Forbidden Captive Of My Devil Brother

Blakely's POV

Raise to be a perfect daughter-like a robot. Taught to be prim and proper-like a royal. Grew up being so obedient-like a puppy. The day I entered the house of the Velasquez's, my fate was settled down. I had to follow every way my foster parents ordered as I wouldn't be alive today without them. I owe them everything.

My name is Blakely. I am an orphan. My parents died from a cruel storm when I was 12 years old. And I was almost lifeless when Mr. Velasquez found me. He gave me a second life, a second home, and I swore I'd do everything I could to repay him. But I never expected I would walk into such a dilemma.

I had committed an unforgivable sin. I was secretly in love with my foster brother. Nikandreo Velasquez. No one had spotted it. Because Nik and I were never close. Or more accurately, he hated

me.

Five years ago, I got drunk on the night of my 18th and somehow sneaked into his room, undressed, and slipped into his sheet. Alcohol took complete control of my brain to the point that I thought it was a dream where I could do whatever I wanted. Where I could rebel against my own principles and the rules of my foster parents. Before I could do anything, Nik angrily kicked me out of his room, cursing me as a shameless bitch. The next day, he hurriedly packed his bags, moved out completely, and never appeared to me again. I was horrified and the greatest sin I ever made sank into me. I drove him far away from his own family.

"Earth to Princess Blakely!"

Alicia's cheers interrupted my thoughts. We were now in a bar with my other three friends. I vetoed this at first but they insisted on throwing me this party for my last night of being single.

Tomorrow, I was going to engage with Stan Scott. A man I'd only met three times.

Mr. Velasquez was running for Congress, and Stan's father was the most important patron. Mrs. Velasquez believed a marriage would secure the alliance and that was what I should do for the family.

It was a purely political marriage but to the public, we explained it was due to love.

"Cheer up, girl," Hershey held my hand. "Don't tell us you regret it?"

"Come on," Alicia groaned. "I bet she's just a little sad to say goodbye to her free single life. Anyway, Let's add spice to this party. Just like the old times!"

Rachel clapped her hands, "Cool. The first hot guy to enter from this moment will have the best French kiss from our lovely Blakely. Be sure to make his c*ck hard, honey."

"No, I'm not doing that!" I protested loudly. My friends must be crazy. My foster parents would definitely kill me if I did that.

"Yes, you will." Rachel handed me a margarita and winked. Grace, sitting next to her, also gave me an encouraging smile.

Alicia giggled, "I know you're a virgin, Blakely. I'm only daring you to kiss him not to suck him."

I sighed. Alicia's mouth has always been dirty but I love her. Among my four friends, she's the most sweet and reliable. She's always one call away.

I didn't even have time to react before Rachel and Alicia pushed me, I collided with a chest as hard as a stone. God, I only hoped it was someone I didn't know, or else I was doomed.

When I looked up, my breath caught. I stared at this devilishly handsome man, towering me like an indestructible wall.

The loud music was nothing compared to my pounding heartbeat.

His broad shoulders and muscled chest could barely stay locked under his tailored suit jacket and tight shirt. I looked at him, meeting his icy stare, and it felt like his piercing gaze locked onto every sensory system in my body. I could sense the danger radiating from his entire being, so familiar like it had been ingrained in my bones.

"Oh my god! He's a god!" I heard women around us start screaming.

No! He wasn't a god, he was the devil. As I recalled the mad face who threw me out of his room when I was 18, it felt like raging flames consuming me, making my head spin and taking my breath away.

The person who came in was Nikandreo Velasquez. The man I secretly loved but he hated me to hell.

My teeth chattered as I wanted to flee, to scream, but his large hand gripped me like a vise. He leaned towards me, his sensual, sinful lips just an inch from mine, almost touching. Part of me instantly craved their softness. My heart raced wildly, turning me into a madwoman I never imagined.

