#may cobb

As you hear country music slowly becoming more and more prominent, you become more and more suicidal. You weren't a fan of country music, which made you feel like the black sheep in this town because literally everyone seems to love it. It is Texas, after all.

As you arrive at the house, your mouth opens in shock. It's more than a house, it's a mansion. Though you’d expect nothing less from someone who is running for governor of Texas.

Your dad parks the car and looks back at you with a grin, "Well, here we are! Come on! You’ll have fun.”

He gets out and motions you to follow. You give him a tight smile and reluctantly open the door, stepping out.

You stand there, looking around at the very large home in front of you. You see your dad wave at some of his buddies as he walks over to greet them. You stand beside the car and feel a bit lost. You give slight smiles to people walking by and decide to take a look around. The yard and scenery is beautiful. You wonder how much mowing and maintenance it takes to keep the place looking so neat and tidy as it does.

Someone offers you a drink but you kindly decline. You've never drank alcohol before and you didn't want to start now and potentially make a fool of yourself in front of all these people. You've always been a bit of a "good girl.” Never partying, drinking or smoking. You just never found interest in it like your peers did.

After walking around aimlessly, you decide to go to the washroom and wash your hands to take up more time. And if you have to admit it, you're curious to see what the inside of the house looks like.

You walk up to the door and open it, walking inside. You're immediately taken aback. It's beautifully decorated and all you can think to yourself that one piece of furniture in this place is enough money to pay for your whole college tuition.

Margo was standing in the bathroom with the door open, fixing her makeup before going out to join her husband. She stands there looking at herself in the mirror, admiring her handy work, when you hesitantly find your way into the doorframe.

You’re caught by surprise when you see someone.

"Oh- um, hello!" You say, wide-eyed and taken by surprise at the woman standing in front of the bathroom sink.

Margo smirked at the girl that now walked into her bathroom, looking her up and down, noticing how beautiful and young she was.

She took her in, taking a minute to admire her beauty before her eyes met hers, and she responded with a sultry tone.

”Hi there princess, ain't you a lil too young to be walking through my bathroom?" She jokes.

You're only 20, which makes older people think they immediately have all these rights to make jokes with you based on your age. You don’t mind though. Especially if the person who is saying it is a woman.

I blush and look away shyly. "Uh- yeah, I suppose. I’m just um.. looking for the restroom?”

Margo let out a soft, knowing laugh, stepping closer with that dangerous sway in her hips.

”Honey, you’re in the restroom… and It’s mine.” She leaned against the sink, eyeing you like a secret she wanted to keep. “But since you’re here—lost little thing—what’s your name? And more importantly… how’d you get past my husband’s army of caterers and kissing babies?”

I perk up a bit, straightening myself out at the mention that this is her house. “Oh- you’re- I mean, of course, you’re Margo Banks, right? I’m.. I’m Y/n. I’m the daughter of one of Jed's friends.” I say awkwardly.

Your dad told you that Jed had a wife, but I never asked much about it.

Margo chuckled, noticing your slight nerves, and your obvious shy nature. She could sense there was a bit of innocence there, despite you being 20. It definitely perked her interest even more.

"Y/n, huh? Interesting name."

She smirked again, her eyes tracing down your figure once more.

"And you're Jed's friends daughter? How lovely," she purred, leaning in slightly. "And a beautiful one at that."

I blush and look away quickly. “Thank you, ma’am."

Margo couldn't help but chuckle softly at your adorable blush, finding your shyness to be endearing.

"No need for the 'ma'am,' honey. You call me Margo, okay darlin’?"

She took a step closer, closing the gap between you both. She reached a hand out, gently tucking a loose strand of your hair behind your ear.

"You're quite a sweet one though, aren't you?"

You nod your head and answer her. "I- I suppose." You awkwardly chuckle.

Margo grinned, loving the way you stumbled over your words—so flustered, so real.

”You ‘suppose’? Oh honey, I can tell you’re trouble already.” She winked, dropping her voice to a playful whisper. “The kind that makes a woman wanna misbehave.”

A distant cheer from the party outside echoed through the house.

”They’re missing me out there,” she murmured, not taking her eyes off you. “But damn… I kinda don’t care.”

You give her a forced smile and shyly look down at your shoes, before glancing back up at her.

Margo was intrigued by your reaction—that mix of shyness, awkwardness, and hint of defiance you hid behind that forced smile.

She tilted her head, her smirk growing into a full-blown grin now. She gently lifted a finger, pressing it beneath your chin.

