Once A Cheater: FORBIDDEN, #2

By Z. S. STORM

Book 2 of the FORBIDDEN series.

*Synopsis*

Sometimes, happy endings are not all they are cut out to be. Relationships take work when misunderstandings, fights and insecurities creep in and people have to make hard choices.

'Once a Cheater' is a novel exploring the dark side of relationships focusing on five individuals introduced in the previous book of the FORBIDDEN series.

Join Skye, Jasper, Cole, Jasmine and Armaan as they navigate the ups and downs of a live-in relationship/marriage.

How far of a step is a person willing to take just to erase pain from their hearts? Can forgiveness be an option when someone you care about intentionally hurts you? And the most important question of all...

Can love survive betrayal?

*This story contains mature themes meant for 18+ readers only.*

Trigger warning:
Infidelity

• Language: English
• Publisher: Storm Publications
• Release date: Feb 27, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393754343

Z. S. STORM

Z. S. STORM writes mostly love stories which are of the dark and disturbed variety. Follow him on Instagram @z.s.storm

Book preview

PART 1

Walking on Thin Ice.

Chapter One

––––––––

Jasmine

Black sky surrounded us, visible through the vast expanse of glass which made up the entrance of the airport. The last time I had been here, dawn had been breaking in. But this time, this night reflected everything I was feeling inside. Darkness. Loneliness. Uncertainty.

Why had I agreed to this? And more importantly, why couldn't he understand what it did to me to set foot in this place once more? Why did he not care?

Jasmine?

I closed my eyes at that sexy murmur meant only for me, resisting its allure. No. I wouldn't melt. I wanted to stay mad at him. This was not okay and he was still a manipulative bastard in some ways. He deserved to be given the cold shoulder.

Armaan Qureshi might be the warmest, kindest person I had ever met but when it came to having his own way, he was not above coercion or tricks. That had been evident from the moment I had met him. And even after being married to him for ten months, I still was not sure what I felt for him was love.

His hand came up to my shoulders and he brought his mouth close to my ear.

It's going to be fine, he whispered. I'm here.

I shrugged him off, letting out a humourless laugh. That's what you said the last time, I reminded him and walked off to join the only other person who seemed safest to me in that moment.

Skye Madison.

****

Skye

"What are those two talking about?" I muttered to Jasmine as we all made our way to the entrance of the airport in Amira.

I was watching Cole and Armaan while the two men conversed and laughed as though they had been friends all their lives while Jasmine and I, along with Jasper, who walked some distance behind, were left out of the conversation.

Jasmine frowned at the pair and then shook her head. Guess he's found a new best friend, she observed quietly.

I glanced at her. Oh? Who was it before? I asked curiously.

The other girl shrugged and let out a sigh. It's a long story. She cleared her throat, cast a surreptitious look over her shoulder at Jasper and glanced back at me. He looks pretty pissed off, she said lightly.

I laughed. Oh, he looks that way all the time. It's hard to tell.

Jasmine nodded to herself. Brooding type, huh?

I could not help the blush spreading across my cheeks, my smile a sweet, secretive one as I peeked over my shoulder as well. Jasper looked up from his phone at that exact moment, caught my stare and winked at me while keeping his expression completely neutral. Blushing even harder, I turned to look straight ahead. God, he still gave me those butterflies.

I love a man who looks like he's got his shit together, Jasmine said casually.

I regarded her uncertainly, wondering whom exactly the other girl was referring to. She simply smiled at me before excusing herself to go talk to her husband.

Something like dread bloomed in the pit of my stomach and I slowed my steps until Jasper was beside me. He frowned at my expression, looking me over.

Babe? You okay?

I hooked my arm through his while smiling up at him, comforted by his tall, looming presence.

"Yeah. Are you okay?" I asked him softly.

Shrugging, Jasper bent to drop a kiss on my cheek. I'm more than okay. I'm about to become a father.

My eyes widened slightly at his confident statement. We don't know whose it is yet, I whispered.

Jasper's gaze softened and his lips curved slightly. It doesn't matter, Skye, he assured me. We're all going to love the kid. I'm not planning to be anyone's uncle here.

I smiled nervously. No. That would be weird.