"Well, look who's here..." he looked into my eyes like a dangerous, hungry predator, licking his lips as he hissed, "Long time no see, Blakely. Didn't expect to run into you here. Do my parents know their good girl is here? Hm?"

His mocking gaze pierced my heart like a sharp blade again, painfully. Good girl, that was always what he used to jeer at me. Unlike me, Nik was a fearless rebel. He was born to be the heir while I was just an orphan who had to follow every instruction of his parents carefully to get a space under the roof.

He could never understand my situation.

I needed to leave the bar. "Let me go, Nik!" I knew I'd only be making a fool of myself if I stayed on. He used to take my pain as pleasure.

"Nik? Not brother?" His devilish chuckle sounded in my ears, causing a chill to climb my spine. Every time he asked me to call him brother was merely to remind me of my position. To remind me of the line I should never cross.

I shivered and muttered, "Brother..."

"Good girl," Nik spotted on my cheek gently. "Go enjoy your night. I...won't report you to parents."

I stiffly pulled away from his embrace, and as soon as I was out of his scent, my sensory systems reactivated. My brain started thinking.

Why was Nick back? Was he here for my engagement party? Would he really give me the blessing? I shook my head, unsure. But why not? He hated my dirty feelings for him, he just wanted to escape me. He must be glad to see me engaged as he could finally be rid of the nuisance burden that I was.

When I returned to my seat, I immediately downed a large glass of vodka. My friends, seeing my reaction, all looked at me with concern.

"Blakely." Alicia held my hand and caressed my cheek. "What's wrong? Did he hurt you? I'm sorry."

I chewed my bottom lip and took a deep sigh before looking at them. "That's.Nik...Nikandreo. My foster brother."

"Huh?" Rachel was shocked. "Nikandreo? As in Nikandreo Velasquez? The hottest guy that every woman wants to date? I didn't recognize him."

"Ugh...what's that?" Grace spatted her wine. She's a bit introverted but sometimes curiosity will win. Rachel started spouting off everything she'd learned in the fashion magazine. Thanks to that, I finally got some space to clear my mind.

Suddenly, I felt an icy stare on my back. I was familiar with that. Nik used to watch me like a viper. I secretly glanced over to the box where Nik and his friends sat. However, none of them were looking in my direction. Nik was laughing with that blonde woman who rubbed his body with her plump ass.

"Sh*t," I put my glass on the bar after taking a whole shot. "Girls, I'm going to the restroom and then I'll go home..."

They immediately turned to me. "What?! Come on, Blakely, you haven't finished your challenge yet. Are you worried your brother will be angry seeing his little sister kissing a guy at a bar?"

I ignored their questions, Nik's presence was too overwhelming. I'd bet if I stayed in the same space as Nik any longer, I'd suffocate.

"Hey girls, I think Blakely has her reason. Tomorrow is her big day and we all know how strict her mom is. We'd better let her go home now," Grace suggested.

I gave her a small smile and then headed to the restroom.

"I'll go with you-" Grace said.

"No," I stopped her and smiled. "I'll be fine. I'll be quick." I didn't want my friends to find out my secret. That is how much my foster brother could influence me. It's too embarrassing.

I splashed some water on my face in the restroom, trying not to think about Nik's blissful expression when he was with that blonde woman. I don't know why I can't control my stupid heart whenever he is around me, I couldn't help my legs get weak. I hoped I could be the one in his arms. I'm jealous of the woman in his arms tonight.

This is so sick! I need to get out of this place!

However, as I walked out, a fat and stinky man grabbed me quickly, pressing my cheek against the rough wall. I could clearly feel his hardness pressing against my butt.

"Mmm, you smell so good," he sniffed on my neck, his bad breath turned my stomach. "You look so sad and lonely. We can do something about that-" His lower part nastily rubbed my skirt and his disgusting intention was very clear now.

"Let me go! You bastard! Help!" I screamed as I struggled. My heart despaired when I realized I had taken the wrong exit with my head mess. This was a criminal street behind the bar. Dark and cluttered. The perfect scene for robberies, rapes, and murders. Even if you cry out for help, no one will necessarily come to your rescue.

