DESIRE AND LUST
Desire And Lust – Chapter 37&38
{°° Forbidden Desire °°}
©Lana
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🌺 ᴮᵃᶜᵏᵍʳᵒᵘⁿᵈ ˢᵒⁿᵍ’ˢᵉᵃᵐˡᵉˢˢ’ᴮʸ ᶜʰʳⁱˢ ᴳʳᵉʸ 🌺
After Anna finished drying her hair, she picked up her phone. Just as she was about to set it down, it started ringing. She looked at the caller ID and smiled — it was Joyce.
“Hello?” she answered, still drying her hair with the towel.
Joyce’s voice came loud through the speaker. “Hey! How are you?”
Anna smiled. “Hey, Joyce. I’m good. How are you?”
“I should be asking *you* that, you bitch!” Joyce scolded playfully. “Why did you disappear yesterday? You didn’t even call me to update me on what happened between you and Caleb.”
Anna laughed softly, biting her lip. “I’m sorry. Things got… complicated.”
“Oh my God, *complicated*? That sounds juicy,” Joyce said excitedly. “Tell me everything. Did he kiss you? Did he confess? Wait, don’t tell me you two—”
“Joyce!” Anna cut her off, laughing harder now. “It’s not like that!”
“Don’t lie to me,” Joyce teased. “You sound like someone who’s hiding something. Spill it!”
Anna walked over to the bed and sat down. Her smile faded a little as she thought of everything , the blind date, Mr. Kings, Milton showing up, the slap, and everything.
“It’s a long story,” she said quietly.
Joyce’s tone changed. “Hey… are you okay?”
Anna sighed. “I don’t even know.”
There was a pause on the other end before Joyce said gently, “Start from the beginning.”
Ana took a deep breath and looked at herself in the mirror.
“I’ll tell you about it, but not now,” she said quietly into the phone. “. Caleb and I… we didn’t get along”
Joyce’s voice came through the speaker. “Okay, Ana. That’s fine. You can tell me when you’re ready. I was just hoping you and Caleb would work things out. Maybe that way you’d forget all the stress.”
Ana sighed. “Yeah… I thought so too.”
Joyce paused for a second, then added, “I know you, Ana. You’re probably overthinking everything right now.”
“I am,” Ana admitted with a soft laugh. “I just need to move on from this. It’s like… things are happening too fast. I’m confused, Joyce. I don’t even know what to do.”
“Ana, listen to me,” Joyce said gently. “You don’t have to have all the answers today. Just breathe. I’m here, okay?”
“Thank you,” Ana whispered, her voice slightly shaky. “Really. It means a lot.”
” I’m always here for you”
“So, are you coming to the party?” Joyce asked.
“What party?” Anna frowned.
“Yolanda’s party! You know—she’s been looking forward to meet you again on her birthday. She said you should come. Didn’t she send you an email?”
“Ah, no. I didn’t see any emails… I haven’t really been checking lately,” Anna said, rubbing her forehead. “I was actually supposed to go with Mr. Kings, but he told me to cancel “
“Yeah, but come on, Anna. Yolanda’s been waiting. It’s just her party. You have to come. It starts at eight, so don’t be late.”
“I don’t think I’ll be able to make it, Joyce,” Anna sighed, walking to her closet and pulling out a top.
“You have to come, Anna! Please. You can’t disappoint me—it’s been so long since you two saw each other. She’ll be really happy if you show up.”
Anna stayed quiet for a moment, thinking. “Okay,” she said softly. “I’ll come, then.”
“Good! I’ll see you there.”
“Alright. Talk to you later, babe.”
Joyce laughed. “Love you!”
Anna smiled faintly and whispered, “Love you too.”
******
✨
Anna stood in front of her closet, staring at the rows of clothes, unsure of what to wear. Her fingers trailed along a Red silk dress she hadn’t worn in months. Simple, elegant… safe. But tonight didn’t feel like a “safe” kind of night.
She sighed and pulled it out anyway.
After slipping it on, she checked herself in the mirror.
Her hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders, her eyes tired but still bright beneath the subtle makeup she applied.
She looked… okay. Good enough to pretend she was fine.
By 7:45 p.m., she grabbed her small clutch and keys, gave herself one last glance in the mirror, and walked out the door after saying goodbye to her mum..
As the driver pulled up outside Mr Thompson’s house, she could already hear the music pulsing through the walls. People were laughing, glasses clinking, voices carrying over the rhythm of the beat.
