Claimed by His Stepbrother

"Babe, hurry up!" Paul's voice carried from downstairs, loud enough that I almost messed up my mascara line.

"I'm coming!" I shouted back, leaning closer into the mirror. I quickly touched up my lashes and pressed a bit of nude lip gloss, with a tint of red that made my lips look alive but not too much.

I gave myself one last glance in the mirror, smiled at the reflection like, okay, not bad, then grabbed my purse and hurried out.

Paul was bent over his phone when I came down the stairs. The way his head snapped up when he heard my heels clicking against the marble floor made me giggle. His mouth literally dropped open.

"What?" I tried to hide my laugh, blushing and biting my lip.

"Mi Amor, you're so gorgeous."

Oh my God, he always knows what to say. Every single day, he finds one way or the other to remind me he loves me. And I love him back, more than he even knows.

When I got to the last step, before I could steady myself, he came over and picked me up like I was light as air, spinning me around before putting me down again. He kissed me, deep and sweet, and for a moment I thought we should just stay home.

As if he read my mind, he whispered against my lips, "Should we just skip this whole thing and go back upstairs?"

His mouth was still on mine, making it hard to think. I almost said yes.

I pulled back, even though I didn't want to."No, Paul. You know this event is important. Maybe not for us, but for your brother."

"Stepbrother," he corrected instantly, rolling his eyes "I really don't feel like going, Amor."

"Come on," I teased, leaning into his ear. "We don't have to stay long. Thirty minutes tops, then we sneak back home. And I promise, we'll have our own fun tonight."

That earned me his smile, finally. "Shall we?" he asked and winked at me, all playful again.

I nodded, and just like that we stepped out of the house together.

***

The car pulled up in front of the hall, which looked ridiculously grand. Paul got out first, then reached for me. I took his arm, linking mine through his, and we walked in.

Soft music floated in the air, the buzz of people talking, glasses clinking, cameras flashing bright in our faces as soon as we entered. It was giving a red-carpet, business vibe. Everywhere I turned were faces that either owned something important or controlled someone who did.

"Your stepbrother sure knows how to show off." I whispered, leaning closer to Paul.

I felt his body stiffen beside me, but he didn't reply.

We greeted people as we moved further inside-smiles, handshakes, nods. Some were Paul's business partners, others just familiar faces we saw in circles like this. Eventually, Paul got pulled into some long, boring conversation with a tall man in a dark tailored suit.

I tried to stand it for a bit, but this kind of business talk has never been my thing, I guess. "I'll be right back," I whispered, tapping Paul's arm lightly.

He squeezed my hand quickly before letting me go. "Don't get lost, mi amor," he teased, pressing a kiss against the back of my hand.

I smiled and slipped away through the crowd, heading toward the hallway that led to the restrooms. My heels clicked as I turned the corner-but before I could finish the step, I smacked right into someone. Hard.

The heel wobbled, and I felt myself tipping back, heart in my throat. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the kind of embarrassment that'd come with me sprawling on the floor.

Strong hands caught me before I hit the floor. I opened my eyes, shocked.

"I'm so sorry." We both blurted at the same time.

When I looked up, my words died in my mouth.

Damn.

He wasn't just handsome, he was... something else. The kind of face that made you pause without even realizing. His eyes were clear blue like the ocean you only see in pictures, it pinned me down where I stood.

His smile was easy, confident, almost too confident. And the warmth of his hand at my waist, God-it felt like it belonged there.

I froze. My breathing got shallow, chest rising too fast, like I'd just run. I couldn't move. I also couldn't stop staring.

"I-uhm, thank you." I managed to stammer out, forcing myself to step back a little.

Even with distance, I still felt the echo of his touch, a strange heat curling in my stomach that scared me.

What is wrong with me?

I'm married. I'm happy with Paul. I've never, ever felt this kind of sudden pull toward anybody else. Ever.

"I should...go to the bathroom." I pointed weakly down the hall, cheeks hot.

"Of course," he said smoothly, his smile making it worse. Like he knew the kind of havoc he had wreaked in me.

I escaped before I made more of a fool of myself. I rushed into the bathroom and grabbed the sink like it could hold me steady.

My reflection stared back, face flushed, lips parted, eyes wide like I was been caught doing something wrong.

Heat. There was no other word for it. A heat I hadn't asked for. A heat that I was afraid of.

I splashed cool water on my wrists, whispering to myself, "No. This isn't happening. Get yourself together, Evelyn."

I forced my thoughts back to Paul. To us. I loved him. That's all that mattered.

