One Night

Chapter 1**3*******2

Audrey

Edwin’s fingers dug into my hips, tugging me up, up… I arched my back away from him and gripped the pillow in front of me, practically having to bite the corner of it to m**le my moans.

I could hear the smile in his voice as he hunched over me, a large hand coming to press against the floor alongside my head.

“You don’t need to hide it,” he murmured, his breath tickling my spine. He thrust slowly but firmly into me, causing me to whimper again at the feeling of him filling me to the brim. “No one can hear us

“Audrey… Earth to Audrey…”

I blinked, snapping out of my daydream at the sound of Avis’s voice. I had been lost in thoughts of my last secret meeting with Edwin; it had been a week ago already, but the memory was still fresh-along with that pleasant ache between my thighs.

Our next meeting would be tonight, and it couldn’t come fast enough. I hadn’t stopped dreaming of him since our blissful night together. I swore, if I closed my eyes for a moment, I could still feel his callused hands brushing across my skin. His fingers were so thick and warm as they plunged into me, his thumb working in circles in just the right spot….

“Sorry,” I mumbled, feeling my cheeks flush. “I was just… thinking”

Avis raised an eyebrow, a knowing smirk playing on her lips. “Uh-huh. Thinking about what? Or should I say who?”

I shook my head as if that would somehow dispel the unsavory thoughts. Who, indeed.

“No, there’s no one,” I lied with a sheepish grin. “I just have an assignment I’m thinking about. What were you saying?”

“I was asking where you think we should put this flyer,” Avis said waving the colorful paper in front of my face. “You know, the whole reason we’re out here in this lovely weather?”

Right. We had been walking through town, plastering flyers for Avis’s new tailoring business on every available surface.

It was a particularly gloomy fall day; it had rained earlier already and would likely rain again. The skies were gray and overcast, and the red and golden fall leaves swirled in the wind around our feet.

Perfect for cozying up in our secret hideout later…

I glanced around, spotting a community board outside the nearby coffee shop.

“How about there?” I suggested, pointing. “Lots of foot traffic.”

As we walked over, Avis chattered excitedly about her business. I’ve already finished my first few orders,” she said, beaming as she stapled the flyer to the board. “Mostly simple alterations, but it’s a start. People are really responding to the support local business” angle that Betty suggested.”

She pulled out her phone, bringing up a website. “Look at this,” she said, thrusting the phone at me. “Tina made it for me. I’ve even got a few reviews already!”

I scrolled through the site, impressed by the clean design and the glowing reviews. The photos of Avis’s work were professional and showcased her skills beautifully.

“This is fantastic,” I said. “Tina did an amazing job on the website. And these reviews… ‘Best alterations I’ve ever had, ‘Saved

1/3

09:28 Thu, Sep 19 G

Chap***

my wedd**dress. Avis, this is incredible.”

7

78%

“I know, right?” Avis grinned as she slipped her phone back into her pocket. “Oh, and I wanted to ask you something. When I eventually open my boutique, would you consider designing a collection for me? I’d pay you, of course, once I have enough

revenue.

I smiled, touched by her offer. The idea of designing a collection for a boutique, even a small one, was exciting. But… “Avis,

don’t need to pay me. I’d be happy to do it for free. You’re my friend, and I want to support you.”

you

Avis stopped abruptly on the sidewalk, turning to face me with a serious expression on her face. “Audrey, no. Your work at Paris Fashion Week was incredible. People are already talking about you. Soon. I bet you’ll be a famous designer. You need to accept payment for your work. You’re underselling yourself.”

I opened my mouth to argue, but before I could, a voice interrupted us.

“Excuse me, may I see that flyer?”

We both turned to see a woman emerging from a nearby shop. My stomach dropped as I recognized her instantly. Fiona.

She looked stunning, as always. Her long, platinum blonde hair caught the light, gleaming like spun gold despite the overcast sky.

She wore a chic outfit that accentuated her tall, slender figure perfectly-a cream cashmere sweater, dark skinny jeans, and knee-high boots that probably cost more than my entire wardrobe. Multiple designer shopping bags dangled from her

arms.

I felt like I might be sick.

Fiona’s eyes widened slightly as she recognized me, a flicker of… something passing over her face before her expression smoothed into a polite smile.

“Oh. It’s you. Fancy seeing you here.”

1 tensed, waiting for the insults or threats to start flying. My heart pounded in my chest, and I could feel a cold sweat breaking out on my palms. But to my shock, Fiona held out her hand, a perfect smile on her perfect face.

“I think we got off on the wrong foot before,” she said smoothly, her voice like honey.

I stared at her outstretched hand, too stunned to move. Was this some kind of trick? A trap? My mind raced, trying to figure out her angle. Like hell I was taking that hand. She’d likely bite mine off.

Fiona continued, seemingly unfazed by my lack of response, “I wanted to apologize for how I treated you before. I was under a lot of stress, but that’s no excuse. I promise you it won’t happen again.”

I finally found my voice, although it came out as more of a croak “… what?”

Fiona’s smile widened, revealing a row of perfect white teeth. I never shook her hand, but once again, she seemed utterly unfazed and simply dropped her arm back to her side as if it were nothing-

“I heard you might be attending my mother’s birthday party soon,” she said. “Perhaps we can chat more there, clear the air

between us? I’d love to start fresh.”

I couldn’t form words. This had to be some kind of trap, right? There was no way Fiona was suddenly being nice to me for no reason. Not after everything that had happened,

Avis, oblivious to the tension c**ing between Fiona and me, piped up cheerfully. “Oh, you know Audrey? I’m Avis!” She

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Chapter**

**

Fiona turned her enormous smile on Avis, and I felt a surge of protectiveness for my friend. I took a step closer to Avis, instinctually shielding her from the onslaught that was sure to be thrown her way.

But Fiona surprised me once again.

Π

“It’s lovely to meet you, Avis.” She plucked the flyer from Avis’s hand and studied it. “Actually, I’m always on the lookout for good tailors. You never know when you might need a quick alteration.”

Fiona read the flyer for a moment longer before tucking it onto one of her shopping bags. And all the while, I just stood there, dumbly, my arms swinging at my sides like ropes.

“I’ll be sure to check out your services,” Fiona said with the friendliest smile I had ever seen. “Your work looks quite impressive.”

Liar. Liar!

“Thank you!” Avis beamed, oblivious. “I’d be happy to help with any alterations you

need

“Wonderful,” Fiona said, her gaze sliding back to me. Not a hint of the saccharine serpent that I had met before. Not a shred. “Well, I should be going. Have a wonderful day, ladies. And Audrey… I look forward to seeing you at the party.”

With that, Fiona sauntered off down the street, leaving me gaping after her. The scent of her expensive perfume lingered in the air, making me feel slightly nauseous. I hadn’t realized that I had begun holding my breath, but I suddenly let it out in a

slow hiss.

“Wow, she seemed nice,” Avis said as we watched Fiona go. “And so stylish! How do you know her?”

I swallowed hard, my mind still reeling from the encounter. The way Fiona had smiled at me, so seemingly genuine… it had to be an act. But why? What was her game?

“She’s… an acquaintance,” I said stiffly, my voice strained. “Nothing more.”

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