Anticipation & Unspoken Desires

"Grande iced caramel macchiato, extra shot, light ice," Aurora said, pulling out her phone to tap her payment.

"Make that two," Nora added, leaning on the counter with a grin. "And a blueberry scone. She’s gonna steal half of it anyway."

Aurora scoffed. "I am not—"

"You totally are," Nora cut in. "You do it every time."

The barista handed over their drinks, and they made their way to a small corner table, squeezing into the booth. Starbucks was busy, filled with the low hum of conversation, the hiss of the espresso machine, and the occasional clatter of cups. The cozy lighting made it the perfect place for their usual post-class debrief.

"So, back to what I was saying," Nora started, peeling off a chunk of her scone. "You don’t even realize how much attention you get. I mean, Damian couldn’t keep his eyes off you all class, so I wouldn’t count on him to lend you his notes if you didn’t take any today."

Aurora raised a skeptical brow, sipping her drink. "Oh yeah?"

"Yes! You walk into a room, and people look. Like, you could be wearing sweats, and guys would still be breaking their necks. It's actually unfair."

Aurora snorted. "You're exaggerating."

"I’m really not," Nora insisted. "I think you should test it. Just to see how powerful your aura is."

Aurora narrowed her eyes. "How am I supposed to do that?"

Nora leaned in, grinning like she had the greatest idea in the world. "A dare."

Aurora groaned. "Oh no."

"Oh yes," Nora said dramatically. "You, on the train, in that dress. No talking. No flirting. Just vibes. I wanna see how many people lose their minds over you."

Aurora rolled her eyes, but the challenge sent a little spark of excitement through her. It was ridiculous. And yet… "Fine," she said, smirking over the rim of her cup. "Let’s see what happens."

Nora gasped, practically bouncing in her seat. "Wait, wait, wait. I just had the best idea."

Aurora raised a suspicious brow. "That’s rarely a good sign."

Nora ignored her. "You should do it on our overnight train ride next weekend when we travel for fall break."

Aurora blinked. "The one where we’re stuck on a train for, like, ten hours?"

"Exactly!" Nora grinned, pointing at her like she’d just unlocked the meaning of life. "Think about it—way more people than a subway ride. More time for them to notice you. More potential for a little… adventure."

Aurora rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t deny that the idea made her pulse quicken. Their college had a short mid-semester break coming up, and instead of flying, they’d booked tickets for a scenic overnight train ride. Originally, it was supposed to be just a chill way to kick off the trip—reading, sleeping, maybe sneaking a bottle of wine into their cabin. But now?

"You’re actually serious about this?" Aurora asked, half amused, half intrigued.

"One hundred percent," Nora said through a mouthful of scone. "I wanna see how many people lose their minds over you. And, like, maybe one of them will be hot. And maybeeee something will happen." She wiggled her eyebrows.

Aurora laughed, shaking her head. "You are so unserious."

"But am I wrong?"

Aurora opened her mouth to argue, but nothing came out. Because honestly? Nora had a point.

She wasn’t oblivious—she had noticed the way people looked at her sometimes. Like that day at the beach with Mark, when they were just messing around in the water, and suddenly, things shifted. The way his hands lingered on her waist, the way his voice dropped when he whispered something in her ear, the way she could feel people watching them from the shore. She hadn’t meant for it to happen, but the attention—the weight of all those eyes, the unspoken curiosity—had sent a rush through her that she hadn’t been able to shake for days. And now, the thought of stepping into that same energy, but in the close quarters of a train, where every glance could stretch longer, where there was nowhere to escape the tension… it made her stomach tighten in a way that had nothing to do with nerves.

Maybe it was the caffeine. Maybe it was the way Nora was watching her like she was dying for the drama of it all.  Or maybe, deep down, she really did want to try. Aurora took a slow sip of her macchiato, locking eyes with Nora over the rim of her cup. "Fine," she said, lips curving into a smirk. "Let’s see what happens."

Nora gasped, clapping her hands together. "OH MY GOD, this is gonna be so good."

Aurora just laughed, but the truth was—she had no idea what she was getting herself into.

Aurora stood in front of her mirror, chewing her lip as she eyed the outfit laid out on her bed. A black satin slip dress, just short enough to keep things interesting but not so daring that she’d feel ridiculous walking through the train station. Next to it, a slouchy cardigan. A knock at her door snapped her out of her thoughts.

“Hurry up, loser! The Uber’s almost here,” Aurora heard Nora call out through the window.

When she swung the door open, Nora was waiting in the hallway, suitcase in hand, wearing an oversized sweatshirt and biker shorts. The moment her eyes landed on the cardigan, she groaned dramatically.

“Are you serious right now?” She grabbed the fabric between her fingers, inspecting it like it was offensive. “This is not the energy we discussed.”

Aurora rolled her eyes. “It’s chilly.”

“It’s a safety blanket,” Nora shot back, crossing her arms. “You’re literally covering up the whole point of the dare. What, are you scared someone might actually look at you?”

Aurora scoffed, shifting her bag higher on her shoulder. “No, I just don’t feel like freezing my ass off all evening.”

“Mhm,” Nora hummed, unconvinced. “Sure. Nothing to do with you totally freaking out about being people watching you on the train..”

Aurora sighed, tugging the cardigan tighter around herself before muttering, “Okay, maybe a little.”

Nora grinned, satisfied. “Don’t worry, babe. By tonight, you’ll be strutting through that train car like you own the place.”

