gentle lapping became a soothing balm, a sweet reminder of the power she held over him. She felt like she was floating on a cloud, every nerve ending singing with pleasure. Her breathing evened out, and she leaned back, her eyes closing again. But even as the euphoria began to wane, she felt a new hunger building within her. It was like nothing she’d ever experienced before, and she didn’t want it to end.

Emma’s hand found its way to Alex’s shoulder, guiding him back to her still-throbbing clit. “Don’t stop,” she murmured, her voice filled with a need that was both surprising and thrilling. He obeyed, his tongue swirling around the sensitive bud, teasing it back to life. She moaned, her hips rising to meet his mouth, and she felt the beginnings of another orgasm start to coil deep within her.

With a sense of wonder, she realized that she had control over Alex’s every move, and the thought made her even wetter. She could feel his hardness pressing against her leg, a silent plea for her to return the favor. But she was too lost in the sensation of his mouth on her to do anything but lay back and enjoy the ride. His tongue was like a masterful musician playing a symphony, each stroke building upon the last, bringing her closer and closer to the edge.

Her moans grew louder, echoing through the quiet house, a testament to the intensity of her pleasure. The sound seemed to spur Alex on, his movements growing more urgent.

Emma felt the tension building again, her body tightening as she approached another peak. “Oh god,” she whispered, her eyes flying open to meet his. The sight of him, his eyes glazed over with lust, his mouth and cheeks wet with her juices, was almost too much. But she didn’t want it to end.

Even though he wasn’t truly hypnotized, Alex could feel the power she had over him growing, his own arousal reaching new heights. He wanted nothing more than to please her, to make her scream with pleasure. His tongue flicked and danced, pushing her closer and closer to the edge.

Emma’s hips began to buck, her breath coming in ragged gasps. She could feel the tension coiling tight in her stomach, ready to snap. “I’m going to cum again,” she panted, her voice filled with amazement. “Oh, fuck, don’t stop!”

Alex’s eyes snapped open, his own desire burning brighter at her words. He didn’t know if it was just the thrill of the moment, but he’d never felt so alive, so in sync with someone else’s pleasure. He doubled his efforts, his tongue flicking faster and harder against her clit as she writhed on the bed.

Her second orgasm hit her like a wave, crashing over her and leaving her gasping for air. Her nails dug into his shoulders, her body shaking with the force of it. Alex felt a sense of pride and excitement, his own cock throbbing painfully against her leg.

Finally, Emma’s body went slack, and she leaned back, her chest heaving. “Stop,” she whispered, her voice hoarse. Alex slowly pulled away, his tongue still tingling from her sweetness. He looked up at her, his eyes still glazed with desire.

For a moment, they just stared at each other, the room spinning with the intensity of the experience they’d just shared. Then, Emma reached down and took his hand, gently tugging him up onto the bed beside her. “Thank you,” she murmured, her eyes closed as she caught her breath. “That was...” she trailed off, unable to find the words.

Alex lay there, his heart racing, his mind reeling. He’d never felt so alive, so connected to someone else’s pleasure. He rolled onto his side, his eyes tracing the curves of her body in the moonlight.

Emma felt a sense of contentment she hadn’t known before. Her thoughts swirled with the realization of what had just occurred. “So THAT is what oral sex feels like,” she mused to herself, a smug smile playing on her lips. “And I absolutely loved it.”

But as the afterglow of her orgasms began to fade, she felt a new ache building inside her. Her pussy was soaked, and she could feel the need for more, for something deeper, more intimate. Her eyes flickered open, meeting Alex’s gaze, and she knew he was feeling the same way. His cock stood at full attention, begging to be touched, begging to be inside her.

Emma’s mind raced. This was her cousin. They’d known each other their entire lives, had played together as kids, and now here they were, on the brink of crossing a line she wasn’t sure she could uncross. But the desire was too strong. She’d heard stories about first times being awkward, painful even, but she didn’t feel scared. Just ... curious.

Her hand reached out and gently wrapped around Alex’s cock, feeling the heat and the pulse of his desire. He sucked in a breath, his eyes fluttering closed. She stroked him slowly, her own arousal building once more. The feel of him in her hand was surprisingly natural, and she felt a powerful urge to explore further.

“Emma,” Alex murmured, his voice thick with need. “I want to be inside you.”

Her eyes snapped open, and she searched his face for any sign of doubt. But all she saw was raw, unbridled desire, and it sent a thrill through her body. She nodded, her cheeks still flushed from her recent climax.

Alex shifted his weight, his cock sliding through her sticky folds as he positioned himself at her entrance. Emma’s breath hitched as he pushed in slowly, the sensation of being filled unlike anything she’d ever felt before. It was tight and a little painful, but she didn’t want him to stop. She gripped the bedsheets, her eyes locked on his as he pushed in deeper.

“Oh, fuck,” she whispered, the intensity of the feeling overwhelming her. Alex’s eyes widened, his own pleasure apparent as he pushed past the barrier of her virginity. For a moment, they both froze, the significance of the act sinking in.

Emma’s eyes filled with tears, a mix of pain and pleasure. “Keep going,” she breathed, her voice shaking. Alex leaned down, kissing her gently as he began to move, his strokes slow and measured. She felt herself adjusting to the feeling, the pain giving way to something more profound.

With each thrust, the sensation grew stronger, until she was meeting him eagerly, her hips rising to meet his. The room was filled with the sound of their muffled moans and the rustling of the bed. Alex’s hand found hers, their fingers intertwining as they moved together in a silent rhythm, their bodies speaking a language that needed no words.