"You know, sweetie," she murmured, her voice a teasing drawl. "The more you try to hide how adorable you are, the more I want to see that pretty blush."

You can't believe what's happening. You can't even reply. You just stand there, dumbfounded.

Margo let out a soft, delighted laugh, her fingers grazing your chin one last time before she pulled back just enough to give you some mercy. This is a fun game for her.

”Lord, you’re gonna be the death of me,” she murmured, fanning herself dramatically with one hand. “And here I was tryin’ to be a good wife—well, mostly good—for five damn minutes.”

She leaned in again, close enough that her breath tickled your ear.

”Stay outta trouble now… or better yet—find me later. Could be fun.”

Then she winked, turned on her heel with a sway that could’ve dethroned Texas royalty—and sauntered toward the door like she owned not just the bathroom… but every second of your racing heart.

You stand alone, trying to process what just happened. You walk over to the sink and splash a bit of cold water on your face before going back to stand around.

The party was in full swing, a sea of socialites and power players, the air buzzing with political charm, a few beers, and the occasional clink of silver flatware.

Jed was chatting animatedly with a few men in suits, no doubt dropping his name and political aspirations into every sentence. Margo was across the room, surrounded by her usual group of gossiping friends.

Every few moments, she'd glance over in your direction, her eyes finding you in the crowd.

As the evening wore on, Margo found her way back to Jed's side, playing the part of the doting wife. But even as she laughed at his politician charm and kissed his cheek in front of his guests, her eyes kept straying to you.

She'd find little reasons to cross paths with you—a refill of champagne, a moment by the buffet, an excuse to walk through the living room where you were quietly standing. She'd send you sidelong glances, her smile holding more than just southern courtesy.

The night continued, the room growing more crowded and the drinks flowing more freely. Jed was deep in conversation with some political bigwigs, barely noticing Margo's subtle attention elsewhere.

She caught herself watching you from across the room. You seemed out of your element, perhaps even a touch uncomfortable, but Margo found that even more endearing.

She excused herself from Jed's group and made her way toward you, weaving through the crowd with practiced ease. She came to a stop next to you, a hand resting lightly on your arm.

"Hey there darlin’," Margo said, her drawl dripping in sweetness, as she leaned closer to you. "Looks like you're about as excited to be here as a possum in a poultry parade."

She let her fingers brush against the sleeve of your dress, a gentle, comforting touch. Her eyes studied you intently, searching yours for a hint of that blushing innocence she'd noticed earlier.

"This isn't really your scene, is it?" She continued, tilting her head to the side. "What with all the back-patting politicians and fake laughs. I've seen a rattlesnake with more sincerity than half these people."

Her tone was light, almost teasing. But underneath it all, there was a genuine concern. She could see you were a fish out of water here—not that Margo found that remotely unappealing.

“Is it that obvious?” You chuckle and continue, “yeah, I suppose I’m not quite in tune with these sort of events.. I try though. For dad, mostly.”

Margo smirked, her eyes warm with empathy. "Sweetheart, it's written all over you like scripture. You stand here so polite and proper, but your eyes tell a different tale."

She leaned against the wall, her gaze never leaving your face. "So you're here playing the loyal daughter, huh? Making your dad proud?"

“Yeah, he’s a good guy. I don’t really think he would care that much if I skipped out, but I guess I was curious to see what it would be like. I’m glad I came.” You admit. The only reason you’re glad to have come is because you met her, but you won’t go as far as to admit that.

This woman is enchanting. Your skin feels like it's literally vibrating from being around her. You try to keep your composure but it’s nearly impossible, feeling your face get hot already.

"Ah, the dutiful daughter." Margo chuckled, crossing her arms. "I can respect that. Your Pops is lucky to have you."

She studied you again, her eyes lingering just a touch longer on your youthful beauty.

"Curiosity brought the cat and all that, right? And what do you think the verdict is? Exciting? Boring as dirt? A mix of both, I bet."

“Mm.. well, I don’t know.” You answer.

Margo let out a soft laugh, sensing your hesitation. "Come on now, honey. You don't have to hold back with me. I won't get my panties in a bind over some honest truth."

She took a step closer, her tone dropping to almost a whisper. "I'm gonna let you in on a little secret... I find most of these parties as exciting as watching paint dry. But there's one thing that's definitely perked my interest tonight."

You're hoping she's talking about you, but you know you're probably being delusional. You're a random 20 year old girl that she, a married woman at that, just met not even two hours ago. How could she be interested in you?

"Really? What's that?" You ask.