Aurora rolled her eyes, but despite herself, she felt the corners of her lips twitch upward.  

“Come on,” Nora said, looping her arm through Aurora’s and dragging her toward the door. “Let’s get this show on the road.”

But Aurora suddenly stopped, digging her heels into the floor.

Nora turned, raising a brow. “What now?”

Aurora smirked. “If I’m doing this, you’re doing it too.” She eyed Nora’s oversized sweatshirt. “No way you get to sit back in your cozy little hoodie while I’m out here getting stared at like a museum exhibit.”

Nora scoffed. “Excuse me? This isn’t my dare.”

“Yeah, well, consider it a new dare,” Aurora shot back. “You wanna make me the main attraction? Fine. But you’re not hiding in that potato sack while I suffer.” She gestured toward Nora’s suitcase. “I know you packed something cute. Go change."

Nora narrowed her eyes like she wanted to argue, but Aurora just crossed her arms, tilting her head expectantly. A beat of silence. Then— “Ugh, fine.” Nora rolled her eyes and shoved her suitcase open, digging through the mess inside. “I hate that you’re learning to throw my own energy back at me.”

Aurora grinned, satisfied. “You love it.”

“Debatable,” her best friend responded. After a few seconds of rummaging, Nora pulled out a fitted crop top and a sleek, high-waisted skirt. “Happy now?”

Aurora gave an approving nod. “Much better.”

As Nora slipped into the new outfit, she turned to Aurora with a smirk. “You do realize this just means we’re about to cause double the chaos, right?”

Aurora bit her lip, suppressing a smile. Maybe this dare wouldn’t be so terrifying after all.  “Guess we’ll find out.” With that, they grabbed their bags and headed out the door.

The station was buzzing with travelers, the air filled with the hum of conversation, the rolling of suitcases, and the occasional garbled announcement over the intercom. Aurora and Nora weaved through the crowd, their overnight bags slung over their shoulders, coffee cups in hand.

They stepped onto the train, the cool air inside a relief from the warmth of the station. Their cabin was small but comfortable—two seats facing another two, with a fold-out table between them. A large window framed the passing scenery as the train rumbled to life.

A Slow Burn at Full Speed

Nora tossed her bag onto the overhead rack and plopped down by the window. “Okay, we have officially entered main-character mode.”

Aurora rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t deny the excitement bubbling in her chest. She sank into the seat across from Nora, stretching her legs.

The rhythmic hum of the train and the gentle sway of the carriage made Aurora’s eyelids grow heavy. Across from her, Nora had already surrendered to sleep, her head tilted back against the window, lips slightly parted. Aurora shifted, tucking her legs beneath her, and let her gaze wander out into the night beyond the glass.

That was when he walked in.

The presence was undeniable. Even before she turned her head, something in the air shifted. A subtle awareness crept over her skin, pulling her attention toward the aisle.

He moved through the carriage with effortless confidence, hands tucked into the pockets of his dark jeans, a fitted white tee stretched over broad shoulders. He didn’t seem in a rush. His gaze flickered over passengers, scanning the rows, before it landed on the empty seat directly in front of her.

Aurora barely had time to process before he slid into the seat, stretching one arm over the backrest with easy familiarity. The low light cast shadows across his sharp features—defined cheekbones, a strong jawline, a mouth that curled into something just short of a smirk.

And his eyes—They locked onto hers without hesitation, dark and assessing. Like he knew something she didn’t. Like he was already three steps ahead in a game she hadn’t realized she was playing. Aurora’s breath caught, her drowsiness evaporating instantly.

“Rough day?” His voice was rich, smooth. The kind that could command a room without ever needing to be raised.

Aurora blinked, struggling to pull herself together. “Uh—sorry?”

His lips twitched like she’d amused him. “You looked like you were about to fall asleep.”

She shifted slightly, hyperaware of how the satin of her dress slid against her skin. She forced herself to meet his gaze with something resembling composure. “It’s an overnight train. I figured that’s kind of the point.”

He chuckled, low and warm. “Fair enough.”

A rustling beside her broke the moment. Nora stirred, stretching with a groggy yawn before noticing the new arrival. Her eyes flicked from Aurora to him, then back to Aurora.

Aurora didn’t have to look to know the exact expression on her best friend’s face.

“Well, hello,” Nora said, her voice still thick with sleep but already laced with mischief.

“Evening,” he greeted smoothly, shifting his attention toward her, though not before his gaze briefly flickered back to Aurora.

Nora took in the scene like she was watching her favorite drama unfold. She leaned forward, resting her chin in her palm. “We didn’t catch your name.”

He tilted his head slightly, as if considering whether he wanted to share it. Then: “Jude.”

Aurora swore she felt the name settle somewhere in her chest.

“Well, Jude,” Nora continued, the gears already turning in her mind, “are you traveling alone?”

He nodded. “For now.”

Something about the way he said it sent a shiver down Aurora’s spine.

“So are we,” Nora said, flashing a slow, knowing smile. “It’s nice to have company.”

Jude’s gaze flicked between them, assessing, amused. Aurora had the distinct feeling that he was already in control of whatever dynamic was forming between the three of them. That he knew exactly what kind of effect he had. And he was enjoying it.

“So,” he said, shifting slightly, his knee grazing against Aurora’s beneath the table. The touch was fleeting, barely there. And yet, it sent a quiet thrill up her spine. “What were your plans for this train ride before I interrupted?”