***

When I came out, the music had shifted to something softer. Couples filled the dance floor, laughter and champagne swirling together. I searched until I found Paul across the room, talking with someone. Relief washed over me, and I moved to join him.

But before I got there, a clear ringing sound cut through the hall. Someone tapping a glass. The music faded, conversations stopped, and all eyes turned to the front.

And there he was.

Standing at the podium, under the spotlight like he'd been born to it.

The same man.

His voice was deep, domineering but smooth, as he welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming. My stomach twisted.

Beside me, Paul muttered, "Yep. That's him." His voice dripped bitterness.

It hit me slow, but heavy. That man-the one who made me feel something I shouldn't have, was Paul's stepbrother.

I barely heard a word of his speech after that. My heart was beating too fast.

Then suddenly his words cut through:

"...and this is a moment to thank my greatest supporter. You may not know him as my brother. But tonight, I want everyone to. Thank you, Paul."

He raised his glass. The spotlight swung directly onto us.

The crowd erupted into claps and murmurs, all eyes turning, smiling, celebrating this perfect picture of a 'united family' lol.

Paul's smile was forced, his jaw tightened. "What game is he playing at?" he muttered slowly, so only I could hear. The anger rolled off him like venom.

I forced my own smile, even as my pulse raced.

But I couldn't help it. My eyes flicked back to the podium. To him.

Those blue eyes were already on me. Watching and holding me in place.

And in that heavy silence, something inside me moved. Something I couldn't put a name to. Something I wasn't ready to admit. And I will never admit to it!

Chapter 02-Evelyn

The clapping stopped and the clinking of glasses went down, but my heart still kept racing. It wouldn't slow. I could still feel Adrian's gaze on me hot and heavy like it was burning my skin.

For a moment I just stood there, my hand clunged in Paul's arm. I could feel how tense he was under his fake smile like he was ready to explode.

Adrian stepped down from the stage then just walked right through people like he owned the whole place, his smile wide pulling every eye to him.

"Paul!" He called out loud drawing everyone's attention, then he pulled my husband into a hug.

It looked normal but I saw how their backs became stiff when they patted each other, both smiling for the crowd, but I knew Paul so well to miss that mean look in his eyes.

"What was that stunt you pulled on stage?" Paul asked, his voice low.

Adrian only chuckled, waving the question away with his hand like it was nothing. "Don't make it sound so big. It was just family truth. People should know we stand together, right?"

Paul's jaw tightened, he wanted to say more but then Adrian's eyes came to me.

"And who," his voice softened, smoother now, "is this beautiful woman beside you?"

Paul straightened. "My wife. Evelyn."

Adrian's smile deepened. When he took my hand, everything around me just faded like nothing else existed. His fingers were strong, cool on mine. Then he bent down and brushed his lips over my skin like some old-school gentleman, and it sent butterflies rushing wild inside me.

"We've met," Adrian said casually, glancing at me through his lashes. "But not the proper way."

My breath caught. It was simple words that Paul didn't think much of it, but I knew the meaning he was pulling at that moment we had before, his hand steadying me. Our eyes locked-his blue, mine brown-and something hot pulled low inside me.

Paul didn't notice. He was too busy with keeping up appearances. But I felt that pull I shouldn't feel, something I had no business feeling.

Another couple came and called Adrian away. He excused himself easily, telling Paul they'd talk later. Just like that, the moment ended, the spell broken.

****

We didn't stay long. Paul dragged us out, his silence heavy in the car. By the time we stepped into the house, he snapped.

"That bastard!" he slammed his keys down hard. "What game is he playing? Showing me like a trophy? Making me look like I owe him everything?"

I touched his arm. "Paul, it wasn't that bad-"

He jerked away. "Don't defend him, Evelyn. You don't know him like I do. He's fake, all charming until he gets what he wants"

The anger in his voice cut sharp, but underneath it was something else, pain and resentment.

I sighed, stepping closer, sliding my hands up his chest. "Then forget about him. Tonight is about us."

He looked down at me, still angry but his eyes softened a little when I toyed with his collar. Slowly, his breath grew heavier. "You always know how to distract me." He muttered.

"I plan to." I said and kissed him hard, cutting his anger out. He kissed me back, rough and hungry. His hands grabbed my waist, pulling me close till I felt his heart beating fast. I melted into him the fire of his mouth burning away the strange chill Adrian had left.

Without stopping the kiss, Paul lifted me up and carried me up the stairs. I held onto him, my heart racing, lips bruising under his.

When we got to the room, he pushed me against the door. His mouth trailing fire down my neck.

