Ash Leclair wasn’t expecting his life to change when he moved into his best friend’s apartment. It was meant to be temporary, just a quiet few weeks while his place was being renovated. But what he didn’t count on was Celeste Noelle Rivera, the best friend’s little sister, now older, bolder, and breathtaking in ways he wasn’t prepared for.

She walks around the apartment like she owns it, teasing with a smile, speaking with confidence, dressed in clothes that shouldn’t look as dangerous as they do. Ash, ever the polite one, keeps his distance. He’s soft-spoken, reserved, careful with everything he does, especially when it comes to women like her.

But Celeste has always known how to push boundaries, and she’s not afraid of chasing what she wants. And what she wants, more than anything, is him.

At first, it’s playful—flirting, subtle touches, stolen glances across the room. Ash tries to ignore it. He tells himself it’s harmless, that it doesn’t mean anything. But deep down, her presence is starting to unearth something in him he’s buried for years: desire, longing, curiosity, the need to be seen and touched and wanted.

As the days pass, the air between them grows heavier. Their conversations stretch longer. Their silence deepens. One moment, they’re sharing coffee in the kitchen. The next, he’s memorizing the shape of her mouth as she smiles. And soon, she’s kissing him like she’s always known how he’d taste, and he’s kissing her back like he’s afraid to stop.

Ash isn’t the type to chase. He doesn’t take risks. He doesn’t fall easily. But with Celeste, he doesn’t stand a chance. Because the more she touches him, the more he needs her. And the more he resists, the more he aches.

She pulls him into her world with every teasing word and every lingering look. And slowly, he begins to surrender, not just to her body, but to her presence, her boldness, the way she makes him feel seen for the first time in years.

This isn’t just about lust. It’s about emotional seduction, about a quiet man being undone by a woman who never once asked him to change, only to let go. And when he finally gives in, when he lets her see all of him, he discovers that maybe corruption was just another word for being chosen.

And once she has him, Celeste has no intention of letting him go.

The apartment was quiet when Celeste woke up. No footsteps. No humming from the kitchen.


Just a plate on the counter—perfectly covered in foil.


She blinked, still in her oversized tee and underwear, rubbing her eyes as she stared at the note stuck to the plate.


She snorted softly. Just Ash. No emoji. No heart. No smiley. So dry. So polite.


She sat on the stool by the counter, yawning softly, then opened her phone and typed:


You really left without saying good morning? Rude.


Next time, I'm demanding breakfast in bed. With coffee. And maybe a smile too.


She hesitated… then added one more line.


You're too good at pretending I don't exist when Rowan's not around 😏


Celeste sat beneath the shade of a tree, ignoring the loud chatter of students passing by. She refreshed her inbox again.


Whatever. He's probably buried in spreadsheets and sipping chamomile tea.


Just then—her phone buzzed with a message from an unknown number.


Hey—hope I'm not being weird. It's Liam from last night.


Just wanted to say it was nice meeting you (even if I was terrible at introducing myself 😅)


Lyka did. She said you probably wouldn't reply unless I kept it polite.


Celeste rolled her eyes and glanced over at Lyka, who was chatting with a classmate a few feet away.


I should've known. She's way too invested in my social life.


Well, I owe her now. You seemed cool, so… figured I'd say hi properly.


Also—if I ever use another bad opener, just roast me again. Keeps me humble.


Noted. I'll keep my roast game sharp, just in case.


Ash sat at his desk, cardigan wrapped neatly around his shoulders, fingers hovering uselessly over the keyboard.


But instead, he was staring at the message on his phone for the third time.


Ash let out a quiet, almost inaudible sigh—and sank into his chair like a ghost was trying to possess him.


He tilted his head back, trying to slow the rush in his chest.


It's just teasing. That's all. That's her thing.


Still, his thumbs hovered over the reply box.


He pressed the phone screen off, locking it, face-down.


He glanced toward the windows of the office, lips tight in restraint.


He wouldn't say them. He wouldn't type them.


Because it was getting harder—every time.


Chapter 7 - CHAPTER FIVE: “He’s Too Good at Ignoring Me”