Nora shot Aurora a look, the kind that said should we tell him? Aurora hesitated, her pulse picking up. “Just…talking.”

Jude’s gaze lingered on her for a beat too long, as if he could see straight through the half-truth. Then, without breaking eye contact, he leaned back slightly. “Good conversation?”

Nora grinned. “Actually, it was about a dare.”

Aurora shot her a warning glance, but it was too late. Jude’s brows lifted slightly in interest.

“A dare?”

Nora leaned forward conspiratorially. “A little social experiment, if you will.”

Aurora’s face burned. “Nora, I swear to God.”

Jude’s lips curled at the corners. “Sounds intriguing.”

Nora nudged Aurora with her foot under the table. “Go on. Tell him.”

Aurora exhaled sharply, shooting her best friend a look that promised revenge before glancing back at Jude. His expression was expectant, but patient. Like he had all the time in the world to watch her squirm.

“It was stupid,” she said, hoping to downplay it. “Just—just a dumb bet about, um, attention.”

Jude’s gaze didn’t waver. “Attention?”

Nora jumped in. “Specifically, how much of it she gets without even trying.”

Jude’s eyes darkened slightly as they settled back on Aurora. The moment stretched.

“Well,” he said, voice lower now. “I’d say the bet is already won.”

Nora, the ever-supportive menace, let out a quiet, delighted ohhh.

Jude tilted his head, watching Aurora’s reaction with something dangerously close to satisfaction. “And now that you’ve won,” he continued smoothly, “what happens next?”

Aurora swallowed hard. She had no answer.

Jude leaned in slightly, closing the space between them just enough to make her hyperaware of how close he was. Of the heat between them.

Nora broke the tension with a dramatic sigh. “Well, I, for one, think we should celebrate. Drinks?”

Jude’s smirk lingered as he pulled back, breaking the hold he had on Aurora—at least for now. “I like the way you think.”

As Nora flagged down the attendant, Aurora exhaled, forcing herself to steady her pulse. She made the mistake of glancing at Jude again. He was still watching her.

Aurora shifted in her seat, acutely aware of the slow, rhythmic vibrations of the train beneath her. It hummed through her body, a steady pulse she couldn’t ignore, heightened by the way the man across from her studied her with those sharp, unreadable eyes. She swallowed, heat curling low in her stomach as she forced herself to maintain eye contact.

Her dress, already teasing against her skin, felt impossibly thin under his gaze. It didn’t help that the chilly air of the cabin caused her body to react. The sheer material betrayed her arousal as the tight buds of her nipples strained against it, aching for attention.

The air between them grew thick, and suddenly, every sensation was amplified—the brush of fabric against her thighs, the way the vibrations of the train seemed to pulse in sync with the thrum of her own heartbeat. She shifted again, her breath catching slightly as an unfamiliar, electric tension built inside her.

He smirked, like he knew exactly what she was thinking. "You look a little flushed, love. Feeling warm?"

Aurora's fingers curled into her lap, her breath shallow as she forced a smirk. "It’s just the train."

His gaze flickered over her again, slow and knowing. "Sure it is."

Aurora leaned back against her seat, her pulse still erratic even after the man had turned his gaze away. The train continued its steady journey through the night, but her mind was anything but calm. She exhaled slowly, pressing her thighs together, as if that would quell the lingering ache. The tension had seeped into her bones, curling around her like an invisible thread, pulling her toward something inevitable.

Her gaze flickered back to him, his profile illuminated by the dim lighting of the cabin. He exuded an effortless confidence, his posture relaxed yet commanding. He hadn’t even touched her, and yet she felt the weight of his presence pressing into her skin, unraveling her bit by bit.

The cabin door slid open, and Nora returned from the restroom, sliding into her seat next to Aurora with a practiced ease. Her eyes flitted to the man across from them, a slow, knowing smirk curving her lips. Aurora tensed slightly. She knew that look.

Nora tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, drawing attention to the smooth slope of her neck as she leaned forward on the table. "So," she said, her voice light, teasing. "What are we talking about?"

The man’s gaze flickered to her, then back to Aurora, amusement dancing in his expression. "Your friend here was just telling me how much she loves train rides," he said smoothly.

Aurora shot him a look, her lips parting slightly in protest, but before she could speak, Nora let out a soft laugh. "Oh, she does. Loves the whole experience. The motion, the thrill… everything about it."

Aurora’s stomach tightened. The words were innocent enough, but the way Nora said them, her tone dipping just slightly into something suggestive, made her breath catch.

She forced a smile. "Well, it is an adventure," she said, alluding to her and Nora’s life-long motto. Her voice was a touch softer than she intended, hoping to reclaim the moment. She shifted slightly, angling her body toward him, subtly closing the space between them.

Nora mirrored the motion, her fingers brushing casually against the rim of her glass as she tilted her head. "And you?" she asked him, her lashes dipping low. "What’s your favorite part of a long ride?"

The man exhaled a quiet chuckle, his gaze flicking between them. "I’d say it’s the company," he mused, resting his chin on his hand. "Especially when it’s as captivating as this."

Aurora felt a rush of warmth bloom in her chest, but she kept her expression composed, her fingers tightening slightly against the fabric of her dress. Leaning in just a fraction more, she let her lips part slightly, her breath steady as she met his gaze head-on. "Well then," she murmured, voice low enough that only he could hear. "Let’s hope we can keep you entertained."