He nodded in agreement and looked towards Cole, his brow furrowing. Has he said anything to you yet?

I shook my head, worrying my bottom lip between my teeth. No, Jasper.

Jasper squeezed my hip with a hand. He just came to terms with sharing you with me and vice versa. Now we're having a baby. Give him time. He's our little boy after all.

Humorous laughter bubbled out from my throat. It made Cole look over at us with a frown. For a moment, his expression turned almost longing. But it only lasted a split second before he turned away.

I let out a heavy sigh. I miss him, I confessed, emotion clogging my throat.

Jasper pursed his lips in thought. You know what he's like, Madison, he murmured, sounding a little sad. It's just his way of dealing. He'll come around.

****

Cole

There was a car waiting for us as we exited the airport. A long, low limousine, its black exterior glossy as it reflected the night lights. I let out a whistle when Armaan confirmed that was our ride.

Okay, not what I was expecting, I said in mild surprise.

Armaan Qureshi gave me a questioning look as he pushed the trolley containing his and Jasmine's luggage towards the limo. What were you expecting?

I cleared my throat and muttered 'nothing' under my breath but he wouldn't let it go, his amused gaze trained on me. Out with it, Sawyer.

I was trapped. Well...I thought...camels or something, I said in a low, embarrassed tone, hoping he would not get offended.

He stared at me for a while and then burst out laughing. Seriously? What books have you been reading lately? I know it's a tiny Middle Eastern country but trust me, Amira utilises all the advantages that modern day technology has to offer so don't worry, he assured me between laughs.

Okay. I should've known. Nothing ever offended this guy.

We also have Wi-Fi in case you were wondering, he told me in a conspiratorial tone as the rest of our group caught up with us. Camels, he said to himself and chuckled before looking over his shoulder. What about you two? he called out to Skye and Jasper. Were you expecting camels as well?

They both gave him confused looks and then Skye said, I thought camels were only found miles outside of the city here in Amira.

Armaan smiled at her and then looked back at me. You see? That's called doing your research before coming on vacation to a foreign country.

Before I could respond, Jasper clamped a hand over my shoulder and said, We're practically in the middle of a desert in a place bound by tradition and the old ways. You can't blame him for expecting to see something like that.

Exactly. The idea isn't all that preposterous to a first time visitor. Besides, no matter how much technology is introduced, Amira's always going to be a backwards nation if it doesn't stop placing so much emphasis on religion, Jasmine spoke up from next to Armaan before heading off towards the limo.

Jasper's hand was still on me as we walked so I had no choice but to leave the awkward silence that fell upon us all. I kind of felt bad for Armaan. He was a cool dude but Jasper seemed determined not to be impressed by him. And now it appeared that his wife was on team Jasper as well or something. This was going to be a long trip.

****

Chapter Two

––––––––

Armaan

I didn't move from the spot for a few seconds as I watched Jasmine, Cole and Jasper get into the limousine after the two guys loaded their luggage with the help of my driver, feeling saddened but trying my level best not to let it show.

He can be an asshole sometimes, a voice said from beside me. It's hard not to take it personally so I won't ask you not to.

I glanced over at Skye. I don't care what he says. I usually don't bother with assholes but he's my friend's boyfriend so I'm willing to make an exception. You though, I said cheerfully and flicked her nose, are far too sweet for your own good. I hope you enjoy yourself here.

She blushed and I was used to seeing that whenever I addressed women but it still surprised me coming from her. This face was a curse sometimes.

Skye cleared her throat and smiled before excusing herself to go catch up with the others. As I trailed along, I caught sight of Jasper's expression from the open limo door where he sat waiting for his girlfriend. He looked like he wanted to strangle me. Very slowly. And very painfully.

Trying not to roll my eyes at his alpha male attitude, I moved my gaze to Jasmine and frowned when I saw her watching Jasper with a fascinated expression on her face. What was up with her? I knew being here was hard for her because of all the bad memories but she did not have to be so rude. This was my family, my country and she was a part of it too. Why was it so hard for her to be considerate?

****

Jasper

My eyes narrowed when Skye finally stopped blushing as she climbed inside the limo beside Cole and I. She gave me an innocent look and I raised an eyebrow at her.

