Chapter 7 My Stepbrother And I

"So, darling," Robert said, turning to my mother with a charming smile, "I spoke to Exclusive Living today. Everything is set for tomorrow."

"Oh, wonderful!" my mother beamed, practically clapping her hands. "I can't wait. This wedding is going to be the event of the year!"

I blinked, confused. "Exclusive Living?"

"It's a lifestyle magazine," Robert explained, looking pleased with himself. "They want an exclusive feature on our upcoming wedding. Interviews, a photo shoot-the whole thing."

I nearly choked on my water. "Wait, we're going to be in it?"

"Of course," my mother said, waving a hand. "It's not just about us. They want to highlight the beautiful blending of our families."

I wanted to groan. Of course they did. Nothing about this wedding was simple-it was all about image, about status. A public declaration of wealth and perfection. And now, I was going to be a part of it, like some carefully arranged puzzle piece in their perfect picture.

"Think of it as a fun experience," Robert said, smiling at me. "They'll do your hair, makeup, everything. You'll look stunning."

I forced a polite smile, but inside, I felt trapped.

Chris, however, was enjoying every second of my discomfort. I could feel his gaze, the amusement dancing in his eyes as he watched me struggle to keep my composure.

"Sounds exciting, doesn't it, Stella?" he said, his voice teasing but layered with something deeper.

I gave him a sharp look, but he only grinned, tilting his head slightly as if daring me to react.

"Yes, very exciting," I muttered, stabbing at my food.

The conversation carried on, with my mother and Robert eagerly discussing color schemes, floral arrangements, and potential honeymoon destinations. I barely paid attention, too focused on the growing tension at the table.

Chris was relentless.

Every so often, he'd brush his foot against mine under the table, making me jolt slightly. It was so subtle, so calculated, that no one else noticed. He acted as if nothing was happening, carrying on casual conversation with Robert, but his eyes would flicker to mine every now and then, smug and knowing.

I shifted in my seat, trying to move my legs away, but he followed, the lightest touch grazing against me again.

I clenched my jaw, willing myself to ignore him.

Then, he took a sip of his wine, eyes locked on mine over the rim of his glass. "You okay, Stella? You look a little... flushed."

My grip on my fork tightened.

I opened my mouth to snap at him, but then my mother turned her attention to me. "Oh, Stella, darling, we should go shopping for the perfect outfits tomorrow morning before the photo shoot! Something elegant, classy-"

"I need to excuse myself," I blurted out, pushing my chair back abruptly.

The table fell silent. My mother frowned, concerned. "Sweetheart, are you alright?"

"I'm fine," I said quickly, avoiding Chris's gaze. "Just tired. It's been a long day."

Robert nodded kindly. "Of course. Moving in is a big change. Get some rest, dear."

I didn't wait for any more questions. I stood, feeling Chris's eyes burning into my back as I hurried out of the dining hall.

The moment I stepped into the hallway, I let out a breath, pressing a hand to my chest.

This was going to be unbearable.

---

Chris wasn't happy that I had excused myself from dinner. He did take time before he too excused himself and followed me behind.

Next thing I knew, he was grabbing me by the arm.

"Let go of me, Chris."

"That's what you really want?"

I looked at him frustrated, I had every intention of avoiding this conversation. I barely knew this guy. We'd shared intimacy that had probably caused an earthquake somewhere, but whatever was fueling him right now, had a base in far more than that.

Averting his gaze, I pulled my arm from his grip. "Don't make this difficult."

"Don't know another way to make it."

I exhaled loudly, "maybe try making it easy."

He loosed a dry laugh.

"There's nothing easy about this."

"Exactly! A lot of things have changed in the past few days..."

"Things that had nothing to do with you leaving the hotel without so much as a word."

A flicker of remorse crossed my eyes, but I quickly retracted it, settling on a more steely gaze, potent enough to give him chills.

"Look, I just... I thought we should frame what we shared positively. leave it in a good place, you know?"

"I'm not understanding you."

"Just...before it all dissolves and becomes something ugly, you know? How often do relationships actually work? I don't think either of us entered that hotel intending things to turn into something more than they were at face value."

Chris moved closer to me until I could feel his breath on my face, "I haven't been able to concentrate on a damn thing since we'd spent the night." He pressed me to the wall. My body felt amazing pressed against his, and memories of the night we shared tumbled into my mind, flooding me with arousal.

He felt it too, I could see that.

"If you can look me in the eye, and tell me to walk away, I'll leave you alone."

"Listen-"

"Tell me to walk away, Stella," he husked, following it up with a kiss pressed gently to my neck. A kiss that soon evolved into a nip of skin which he stretched slightly out towards him before loosing it and claiming more of her neck, licking, and sucking.

"This is all wrong, Chris."

"is it?"

His hands found their way to the hem of my skirt, tugging it upward as his fingers reached beneath. I hissed with pleasure, and his hand slid over my thighs, encouraged.

Fingertips flirting the surface of my skin, he revealed in her heat beneath them.

"I fucking love the way you feel, Stella. Who cares what our parents do? The only thing that matters is us."