Nora’s eyes sparkled, catching the shift in Aurora’s tone. Aurora could feel the way they were both circling him, testing the waters, neither one willing to step aside just yet.

The man smiled, slow and deliberate, eyes flickering between them before settling back on Aurora. "I have a feeling you will."

"Alright, let’s make this more interesting," Nora announced suddenly, breaking the simmering tension as she leaned forward with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Let’s play a game."

Aurora blinked, trying to gather herself. "What kind of game?"

The man smirked, clearly amused by the sudden shift in energy. "I’m intrigued. What do you have in mind?"

Nora drummed her fingers on the table between them. "Something simple, but… revealing."

She let the word hang between them before continuing. "We take turns making statements—things we’ve done, things we want to do. If you’ve done it, you take a sip of your drink. If you want to do it, you tap the table."

Aurora felt her pulse spike. Of course Nora would come up with something like this. It was just suggestive enough to make things dangerous.

"That sounds like trouble," Aurora murmured, though she didn’t decline.

"Only if you’re hiding something," the man replied smoothly, his gaze locking onto hers.

Nora grinned, rubbing her hands together. "Alright, I’ll start. I’ve… skinny-dipped before." She took a smug sip of her own drink.

Aurora hesitated, then tapped the table lightly, feeling the weight of the man's eyes on her fingers. The man across from her had no way of knowing that Aurora had thought back to her summer adventure at the beach. Although she and Mark hadn’t gone all the way, her mind had frequently traveled to both skinny dipping and nude beaches since their encounter. The meeting with the married man had been one to remember, but it had also left her aching for more.

"Interesting," he mused. "Your turn, love."

Aurora bit her lip, pulse hammering in her throat. She could play this safe. Or she could lean into the heat of the moment. She lifted her gaze to his and let the words slip free before she could second-guess herself. "I’ve thought about letting someone I just met… completely take control."

Silence stretched between them, thick and charged. And then—he tapped the table. Then, as if to throw all caution to the wind, Nora tapped the table, too.

Aurora swallowed, her fingers lightly tracing the rim of her drink as she fought to steady herself. The tap of their fingers against the table echoed in her mind, a quiet promise wrapped in something dark and delicious. 

Nora, never one to let a charged moment slip away, smirked and leaned closer, resting her chin on her hand. "Okay, my turn." Her eyes flickered between Aurora and the man, a slow grin stretching across her lips. "I’ve kissed someone just to make someone else jealous."

Aurora rolled her eyes but lifted her cup, taking a small sip. No point in pretending otherwise. The man raised a brow, but he didn't drink. Instead, he tapped the table.

"So, you’ve thought about it, huh?" Nora teased, tilting her head. "Anyone in particular?"

His gaze slid to Aurora, and for a split second, the breath caught in her throat. It was subtle, almost imperceptible, but she felt it like a brand.

"Wouldn’t you like to know," he murmured, his voice deep and smooth, sending a delicious shiver down Aurora’s spine.

Nora chuckled, but Aurora could tell she noticed the shift too—the way the air had thickened, the way she was no longer the one directing the game.

Jude, as if sensing the perfect moment, leaned back in his seat and let a slow smirk spread across his lips. "Alright," he said, his voice dripping with amusement. "My turn." His fingers drummed against the table, eyes flickering between the two women before he spoke again. "Never have I ever… had the pleasure of entertaining two beautiful women at the same time."

Aurora took a deep breath. The words hung in the air, rich with suggestion, unraveling something deep in her belly. She could feel Nora's eyes on her, but she couldn't look away from him. He wasn't just playing anymore—he was setting the stage, daring them both to step closer to the fire.

Nora, always quick to take up a challenge, reached for her drink and took a slow, deliberate sip, her eyes sparkling with mischief. Then, she raised a brow at Aurora. "What about you?"

Aurora hesitated, her pulse roaring in her ears. The weight of their gazes pressed against her, tempting her, teasing her. Her fingers hovered over the table, her skin burning with anticipation. And then, with a deep inhale, she tapped. Jude's smirk deepened, and Nora hummed in satisfaction.

"Your turn, love," Jude said, leaning forward slightly, his eyes locked onto hers.

Aurora exhaled, her body betraying her with the way it leaned into the moment, heat curling low in her belly. Two could play at this game.

"I’ve," she started, choosing her words carefully, her voice dipping just enough to make it clear she wasn’t backing down, "thought about sharing someone. Just to see if I could."

Nora didn’t hesitate. She tapped the table first, her gaze flickering between Aurora and Jude, lips curving into something knowing and wicked. Jude followed a beat later, his smirk deepening, his fingers pressing against the wood as if sealing an unspoken promise.

"Bold," Jude murmured, amusement and something darker laced in his tone. "I like that."

The conversation had turned razor-sharp, the game no longer just a game but something more—a quiet battle of wills, an unraveling of control. And for the first time that night, Aurora wasn’t sure who was winning.

The evening had drawn on, and at some point, the quiet hum of the train had dulled into something almost hypnotic. The once-bustling carriage had emptied, leaving only the three of them in the dim, flickering glow of the overhead lights. The occasional sway of the train sent shadows shifting across the cabin walls, a rhythmic lull that matched the slow, steady pulse in Aurora’s veins.

There would be no more stops until morning. No new passengers filtering in, no interruptions. Aurora realized this with a slow inhale, her fingertips brushing idly against the condensation on her glass. The night stretched ahead of them, unbroken, filled with opportunity.

