Chapter 5 My Stepbrother, My Temptation

NINA'S POV

My mother glows in her white gown, the picture of everything I used to believe in.

Sunlight streams in through the open window, casting a golden glow on her veil.

I should be happy for her. Instead, I'm remembering how Cassian's hands felt when I stopped believing in anything at all.

I lean against the doorframe and watch her twirl before the mirror, a huge smile plastered on her face.

She just gets to move on. To forget about everything. About dad.

If he was still alive, would she have been so happy? Maybe not, but we would have been a family.

My brother didn't show up as usual. Ever since dad died, everything just...

I won't think about that now. For now I will put my fake face on and eat cake. I can cry in my room later. Nobody will notice. Nobody cares...

Nobody but Cassian.

The man who rules my days and haunts my nights.

I don't blame him. Not with eyes that search and hands that break.

God...what was I thinking stealing his car? He must really hate me now.

"Nina? Are you ready?" My mom's voice breaks through the haze. I look up to find her standing before me, eyes fixed on my face, searching.

"Everything okay, honey?"

No, mom. I'm tired. Jason cheated. I slept with a stranger and stole his car and to top it off, my ring is missing.

"Yeah...I'm fine. You just...look so beautiful."

"Well buckle up, because it'll be you in a few months. I'm just sad Jason couldn't make it..."

Please shut up. Just shut up and let me walk you down the aisle to your perfect husband and your pitch perfect life.

We're standing behind the huge double doors, waiting for the orchestra to slow when she leans in and says "This reminds me of your father. We were so happy, even in our worst moments. But Alex? he's made me the happiest woman alive. I just hope Jason makes you feel the same."

My fake smile stretches thin. If only she knew.

Then the doors fly open. All eyes shift to her. To us.

A hush falls over the hall.

But it's not the stares that make my heart quake.

Standing just behind the groom with a polite smile is him.

My nightmare. My walking wet dream.

Cassian Cross.

My throat clamps shut.

I don't like this. Why does he bear an uncanny resemblance to the groom?

Oh god...

He's my new stepbrother.

*************

Vows are exchanged. Kisses are shared. The lovestruck couple walk down the aisle.

But all I can do is stand there and pray I don't combust under his stare.

It takes everything in me not to turn and run through those doors.

I put one foot before the other and soon I'm outside, cold air snaking up my arms.

Cameras flash. Voices stir. The world moves fast, while I stagger behind.

Then my mom calls me over to "introduce myself" to my new family. Like I wasn't tangled in the sheets with her step son three nights ago.

I force my gaze to meet his. His eyes don't waver. If he's in shock, he's doing a damn good job at hiding it.

He looks at me like we've never met. Maybe that stormy night meant nothing.

I shouldn't even be thinking like this. He's my stepbrother. It's so weird. So wrong.

So I avoid him at the reception. Until I'm standing at the buffet table and I smell him behind me.

"You." He stands behind me, chest brushing my back lightly.

My body fires to life. I twist around, putting distance between us so he doesn't notice the red in my face.

"Oh...hi..." My words stop when I look at him.

His gray suit fits like a second skin. So sharp, too deliberate, so...him.

He towers over me, all six feet of forbidden treasure.

His eyes glint with...rage? Lust? Mischief?

Silence stretches thin between us, and I'm clutching the paper plates so hard I hear them crinkle.

"I should have you arrested. Dragged out of here like a petty thief." He frowns.

My pulse spikes, but a smile tugs at my lips.

"But you won't do that. Because then you'll have to explain how exactly your car was stolen."

"I don't care about the fucking car." His voice lowers. "Why did you run?"

Good question. But I wish I had the answer. Maybe I was scared. Maybe a part of me felt like I was betraying Jason.

I turn with a sigh and set down the plates. I need a strong drink.

My eyes scan the hall and I try to convince myself that Cassian isn't standing here.

"Pink looks perfect on you." He says, eyes raking over my flowery gown. Heat rushes to my face again.

Stop it, Nina. It's just a compliment. No big deal.

Soft tunes filter from the orchestra. A waiter passes by with drinks balanced perfectly on a tray.

He takes two glasses, and the steward blushes hard when he compliments her hairdo.

Something dark stirs inside me. Why does he have to be so sweet on everyone?

He hands me my drink and watches the glass touch my lips.

"We should talk. In private."

I almost choke on my drink. I'll be damned if I get any alone time with this man.

"Don't worry, cupcake. I won't touch you," his voice lowers "Only if you beg me to."

Heat swirls in my stomach.

I have to put a stop to this. There are lines that I just can't cross.

"Look, Cassian, that night was-"

"Unforgettable." His smile darkens.

My mouth feels cottony.

"Indeed, but it can't happen again."

"I can't promise that." he says, gaze dropping to my lips.

"What? Why?" My voice stutters.

"Because," he says, closing the distance between us "We'll see each other almost everyday. And everytime I look at you, you'll remember what it felt like to have me in your guts."

My chest heaves, and I feel my nipples hardening in my bra.

No. I need to stand on business. I-

"There you are, baby. I've been looking all over for you." A sultry voice echoes behind him and I watch him retreat into this...shell.

His poker face slips back on as a slender arm snakes around his elbow.

Red hair, blue eyes and a body that can bring a thousand men to their knees.

She scans my face, then Cassian's. Then she leans into his chest like she belongs there.

"Won't you introduce me to your stepsister?" She mutters, then extends a hand.

"Hi, I'm Sloane. Cassian's fiancé. It's good to finally meet you in person."

But I'm not listening. My breath stops in my chest.

Cassian has a fiancé?

My eyes fall to her ring, and my world stops.

Now I know my engagement ring isn't missing.

Because Cassian's fiancé is wearing it.