Swallowing the fear, I secretly reached the cell phone in my pocket, trying to get someone to help.

However, the man suddenly caught my hands, showing a horrible smile. "You forced me to do the bad."

Before I could explain, he injected something into my arm. I wanted to curse, but my consciousness gradually became hazy. I felt a strong hand pull my arm and dragged me into a dark alley.

The depressing darkness surrounding me brought horror to my heart as I felt something slowly consuming me.

Did he drug me? No! No!

I stared at the blurry face of the man in front of me and before he could touch me again, he fled to the ground helplessly and then all I could see was a man with broad shoulders, throwing punches at the man who almost violated me.

For some reason, I felt secure. The beating of my heart was not from fear anymore but from anticipation of the identity of those who just jumped in to save me. My mind was literally chanting that name and it didn't disappoint me when the man turned to me and his dark eyes locked gaze with mine.

Nik. It's him!

I was dazed and I didn't know how he managed to bring me to his penthouse. My body was burning from the drug and it has already taken over my sanity.

"Stay fcking still." The roughness of his voice and the sharpness of his curse seemed to add fuel to the fire consuming my body.

I clung onto his neck, completely dominated by the effects of the drug. "Please.kiss me."

I pulled him closer and the fantasy of pressing my lips on his sensual and soft lips was brought into reality.

An electrifying sensation from our lips surged vividly as the drug rushed through every veins in my body. It was heavenly and I wanted this kiss to last long. I want to remember the taste of his lips and memorize his touch. I felt something cold in my mouth when he kissed back but I didn't give a damn. All I cared about was the kiss we're sharing.

My body spasmed when I felt his hand caressing my inner thighs as my palm caressed his hard chest, tracing the muscles.

My lips hungrily grazed his lips but Nik pulled away and held my shoulders firmly. His eyes bore into me darkly as his jaw ticked.

"Who am I?"

My lips parted as I looked at him with eyes drunk with desire. Nik. He's Nik. My forbidden adoptive brother.

"Who are you fcking kissing right now? Answer me!" His Adam's apple moved after he threw another question. His eyes were impatiently looking down at me, melting my knees again.

I swallowed hard and panted heavily. "Would you.take me if I say your name?"

His lips pressed into a grim line before he slowly shook his head as if he had lost his patience.

He grabbed my wrist and started dragging me. The loud beating of my heart was so clear as he dragged me into a large room. My body trembled in anticipation when I saw a large bed but instead, I was thrown into the shower.

The cold water cascaded down my face, wetting my body.

I looked at Nik as he eyed me sharply. The water soaked him too, wetting the expensive suit he's wearing and the muscles on his chest somehow showed, making my cheeks burn despite the sharpness of his stares and the darkness of his expression.

"You're still a cheap slut who would sneak into someone's bed to get laid. So fcking dirty and disgusting!"

He left and my heart sunk. The dripping water completely soaked my whole body as a hot liquid rolled down my cheeks, mixing with the cold water of the shower. To him, I'm still.a cheap slut.

Blakely's POV

"I always remind you of how to be a good wife, Blakely, and I am very disappointed that for the first time, you came in late."

I looked down. Mama was combing my long hair that reached my waist. Its length always pleases her and her favorite thing to do was to comb it. However, I know she's not enjoying combing my hair right now because she's right, I came late.

Today is the schedule of my engagement party with Stan and the memories I had with Nik last night still haunted my mind.

Meeting him again like this wasn't what I expected. For the past years, I've been dreaming of seeing him again, but now that he's back, I felt scared. The incident last night was as vivid as the memories of what happened five years ago. It's as if impossible to forget and I have no choice but to live with it forever.

I couldn't forget the kiss. The dream of tasting his lips and memorizing the taste of it turned into reality and it was vividly etched into my mind, corrupting my sensibility.

