Chapter 9 Hug!

Book:Forbidden Flames: Steamy Series Published:2025-4-9

Selena’s P. O. V.
After returning from college, I’m coming to Mr. Luther’s room to meet him. I need his permission for something, though I already know what his answer will probably be.
These past few days, I’ve been trying to keep my distance from him. Our conversations are just exchanging pleasantries, just enough to keep things civil. I’ve obeyed his rules, coming straight home from college like he wanted, trying to avoid any confrontation.
But I feel suffocated. I’ve always lived under rules-first my father’s, and now his. It feels like my life isn’t my own, like I’m just a puppet for everyone else’s expectations. I thought I’d finally be able to live my life on my terms for a month after leaving my father’s house, but I’ve only traded one prison for another. I can’t even go to college without security.
I come to meet him to ask for something I’ve never had-permission to go on a college trip. I’ve dreamt of this moment since I was in school, but my father never allowed it. Now I’m pinning my hopes on Mr. Luther, even though a part of me knows he’ll likely say no.
I knock on his door, but there’s no answer. So, I push it open and peek inside to find the room empty.
Where could he be? I wonder, stepping inside and looking around the room.
I walk toward the window that overlooks the backyard. My breath catches in my throat.
There he is.
Mr. Luther is in the pool.
My God! He looks so tempting.
For a moment, I can’t look away. The water glistens on his tanned skin, droplets running down his sculpted chest as he moves through the pool with effortless grace.
I swallow hard, and my throat suddenly feels so dry.
God, why does he have to look like that always?
My eyes wander over every inch of his wet body. His broad shoulders, the way his muscles flex with each stroke… I feel my body warming up, and I press my thighs together, trying to suppress the intense sensation between them.
Oh God! Only he has such an effect on me. But why?
I feel like jumping into the water with him and kissing him hard, running my hands all over his wet body. I want him to make me come nonstop, not like last time when he left me on the edge.
Just fucking control your desire, Selena!
But before I can snap myself out of it, he looks up and catches me ogling at him.
Shit.
Now he is going to tease me again.
Will you ever stop devouring him with your eyes, Selena?
I think I can never do that. Just look at his well-maintained physique. He’s a Greek God! It’s not my fault.
He stops swimming. His wet hair clings to his forehead, and he runs his fingers through it, pushing it back. His dark eyes lock onto mine, and for a moment, it feels like my heart stops beating.
As he lifts himself out of the pool in one fluid motion, water drips from his chiselled frame, and I bite my lip, feeling so damn hot.
He grabs a towel from the sun lounger, smirking as he strides toward me. I try to stop myself from staring at the bulge in his shorts, but I just can’t help it.
Fuck! I’m so aroused.
“Enjoying the view, Little Miss?” He teases me in his deep and husky voice.
I roll my eyes, trying to act unaffected. “Don’t flatter yourself.”
I don’t want to inflate his ego.
He chuckles, stepping closer to me. “Oh, come on. Stop pretending. I can tell just by looking at you-you’re already soaking wet.”
His word makes me wetter. Will he stop talking like this?
“Mr. Luther!” My cheeks burn as I try to keep my composure. “Stop your filthy talk.”
He laughs again, and as he moves closer, his warm breath caresses my face and quickens my heartbeat.
“I’m telling the truth, Selena.” His voice is so damn seductive, and I hate the way it sends a shiver down my spine. “Let’s check again, like last time.”
As he reaches for my jeans with a smirk on his face, I shove his hand away immediately, frowning at him. “Don’t you dare do that? I came here to talk to you about something important.” I cross my arms, trying to maintain my composure.
He chuckles, draping the towel over his shoulders. “Alright, then. What is it?”
I take a deep breath, preparing myself for the rejection I’m certain is coming.
Go for it, Selena. Maybe some magic will happen, and he’ll permit me to go on the campaigning trip. Stay positive.
I finally ask, “Our college is organising a camping trip tomorrow. Can I go?”
He arches an eyebrow. “A camping trip?”
“Yes. It’s just a two-day trip. Everyone in my class is going, and I really want to go too.” I almost pleaded with him.
He doesn’t answer immediately, his eyes studying me like he’s trying to read my thoughts. I stand there, crossing my fingers behind my back, already bracing myself for the word “no.”
But I’m also praying for a positive response.
Please say yes. Please.
“You can go,” he says casually, causing my eyes to widen in shock.
Wait… what? Have I heard right? Is he really letting me go? Am I dreaming?
I stared at him in disbelief. “I… I can?”
As he nods, a grin spreads across my face, and before I can stop myself, I throw my arms around him in excitement. “Thank you! Thank you!”
Standing on my toes, I hug him tightly. This is going to be my first-ever college trip. My parents never let me go on any trips, always worried about my safety. The joy of finally being allowed feels almost surreal.
He wraps his arms around me. His body is warm and solid, and for a second, I let myself revel in the feeling of being close to him. I feel so relaxed in his embrace. His heartbeat thuds steadily, and I can feel the rise and fall of his chest against mine. It feels incredibly comfortable.
But what the hell! I just hugged Mr Luther!
My cheeks flush as I realise what I’ve done.
Embarrassed, I pull back quickly, avoiding his intense gaze. I look everywhere except at him, trying to act like I didn’t just cling to him like that.
Damn it! I’ve no self-control.
“But,” he says, breaking the silence, “there’s one condition.”
Of course, there’s a condition.
Just like that, my happiness deflated as quickly as it came.
I knew he wouldn’t permit me to go so easily. But at least he is letting me go.
“What condition?” I ask cautiously.