Anna hesitated for just a second before stepping out.
Inside, lights flashed in soft purples and blues. The place was packed, but it didn’t take long for Joyce to find her.
“You came!” Joyce shouted over the music, pulling Anna into a hug.
“I said I would,” Anna smiled.
“Yolanda’s going to freak when she sees you. Come on!”
Ana smile as she followed behind her
“There are too many people here,” Ana whispered. Joyce grinned at her.
“You’re brave enough—don’t be scared. Who knows, maybe you’ll find a hot dude here,” Joyce teased.
Ana rolled her eyes. She wasn’t here for that.
And a hot guy was the last thing she wanted in her life.
Not now. Not yet.
“There’s that bad bitch,” Joyce said as they approached Yolanda, who was busy greeting guests.
“Yola!” Joyce called.
Yolanda Thompson turned around and screamed in excitement, rushing toward them and drawing everyone’s attention.
“Oh my God, Ana! Is this really you? I missed you so much, bi+ch!”
Ana giggled as they hugged tightly. She hadn’t known Yolanda for long, but somehow they had grown closer than she ever expected.
“You’re glowing,” Ana said after they pulled apart.
“So are you! Oh God, I missed you guys. Staying in Italy was boring without my friends,” Yolanda said.
“You’re pregnant?” Ana asked, her eyes drifting to Yolanda’s belly.
Yolanda nodded with a proud smile.
Joyce gasped dramatically. “Wait—pregnant?! Since when?”
“Three months,” Yolanda beamed, placing a hand on her small bump. “Still doesn’t show much, but it’s there.”
Ana smiled softly. “I’m so happy for you, Yola. You look… peaceful.”
“I feel it,” Yolanda nodded. “For once, I actually feel like everything is falling into place.”
Joyce wrapped an arm around Yolanda. “Girl, you deserve all the peace. After what you’ve been through? This is your era.”
The three of them laughed together, that easy kind of laughter only old friends shared.
Ana’s eyes scanned the room again, feeling a little more at ease now.
The music thumped softly in the background, the chatter blending into a warm buzz.
She didn’t know many people here. but somehow, with Joyce and Yolanda by her side, it didn’t feel so overwhelming.
“Come, let me introduce you to a few people,” Yolanda said, tugging gently at Ana’s hand.
“I don’t know, Yola…” Ana hesitated.
“No pressure. Just a quick hi. You’ll be fine,” she said with a reassuring smile.
Ana took a deep breath and followed.
As they approached the area where Mr. Thompson stood, Ana’s breath hitched the moment her eyes landed on him—Mr. Kings.
What was he doing there?
She remembers what he has to her..
‘ cancel that party ‘ that was his words right.
He stood beside Mr. Thompson,
His posture relaxed but commanding, one hand in his pocket, the other holding a glass of wine.
He wore a deep navy suit that hugged his broad shoulders perfectly, the crisp white shirt underneath making his tan skin glow even more under the soft lighting.
The top button was undone, giving him that effortlessly dangerous charm that Ana hated to admit still affected her.
He looked like he stepped right out of a magazine—elegant, sharp, and untouchable.
Their eyes met.
For a moment, the noise around them faded.
His gaze locked with hers, unreadable, intense.
But neither of them said a word.
“Ana, come meet my dad,” Yolanda said, pulling her gently forward, completely unaware of the tension in the air.
“Daddy, this is Ana, you have met her before on my wedding day “,
Mr. Thompson smiled warmly. “Ah, Ms Evans it’s nice to meet you again, My daughter adores you.”
Ana smiled politely, tearing her gaze away from Mr. Kings. “Thank you, sir. It’s a pleasure to meeting you again”
Still, she could feel his eyes on her, burning into her skin.
She didn’t dare look at him again.
*******
After Yolanda introduced them to a few other people they didn’t know, she excused herself, saying she was going to fetch her husband.
“I didn’t know Charlie was going to come,” Joyce whispered beside Ana.
Ana stiffened in her seat before forcing a smile.
“I thought the same too,” she replied, her eyes locking briefly with his. He was just one seat away from her…
But it felt like he was much closer.
Ana swallowed and looked away quickly.
Joyce smirked in amusement—she was clearly enjoying the drama.
“You two are undressing each other with your eyes,” she teased, resting her chin on her hand, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Ana rolled her eyes just as Alison walked over. His expression softened the moment it landed on Joyce, who looked up and grinned at him.
“I’ve been looking for you my whole life, beautiful lady,” he said, leaning down to kiss her lips, not minding the people around.