Emma’s orgasm built slowly, starting as a small flame and growing into an inferno. She could feel her muscles tightening around him, her body begging for release. “I’m close,” she whispered, her voice a desperate plea. Alex’s pace quickened, his breathing becoming ragged.

And then it hit her, a crescendo of pleasure so intense she screamed into the pillow, her body convulsing around his. Alex groaned, feeling her clench tightly around him, and it pushed him over the edge. He buried himself deep inside her, his warmth filling her as he came.

The room was still for a moment, their breathing the only sound in the darkness. Then, Emma rolled onto her side, pulling Alex with her. They lay there, tangled in the sheets, their hearts beating in sync.

“Wow,” Alex murmured, his voice filled with awe. “That was...”

Emma giggled, the tension of the moment breaking. “Yeah, it was,” she agreed, her voice still shaky from the aftermath of her climax. They lay there in silence for a while, the gravity of what had just happened slowly settling over them.

Alex pulled her closer, his arms wrapping around her waist as he spooned her from behind. The warmth of his body was a comforting presence, and Emma felt herself relaxing into him. She traced lazy circles on his arm with her fingertips, the light touch sending shivers down his spine.

Her mind raced as she replayed the night’s events. She’d never felt so alive, so powerful, as when she’d had him under her ‘spell’, his every move at her command. The way he’d looked at her, his eyes filled with a mix of awe and desire, was a heady feeling she hadn’t anticipated. And when she’d guided his mouth to her most intimate spot, she’d felt a connection so intense it was almost terrifying.

The sensation of his tongue on her clit had been like nothing she’d ever experienced before. Her body had responded in ways she didn’t know it could, her orgasms crashing over her like waves on the shore, leaving her trembling and gasping for breath. And then there was the moment of truth, when she’d invited him into her, her body giving way to his.

Emma’s hand continued to trace circles on Alex’s arm, her fingertips lightly brushing the soft hair that covered it. His warmth enveloped her, his chest rising and falling against her back. She felt so safe in his embrace, so utterly content. Her mind was racing with the memories of their passionate encounter, each moment replaying in vivid detail.

“So,” she began, her voice still shaky from the intensity of her last climax, “what was your favorite part of the ... festivities?” She couldn’t help but smirk as she said it, expecting him to say something about finally being inside her, about feeling her tightness and her heat.

Alex’s answer caught her off guard. “Honestly?” He paused, his voice thick with satisfaction. “Licking your pussy.”

Emma’s eyes widened in surprise, and she couldn’t help but let out a small laugh. She had assumed he’d say something about their first time having sex, but his answer was refreshingly candid. “Really?”

Alex nodded, his cheek pressed against her hair. “Yeah,” he murmured, his voice still a bit breathless. “It was just ... amazing. To feel you react like that, to taste you, to know that I was the one making you feel that way ... it was incredible.”

Emma turned over to face him, a glint in her eye. “Sooo,” she said, her voice teasing, “you’re a natural born pussy licker?”

Alex nodded, a coy smile playing on his lips. “I guess,” he murmured, his eyes never leaving hers.

Emma felt a thrill run through her. “Good,” she said, her voice taking on a mischievous edge. “Because I have an idea.”

Alex’s eyes searched hers, curiosity piqued. “What is it?”

Emma’s smile grew more devious. “I want you to do something for me,” she whispered, her voice a seductive purr. “Something that will show me just how much you really want to be under my control.”

Alex’s heart raced, his body responding to the power in her words. “Anything,” he breathed, his eyes dark with desire.

Emma’s smile grew as she took in his eagerness. She knew he was still under the influence of the ‘hypnosis’ game, but she also knew that a part of him truly wanted to submit to her. It was a heady feeling, and she wasn’t ready to let it go just yet.

“Okay,” Alex said, his voice low and filled with anticipation. “What’s the plan?”

Emma’s grin grew wider, the taboo of her request adding a thrill to her voice. “I want you to go back into Mark’s room,” she whispered, her breath hot against his ear. “You know how Becca sleeps like the dead, so be as quiet as you can. Unzip her sleeping bag, and pull down her pajama shorts and panties.”

Alex’s eyes went wide, his cock twitching with excitement at the thought. “And then?” he asked, his voice barely above a murmur.

Emma’s smile grew even more mischievous. “Then,” she said, her eyes gleaming with excitement, “you’re going to lick Becca’s pussy. I want to watch you lick your kid sister’s twat. You’re going to try to make her cum without her waking up.”

Alex’s eyes went wide with shock at the idea. “But ... she’s my sister,” he protested weakly, his voice thick with lust.

Emma’s grin was devilish. “Exactly,” she whispered, her breath hot against his ear. “That’s what makes it so deliciously wrong. And it’s just a game, remember?” She knew she was playing with fire, but the thrill of pushing boundaries was too tempting.

Alex nodded, his resolve wavering. “Okay,” he murmured, his voice a mix of excitement and fear. He knew it was wrong, but the thrill of the taboo was undeniable. He slowly climbed out of bed, his cock still hard from their recent encounter.

Emma watched him go, her heart racing. The power she had over him was intoxicating, and she felt a rush of excitement at the thought of watching him pleasure Becca. She pulled the comforter around herself, feeling the fabric brush against her sensitive skin as she followed him into the hallway.

The house was eerily quiet, the only sound their soft footsteps on the carpet. They approached Mark’s room, the door ajar, allowing a sliver of light to spill into the hall. Alex paused, his hand on the doorknob, looking back at her with a mix of desire and uncertainty. She nodded, her eyes gleaming with excitement. He took a deep breath and pushed the door open, slipping inside.