Knock. Knock.

We both freeze. Suddenly back in the bedroom, back in our bodies.

Maya turns to look at me, panting. Her thighs trembling, spread wide. The vibrator keeps humming between them, wet and glistening, her fingers shining with the mess she’s made.

"Levi," I say quietly. Of course, he’s here for his package.

She holds my gaze, head tilted, a slow grin spreading.

“Well…” she says, her voice like honey. “Go ahead.”

“You’re not serious.”

Her grin deepens into something sly and wicked. She shifts her hips just enough to make the vibrator drag in a teasing circle, her breath catching. “He’s just picking up the box, right? You’ll be, what… two minutes tops?”

“Maya…”

I can’t stop staring. She’s soaked through and dripping, wetness spilling down her thighs, glistening in the light. She’s completely wrecked.

She laughs, low and teasing. “Your call, baby. I’ll just be right here…” Her fingers don’t slow, and it’s damn clear she’s not stopping anytime soon.

My knees nearly buckle. 

“Maya,” I choke, dragging my hoodie down over the hard-on straining in my pants. “You’re crazy.” 

I can’t stop the filthy smirk curling on my lips. 

My heart’s pounding so hard it feels like it’s stuck in my throat. I’ve been on the edge for so long I no longer know where it is. I love what she does to me. This bold, wicked side she brings out, like every rule’s been smashed to pieces and all that matters is the fire we’re burning between us.

Her grin twists darker. “You scared, baby?”

“You know I am.” 

I don’t look away.

She hums, low and pleased, already slipping back into her rhythm. Her head tips back, lips parting on a soft gasp as the vibrator moves in lazy circles over her clit. Eyes flutter shut. She's putting on a show, and she knows exactly what she’s doing.

Knock. Knock.

I step out into the hallway, turning to close the bedroom door behind me. 

“Leave it open,” she says, voice light and innocent.

I freeze. “Maya—!”

She lets out a breathy laugh. “Okayyy! You can close it.”

The bedroom is at the end of the hall. From the front door, Levi wouldn’t be able to see into it directly but there would be nothing separating the two of them.

"Fuck it," I mutter, raising the stakes and nudging the door wider.

She shudders, breathing is uneven, jaw slack like she’s caught between speaking and moaning. She stares at me, brows slightly lifted, and there’s this stunned look on her face, like she can’t decide if she’s embarrassed or impressed.

I reach the front door and pause for a second, heart punching at my ribs. 

I take a deep breath and open the door to see Levi standing there. That usual easy grin tugging at his lips. His hair’s windswept like he’s just run up the stairs, hoodie slouched half open, cargo jacket hanging loose. He’s holding his phone like he was mid-text, casual as ever.

But something about him feels different now.

Maya’s voice is still in my head. The way she said his name. The way she moaned it. The way she used it, like it was the filthiest word she knew.

“Bigger than you. Stronger. Just… better.” Her words ring in my head. Twisting my gut with jealousy but setting my blood on fire at the same time. I can’t unhear them. Can’t unsee how she fell apart on the bed, because of him.

And now he’s right here.

He’s not the sweet, goofy “little brother” neighbour anymore.

Now he’s… taller than I remembered? Broader? Maybe it’s my insecurities fucking with me, but it’s like I’m seeing him in a different way. Cooler, more relaxed. I catch a flicker of something in his eyes that I didn’t notice before, some quiet confidence that hits me harder than I expected.

“Levi—hey!” The words rush out before I can stop them. I’m aiming for confident, but my heart’s still racing too fast.

He blinks at me, that same crooked grin tugging at his lips. His head tilts slightly, like he’s trying to figure something out.

“Charlie,” he says, smiling like always. “All good?” 

He knows.

Maybe it’s the flushed cheeks. The way I’m gripping the doorframe like it’s the only thing keeping me upright.

“Yeah,” I say, too quickly. “Yeah, all good. You here for your package?”

“Yeah,” he nods, stepping in slightly. “Is this… a bad time?” I feel his gaze drifting. Not obviously. Just a subtle shift, like he’s glancing past me. Toward the hallway.

