CHAPTER 1 Forbidden Glances

The New Jersey sun was a blazing orb in the sky, casting a warm glow over the sprawling estate that Angela now called home. She was fresh out of high school and very excited to begin her new life in a new state and free from the harsh winters of Massachusetts. Julie, her mother, had already remarried and Angela was willing to accept it.

As the taxi approach the grand entrance, Angela stared with her mouth opened. The house was the epitome of a modern and classic architectural style, oozing richness and affluence. Getting out of the car, she could feel her heart racing with anticipation, heightened by the slightest feeling of nervousness. This was her new home, this rather large house was quite different from the small apartment in Boston that she had lived in with her mother.

Julie ran out to embrace her, arms open wide. "Angela, darling! You're finally here!"

Angela embraced her mother tightly, feeling a hint of comfort in her familiar embrace. "Hi, Mom. This place is fabulous."

"Wait until you see the inside." Julie said, beaming with pride. "Edmund has exquisite taste."

The mere mention of her new stepfather made Angela's stomach flip. She had seen pictures of him, knew he was handsome and successful, yet wasn't prepared for this nervous excitement that coursed through her veins at the thought of meeting him.

Julie led her into the house, and Angela was immediately struck by the grandeur of the interior: so high a ceiling above her head, marble floors, nice furnishings just about everywhere. It was as if she had stepped right into some magazine spread.

"Angela, this is your new home." Julie said, spreading her arms wide. "Make yourself comfortable. Edmund should be home soon."

Angela nodded, taking a deep breath to calm her nerves. She explored the house, marveling at the luxurious amenities. The pool, the home theater, the library—it was all so overwhelming. She found her way to her new bedroom, a spacious suite with a king-sized bed, a walk-in closet, and a private bathroom that was bigger than her old bedroom.

She was unpacking her suitcase when she heard the front door open. Her heart skipped a beat as she recognized Edmund's voice. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for their first meeting.

"Angela?" Julie called from downstairs. "Edmund's home. Come down and meet him."

Angela took a deep breath as her heart skipped a beat. "Coming!" She called back, trying to steady the nerves that suddenly fluttered in her chest. She had no idea why she was feeling so anxious and tried to push that aside as she slipped her sandals on and headed downstairs.

She stood in front of the mirror, running her fingers through the long chestnut hair. She stared at her reflection, trying to muster some enthusiasm for the day ahead. Moving to New Jersey had been her mom's idea-a fresh start after a tumultuous few years. Angela had reluctantly agreed, but now that she was here, she felt a mix of apprehension and curiosity about this new chapter of her life.

She smoothed down the fabric of her dress, adjusting the neckline so that it showed just a hint of cleavage. The dress was simple but fitted in all the right places, hugging her waist and flaring out slightly at the hips. She knew it was a little daring for a family dinner, but she couldn't bring herself to care. If anything, she wanted to impress someone-her mother's new husband would do.

Edmund Brown. The mere mention of his name seemed to play in her mind over and over like an echo. She had only ever seen pictures of him-stark, formal image of a man with sharp features, dark hair slicked back, and eyes that glinted as if piercing through the screen. He was handsome, yet in some ways his appeal twisted Angela's stomach in a way she couldn't explain, a feeling, incidentally, she hadn't quite been able to shake since her mother announced her engagement.

As she descended, her eyes fell upon him. Edmund stood at the base of the staircase, his hands casually tucked into the pockets of his tailored pants. He wore a crisp, white button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up, revealing toned forearms. He exuded confidence, the kind of presence that made it impossible not to notice him. When their eyes met, a jolt of electricity shot through her, making her heart pound harder in her chest.

Edmund Brown was even more handsome in person. His eyes were a piercing blue, framed by dark lashes. His jaw was strong and chiseled, and his lips were full and inviting. He was dressed in a tailored suit that hugged his muscular frame, exuding an air of power and confidence.

"Angela, this is Edmund." Julie said with a warm smile. "Edmund, this is my daughter, Angela."

Edmund extended his hand, his eyes locked onto Angela's. "Angela." He greeted, his voice deep and smooth like velvet. "It's good to finally meet you."

She swallowed, suddenly aware of how close he was. "Hi, Edmund." She replied, trying to sound composed. But her voice betrayed her; it came out softer than she intended, almost breathless.

His grip was firm, his hand warm and strong. He held onto her hand for a moment longer than necessary, his eyes never leaving hers. Angela felt a blush creep up her cheeks, and she quickly pulled her hand away, breaking the intense gaze.

"I have heard so much about you from your mother." He continued, his gaze lingering on her with an intensity that made her cheeks flush. "I hope you'll feel at home here."

"I'm sure I will." Angela murmured, the words devoid of emotion in her race to stem the stormy tide of her emotions. His eyes did a slow travel over her, his gaze lingering just a second too long on the curve of her hips, the swell of her chest. A flicker of something dark crossed his expression, gone in an instant.

