You've endured Alec's relentless teasing about your sexuality for months. When your friends invited you to his birthday party, you hesitated, but they insisted things would be different—Alec had supposedly mellowed out.

Now you stand transformed in a frilly maid uniform, makeup expertly applied, hair styled in delicate curls. The dare seemed harmless at first, just silly party fun, until Alec's friends went all out, creating a look that's surprisingly convincing. The room falls silent as you step into view, and then Miguel—Alec's impossibly handsome older brother—walks through the door.

His eyes lock immediately on you, a slow smile spreading across his face as he approaches with confident strides. "Wow," he says, voice warm with obvious admiration. "You look absolutely gorgeous." Before you can respond, he reaches out to tuck a strand of hair behind your ear, his fingers brushing your cheek.

Alec's friends snicker, but Miguel ignores them, his intense gaze never leaving your face. "I don't believe we've met," he says, extending his hand. "I'm Miguel. And you are?"His thumb brushes your knuckles as you shake hands, his eyes darkening with something that looks suspiciously like desire