“No, no, you’re fine—come in,” I say, stepping aside and gesturing him in. “It’s just in the kitchen. I’ll grab it.”

I turn and walk fast, trying not to look toward the open bedroom door. This feels insane. My whole body is buzzing with panic.

I really thought I could play it cool. Thought I could handle this, keep it together.

In the kitchen, I scoop the box off the counter with both hands and head back down the hall.

Every step feels like it echoes. 

He’s watching me. Studying me.

“You okay, man?” he asks, eyebrows raised. “You look kinda… rattled.”

I freeze under his gaze. The box feels too light in my grip, like it could float away if I don’t hold it tight enough.

“Yeah, no, I’m good,” I say, slipping the box into his hands. My palms feel clammy, and I hope he doesn’t pick up on it.

He takes it, but he’s still eyeing me. Then, with a grin, he shifts it under one arm and pops the lid with his thumb. “Oh yeah—you gotta see these,” he says, lighting up like a kid on Christmas.

He reaches in and pulls out a deep red skateboard wheel, lightly translucent, gleaming in the light. “Been waiting on these badboys for weeks.”

“Here, check it out,” he adds, tossing it at me without warning. 

I reach out to catch it, but my hands are shaking and slick with sweat. For a moment, I think I’ve got it, then it slips free, bouncing off my palm and hitting the floor with a sharp, dull clack. It starts rolling down the hall, moving too fast for me to stop.

“Shit!” I call, lunging forward, but Levi’s already on the move.

“All good,” he laughs, already halfway down the hall after it.

Fuck.

“Levi—!” I call, running after him, but it’s too late.

He halts, hand gripping the wheel tight, every muscle tense.

We’re right outside the bedroom.

No walls. No doors. Nothing to shield her.

His eyes fix on her, and his jaw falls open.

Maya is stretched out naked on the sheets, frozen and wide-eyed. Her thighs press tightly together. One hand clutches her chest, the other tries to shield the vibrator still inside her, as if she could erase what he’s just seen.

A full second passes. No one moves. No one breathes.

“Oh shit—Maya—I—” Levi stumbles back a step like he’s touched something hot. “I swear I wasn’t—Jesus, I didn’t mean to—fuck—”

He turns, shielding his face with one hand even though it’s pointless now. “I didn’t see anything—honestly! I…I…I… Okay, I definitely saw something—but I wasn’t trying to—Christ.”

My chest tightens so much I can hardly draw a breath. “Levi, I…” I flinch as I speak. “I should’ve— I didn’t—”

“You’re good… all good. I’ll just… give you guys some space. Pretend this never happened. You never saw me. I was never here.” He just nods, eyes darting anywhere but me or Maya. He’s out the door a second later, pulling it closed with a soft click.

Then it’s just silence.

—

My coffee’s cold now, but I keep sipping anyway. It’s something to do with my hands.

Maya’s curled up across from me, legs tucked under her, hoodie sleeves pulled over her hands as she cradles her mug. Her eyes peek over the rim, searching my face.

“You realise we have to change our names and flee the country now, right?” she says, trying for light.

“Yeah. It was a good run,” I say.

That earns a small laugh. “Fucking skateboard wheel, man. What are the odds?” She groans, letting her forehead rest against her mug. “I’m sorry I pushed it so far. I genuinely didn’t think there was any way he’d see me.”

I reach across and rest my hand over hers. “Hey. Don’t do that. I was into it too, we both were. I’m the idiot who opened the door wider.”

“I know, but...” She bites her lip, eyes flicking down. “The stuff I said. It was just... play, you know? I didn’t mean any of it. I just… I could see what it was doing to you, and I got caught up—God, the way you were looking at me…”

I squeeze her hand. “You know that I love it when you push me like that. Trust me, I was into every second of it. Maybe even more than you were.”

She gives a tiny smile but still doesn’t quite meet my eyes.

“I still feel like I should knit him an apology jumper,” she says. “Like... beige. With ‘I’m so sorry you saw my boobs’ stitched across the chest.”

I grin. “Think he’d wear it?”

