Chapter 14: Heated Rivalry
Kazuki's breath came in short gasps, his face flushed as Tara's body pressed against his, her hands still gripping his waist. On the other side, Elara's fingers curled around the back of his neck, her golden eyes burning with intensity.
"Enough!" Elara's voice rang out, sharp and commanding. She pulled Kazuki away from Tara, her arm protectively circling his shoulders. "You're going too far, Tara."
"Oh?" Tara said, her grin widening as she crossed her arms under her chest. "You're the one who started it, Elara. Or are you afraid I'll win?"
Elara's jaw clenched. "This isn't a competition."
"Could've fooled me," Tara said, stepping forward and leaning in so close that Kazuki could feel her breath against his lips. "You're so tense, Kazuki. Maybe you'd like me to help you... relax."
Kazuki's pulse quickened as Tara's lips hovered dangerously close to his. But before she could close the distance, Elara yanked him back, her grip firm.
"I said, that's enough," Elara snapped, pulling Kazuki against her chest. "He's my subordinate, not your toy."
Tara chuckled, her eyes gleaming. "Oh? And what does that make you, Elara? His master?" She leaned in, her hand sliding down Kazuki's arm, her fingers brushing against his skin in a way that sent a shiver through him.
"T-Tara..." Kazuki stammered, his face burning.
"What?" Tara said, her voice a seductive purr. "You don't like it? Or maybe... you do?"
Elara's grip on Kazuki tightened, her eyes blazing. "That's enough, Tara. Get out."
Tara sighed, rolling her eyes. "Fine, fine. But don't think this is over, Elara. Kazuki and I still have unfinished business."
She sauntered toward the door, her hips swaying with each step. Before she left, she glanced over her shoulder, her eyes locking onto Kazuki's. "See you later, Kazuki," she said, her voice dripping with promise. "Maybe next time... we'll finish what we started."
The door closed behind her, and Kazuki exhaled, his shoulders sagging. Elara still held him close, her chest rising and falling against his back.
"Are you okay?" Elara asked, her voice softer now, her fingers brushing through his hair.
Kazuki nodded, leaning back against her, his heart still racing. "Yeah... just... a little overwhelmed."
Elara's arms tightened around him, her chin resting on his shoulder. "You don't have to deal with her alone. I'm here for you."
Kazuki swallowed, his pulse pounding as Elara's warmth seeped through him. "Thank you, Elara."
But even as he said it, his mind replayed Tara's lingering touch, her smoldering gaze... and the dangerous promise in her eyes.