"Mine." he growled, tugging hard at the zipper of my dress.

"Yes." I whispered, shivering as the fabric slipped down my skin.

The dress fell to the floor, and his hands were everywhere, greedy and rough-that made me burn.

I pulled at his shirt, too desperate to feel him and soon, he stripped fast and soon it was gone. His bare body hard and warm, pressing me to the bed.

Our kiss turned messy and wet. Our breaths crashing together, tongues fighting. When he moved lower, kissing me all over, I shook under him begging with need.

When he finally pushed into me, the world spun. Every thrust made me gasp and cry out. Our bodies went wild with rhythm, and his anger turned into him claiming me again and again till the room was full of my sounds.

Afterwards, we collapsed together, sweaty and weak, his arm heavy across me. He kissed my temple, whispering. "You're mine, Evelyn. Always mine."

I closed my eyes holding him close, but deep blue eyes and that forbidden smile stayed inside me, refusing to leave.

Chapter 03-Adrian

My PA's voice filled the study, efficient and businesslike.

"Since last night's announcement, we've had seven requests already," he said over the phone. "Two want design deals, three are pushing for long partnerships. The rest...they just want their names tied to yours."

I smirked faintly, walking closer to the window. The city stretched out in front of me, glass and concrete catching the weak Saturday light. It was still waking up from Friday night, same as the people in it.

"And the Europe deal?" I asked, finishing my coffee.

"Finalized," he said. "Three more years, confirmed."

"Good."

My company had its hands everywhere-buildings, hotels, real estate that scraped the sky. Towers with my name on them. Every deal was another stone added to the empire I'd built piece by piece. I'm really proud of this.

But my mind wasn't really on business today.

"You've done well," I told him. "Take the weekend off."

A pause. "Are you sure, sir?"

"Yes. I'll call if I need you."

I dropped the phone onto the desk, rolled my shoulders back, and left the study.

Downstairs, the house was quiet. I poured myself another cup of coffee, leaned against the counter, and let the steam rise into my face. The smell was addictive. First sip-hot, bitter, strong. My one weakness. Some men needed whiskey. Mine was coffee. Always had been.

But even coffee couldn't clear away what was stuck in my head.

Her.

Hazel eyes, startled, widened. The soft weight of her body when she fell into me. That moment was still burned into my chest.

Paul's wife. Evelyn.

Even saying her name in my mind made something shift inside me. She had been stunning in that gown, untouchable almost. Like art behind glass. But in my arms she wasn't art. She was real. Warm. Trembling.

And when her lips parted slightly, God...I knew she had felt it too.

I should have stepped back sooner. Should have acted like nothing. Instead, when Paul introduced us, I made it worse. I kissed her hand. A simple gesture. But her breath caught. Her pulse jumped under my touch. I saw it in her eyes, she wasn't untouched by it.

I set my mug down, flexed my hand as if her skin still lingered there.

This wasn't just lust. It was recognition. Dangerous, because I knew it wasn't one-sided, I hope.

Then Paul came to mind. Paul, Paul-unchanged, after all these years. Still full of arrogance. Still wearing his pride like armor. Still clutching his resentment like a child refusing to let go of a toy.

I'd seen it in his face last night when I raised that glass to him. He hated it. I enjoyed it.

Poor Paul. Always desperate for control. Always so easy to anger.

But this time, he had something I wanted.

My grip tightened on the mug until it groaned.

What did that make me? A villain? A thief? Or just a man finally taking what should've been his?

The truth was simple: I didn't come back only for business. I came to set things straight. Paul could keep pretending to be the perfect husband, perfect smiles, perfect life. I knew the truth. He was the same insecure boy he'd always been. The one who hated me for being chosen. For winning when he couldn't.

I'd taken from him before. Why should this be any different?

A dry laugh slipped out, rough in my throat. I wasn't blind, I knew going after her would mean war. There'd be no turning back. Paul would never forgive it.

But honestly? I wasn't sure I cared.

I took another slow sip of coffee, the burn grounding me.

Evelyn. That woman.

She had looked at me like she wanted to hate me, but couldn't. Like she knew she was slipping and couldn't stop herself. That look kept me awake long after the party ended.

And if I was being honest, I didn't want to fight it.

I wanted her eyes on me again. I wanted her lips open for me, not in shock, but in surrender. I wanted her voice, soft and low, saying my name. Not his.

Was it wrong? Of course. Did that matter? No.

Because the truth was already carved into me, Paul's wife was definitely my obsession now.

And the question wasn't if I'd touch her again.

It was only when.