“Honestly? Probably.”

She sighs, but she’s smiling now. “God. I hope he’s not too traumatised.”

“Maya,” I say deadpan. “He’s a guy. He’s not going to be traumatised by seeing a girls boobs.”

She laughs and finally looks at me properly. “You nervous?”

“A bit,” I admit. “I’ve got no idea what I’m going to say, but I’ll blag it.”

She nods, eyes locked on her mug. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” I say, grabbing my keys. “Wish me luck!”

“Good luck,” she says, managing a faint smile. “Be nice to him.”

“No promises,” I say, and shoot her a wink as I head out.

—

I knock twice and step back, heart thudding.

There’s a pause. Then footsteps.

The door opens, and there he is, Levi, barefoot, in joggers and an old band tee. His hair is damp again. What is it with this guy? Is he just constantly showering?

For a second, his expression flickers, but then he softens. “Hey, man.”

“Hey,” I say, holding up the bottle like a peace offering. “Figured I owed you a drink.”

Levi huffs a quiet laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. “You didn’t have to.”

“I know,” I say, shrugging. “Still.”

He looks at the bottle, then back at me, and steps aside to let me in. “Well… come on, then.”

I step past him down the corridor and into the living room. He glances at the bottle in my hand. “Whiskey?”

I nod.

He moves to the kitchen and comes back with two glasses, both filled with ice. 

I take one and set the bottle down on the coffee table as I settle onto the small two-seater.

He picks it up and pours a generous splash into my glass, then his own, before sinking into the armchair across from me.

“Look, I just wanted to say sorry about earlier.” I start, but Levi tries to jump in.

“Hold up,” I say, gently stopping him. “We were in the middle of… something, when you knocked, and I shouldn’t have opened the door. I didn’t think. Sorry it got awkward and you had to see…” I trail off, the word caught somewhere in my throat.

Levi just shakes his head, grinning. “Charlie, seriously, it’s fine. I just hope you two are okay. I felt like I crashed a private party.”

He chuckles, then adds, “That’s okay. Wasn’t exactly the worst view.”

I let out an embarrassed laugh. “Jesus.”

“Sorry!” he asks, eyes wide. “I can go back to being mortified if it helps.”

“No, no,” I say, rubbing the back of my neck. “Honestly, it helps. The whole thing's just been looping in my brain on repeat. You’re not traumatised then?”

He pretends to think. “No permanent damage. Although I may need years of therapy. Or just this whisky. One of the two.”

There’s a short lull, just long enough for the air to cool between us.

Levi takes a sip from his glass, then leans back slightly. “Can I ask you something, though?”

I nod. “Sure.”

“Why did you answer? The door, I mean. If you guys were… y’know.” His tone is curious, not accusing. “Why not just ignore it? You didn’t have to open.”

I let out a low breath and lean back, balancing my drink on my knee.

“Yeah…” I run a hand through my hair, feeling awkward. “Fair question.”

I take a sip of whisky and shift in my seat, not quite meeting his eyes. “We were both, uhhh… pretty heated. And I guess the risk of you seeing—” I stop myself, then quickly add, “It wasn’t meant to happen though! We shouldn’t have answered at all. I wasn’t thinking straight. I swear, I wouldn’t put you in that situation on purpose.”

He tips his head. “So… you were literally in the middle of it?”

I cover my face with one hand and groan. “Oh my god, Levi.”

He grins. “What? It’s not my fault my neighbours are perverts!”

I laugh despite myself. “Yeah. Well. You picked a hell of a time to come for those fucking wheels.”

We both laugh, a little awkward, but easier now. The tension starts to fade, and things feel normal between us again.

Levi gives me a sideways look. “So… the thought of me seeing her was doing it for you?”

I slam a hand over my face and groan. “Oh no. We’re not doing that.”

He grins like he’s won some secret prize.

“Why not? You brought it up,” he says, voice teasing. “You’re blushing, Charlie.”

I peek out from behind my hand, cheeks burning. “I’m not.”

Levi just laughs, clearly loving this. “I mean, I get it. You and Maya, getting off to the thought of me—.”