Joyce giggled like a baby as he pulled back and cupped her cheeks.
“Ana, you good?” Alison asked kindly.
Ana smiled. She loved how he looked at Joyce. Her friend truly deserved someone like him—caring, loving, gentle, and more. He was a perfect match for her.
She knew Joyce could be a bit much sometimes, but with Ali, even their breakups and makeups were adorable to watch.
“I’m going to use the washroom,” Ana said, rising to her feet.
“You’ll find us here,” Joyce replied with a wink.
Ana nodded and walked away.
**
Meanwhile, Mr Kings watched her leave. She looked so damn gorgeous in that red dress, it made his jaw clench.
Just a few hours without seeing her… without touching her…
It already felt like hell.
He took a slow sip of his drink, his gaze never leaving the hallway Ana disappeared into.
“Careful, man,” Alison said quietly beside him, breaking his focus.
“You’re staring too hard.”
Mr. Kings didn’t respond immediately.
He just gave a small nod and looked away, trying to compose himself.
But it was impossible, her scent, her presence, even the way she walked,it all drove him mad.
He clenched his jaw and stood up.
“I’ll be back,” he muttered.
**
Ana splashed water on her face and looked at herself in the mirror, gripping the sink.
“Get it together,” she whispered to herself. Her heart was racing, and not because of the crowd or the party.
It was him.
The way he looked at her tonight had her head spinning.
She turned off the tap and grabbed a tissue when she heard the door open behind her.
She glanced at the mirror_and froze.
What was he?…
Mr. Kings stepped inside slowly, locking the door behind him.
The click of the lock echoed in the silence.
“What are you doing here?” Ana asked, her voice barely steady.
“I needed to see you,” he said, his voice low, intense.
“You’ve been avoiding me.”
“I’m not avoiding you,” she said quickly, looking away .
“Bella,” he said her name like a prayer, stepping closer. “Don’t lie to me.”
She looked up at him, her breath catching as their eyes locked.
“What do you want from me?” she whispered.
He was standing right in front of her now, close enough to feel the heat off his body.
“I don’t know how to want anything else but you, you look so fucking sexy, I just can’t stop staring, “he said.
Ana’s breath caught at his words.
” Sir…” That was all she could manage to say..
Mr Kings jaw clenched as he moved closer to her..
She was still calling him Sir!.
After everything, he needed to hear her calling him by his name..
His hands lifted slowly, hovering around her neck—not touching, but dangerously close.
Her eyes widened in shock, and strangely… something about the way his hand closed to her neck,excited her.
But she wasn’t going to let him touch her.
Not now, Not any time soon.
She needed to stop this before it went too far, but it wasn’t that easy.
This was her boss.
The man whose touch always left her trembling.
The one who could set her entire body on fire with a single brush of his fingers.
They stared at each other, their eyes locked.
Hungry,Needy,Possessive
Lust and desire burned between them like wildfire.
“I can’t stay away, Ana,” Mr. Kings said, his voice low and rough.
His face was inches from hers.
“I yearn for you… I want you so badly. Just a few hours without you felt like fucking hell.”
Ana wanted to step back, to push him away,,but her feet refused to move.
Her whole body buzzed with heat and anticipation.
Butterflies exploded in her stomach, wild and uncontrollable.
She was already too far gone.
His face moved closer, and he took her mouth in his—softly, not rushing. One hand found her waist, firm but gentle, anchoring her to him..
His lips moved against hers with the kind of longing that had built up for too long.
Ana kissed him back.
For a moment, everything disappeared,the noise, the doubts, the rules.
But then, reality snapped back.
She broke the kiss, breathless.
Her hands pressed lightly against his chest as she pulled away.
“Stop,” she whispered, eyes wide and clouded with emotion. “Please… just leave me alone.”
He froze, confusion flickering in his eyes. “Ana…”
“No,” she shook her head, stepping back. “You don’t get to do this—kiss me like that—then pretend like it means nothing. I can’t keep going in circles with you.”
His jaw clenched, like he wanted to argue—but she was already turning away.
“Please, just go,” she said again, softer this time.
He stood there, staring at her. And then, slowly, he took a step back.
I’m sorry,” he muttered, and open the door walking out without saying anything..
Ana stood there, heart racing, hands shaking—wondering why it hurt so much to let him go.
“Get a grip, Ana,” she whispered to herself, staring at her reflection.
Did I do something wrong By pushing him away?
No. I didn’t. I had to.