Her gaze flickered to Nora, sprawled comfortably against her seat, her lips curved in lazy amusement. Then to him, the man who had somehow unraveled her piece by piece without ever laying a hand on her. He exuded an unshaken calm, but beneath it, she could sense something smoldering—something patient, waiting, inviting her to step closer. 

The realization settled over her like warm silk: they were alone. No one would walk through the carriage. No one would see.

The thought sent a thrill skittering through her veins, heat pooling low in her belly. She could still feel the weight of his gaze from the last round of their game, the way his fingers had tapped the table with quiet certainty, answering her challenge.

Nora stretched lazily, her movements slow and deliberate as she tilted her head, letting her gaze settle on Jude. A knowing smirk tugged at her lips, and Aurora knew that look well—it was the look of a woman about to take control of the room.

"You know," Nora purred, propping her elbow on the table and resting her chin in her palm, "I think this game is getting a little stale."

Jude’s brow lifted slightly, but his mouth twitched in amusement. "Oh? And what would you suggest instead?"

Nora let the question hang between them before sliding her tongue over her bottom lip, deliberately drawing his attention there. "Something more… interactive."

Aurora’s breath caught in her throat.

Jude exhaled a low chuckle, his fingers drumming lightly against the table. "You’re quite the instigator, aren’t you?"

Nora’s smirk deepened. "Only when the moment calls for it." She leaned forward, closing the space between them just enough to make her intention clear. "And I think it does, don’t you?"

Jude’s eyes darkened slightly, the shift subtle but unmistakable. He didn’t move away, didn’t break the tension. If anything, he seemed intrigued, caught in the slow, winding trap that Nora wove with effortless ease.

Aurora swallowed, her skin prickling with heat. She should have expected this—Nora never let herself be outmatched for long. But watching her best friend maneuver through this moment so effortlessly sent a ripple of something unexpected through her. 

And then Nora turned to her, amusement glinting in her eyes, as if she could sense exactly where Aurora’s thoughts had gone.

"You look a little tense, babe," Nora murmured, reaching out to tuck a stray lock of hair behind Aurora’s ear. Her touch lingered, her fingers barely skimming the sensitive skin of her jaw. "You’re not getting shy on me now, are you?"

Aurora shivered under the attention, her pulse hammering in her throat.

Jude watched them both with quiet intensity, his gaze flickering between them. His eyes traced the contrast between them—Aurora’s fiery red hair cascading over her bare shoulders, the black satin of her slip dress clinging to her lithe frame, the sheer material teasing at what lay beneath. Then there was Nora, all dark elegance, her raven hair a striking frame for the sharp curve of her jaw, her fitted crop top revealing toned abs, the sleek high-waisted skirt accentuating every movement of her hips. Jude took his time drinking in the sight, the slow curl of a smirk playing on his lips as if he already knew how this night would end.

Nora trailed her fingers down Aurora’s arm, then turned back to Jude with a slow, lazy grin. "Think we can help her relax?"

Without waiting for his response, Nora shifted closer, her body a whisper of warmth against Aurora’s side. Her fingers traced along the rim of her glass before setting it down with a deliberate clink. She turned, her gaze locking onto Aurora’s with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine.

Nora let a single finger trail along Aurora’s forearm, tickling her, intensifying the shivers Aurora was already experiencing. “Is this making you relax,” Nora asked teasingly, breathing softly into Aurora’s ear.

The train's steady hum beneath them only made the weight of the moment feel heavier, like the vibrations had settled deep into her bones. She was aware of everything—the way Jude watched, relaxed yet completely in tune, the way Nora leaned in, her lips hovering just close enough to make her breath catch.

"Not exactly," Aurora responded. The slight shake in her voice confirmed Nora’s suspicion that Aurora was close to surrendering to her emotions.

“Well, maybe we should do a better job at making you relax,” Nora started. "Trust me," she continued quietly, intently.

Jude said nothing, but his presence was a weight that anchored her. Slowly, Aurora exhaled and let her eyelids flutter shut.

"Good girl," Nora praised, so soft it was almost lost beneath the train’s rhythm.

Aurora felt the air shift before she felt the touch—a ghost of fingertips down her wrist, tracing the lines of her palm. Her skin tingled where Nora’s touch lingered, light and deliberate, as if memorizing the shape of her.

"Feel that?" Nora murmured. "Nothing else matters right now. Just this."

The warmth of another presence stirred the air beside her. Jude. He didn’t touch her—not yet—but she could feel the nearness of him, the way he let the moment stretch, tightening the anticipation like a drawn bowstring.

"You like being watched, don’t you?" His voice was low, almost a rumble, a quiet challenge wrapped in silk.

Aurora didn’t answer, couldn’t, but she felt her own body betray her—her fingers twitching, her lips parting slightly, her legs parting subconsciously.

Nora hummed in amusement. "I think she does."

A slow exhale slipped past Aurora’s lips, the last remnants of resistance unraveling like a thread pulled loose. The weight of their attention, the careful game of push and pull, it was too much and not enough at the same time. Heat curled low in her belly, a delicious ache that begged to be answered. Aurora made her move. Her fingers, once clenched in her lap, lifted, trailing lightly over Nora’s wrist before traveling up, tracing the bare skin of her arm, locating her collarbone, gracing slowly across her chest, only to settle on Nora’s abs.