Once again, I'm weak. Nik, my adoptive brother has always been the one who can shake me, both inside and outside. He can even ruin me and it so stupid of me to allow this to happen when it should be forbidden.

"You know how important this marriage is, Blakely. I don't want anything to ruin this, not especially your incompetence." Mama continued to nag me like I made a grave mistake. I could not answer or reason out because I knew she would hate it.

She stopped combing my hair and looked at me through the reflection in the mirror. Her eyes were sharp and strict and her lips were in a grim line. Her elegance didn't hide the strictness of her rules. She's like the female alpha in this family and I won't dare disobey her because I know she can be very heartless when mad.

"Why were you late anyway? Was it your job?" Disgust was visible in her eyes as she asked. I know she dislikes my job so much but she's just letting it slide.

I shook my head and met her strict eyes through the reflection in the mirror. "No, mama. I.overslept."

She gasped in disbelief. "It's not even reasonable and acceptable. Your reason is ridiculous, Blakely! You know the event tonight. You should've slept early because it's the day of your engagement today."

And just like that, the disappointment in her eyes flickered again. I overslept. That's more acceptable than telling her that I didn't get a proper sleep because of Nik. Because of.the kiss. It would not only bring her horror, but would enrage her to the point that she might cast me away.

"I'm sorry, mama. I'll make sure it will never happen again." The calmness of my voice was opposite of the rebellious beating of my heart. I don't wanna disappoint her, and now that I unintentionally did, I felt so guilty.

She hissed. "As you should! It would be embarrassing if Stan came earlier than you. You know how important this marriage is to our family, right? I don't want this to happen again. Definitely not on your wedding day."

I nodded and gave her a smile. "It will not happen again, mama."

Reassuring her that something like this won't happen again won't guarantee that she'll forget this day, but I should at least try. I know mama. She could let it slide, disappointing her once, but the second time would be like a grave sin.

"It really shouldn't happen again. You know your responsibilities as a future wife, so you should know what to put in your top list of priorities. Stan's family is not just a simple family. We need them!"

A knock interrupted us. Mama immediately opened the door and a maid informed us about Stan's arrival. I was relieved because I really felt like mama won't stop nagging me. She immediately caressed the pearl necklace on my neck as she looked at my reflection with contentment.

Stan was waiting at the edge of the staircase. He immediately flashed a sweet smile after seeing me and offered his hand which I gladly accepted.

"You are so beautiful," Stan said as he gently landed a kiss on the back of my hand. I smiled at him and looked at mama. She looked so pleased seeing us together.

"We'll be following you after a few minutes, Stan. Take care of our lovely Blakely."

"I will, madame."

Mama chuckled and caressed Stan's arm. "Come on, Stan! Call me aunt Nichole or better yet mama since you will be married to Blakely."

Stan chuckled and nodded. "I was actually waiting for your permission.mama."

They laughed again and I just stood there like a doll. Honestly, my mind was still clouded by what happened last night. I woke up in Nik's penthouse and because of fear, I ran away without looking back. I had to steal clothes from his closet while he's nowhere to be found because my clothes were wet. I didn't know what to do. Shame was over me as I remembered his words and his exact words five years ago when I stripped naked in his room.

It makes me frustrated. I feel like I just recreated my mistake five years ago and I fear he won't let this slide now.

"What a lovely couple! Congratulations, Nichole! You're a good judge of character. You managed to find a kind young man suitable for your lovely daughter."

Mama chuckled and sipped on her wine. She looked regal as the elegant wives of businessmen flocks around her.

"Who knows they will actually work? We just set them up on a blind date."

I smiled at Stan's mother, across from me. Stan and my family are here on the same table, talking about the engagement. There are other businessmen in our circle and I admit that I'm tired of forcing a sweet smile. I just want to sleep and rest now.

Stan chuckled and looked at me while caressing my hand on the table. "Who wouldn't like Blakely? She's sweet and kind. Only a stupid man would refuse her."

