Chapter 15: The Temptress Strikes Again
The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the training grounds as Kazuki made his way back to his room. His mind was a chaotic mess of emotions — Elara's protective embrace, Tara's provocative touch, the tension that hung thick in the air.
"Why can't I just catch a break?" Kazuki muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.
Before he could open the door to his room, it swung open, and there stood Tara, leaning casually against the frame, her arms crossed under her ample chest. Her lips curled into a mischievous smile.
"Kazuki," she purred, her eyes half-lidded. "I was just looking for you."
Kazuki took a step back, but Tara was already closing the distance, her body pressing dangerously close to his. "Uh, Tara, what are you —"
"Shh," Tara whispered, placing a finger over his lips. "You know, Elara is so uptight. Always bossing you around. Don't you get tired of it?"
Kazuki's heart pounded as Tara's finger slid from his lips, trailing down to his chest. "Tara, this isn't —"
"Shh," she said again, her lips hovering near his ear. "You don't have to be so tense. I can help you... unwind."
Before Kazuki could protest, Tara's hands slipped under his shirt, her palms pressing against his bare chest, her body molding against his. Kazuki's breath hitched as Tara's lips brushed against his jawline, her soft, warm skin sending shivers down his spine.
"See?" Tara whispered, her tongue flicking out to trace the curve of his ear. "Doesn't that feel good?"
Kazuki's fists clenched at his sides, his mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. "Tara... I can't..."
"Can't?" Tara pulled back just enough to meet his eyes, her face inches from his. "Or don't want to?"
Kazuki's eyes darted away, but Tara cupped his cheek, forcing him to look at her. "You don't have to hold back with me," she said, her breath hot against his lips. "I won't tell Elara. It'll be our little secret."
Kazuki's heart hammered against his ribcage, his body trembling as Tara leaned in closer, her lips a hair's breadth away from his —
"Kazuki!" Elara's voice echoed down the hall, sharp and urgent.
Tara's eyes flashed with annoyance as she pulled away, a wicked grin playing on her lips. "Looks like you're saved... for now."
Kazuki gasped for air as Tara sauntered away, her hips swaying with every step. As Elara approached, her eyes narrowed, her fists clenched at her sides.
"What was she doing in your room?" Elara demanded, her voice dangerously low.
Kazuki swallowed, his pulse still racing. "Nothing. She was just... talking."
Elara's eyes darkened, her jaw set. "Be careful, Kazuki. Tara isn't someone you can trust."
Kazuki nodded, but his mind was still spinning, Tara's scent lingering on his skin, her whispered words echoing in his head.
"Our little secret..."