The shift in control sent a flicker of something dark through Nora’s gaze. “I didn’t think you had it in you,” she revealed, almost as she was daring her to go on.

With her hands on Nora’s abs, Aurora leaned in to kiss her. She tilted her head to the and parted her own lips. Nora closed her eyes, gasped, and tilted her head, too, to accept Aurora’s invite. Aurora’s lips flicked across Nora’s lips without giving her what her best friend wanted. Instead, Aurora landed a kiss on the corner of her mouth. Mischievously, Aurora then turned. She tilted her chin up to see him, stood up and closed the space between them. And then, she let go.

Her fingers trailed along the edge of his sleeve, a whisper of contact that sent a charge up her arm. The train rumbled beneath them, a deep, steady vibration that seemed to pulse in sync with the heat coiling in her belly. The tension was unbearable now, an electric hum crackling in the air, daring her to cross the line.

She exhaled slowly, then leaned forward, closing the space between them with deliberate, unhurried grace. Tilting her chin up, she let her lips part, her breath teasing the space between them as her fingers slid lower, grazing the bare skin of his forearm, reveling in the warmth, the strength beneath her touch. She didn’t just meet his gaze this time—she captured it, held it hostage with the quiet, unmistakable invitation in her eyes. No coy hesitation, no careful restraint. She wanted him to see it, to feel it. To feel her take control.

Nora watched with a slow, knowing smile, her eyes flickering between Aurora and Jude like she was savoring every second of the unraveling tension. She leaned in, her voice low and teasing. “You are so bad for leaving me hanging like that” she murmured, trailing a fingertip along the rim of her glass. “But I have to admit, it’s fun to see you take charge.”

Aurora barely had the presence of mind to glare at her, not when Jude’s hands skimmed along the curve of her waist, his touch deliberate, grounding. “You’re enjoying this too much,” Aurora whispered, but even as she said it, her body betrayed her—leaning into the heat, into the way Jude’s fingers tightened ever so slightly in response.

“Oh, you have no idea,” Nora purred, shifting closer, her breath warm against Aurora’s ear. 

Jude’s fingers trailed down Aurora’s arm, slow and deliberate, leaving a path of heat in their wake, before his hand landed on her bare knee. He watched her with a dark, knowing gaze, his voice a low murmur as he brushed his lips just shy of her ear. “I want to make you beg for more,” he asserted.

Nora stretched out her arm and fastened her grip on Jude’s chin, turning his face toward hers with a smirk that left no room for resistance. “You might think you’re the one leading this,” she mused, her thumb brushing over his lower lip. “But I know better.” Her knee pressed against his thigh, her body angled just enough to block him from retreating. “You want her,” she continued, nodding toward Aurora. “I can feel it in the way you breathe. But here’s the thing—you don’t get to have her unless I say so.” Her smile widened, daring him to play her game. “And make no mistake… I will have you, too.”

Heavy with promise, Aurora’s gaze flickered to Nora, who met her with a smirk that was both knowing and inviting. They had always danced on the edge of something reckless, toeing the line between playful indulgence and something deeper, unspoken. Was she ready to cross it? To blur the boundaries of their friendship in a way that couldn’t be undone? The thought sent a thrill through her, tangled with the slightest tremor of uncertainty. But as she watched the way Jude’s fingers curled possessively around Nora’s waist and the way Nora leaned into his touch, Aurora realized the answer was already there—woven into the electricity crackling between them.

Heat surged through her, burning away hesitation as she let instinct take over. With a slow, deliberate movement, she reached for them both—one hand finding the firm plane of Jude’s chest, the other sliding over the smooth curve of Nora’s thigh. The contact sent a shiver racing down her spine. Jude’s eyes darkened in approval, his lips parting as if to speak, but Aurora didn’t give him the chance. She leaned in, her lips brushing the corner of his jaw before shifting toward Nora, her breath warm against her best friend’s skin. If they were going to cross this line, she wouldn’t do it timidly. No more hesitation. No more restraint. Just them, tangled in this moment, surrendering to the pull of something inevitable.

Surrender

Aurora’s pulse hammered in her throat as she let herself take in both of them and the push and pull of energy crackling between all three of them. Nora’s fingers teased a slow path up her arm, settling on Aurora’s neck, while Jude’s hand slowly moved up her thigh. Every breath she took was filled with them—their scent, their heat, their lustful demand for her to let go. She was caught between them; between their softness and strength, and between her own submission and control. She wanted it all.

Aurora barely had time to steady herself before Nora took what she wanted. There was no hesitation in the way she slid her fingers through Aurora’s hair, tugging just enough to make her gasp. The thrill of it sent fire racing through her veins, her body instinctively molding to Nora’s as their lips met—soft at first, then bolder, more demanding. Nora tasted like wine and mischief, her tongue sweeping over Aurora’s bottom lip as if savoring the moment before deepening the kiss. Meanwhile, Jude’s hand kept gliding up and down her thigh, which made Aurora’s dress ride farther and farther up her thigh for every time he moved. Overwhelmed by their combined attention, their hands, their mouths, and their heat pressing into her from both sides. Every brush of skin and every whispered breath, unraveled her completely, until nothing else existed but this moment.

Jude’s grip tightened at the top of her thigh, his fingers digging into her inner thigh. Instinctively, Aurora parted her legs to invite him in. In response, he let his fingers prowl between her legs, playfully tugging at the edges of Aurora’s laced cheekies. His lips found the curve of her throat, kissing, nipping, teasing, while Nora’s hands roamed freely, tracing fire over every inch of exposed skin. Nora’s nails scraped down her back, just rough enough to make Aurora moan of pleasure and pain.