Stan's praises made me smile. "Stan is very kind too. No woman could ignore a caring man."

Mama looked so pleased. She sipped on her wine glass and smiled softly. "Blakely is a very obedient girl. You see, she never disobeyed me."

"Oh! I really envy you, Nichole, for having such an obedient daughter. Unlike my daughter. Gosh! We fought last week because I found out that she's been hanging out in a bar with some cheap people. I really hate it so I grounded her."

Everyone was so pleased. Everyone was greeting us. Stan won't let go of my hand while the party's going on but I was constantly glancing at the huge door of the hall. I don't know if I'm wishing he won't come or I'm actually waiting for him. It's sickening! I feel like I suddenly lost control of my own life and emotions when I grew up calculating everything because of mama's strict rules.

"How's your son, Nichole?" One of mama's friends suddenly asked.

I saw how Mama's expression slightly changed. Nik is a rebel and she can't really control him. He's like an ocean who's always experiencing a storm-wild and cannot be tamed.

"Oh, Nik?" Mama chuckled without humor. "He's good. He's currently in another country."

"My daughter said she saw her last month in Maldives, going to different parties. I guess he's still a wild kid."

Papa cleared his throat as if the conversation was starting to bother him. He tilted his head. "Well, I think he just needs a decent woman. Men change when they find the woman they'd want to spend the rest of their lives with."

Everyone nodded, agreeing to what Papa said. The sudden turn of the topic to Nik made me feel uneasy. His parents didn't know that he's back. Did he not inform them?

I chewed my bottom lip as I remembered how he saved me last night. I was drugged but he came to my rescue. He saved me even when he hated me for what I did five years ago and yet I did it again last night. I threw myself at him, like a slut, as he claimed and it hurts me so much.

"I'll just go to the powder room," I whispered to Stan and since he was talking to some businessmen with papa, he just nodded and smiled at me.

I grabbed my pouch. "Excuse me."

I was smiling at the guests who were greeting me while I'm walking towards the restroom. However, I stopped when a woman stood in front of me, blocking my way. Her sharp eyes watched me and I could see disgust in it.

"Excuse me." I said softly.

She laughed sarcastically. "Acting like a rich heiress when you're nothing but a fake!"

Her words were heard by the people nearby and I heard someone whispering who's the girl in front of the Velasquez's daughter. Everyone sees me as a Velasquez and there are only two people who don't. Nik and this woman I don't even know.

I took a deep sigh and stared at her blankly. "Please! I don't want trouble."

I walked past her but she suddenly gasped so loud. "Oh my God! I was just trying to greet you."

I looked back and saw the wine in her hand spilled on her arm. My lips parted in disbelief. What a cheap move!

My eyes immediately fled to the table where my foster parents were. They're already walking towards us.

"Blakely!" Mama's low but stern voice caught me off guard. She glanced at the woman in front of me and was about to say something again when a man suddenly put his suit on my shoulders.

"Blakely! Are you okay, love? Were you hurt?" Stan's angry and worried voice interrupted us. He held my waist so gently as he looked at me worriedly.

"I'm.okay," I whispered as I stared at him. They're right! Mama is a good judge of character. Stan is kind and I started to believe that this loveless marriage will still work.

Stan's jaw ticked as he slowly turned to the woman, glaring at her. Stan moved closer to the woman and said something. I didn't hear it, but when he stepped back, he spoke. "Just please leave. This is my engagement party and I don't want it ruined in any way. This is a special night for me, Miss."

I stared at Stan's broad shoulders. He stood up for me without doubt. He protected me without question. Yes! We might be able to build a strong and peaceful marriage together. Although I threw myself again at Nik last night, I'm glad nothing happened more than kissing and touching.

The woman looked defenseless as she looked at us before she turned her back and walked away. People are looking at her, probably judging her but I didn't have time to think about it because I'm worried mama would still blame me. However, Stan must've felt the tension in me because he didn't leave me after that. He accompanied me to the powder room and we went back to the table together. He's not letting go of my hand.