Skye rolled her eyes at my stare and said, Oh, come on. He's cute. You're bisexual. Don't act like you don't get it. Even Cole thinks he's hot. She gasped and then shot a mortified look at Jasmine who was sitting opposite us with her legs crossed and expression casual. Sorry. I'm so sorry.

Jasmine smiled at her with a slight curve of her lips. All good, she murmured. As long as you don't mind if I stare at your boyfriend. Or boyfriends, she finished with a wink.

Cole chuckled at that but Skye didn't. Me? I was wondering if she was serious or joking because she was staring right at me and there wasn't a hint of humour in her eyes. For some reason, I had to drop my gaze and at the same time, Skye's hand found mine and she snuggled closer.

Armaan joined us a few seconds later and instructed his driver to take us to whatever hell-hole he lived in and I moved my attention to Cole, my elbow nudging him slightly.

He looked over at me and I smiled at him slightly, trying to reassure him. We had not spoken at all about the pregnancy and I wanted him to know that things were only going to get better from here. Fuck. We should've just stayed home. This sort of thing needed to be sorted out in private but here we were on some kind of couples’ vacation. Such wrong timing. Cole smiled back at me and then turned to look out the window at the barren landscape passing by visible only due to some scattered street lights. I couldn't even find this landscape photogenic. It was just so empty.

Skye's head rested on my shoulder and I glanced over at the couple seated opposite us to find Armaan on his phone and his wife's gaze on me again. This time, I stared right back, determined to force her to look away but instead, I found myself feeling...trapped. Her eyes were...so dark and full of secrets...so compelling.

She surveyed me for a long time before moistening her lips and then looking out the window unseeingly.

I realised my heart was beating a little faster than normal and shifted uncomfortably. This vacation was a really bad idea. I had never encountered another alpha in the form of a woman before. And I was not exactly sure how to handle it.

****

Chapter Three

––––––––

Armaan

24 hours earlier.

Milan

...

I'm going to devour you. I pushed myself up as I hovered over Jasmine and gazed at the woman I was crazy about with unconcealed desire. She looked back up at me with a mischievous smile, gorgeous in her crimson silk nightie, dark hair spread across my pillows in abandon.

When I bent to kiss her, she pushed me back by the chest and gave me a pointed look. Don't you have to pack? she asked as a reminder.

I made a face at her. Boring. Then I frowned. "Wait, don't you have to pack?"

Jasmine, my wife for all of ten months, appeared nervous as she avoided my gaze. Um...my agent said-

Okay, fuck what he said. I don't want to know, I snapped and moved away from her angrily. God, Jas, why do you keep bringing him up every time I'm in a good mood?

She frowned at me, sitting up and leaning against chocolate-coloured pillows. "Because I need you to talk about it, Armaan. It's been almost a year. He's your brother."

"He's the one who cut off ties with me," I grated, digging my hands into my hair, feeling that familiar tightening in my chest whenever this topic came up in conversation.

"Can you blame him? He was in love with me! He told you he was in love with me and you decided not to give a damn-"

"I did give a damn! I roared, making her flinch. I loved him so much. Fuck, he meant the world to me, Jas. He was my best friend. But...come on, you...you're mine. You're like the other half of my soul. How could I have given you up?"

My voice broke upon uttering the last sentence and Jasmine gave me a kind look before bowing her head. I know, she whispered, playing with the edge of her nightie. I just feel responsible. You meant the world to him too and I got in the middle of all that.

Hey, sshhh. I was beside her within seconds, cradling her in my arms and kissing the top of her head. This isn't your fault. Or your fight. It's in the past. Alex hates my guts. We just have to live with that. I only ask that you don't mention his name in front of me, okay. I wiped at a stray tear and hugged her tighter, taking comfort instead of giving it this time. It hurts too much.

She was silent for a while and then she drew back to look at me. It's important for me to make a few more public appearances while my new book is still grabbing audiences, she explained. I just need a couple more days in London.

