Forced By The Mafia

Standing before the floor-to-ceiling window, Star Xu looked down upon the citys opulent night scene. Her phone screen lit up with a message from Zen: "Baby, Im still drinking with the guys, probably going to be all night. Dont wait up for me, be good."

Reflected in the glass, Stars expression was inscrutable as she replied: "Okay, dont drink too much."

Zens response was swift: "Yes, maam, baby."

Staring at the reply, Star heard the bathroom door open behind her. In a moment, footsteps approached and stopped right behind her.

Star turned around.

Fox Howard, his damp hair slicked back, stood there with only a towel wrapped around his waist. The warm, damp air from the shower clung to his well-defined muscles, exuding an intoxicating scent. His deep, fathomless eyes playfully appraised her nearly sheer sexy strap dress after she had removed her down jacket. "I dont mess with my brothers women," he said.

Star approached him, "But you still let me in."

Foxs unfazed black eyes slightly lowered, taking in the low neckline of her dress that accentuated her alluring assets. He remained silent and smiling.

At that moment, Star felt particularly cheap in his eyes. But she believed that men were the same at heart; no matter how high-minded they claimed to be, they wouldnt refuse a woman who came knocking on their door.

Especially someone like Fox, who had a notorious reputation among Zens friends. A prodigal son who had passed through many women, far from a gentleman.

Star boldly embraced him, playing her trump card: "I dont believe youre unaware that Zen is right next door, entangled with someone else."

Fox raised an eyebrow, not denying it. Star felt particularly pitiful in his eyes at that moment. Even Fox, who wasnt the closest to Zen among his friends, was well aware of Zens affairs; it was likely that others knew too.

Only she, the legitimate girlfriend, was kept in the dark, with no one informing her that her boyfriend of eight years was such a person!

Leaning on his broad shoulders, Star stood on her tiptoes to kiss him. Her experience in seduction was virtually zero; she was a complete novice, fumbling and touching him based on instinct.

The effect was there; Foxs breathing quickly became heavy, and his body temperature rose. "So youre bad," his tone was inscrutable.

The word "bad" undoubtedly sounded like mockery to Star. She had been the good girl in everyones eyes, always following the rules and being conservative. The most rebellious thing she had done before tonight was to be with Zen against her aunts wishes.

"Isnt being bad good?" Star countered, her back sinking into the soft quilt, staring at her reflection in Foxs dark pupils.

She had put on heavy makeup before coming, so heavy that she almost didnt recognize herself. Foxs rough thumb wiped away some of her lipstick, and a hint of casual amusement floated in his slender, indifferent eyes.

"..."

Star remembered her best friend Lina Long sharing her insights that experienced men were more considerate, knowing how to take care of a womans feelings. Since Star and Zen were each others first loves, Lina had once expressed regret for Star.

Over the years, Star had never had the chance to personally experience how uncomfortable it might be, but tonight, she had a quite good first experience. Indeed, choosing Fox was the right choice.

However, as soon as they finished, Fox went to take a shower without any post-coital affection, seemingly without any lingering attachment to her. Star also just used him as a tool; parting ways after doing it was the self-awareness of adult men and women.

After Fox entered the bathroom, Star got up without any attachment. Her dress was already torn and couldnt be worn.

Star borrowed one of Foxs shirts and wrapped her down jacket around herself, leaving the hotel quietly as she had come.

Tomorrow, Chris Chen was getting married, and tonight Zen and his brothers all stayed in this hotel where the wedding would be held tomorrow, throwing a bachelor party for Chris.

So at noon the next day, Star came again and first went to the restaurant to meet up with Zen, who was still having brunch.

Upon seeing Star, everyone smiled: "Sister-in-law has come to check up on us."

Zen affectionately put his arm around Stars waist: "They can testify that last night, apart from drinking and chatting, we didnt do anything out of line."

Star said jokingly, "How do I know if you guys arent covering for each other?"

Chris suddenly waved to the direction behind Star and shouted, "Our Fox is late! Even later than me, the groom."

Fox, in a lazy manner, still wearing the hotels guestroom slippers, took his seat at the place Chris had saved for him.

Right next to... Stars right hand side.

The familiar sharp cedar scent of him immediately filled her nostrils.

The woody cedar scent, with its unique coolness and sharpness like a high mountain snowfield, exuded a distant coldness, stirring up memories of last nights scorching temperature in her mind.

Star took the juice that Zen poured for her, looking down and listening to Chris ask Fox, "Werent you the one who went to bed the earliest last night? Why are you still waking up the latest, looking like you didnt get enough sleep?"

Before Fox could answer, Zen said meaningfully, "Fox, did a woman come into your room last night?"

Chris immediately became excited: "Damn! Is it true or not?"

Sky, who had just come back from the restroom, chimed in: "Its true, the womans voice was quite loud. I slept in the same room as Zen last night, right next to Foxs room. It was faintly heard from there."