The party ended after midnight. Stan remained on my side as we went to the hotel.

"Madame, sir. I prepared a presidential suite for me and Blakely. I hope you won't mind if I invited her to spend the night there," Stan said while we're entering the hotel.

Mama nodded. "Of course, Stan. And please! Call me mama."

Stan chuckled and nodded before he looked at papa. The latter glanced at me and smiled before he nodded at Stan, giving him his permission.

We're standing in front of the elevator, waiting for it to open when I caught a familiar figure entering the hotel. My breathing became uneven as I saw how handsome he was as he graced the lobby with his rugged look. Piercing on his left ear and messy hair. His muscles were almost ripping the sleeves of his white button down polo while the first two buttons were open.

The lobby of the hotel looked different now that he's there. Nik walked stoically towards us, like a model on a catwalk, a smile on his face, but only I could see the shade in his eyes. My brain immediately felt dizzy. He's here. He didn't attend the party but he's here. Is he gonna tell on me? Fear suddenly consumed me because of the possibility.

"Nik!" Mom's voice was drowned out by my violent heartbeat.

What's he doing here...I wish he'd go away, but he doesn't change his direction and my blood freezes again. Oh no!

"Nikandreo! When did you come back to town?!" Mom screamed as her eyes widened in shock. "Oh my God! We should've picked you up from the airport!"

He stopped in front of us and replied, "Yesterday." Then he looked over at me with a mischievous grin. "Blakely knows, she didn't tell you?"

Damn it! Is he trying to set me up because of what I did last night? I looked at him in horror and he slowly flashed a smile. I got a glimpse of his tongue and I was shocked to see a piercing in it. Was that what I felt last night? He has a tongue piercing and why do I find it hot?

My cheeks suddenly felt hot and I hid it by caressing them.

My foster mom gave me a decidedly disgruntled look, and I was just about to explain when our father stepped in, looking at Nik with displeasure. "Now that you're back in town, you should give your sister your blessing."

"Of course." Nik said and then immediately pulled me into his arms, the memory of his touch on me last night swept over me again and my legs immediately turned to jelly. Oh God! Just a mere touch from him can make me this weak. This is driving me insane!

His left hand was on my waist while the other was on my elbow. He was so close that my breathing stopped and my heart skipped a beat while I'm looking up at his face. He leaned closer, bringing more tension in me as I felt his breath against my neck, sending shivers down my spine.

Oh shit!

I just hoped that he wasn't thinking of reporting me tonight. But his next words once again stopped my heart. "We can still be good, Blakely. What you did, I can let it slide just like five years ago. Well.only if you beg the same way as you did last night. Beg desperately."

Blakely's POV

I know I'm trapped and there's no way to escape the hell where Nik trapped me. He's the king of this hell and I'm scared I'd lose myself as he played with my heart and soul like a devil, enjoying my misery and suffering. I don't know what he's planning, but I can feel that it's not good. It's as if he only came back to torment me and because I did stupid things twice, I have no choice but to obey him.

Nik slowly stepped backward as he eyed me like a predator, enjoying his trembling prey and a playful smile curved on his lips. His smile was deceiving and only I could feel its mischief. I remained watching him until he disappeared from my sight and that's only when I released the breath I was holding in.

He's gone. He's gone so fast that it felt like an illusion but the beat of my heart proves that it's not.

"Blakely!" Stan held my hand and caressed my back. "Are you okay, love?"

I forced a smile and nodded at him. "Y-Yeah. I'm just.kinda tired."

"Auntie–Mama, I'd like to bring Blakely to the presidential suite since she's already tired."

Somehow, I'm thankful to Stan for saying that. Mama and Papa immediately gave us their approval and Stan brought me to the presidential suite, caressing my waist as he held me close.

"Thank you, Stan," I said as soon as we entered the presidential suite. "For defending me back there at the party."

