Tension Ignites

Morning light filtered through the curtains of my childhood bedroom, painting everything in soft golds and pinks. I woke up with my hand still tucked between my thighs, the evidence of last night’s forbidden release sticky on my fingers. Shame flooded me instantly. Ben. My brother. What the hell was wrong with me? I quickly showered, trying to scrub away the memory, but the warm water only made me think of his strong arms again. By the time I stepped out, I’d made a decision. Today, I wouldn’t hide. I wanted to see if that spark was real or just my broken heart playing tricks.

I dug through...