She muttered it again, firmer this time, trying to convince herself.
Then, with a slow breath, she opened the door.
Her steps halted the moment she saw them—Fatima… and Mr. Kings.
He stood with his back to her, close to Fatima, who faced Ana directly with a smug smile curling on her lips.
Ana’s breath caught in her throat. Her heart thudded.
What was she doing here?
Fatima’s expression didn’t change—if anything, her eyes gleamed with challenge.
Like she’d been waiting to be caught.
Ana’s hand curled into a fist at her side.
For a moment, she considered walking away.
Pretending she hadn’t seen anything.
Fatima tilted her head slightly, her smile never faltering. “Oh… Ana,” she said sweetly, loud enough for Mr. Kings to turn around.
His eyes locked with Ana’s. Surprise flickered in them.
Then something else _ she couldn’t quite name.
Ana held her ground, her jaw tight. “Didn’t mean to interrupt,” she said, voice calm but cold.
Fatima stepped closer to Mr. Kings, casually placing a hand on his arm. “You weren’t interrupting. We were just catching up.”
Mr. Kings didn’t say a word.
He just stared at Ana like he couldn’t figure out what to say—what to do.
Ana’s heart twisted, but she didn’t let it show. “Right. Well, don’t let me stop you.”
She turned on her heel and walked away without waiting for a reply, her heels clicking sharply against the floor.
The sting in her chest burned, but her face stayed blank.
Behind her, she could feel his gaze still on her.
But she didn’t look back, her head held high as she walk away.
With those thoughts
Let him watch.
Let him regret.
Let him feel what it’s like to lose something without even trying to hold onto it.
**
Mr. King watched as Ana walked away without looking back. Then slowly, he turned his gaze to Fatima, who stood there with a smug smile tugging at her lips. She wiggled her eyebrows at him playfully, clearly enjoying herself.
He looked irritated by her behavior. What was that little act all about? Pretending like they were in on something together, just because Ana happened to walk by?
He slid a hand into his pocket and sighed. “What do you want, Fatima?” he asked flatly.
Fatima smiled, that sweet but wicked kind of smile. “You look like you’re about to combust just by looking at her,” she teased.
Mr. King didn’t respond. His jaw clenched.
“Fatima,” he said, tone sharp, “just say what you came to say.”
Fatima’s smile slowly faded. Her face turned serious as she stepped a little closer. “We need to talk,” she said softly. “You and I.”
He raised a brow, skeptical. “About what?”
“About us.”
Mr. King narrowed his eyes. “There is no us.”
“I know,” she nodded quickly. “I know that now.”
There was a silence. Fatima took a shaky breath, then said, “You were right. I’ve been desperate. I threw myself at you from the first time we met, and I kept doing it, hoping you’d feel the same. But you never did.”
He stared at her, quiet, listening.
“I think it’s time for me to let go. I won’t force anything anymore. You can be with whoever you want. I’m stepping back, Charlie.”
He blinked, surprised. “Are you serious?”
Fatima nodded. “Yes. Your words the other day? They hurt, badly. But maybe I needed to hear them. I deserve someone who’ll love me the way I want to be loved. And that’s clearly not you. You don’t look at me the way I’ve always wanted you to. And I’ve watched you—believe me, I’ve watched—you never looked at me the way you look at her.”
She paused. “So, yeah. I’m done.”
Mr. King studied her face. She wasn’t joking. There was a calmness in her expression—a sadness, too, but also peace.
“Alright,” he said finally. “Then go tell your parents it’s over. Tell them you’re not going through with the arrangement.”
Fatima gave a weak smile. “I will. Just… give me two weeks. That’s all I ask.”
Mr. King frowned slightly. “Two weeks for what?”
She looked at him, eyes steady. “Two weeks to prepare them. You know how they are. I don’t want it to become a mess.”
He stared at her for a moment, then gave a short nod. “Fine. Two weeks.”
“Thank you,” Fatima said, then smirked playfully.
“Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a party to enjoy. It is my cousin’s party, after all. I swear, if I miss the cake-cutting, I’ll never forgive myself.”
She flashed one last smile at Mr. King before turning and walking away into the crowd.
Mr. King stood still for a moment, watching her go.
He couldn’t tell if she was being genuine, or if this was just another one of her games—one more performance in a long line of dramatic exits.
With a sigh, he shook his head and followed after her, keeping his distance.
***
Meanwhile, Fatima weaved through the sea of guests, her eyes scanning for Samantha. Finally, she spotted her seated at a table across from Alison, Joyce, and Ana.