Jude pulled back just enough to break the feverish rhythm. He met Nora’s gaze with a dark, knowing smirk. “Take her,” he murmured, voice thick with authority and desire. “I want to watch.”

Nora’s eyes gleamed with wicked delight, a slow, predatory smile curling on her lips as she turned her full attention to Aurora. “Oh, I intend to,” she purred, threading her fingers through Aurora’s hair and tugging her closer. The shift in control sent a fresh wave of heat crashing through Aurora. Nora’s touch became both possessive and impossibly soft. Aurora gasped into Nora's mouth as Nora’s tongue claimed hers. Their tongues stroked, curled, and devoured each other, the heat between them spiraling out of control. Jude leaned back, watching, hungry and enthralled, as Nora claimed Aurora with deliberate, intoxicating intensity, savoring every reaction, every shudder, and every desperate gasp.

Aurora’s world shattered into sensation—blinding, overwhelming, and exquisite. Nora’s hands and mouth ignited every nerve, drawing her deeper into a haze of raw, unfiltered pleasure. Her body arched, desperate for more, for everything, as lust filled every part of her. But it was Jude’s gaze that set her completely aflame. The way he watched her, dark eyes burning with hunger, with possession—it made her unravel. Every brush of Nora’s lips, every teasing and torturous caress sent her spiraling higher, made her tremble.

With a breathless gasp, she gripped Nora’s shoulders and pushed her back against the seat, eyes dark with intent. Nora barely had time to smirk before Aurora straddled her, fingers threading into her hair as she captured her lips in a kiss that was all fire and possession. She poured everything into it—every ounce of hunger, of need, of the reckless abandon that had taken hold of her. Their bodies pressed together, heat radiating between them, and Aurora reveled in the way Nora’s shallow breath screamed for more in an absolute admission of her loss of control.

Between nipping at Nora’s lower lip and tracing kisses along her jaw, Aurora breathed into Nora’s ear. “How do you like me now?,” she murmured, her tongue flicking against the sensitive skin of her friend’s throat.

“Oh, I like this side of you.”, Nora breathily admitted, her voice husky with arousal.

Aurora rolled her hips against her, relishing the soft moan that escaped Nora’s lips. “Then let’s see how much you can handle.” She pulled back slightly, her gaze smoldering as she turned her attention to Jude, who had been watching them with a dark, unreadable intensity. “Come here,” Aurora beckoned, her voice dripping with wicked invitation. “I think she deserves to feel everything we can give her.”

Nora arched beneath Aurora, her fingers slipping beneath fabric, pushing aside barriers with a slow, deliberate hunger. The slide of cloth against fevered skin sent shivers through Aurora, and she gasped as cool air kissed her exposed flesh, only to be replaced by the heat of Nora’s touch. Jude finally moved, his hands finding Aurora’s shoulders as he pressed a line of open-mouthed kisses down her spine, his breath scalding, his touch reverent and possessive all at once. Layers fell away between them, piece by piece, until nothing remained but skin.

Jude’s hands trailed down Aurora’s sides as he shifted past her, his movements slow, deliberate. She felt the ghost of his breath against her shoulder before he descended further, his focus entirely on Nora now.

Nora let out a shaky sigh as Jude’s lips found her collarbone, pressing a lingering kiss before venturing lower. He took his time, tracing a path down her body with his mouth, worshipping her with every touch. Aurora watched, mesmerized, as she saw Nora surrender beneath his attention, her breath coming in uneven gasps, her fingers gripping tightly into the sides of the seats, knuckles white as she braced herself against the overwhelming sensation.

Jude lifted his head, his gaze smoldering as it flickered between them. His breath was heavy, his hands still trailing over Nora’s skin as he turned his attention to Aurora. Slowly, deliberately, he reached for her, his fingers brushing her jaw, tilting her face toward him.

"I need to hear you both say it," he murmured, his voice thick with desire but laced with something deeper—restraint, respect. His eyes searched hers, waiting. "Do you want this?" He shifted, letting his touch linger between them, his other hand finding Nora’s wrist, grounding them both in the moment. "Both of you?"

There was no hesitation left in Aurora, only the undeniable pull toward something she had craved without realizing it. She met Jude’s gaze, her lips parting to invite his tongue. She curled her fingers loosely along Jude’s rigid cock. "Yes," she whispered, her voice thick with arousal. She then turned to Nora, with her hand still on Jude. "I want this. I want both of you,” she confirmed.

Nora’s smile was slow, wicked, and filled with promise. She reached up, tangling her fingers in Aurora’s hair, pulling her close until their lips brushed. "Then take us," she breathed against her mouth, her eyes gleaming. "We’re yours."

Jude was done waiting. With a growl of possession, he took them both, his hands claiming, his mouth demanding, his body pressing them into the plush seats as if he could mold them into one. There was no hesitation, no question of who was in control—he made them feel it in the way he touched and the way he moved, and the way his hunger devoured every sound they made. 

Nora gasped against Aurora’s lips, her fingers gripping into the leather as Jude’s mouth trailed between them, spreading fire with every kiss, every bite. Aurora’s head fell back, a desperate moan escaping her as Jude’s hands roamed lower, reaching inside her and pressing her further into Nora’s embrace. Lust was the only language now, spoken through every heated breath, every arching body, and every shared cry of pleasure as they surrendered to him and to each other.

