The evening began like so many others: my husband, Mark, and I gathered around the table with Jack, laughter and the clink of glasses filling the air. The sun was setting, casting golden light through the window and painting the room in warm, honeyed tones. Mark and Jack had been friends since university. They bonded over late-night study sessions, football matches, and wild nights out. Over the years, Jack became a regul...

The morning after, the house was too quiet. I woke tangled in the sheets, the ache between my legs a reminder of everything Jack and I had done. The air still smelt faintly of sex and sweat. For a moment, I lay perfectly still, listening for any sign of Mark. All I heard was the distant hum of the fridge and the faint tick of the hallway clock. Jack was gone. He’d slipped out before dawn, careful and silent, leaving nothi...

Jack’s fingers lingered a moment longer, drawing a shiver from me as Mark watched, silent and transfixed. Jack’s eyes met mine, then flicked to Mark, a silent question passing between them. I felt the heat of their attention, the anticipation thick in the air. Jack leaned in, his breath warm against my ear. “Let’s take this somewhere more comfortable.” He took my hand, leading me down the hallway. My legs felt unsteady, e...