I blew out a long, slow breath. "Honey. For ten months, I haven't asked you to accompany me to Amira. I know you hate it there. I know that. But...this is my nephew. The whole family will be there for his birth celebration. I took her face between my hands and gave her a pleading look. I would never force you. But I need you with me this time. Ammi and Abbu and so many of my other relatives keep asking me why you never visit. Baby, try to remember that we're married."

Her eyes grew mutinous and she pulled away from me abruptly. You say you don't want to force me but then, you're not above coercion or manipulation, she accused me.

I gave her an earnest look. I'm just asking you for your company. Your support. This is a big deal for me.

"Why do you even care? You hate Hamza."

"I don't hate him. I resented him for what he did to you. For not having the sense to leave you alone when you were at your most vulnerable. But he's always going to be my brother. And his son isn't at fault for what Hamza did. We can't just ignore our nephew. He's the first grandchild our family's had."

Ugh. Fine. She scrambled out of bed and threw the pillow aside. I'll go.

I pursed my lips at her. Don't do me any favors.

Jasmine threw up her hands. Damn it, Armaan. I liked you better when you didn't care about these stupid things. Like religion and culture.

I narrowed my eyes at her. "It's about family," I stressed and gave her a disappointed look.

Jasmine just scoffed at me. Yeah, something I don't have so how could I possibly understand, right?

I started to shake my head at her. Now you're just putting words in my mouth. I don't want to fight with you, baby. Come here.

I reached out for her but she stepped away and folded her arms.

Sorry. Not in the mood, she quipped.

Jasmine, I growled. Get back in bed. Right now.

She laughed at me. Bossy much? Go fuck yourself, Armaan Qureshi. She turned to leave but then paused to throw one last shot over her shoulder. By the way, don't forget that I was manipulated into marrying you as well so I don't owe you shit.

****

Jasmine

I strutted out the door and into the adjacent bedroom with a self-satisfied smirk on my face. I barely had to wait less than 30 seconds before my phone pinged. Still smirking, I climbed in bed, lying down on my tummy and read the text message.

-I'm horny -A

I typed back. -Sorry but you've been a really bad boy, tonight.

I felt the familiar clenching of my pussy as I saw the bubbles floating which indicated he was typing a reply. It came less than ten seconds later.

-I know, Princess. I'm sorry. I deserve to be punished for it.

I sucked in a slow, controlling breath through my teeth when I felt my core becoming moist at the picture he painted. God, he knew exactly what I wanted, needed, in order to be in control.

-Play with your cock for me, I ordered him via text. But don't make yourself cum. Not until I decide to come to you and you've served me for the night. I want you hard and ready. Do you understand?

-Yes, Princess, he replied at once.

Turning over, I settled back against the pillows, closing my eyes for just a few seconds. Married. Sometimes I couldn't believe it.

I was Mrs. Armaan Qureshi when it had been the last thing I wanted. I had done it for Hamza but Armaan's family had still left me with little choice. And now this boy in a man's body, who was devoted to me, who was loyal, loving, fun and sexy, not to mention supportive and also gave me space when I needed it, was my husband.

Except that I had been needing my space a lot lately. Too much, in fact, than was proper for a married woman. I still hadn't even agreed to share the same bedroom with him. Biting my lip, I let out a heavy sigh. What was wrong with me? Armaan was everything a girl could dream of. He had been there for me every step of the way. So why did I keep pushing him away?

And why did the thought of being intimate with another man suddenly seem so fascinating?

****

Armaan

Present night. 

Amira

...

I stepped out of the shower to find my wife sitting on the huge bed in my childhood bedroom with her eyes glued to her laptop screen, wearing just her shorts and camisole. I was about to open my mouth to ask her if she planned on getting dressed for the function but then she smiled and started to speak to someone. Skype call, presumably.

Jeez. Don't show me all that, she said to the other person with a slight giggle. I'm so jealous of you right now.

I pulled on a pair of underwear and trousers then selected a navy blue shirt with a black coat for the function.

It was our second evening in Amira. After we had settled in yesterday night and I had introduced Cole and his partners to my family, without mentioning that they were all in the same relationship because my parents would freak the fuck out, we had just had a long, lovely dinner and gone to bed, tired from the plane ride.

This morning, I had given them a grand tour while we prepared