Jude’s gaze burned into them both, his expression dark with hunger as he traced the curves of their bodies with his eyes. He had played his part in guiding them to this moment, but he was done leading. He leaned back, the ghost of a smirk on his lips. "Show me," he murmured, voice deep with command. "I want to watch you take what you both want."

Aurora turned to Nora, eyes locked in a silent challenge, and then she acted. In one fluid motion, she pushed Nora down against the seat, pinning her with her thighs. Their mouths crashed together, urgent and reckless, fingers tangled in hair, nails raking against skin.

Nora let out a breathless moan, her body arching beneath Aurora’s weight. "That’s it," she purred, voice thick with approval. "Take what you need."

Jude watched, his chest rising and falling with the slow, controlled breaths of a man barely restraining himself. But his restraint only fed Aurora’s fire. She wanted to undo him, to pull him into the storm she was drowning in. She broke away from Nora just long enough to glance at him, lips parted, chest heaving.

Aurora gasped as Jude’s body pressed closer, his touch firm yet teasing, guiding her into uncharted depths of pleasure. His movements were deliberate, unyielding, stoking the fire that had already consumed her. She felt the press of his desire, the slow, torturous anticipation that sent her mind spiraling. And then—Nora’s hands, soft yet insistent, traced a path down Aurora’s body, parting her further, guiding the moment between them. The intensity of it all shattered every last barrier of restraint, leaving Aurora lost in the raw, unrelenting passion.

Jude shifted his focus to Nora, his movements slow yet deliberate, savoring every reaction he pulled from her. Aurora followed his lead, trailing her fingers down Nora’s flushed skin, drinking in the sight of her unraveling beneath them. Nora arched into their touch, her breath erratic as Jude’s lips found the most sensitive spots along her body. Aurora met Jude’s gaze. He was looking up at her while his tongue played with Nora’s clit. Nora moaned deeply while she grasped for Aurora’s thigh. Curling her arm around Aurora, Nora grabbed and clawed into Aurora’s ass cheeks, while her body was surrendering to the pleasure they gave her.

Aurora barely had time to catch her breath before Jude’s hands were on her again, rough and wanting, pulling her against him. His gaze burned into hers, dark with intent, and for a moment, she felt suspended between desire and delirium.

“You feel incredible,” he murmured, his lips brushing against the shell of her ear before trailing down her throat.

A shiver coursed through her. “Then don’t stop.”

Nora, still sprawled beside them, let out a soft, satisfied sigh, a lazy grin tugging at her lips. She propped herself up on one elbow, watching them with half-lidded amusement, her fingers tracing idle patterns along Aurora’s arm. “You look beautiful like this,” she mused, her voice like warm honey. “Completely undone.”

Aurora could only respond with moans.

“Tell me what you want,” Jude murmured against Aurora’s lips, his breath ragged.

She met his gaze, eyes dark with need. “You.”

Jude didn’t hesitate. Spreading Aurora’s legs, he positioned his thick cock at her opening. Slowly and deliberately, he entered her. Her reaction was immediate and intense. With her eyes fluttering and her body shaking, Aurora grabbed the back of Jude’s hip, not allowing him to give her any rest. Jude complied. Leaning over Aurora, he took one of her perky nipples in his mouth and cupped the other breast. Massaging and kneading her body, he increased the pace of his hips, begging Aurora to give in to the power of their lust. Aurora felt herself tighten around Jude’s cock, fully devouring him as she climaxed and surrendered in ecstasy.

The rhythmic clatter of the train wheels had softened, signaling the approach of their final stop. The deep velvet of the night had faded into the first streaks of dawn, pale gold creeping across the sky as the world outside stirred back to life. Inside the carriage, the air was thick with the remnants of heat, of whispered confessions and tangled limbs, of something raw and unspoken that none of them had dared put into words. There would be plenty of opportunities in the future to discuss what this would mean for Aurora and Nora’s friendship.

Aurora stretched languidly, her body deliciously sore, her mind still hazy with the echoes of the night. Jude was already pulling his shirt back on, fastening each button with a slow, practiced ease, his expression unreadable but satisfied. Nora, still draped lazily across the seat, gave a contented sigh before finally sitting up, raking a hand through her tousled hair.

“Well,” she said, smirking as she met Aurora’s gaze, “I suppose we lost the dare.”

Aurora blinked, then let out a startled laugh. Of course. The game. The whole reason they’d approached Jude in the first place—what had started as a challenge had unraveled into something far beyond what they had planned.

She shook her head, grinning. “Completely.”

Jude chuckled, his amusement laced with something darker, something knowing. “I’d say you both won in other ways.”

Nora shot him a playful wink. “Oh, we’re very aware.”

The train gave a final lurch as it slowed, the station now fully in sight. Their time together had been fleeting, stolen in the quiet hours of the night, but as Aurora met their eyes—Jude’s lingering, Nora’s alight with mischief—she knew it would stay with her, etched into her skin like a secret.

As they gathered their things, Jude leaned in, his lips brushing Aurora’s ear. “Until next time.”

Her heart skipped a beat, but she only smirked, not daring to ask if there would be one. Some moments were meant to be singular, perfect in their impermanence.

With a final exchange of glances, they stepped off the train, disappearing into the waking world, the night left behind—but never forgotten.