She caught Samantha’s eye and motioned for her to come over.
Samantha raised her eyebrows curiously and stood.
“What’s going on?” she asked as she reached Fatima.
Fatima grabbed her hand and led her quickly through the house to one of the empty guest rooms, away from the music, laughter, and clinking glasses.
“I need to talk to you,” Fatima said, closing the door behind them.
Samantha’s brow furrowed. “Is everything okay?”
Fatima hesitated, then nervously clasped her hands together. “Yeah… I mean, sort of. I just broke up with Charlie.”
Samantha blinked, then laughed.
The kind of laugh that screamed yeah, right you are joking.
“Are you serious, Fatima?”
“Yes. I just did—right now.”
Samantha’s face twisted in disbelief. “Why would you do that?!”
“I can’t keep going like this,” Fatima said, her voice low. “I’ve been forcing it. I’ve been forcing myself on him. And I’m tired. I have to give up.”
She looked down, fingers fidgeting with the hem of her dress.
Samantha stare at her
for a long moment, expression unreadable. Then, like a fuse finally snapping, her voice rose.
“Fatima, are you being serious right now? You just ended things?! You were ,this close to getting what you wanted—and you quit
?!”
Fatima closed her eyes. This was exactly the reaction she expected.
“I’ve made my decision, Sam,” she said, calmly but firmly. “Please respect it. If this is enough to end our friendship, so be it. But I’m not going back to Charlie. He can be with whoever he wants.”
“Stop right there,” Samantha snapped.
“You think you can just give up after everything we did? Do you know how much I’ve—”
“I don’t care,” Fatima cut in, her voice trembling. “Because it was never really about me, was it? It’s always been about you, Sam. You’ve used me—your plans, your ideas, your timing. Never mine.”
She stepped back, her chin lifting defiantly. “If this friendship ends here, then fine. But I’m done. Done with Charlie. Done with begging. Done with pretending I’m okay when I’m not.”
With that, she grabbed her bag, turned, and walked out of the room, slamming the door behind her.
Samantha stood frozen, staring at the closed door. Her expression? Blank.
**
✨In The Ballroom ✨
“Are you okay?” Joyce asked, eyeing Anna with concern.
Anna glanced at her and forced a small smile. “I’m fine,” she said softly, her expression distant.
“You look tensed,” Joyce pressed.
“I said I’m fine,” Anna repeated, though her tone wasn’t convincing.
“Where’s Yola?” Anna asked, trying to change the subject.
“She’s coming—I think Miguel keep her busy.,” Joyce replied.
Just then, Samantha appeared, walking toward them with an unreadable expression on her face.
Her eyes, were locked on Anna—sharp, cold, and angry.
Without a word, Samantha picked up the glass of water from the table and, in one swift motion, splashed it in Anna’s face.
Anna gasped loudly, the cold water shocking her as it dripped down her face and dress.
The room seemed to freeze for a second as everyone turned to stare.
“Sam! What the hell are you doing?” Joyce shouted, standing up in disbelief.
Samantha didn’t flinch. “What’s the point of being the nice one if people still treat you like trash?” she snapped, her voice shaking with rage before turning around to leave.
Anna just blinked, stunned, the water still clinging to her lashes.
The room was still tense when Samantha turned back around and marched toward Ana, who was still frozen in place, her soaked dress clinging to her body.
“Sam, stop it!” Joyce called out, but Samantha didn’t listen.
She stormed right up to Anna again, her jaw tight with fury.
Without hesitation, she raised her hand—and the loud slap echoed through the room as her palm met Anna’s cheek.
Ana’s head turned with the impact, gasping again, this time more from shock than pain.
“Stay away from my brother!” Samantha snapped, her voice full of venom. “I don’t care what kind of games you’re playing, but I see right through you.”
Ana slowly turned her face back to meet her eyes, blinking through the sting. “What are you talking about?”
“Don’t play dumb,” Samantha hissed. “You think I haven’t noticed how you look at him? How he looks at you? You’re messing with his head. I won’t let you.”
People around them started to murmur, shocked by the scene.
Joyce tried to step in, but Anna raised a hand to stop her.
“I’m not playing games with anyone,” Anna said quietly, her voice shaking. “You have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Oh, I know exactly what I’m talking about,” Samantha said coldly. “Charlie doesn’t need someone like you. So stay away. That’s the last warning you’ll get from me.”
T..B..C