“Levi!” I snap, pointing at him like I’m ready to explode. “Let’s get one thing straight. It wasn’t about you—” (It totally was) “—it was just the risk of getting caught. So get that smug fucking grin off your dumb stupid face.”

Naturally, his smug fucking grin only widens on his dumb stupid face. “Sure.”

The nerve of this guy.

“You’re unbelievable,” I mutter.

Why the hell did we ever fantasise about this moron?

He laughs, shakes his head, then tilts his drink toward me. “Alright, alright, I’ll stop. For now.”

Then, more casually: “Is Maya okay, though? She’s not… pissed at me or anything, is she?”

I rub the back of my neck. “Nah. She’s alright. I mean, we were both kind of... yeah, a little shaken. But she wasn’t mad at you or anything. You don’t need to worry about that.”

Levi nods, then looks away for a beat, swirling his drink like he's pretending to be casual. “Good. Just, I dunno. I love what I have with you guys.”

The words hang in the air for half a second before he clears his throat. “I mean, like, for neighbours. You’re fine. Barely annoying.”

I snort. “Wow. Deeply moving.”

He flashes that familiar grin. “That’s all you’re getting.”

I shake my head, smiling despite myself. “Should I go get Maya? I think we need to finish this bottle.”

“Sure, but uhh… can you tell her to wear some clothes this time?”

“Fuck you,” I say, but burst out laughing.

I place my empty glass on the table with a soft clink, then get up and make my way next door to find Maya.

— 

I slip back into the flat and pull the door closed behind me. Maya’s curled up on the sofa, her eyes flicking up the moment she sees me.

“Well?” she asks, trying for casual, though her fingers are still fussing with the hem of her sleeve.

I walk over and drop onto the armrest beside her. “It’s fine. He’s fine.”

She lets out a breath, like she’s been holding it for ages. “Yeah?”

I grin, sliding down beside her. “He’s back to his usual annoying self, so I think we’re in the clear. We’ve cracked open the whiskey. I came to get you, if you fancy it?”

Maya looks up, a hopeful smile tugging at her lips. “Yeah… yeah, I think I do.”

I stand, offering her a hand. “Alright then. Let’s go before he drinks the whole bottle by himself.”

— 

The door opens, and Levi gives me a quick wink, catching me with a half hug, his hand on my shoulder as I step inside.

Maya comes in behind me, hoodie sleeves tugged down over her hands. “Hey.”

Levi’s grin shifts, just a little softer. “Hey. Glad you came.”

Huh, no joke. Guess maybe he does have a sensitive side.

The living room’s pretty much how we left it, but the overhead lights have been swapped out for a cosy lamp glowing in the corner. There’s a bowl of crisps on the table and the bottle of whisky still sitting where we left it, two glasses already poured.

“Maya, whisky? Or shall I rummage in the fridge for something more civilised?” Levi asks, heading toward the kitchen.

“Whisky’s perfect, thanks.”

He nods and disappears into the kitchen to fetch a third glass.

I sink into my usual spot on the tiny sofa, stretching out as Maya slips in beside me without a word, knees tucked up, shoulder brushing mine.

Levi returns with her drink and hands it over, then collapses into the armchair with the exaggerated sigh of someone twice his age.

He raises his glass with a grin. “To awkward moments that we’ll never speak of again.”

Maya snorts, and I grin. Our glasses meet with a soft clink. So much for him not making jokes.

I take a long sip. The whisky’s sharp and warm going down, but I feel better for it.

Maya takes a slow sip, then exhales like it’s the whisky giving her courage. “Okay. I’m sorry about earlier. I’m usually very good at not flashing the neighbours. Promise.”

Levi leans back, hand to his heart. “Wow. And here I thought I was special. Anyways, it beats walking in on you two arguing about lasagna or whatever it is you guys bicker over.”

“Okay, fair,” I laugh. He’s not wrong. “We do always seem to be mid-fight when you call by.”

Levi grins, swirling his drink. “Well, I hope I haven’t ruined sex for you guys forever.”