Margo's smirk widened, a hint of a playful challenge flickering in her eyes. "Oh, just a pretty little thing, a breath of fresh air amid all the smoke and mirrors in this crowd."

Her gaze held yours, and she made a deliberate step closer, not breaking the eye contact. She could see the way your heart must be racing.

"She's delicate, but there's fire in her eyes. And she's got an innocence that's... well, it's driving me a bit crazier than it should, if I'm being honest."

You blush and look around nervously. "I see."

Margo noticed your reaction, the faintest flush to your cheeks, and she chuckled softly.

"Honey, you're as easy to read as a newspaper," she said, shaking her head. "And your innocence is like a spotlight in here. It's almost a shame that all those fools, including your pops, are so oblivious to it. Then again, that leaves it all for me to admire."

She reached out, her fingers gently brushing your chin, an almost possessive gesture.

Margo smirked, watching the flush spread down your neck like wildfire.

“There it is,” she purred, her voice velvet and slow. “That look—the one that makes me wanna forget I’m supposed to be the respectable wife.”

Your lower stomach tightens at her words and you look at her with pleading, wide & surprised eyes.

She leaned in, just enough for her breath to ghost over your ear.

“Keep lookin’ at me like that, baby girl… and I might just drag you somewhere quiet.”

Then she pulled back with a wink—leaving you trembling, breathless, and utterly enchanted.

Margo knew the effect she was having on you; it was all too obvious. The way you blushed, how your breath seemed to hitch with each of her words—it was like a drug to her

As the party continued on around you both, Margo found herself drawn to you, unable to look away. She knew it should be wrong; you were younger, innocent… and the daughter of one of Jed’s friends, dammit. Yet, there was something about you that was impossible to resist.

She stole glances at you from across the room, her mind wandering with all sorts of inappropriate thoughts. The way you fidgeted with your fingers, the shy smile you had when someone spoke to you… She wanted to take you aside and… well, she wanted a lot of things.

Jed appeared then, slipping an arm around her waist, pulling her into his side, oblivious to her wandering gaze and heated train of thought.

You want to stay just to stare at her in awe, but you decide that it’s time for you to go. It’s getting to be that time where everyone drank a tad too much you’re one of the only sober people there. Plus, you don’t enjoy staying up too late.

You go onto your phone and order an Uber. Your dad is still busy and you don’t want to drag him away from his social life. You text him that you're taking an Uber home and he sends a thumbs up emoji. Thankfully it’s only about a 25 minute drive away from your house.

You took a slow breath, heart still humming from Margo’s teasing whispers and lingering touches. The party buzzed on, but your eyes kept finding hers—like magnets, like fate.

One last look, you thought.

But as you turned to slip away quietly—back toward the front door, toward safety—Margo caught it. That little retreat. That quiet exit.

And no. Not tonight.

She excused herself from Jed with a sweet smile and a kiss to his cheek—"Gonna freshen up, sugar"—then vanished into the shadows of the hallway like smoke.

By the time you reached the coat closet near the foyer… soft heels clicked behind you.

“Well now,” came that sultry drawl, low and honeyed. “You really thought you could leave without sayin’ goodbye?”

I jump slightly at the sound of her beautiful voice. I turn around and shyly smile, "Oh, sorry.”

Margo leaned against the wall, hands resting casually in her pockets as she eyed you fondly.

That drawl of hers took on a teasing edge. "Now why you apologizing, honey? You didn't do anything wrong."

Her gaze traveled over you, taking in the way you fidgeted, the nervous blush in your cheeks, how the dim lighting of the hall made your eyes sparkle like little stars.

She took a step closer, closing the space between you, her head tilting slightly.

“You were jus' gonna sneak out, huh?" She mused, a hint of a playful reprimand in her tone. "Without so much as a goodbye?"

She was close now, too close, but you couldn't pull away. She smelled of some expensive perfume, the scent intoxicating, just like she was.

"That's not very polite, baby girl." Her voice dropped an octave. "Ain't your mama ever teach you manners?"

You decide that now is not the time to trauma dump and mention that your mother wasn’t a part of your life anymore.

"I- sorry. I'm sorry. I guess I just forgot. Um, goodbye, Margo." I stamper out and smile at her.

Margo's smirk only widened at your flustered apology, the way you stumbled over your words. She was thoroughly enjoying this little game she'd started.

She gently reached out, her fingers brushing against your arm.

"Now, now, sweetie," she murmured, her touch sending little ripples of electricity through you. "You've already said sorry once. No need for a second time."

Her eyes gleamed with mischief. "But I do have a question for you, darlin'... before you go."

