Once A Cheater Read online

  Once A Cheater

  By Zee Shine Storm

  Contents

  Once A Cheater

  Copyright

  Blurb

  Playlist

  Dedication

  PART 1

  Walking on Thin Ice.

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Part II : The Heart Wants What It Wants

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Chapter Thirty-Two.

  Chapter Thirty-Three.

  Chapter Thirty-Four.

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  Teaser for Book 3!

  Other books by Zee Shine Storm

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Copyright

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Once A Cheater © 2020 by Zee Shine Storm

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

  November 2020 Edition.

  Blurb

  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. Proceed with caution.*

  Trigger warning:

  Infidelity.

  (This book contains cheating. In no way am I trying to encourage or glorify it but there are scenes described in explicit detail and if that is your trigger, I would advise you not to read it.)

  'I don't write to make you feel comfortable.

  I write to make you think.'

  - Sarah Gate.

  Playlist

  *Billie Eilish : Bad Guy.

  *Fnaire ft. Nora Fatehi : Dilbar (Arabic version)

  *Ariana Grande : Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I'm Bored.

  *Rita Ora : Let You Love Me.

  *Laleh : Speaking Of Truth

  *Kehlani : Gansgta

  *Selena Gomez : Vulnerable

  *Mario Winans ft. P Diddy : I Don't Wanna Know

  *Astrid S : Does She Know (Acoustic version.)

  *Adam Lambert : What Do You Want From Me.

  *Rihanna : Unfaithful

  *James Bay : Let It Go

  *Lil Wayne ft Bruno Mars : Mirror

  *London Grammar : Hell To The Liars

  *Sam Smith : Too Good At Goodbyes

  ****

  (Find the playlist on my YouTube channel :

  Zee Shine Storm.

  Dedication

  For all those who went on this harrowing journey with me. This experience was truly unforgettable.

  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."