Julie appeared, her face bright with a smile as she slipped an arm around Edmund's waist. "Isn't this lovely?" She beamed, oblivious to the undercurrent running between her daughter and her new husband. "We're all finally together."

Angela's stomach churned. She plastered on a smile and nodded, but her mind was racing, replaying every detail of that brief moment. There was something in the way Edmund had looked at her, something that made her pulse quicken and her breath hitch.

Dinner was a blur. Angela found herself seated across from Edmund, and she could feel his gaze on her, even when she wasn't looking at him. The conversation was light, the usual pleasantries common to being introduced to a new family. Julie chatted happily, but Angela found it hard to concentrate. Every time she dared glance up, Edmund was watching her in a manner that made her skin tingle.

"So, Angela." Edmund's voice cut through the chatter, catching her attention. "Your mother tells me you're planning to start college soon. Any idea what you'd like to study?"

Angela felt her throat dry. She licked her lips nervously before answering, "I'm still deciding, actually. Maybe psychology or literature. I don't know yet."

Edmund nodded thoughtfully, his gaze unwavering. "Literature, huh? You seem like the type who enjoys getting lost in a good book." He remarked, his tone almost teasing.

A flush ran up Angela's neck. "I do." She acknowledged. "It's … it's a good way of escaping, I guess."

He smiled, and it wasn't just polite. It was knowing. "Escaping reality can be tempting." He replied softly, his eyes holding hers. "But sometimes, facing what's real can be even more exhilarating."

His words sent a shiver down her spine, and she felt her pulse quicken. Was it just her, or was there a hidden meaning behind what he'd said? She swallowed hard, wrenching her eyes off his and down at her plate. Her face was growing hot; she hated how easily he could affect her this way. She knew the air in the room seemed to fill with him, demanding the attention of everyone else with every movement, every word.

Finally, dinner ended, and Julie excused herself to take a phone call. Angela stood, eager to retreat to the sanctuary of her bedroom, but Edmund's voice detained her.

Angela, wait." He said, and she turned, finding him closer than expected. His proximity sent her heart racing; she heard her breath catch in her throat. "I wanted to apologize if I seemed too forward earlier." He continued, his voice lower, more intimate. "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

Angela blinked, taken aback. "I—No, you didn't." She stammered, her voice barely a whisper. "I mean, it's okay…"

He stepped closer, and she could smell his cologne—woodsy, with a hint of something darker. "You're very mature for your age." He said softly, his gaze intense. "I find that… intriguing."

Her breath hitched. "Th-thank you." She managed, her voice trembling.

Slowly, Edmund's lips curled into a smile, and he reached out and brushed the tangle of hair from her face. The touch was light, so fleeting, yet sent a surge of heat through her. "You're welcome, Angela." He murmured, his voice a seductive rumble that seemed to vibrate in her very core.

His hand lingered near her cheek for a moment longer, his thumb brushing lightly against her skin, sending a rush of warmth down her spine. She felt as if the world had stopped, every sense heightened, every nerve ending alive with electricity. The tension was palpable, and she could feel her resolve weakening, a forbidden thrill coursing through her veins.

Edmund's eyes darkened, his expression unreadable. "Goodnight, Angela." He said finally, his voice a low, husky whisper.

"Goodnight." She breathed, her voice barely audible as she turned and fled up the stairs, her mind racing, her body tingling with an unfamiliar heat.

She leaned back against it, the door of her bedroom closed behind her as if shutting out all her chaotic emotions. She pressed a hand to her racing heart, as her breaths came in shallow gasps. She just couldn't deny it, Edmund had this magnetic pull in him, deadly and intoxicating, that tugged at her even when every decent thought was screaming at her to stay away.

Angela slid down to the floor, her back against the door, her mind racing. What just happened? Was she hallucinating it, or was there really something there in his look, something forbidden? She shut her eyes and concentrated on catching her breath, but the only thing she was seeing behind her eyelids was Edmund's face, his piercing gaze, and the way his touch sent shivers down her spine.

And she knew, deep down, that she was in trouble.

Meanwhile, Edmund sat in his study with a glass of whiskey in hand. He just didn't seem to get Angela off his mind. The innocence of the beauty, the shy smiles, and the sparkle in her eyes whenever she looked at him-just too much. He knew he was playing with fire, yet simply could not help the surging of these desires.

The rest of his drink disappeared in an effort to push those thoughts away. He was married to Julie, and Angela was her daughter. He had to respect that, no matter how bad he wanted her. But as he closed his eyes, he couldn't help but imagine what it would be like to have her-to make her his.

The house was quiet, the only sound was the distant hum of the city outside. But inside, a storm was brewing in the form of a dangerous mix of desires and forbidden attractions that threatened to engulf them both.