Maya doesn’t miss a beat. “No more than anyone you’ve ever disappointed in bed.”

“Oof.” I hold up my hand, and she smacks it with a high-five.

“If you mean I’ve ruined sex for them because nobody else will be as good, sure!”

Crickets.

Maya narrows her eyes playfully. “It’s reeeeally been a while since you got laid, huh?”

He puts a hand to his chest. “Excuse me—”

“Yeah… It’s been a while,” Maya laughs.

“Well, it’s been longer than you guys...” Levi smirks, then pulls an exaggerated guilty face. “Oops. Sorry. Too soon?”

Maya groans, covering her face. “Oh my God.”

“Is this how it’s going to be now?” I ask, giving him a look.

“Afraid so,” he replies.

“Don’t worry,” he says, nudging her foot with his. “Your secret’s safe with me. I’ll barely even bring it up…”

“Levi!” Maya groans, but she’s laughing.

I shake my head. “Alright, that’s enough. We need some dirt on you too.”

“Oh yeah?” He raises an eyebrow.

“Truth or dare, Levi?” I say, setting my glass down.

“Oh god…” Maya moans, a mix of dread and amusement in her voice.

“Fine. Do your worst.” Levi knocks back a healthy gulp of whisky, bracing himself. “Truth.”

I pause to think for a moment. I open my mouth, but Maya’s faster.

“When was the last time you got laid?” she blurts, grinning.

Levi groans. “Should’ve seen that coming.” He points at her. “Just remember this moment when it’s my turn to ask questions.”

He takes another sip, then shrugs. “A month or two ago. Chloe.”

Maya’s eyes widen dramatically. “Chloe? Had sex? With you?”

“Yep,” he says, smug. “And more than once before you say anything!”

“Hmm, fair play. You’ve got more game than I give you credit for.” She seems impressed.

“Apology accepted,” Levi turns to me with a sly grin.. “Alright, Charlie, you’re up. Truth or dare?” 

“I’ll take a truth too,” I reply, bracing myself.

“Be honest. Did you guys, y’know, carry on after I left?”

For a second, I blink. I hadn’t even thought about that until now. The sheer horror of Levi barging in had erased everything else.

I laugh nervously, shaking my head. "No, we didn’t. That dumbfounded look on your face just wouldn’t leave my mind."

Levi smirks, eyes glinting. “So, what, you climaxed right then and there?”

I glance at Maya, who’s biting her lip to keep from laughing. “Yeah, sure, Levi.”

He leans back, a sly grin spreading across his face. “Fair enough. Maya, your turn.”

“Truth,” she says, voice calm and steady.

Levi’s grin widens, clearly enjoying the build-up. ““Alright then. Do you like being in charge in the bedroom, or is it more of a ‘yes, Charlie, whatever you want’ kind of vibe?”

Maya scoffs. “Fuck you! What do you think?”

He puts on a fake dazed expression.

She throws a knowing glance my way. “Charlie’s the one who likes doing what he’s told. Don’t you, baby?”

She knew how to get me. I try to keep my cool, but it gets me hot and bothered. “More like you just need to get your own way,” I throw back. 

Maya’s smirk sharpens, all mischief. Levi glances between us, clearly enjoying every crackle of tension.

He laughs under his breath. “Yeah, that actually tracks.” He tops off his drink, then stands with a stretch. “Pass your glasses, I’ll grab some fresh ice.”

As soon as he disappears around the corner, Maya leans toward me slightly, her voice low, thoughtful. “Hey. You okay?”

I meet her gaze. “Yeah. Are you?”

She nods, her smile easy, but there’s something more behind it. “Yeah. I just wanted to check you’re still... good. That this isn’t too much.”

I exhale slowly, only now realising how tightly I’d been holding that tension. “It’s not weird. Just…”

She tilts her head. “Just?”

I give her a half-smile. “Are you feeling this... whatever this is? Or am I just making it up in my head?”

She doesn’t answer right away. Then she says, quietly but certain, “No. I feel it too.”

We’ve talked about sex in front of Levi a dozen times. But tonight feels different.