"Mhm?" You question.

Margo stepped even closer, so close you could feel the warmth of her breath on your skin. Her gaze flicked over your lips, just for a heartbeat, then back to your eyes.

"Do I make you nervous, honey?" She asked, her voice a gentle tease. "Your heart's thumpin' like a wild mustang. You're all flushes and stutters. It's cute as hell."

Yes, yes she does.

"U-uh. Yeah, I suppose. You do." You stutter out.

Margo chuckled softly, relishing in the flustered state she'd reduced you to. The way her mere proximity could make you squirm… It was like a drug.

She shifted, stepping towards you, forcing you to walk backwards as she slowly backs you gently into the wall behind you. Her hand slid up, fingers gently playing with a loose strand of your hair, her touch just as delicate and enticing as her drawl.

"You know," she murmured, "I like it when you look at me all nervous like that. Makes me wanna…"

She trailed off, her eyes darkening.

You stare at her wide-eyed and full of desire, shock and nerves.

Margo let out a low, soft laugh at your wide-eyed expression. You were so innocent, so easy to fluster with just a few words, a few touches. It made her want to… well, that wasn't important right now.

Her hand slid down, resting lightly on your hip, thumb tracing small, slow circles on the fabric of your dress. The touch was almost possessive.

"You're so quiet, darlin'," she said softly, "Cat got your tongue?"

Her voice dropped, warm and syrupy.

"You don't have to be scared of me. I won't bite…"

She paused—then grinned, slow and wicked.

"...Unless you want me to."

She leaned closer, so close you could feel the heat radiating from her skin, the scent of that expensive perfume almost overwhelming. Her fingers tightened just the slightest bit on your hip, and you didn't move away.

"That pretty little blush," she murmured, her tone turning rougher, almost hungry. "I wonder how far down it spreads."

Your stomach is in knots. You've never felt like this before. You always knew you were a lesbian but you've not actually had any relationships or even your first kiss with another woman before. You were completely inexperienced and you felt like she figured that out somehow.

Margo could see the effect she was having on you. This sweet little thing was a complete mess of nerves just from a few words, a couple of touches. It was intoxicating, seeing the way her teasing reduced you to a blushing, fumbling mess.

Her fingers continued to trace those slow circles on your hip, her thumb dipping just slightly under the hem of your dress, sending little tingles up your spine.

"You're all red, honey," she murmured, her tone dripping with honeyed seduction. "I bet your heart's racing a mile a minute."

Her gaze dropped for a moment, studying the way your chest rose and fell with each uneven breath, the flutter of your pulse at your neck, the way you bit your lip in nervousness.

She wanted to kiss you right there against the wall. She wanted to taste your innocence, to see just how red you could turn under her touch.

But the sound of voices carried in from the living room, loud, drunken laughs and booming, political chivalry. She glanced over her shoulder, sighing softly.

Just at that moment, your phone makes a loud notification sound. Your Uber was here.

"Damn," Margo muttered, the spell slightly broken.

She stepped back, reluctantly pulling her hand away from your hip, immediately missing the softness of your skin beneath her touch. The sound of the party filtered in from the living room, and she gave a small huff, annoyed at the reminder that the outside world still existed.

"Your ride's here, huh?" She said, a hint of reluctant disappointment in her tone.

Margo let out a soft sigh, brushing her fingers over your cheek one last time.

"I guess Texas just ain't ready for the two of us to be left alone in a dark hallway," she murmured with a smirk, winking.

She leaned in, close enough that her lips brushed against your ear.

"Go on, baby girl... but don't think this is over."

Then she stepped back, giving you one last smoldering look—blue eyes full of promise—before turning on her heel and disappearing into the shadows of the house.

★★★

GoodReads Synopsis:

Sophie O’Neill left behind an envy-inspiring career and the stressful, competitive life of big-city Chicago to settle down with her husband and young son in a small Texas town. It seems like the perfect life with a beautiful home in an idyllic rural community. But Sophie soon realizes that life is now too quiet, and she’s feeling bored and restless.

Then she meets Margot Banks, an alluring socialite who is part of an elite clique secretly known as the Hunting Wives. Sophie finds herself completely drawn to Margot and swept into her mysterious world of late-night target practice and dangerous partying. As Sophie’s curiosity gives way to full-blown obsession, she slips farther away from the safety of her family and deeper into this nest of vipers.

When the body of a teenage girl is discovered in the woods where the Hunting Wives meet, Sophie finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation and her life spiraling out of control.

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