“If you wanted to… see where it goes,” I say, my voice soft. “I’d be okay with that. Just so you know.”

Maya watches me, something unreadable flickering in her eyes. Before either of us can say more, the freezer clicks shut and ice clinks softly into a glass.

She leans back in her seat, and as she does, her fingers lightly brush mine. It says more than words would’ve.

Levi returns with our drinks. “Here you go,” he says brightly, grinning as he hands back our glasses.

“Thanks,” I reply, taking mine. “Your turn. Truth or dare?”

He sinks back into his seat with a mock-serious look. “Hmm… let’s go with another truth.”

I let the silence stretch for a beat, then go for it. “What’s the kinkiest thing you’ve ever done in bed?”

Levi raises his eyebrows, genuinely caught off guard. “Jesus. Straight for the throat, huh?” He chuckles, running a hand over his jaw like he’s weighing how much to reveal. “There’s not exactly a PG way to explain that one.”

I smirk. “We’re not prudes, Levi. I think we can handle it.”

Our eyes lock on him, the room pulsing with quiet anticipation.

“Alright, sure. A few years back, I was with this girl who really got off on being dominated. The usual stuff, tied up, blindfolded, totally at my mercy.” He pauses, the weight of what’s coming hanging in the air.

“She didn’t just like it. It was like she craved being torn down. Calling her filthy names, making her beg, pushing her right to the edge until she was a mess… just… treating her like a slut.”

Maya shifts, a slow, wicked smile creeping over her lips. I feel the heat rising in my chest.

I can’t resist the tease. “And all for her benefit, right? You definitely didn’t enjoy it at all.”

“Oh yeah, totally. Not in the slightest.” Levi lets out a laugh. “Alright then, Charlie. Your turn.”

I hesitate for a moment, the idea of a dare flashing through my mind. No way. “Truth,” I say, swallowing the sudden flutter of nerves.

Levi’s smile widens, clearly having fun with this. “Alright, spill it. What’s your kink? What do you like in bed?”

Maya catches my eye, shooting me a teasing smile as she slowly lifts her foot, wiggling her toes just enough to catch my attention.

I feel my cheeks flush immediately. Swallowing hard, I manage a nod. “Well… I guess it’s kinda weird, but I’ve got a bit of a thing for feet.”

Levi raises an eyebrow, entertained but not judging. “Feet? I can kinda get that. Everyone’s got their thing! Points for honesty.”

Maya’s grin gets even wider, and I can’t help but feel the heat rising again. 

Levi leans back, cracking a sly smile as he glances at Maya. “Alright, your turn now. Truth or dare?”

“I’ll go truth too,” Maya says, her voice light but with a teasing edge. “Since you two are being boring.”

Levi’s lets out a choked laugh. “Okay, noted. Alright then… here’s one.”

He turns to Maya, voice low and deliberate. “Is there a small part of you that wanted to get caught by me earlier?”

Her cheeks flush a fierce, burning red. The room seems to shrink as the silence lingers. She doesn’t say a word, just reaches for her drink, lifting it slowly. Her fingers brush the glass, trembling slightly.

Then, with a barely perceptible nod, she takes a long, deliberate gulp.

Levi’s eyes narrow just a fraction, a slow, satisfied smile curling at the corner of his lips.

He turns his gaze to me, sharp but teasing. “Charlie? What about you?”

My gaze falls, but I can’t escape the wildfire burning through me. A pulse that shakes my insides.

I give a faint nod.

He leans back casually, but the energy in the room tightens. “Well, that makes things… interesting,” he says, voice low, teasing.

Maya blinks, clearly as flushed as I am, though she tries to keep her cool. “Truth or dare, Levi?”

A slow grin spreads across his face. “Dare.”

I hold my breath, waiting for Maya to say something, but she stays silent. Is she thinking up a dare? Or is she waiting for me to come up with something?

My pulse hammers in my ears. The adrenaline’s building, ready to push me over the edge. I can tell Maya’s feeling it too. And Levi? Yeah, I’m pretty sure I’m reading this right.

So, here goes.

“I dare you to kiss Maya.