He looked at me with affection as he held my hand. "It's my duty to protect you, Blakely. I am your future husband, so I will protect you no matter what."

I smiled and nodded at him. His eyes dropped on my lips and I saw how he swallowed before he looked into my eyes again. "Blakely, can I.kiss you?"

Kiss? My heart hammered inside my chest. A part of me wanted to say no but I remembered how mama fiercely reminded me of how I should make Stan happy as my future husband. Just a kiss, right?

Slowly, I nodded and he claimed my lips. His kisses were gentle, slow, and sweet. It's the total opposite of the kiss I shared with Nik last night.

I opened my mouth when I felt Stan wanting it to part and then his kisses suddenly changed. He started kissing me like a starved animal as he pinned my hands against the closed door which really surprised me. I was shocked and frozen for a few seconds.

"Fck! I waited so long for this, love." he whispered as he continued kissing me like crazy.

I felt his hand caressing my inner thighs as his kisses went down to my jaw and neck. My heart immediately raced inside my chest, realizing what he wanted to happen tonight. Fear consumed me as I remembered the way Nik kissed me last night. He answered my kisses last night and the taste of his lips was still vivid in my memory.

"S-Stan-"

"Shh! Relax." He stopped kissing me and gently pressed his forefinger against my lips. His eyes are blazing with desire and I know I can no longer stop him now. It's too late.

He smiled gently. "Don't worry, love. I'll be very gentle since I know this is your first time and we're now engaged. It's only natural."

I nodded and Stan smiled before kissing me on the lips which I suppose excited him even more because I felt the growing tent on his pants against my belly.

Something is wrong. It's with me.

My eyes squeezed even tighter as Stan continued kissing my neck and Nik's face flashed in my mind. His touch.his kiss.his sinful lips.his rude pierced tongue.his sharp words. My lips parted after I trembled in pleasure as memories of how we kissed last night flashed in my mind.

My lips parted just when Stan was about to touch my most sensitive spot, his phone rang, interrupting us. "Stan."

"Shh!" He whispered and showered kisses all over my neck again.

His phone continued ringing as I tried to convince him to answer it. Must be an important call knowing how persistent the caller is.

"Fcking shit!" Stan cursed and angrily grabbed his phone.

He answered the call, listening to the person on the other line so intently before he squeezed his eyes closed and ended the call. He caressed my cheek and kissed me hard on the lips before he let go and stared at me apologetically. "I have to go, love. I have something to take care of."

Swallowing hard, I nodded obediently. He picked up his coat and left as I panted heavily.

It was supposed to be his work number. Thank God. Anyway, the call rescued me.

After Stan left, I fell on my knees like a jelly, feeling so weak and confused. My hands trembled as I fixed my clothes and left the hotel as if I was drunk and totally spent.

I've lost my mind! Why am I longing for his touch and the way he handled me? Why do I think about Nik when it's Stan I was kissing?

My thoughts are so messy and I need to organize them before I lose my mind. I went back to my apartment, the one I bought after I had my first job. It wasn't big and just big enough for me. Mama didn't approve of it and Papa managed to help me convince her. But in return, I should never ever disobey them in any way.

I entered my apartment and went straight to the locked room, unlocking it with the key I was hiding in my bag.

As soon as the light flooded the room, my stupid feelings for Nik came to life as pictures and paintings of him flashed in front of me.

The wall full of his pictures seemed full of life and I couldn't help but think why I couldn't get over him. Well, maybe because I don't really want to forget my feelings. It's all in here. Inside this room. Hiding and safe.

I couldn't.forget the kiss. The taste of his lips. His rough way when he kissed back and touched me.

No, what's hidden shouldn't be found out. Stop it now, Blakely! Please, you have Stan, you have to be honest with him, Stan's great and kind. He's always treated me with respect, he's allowed me to continue to work after my marriage, he's always kind to me, and here I am thinking about another man while I'm with him.

My phone interrupted my thoughts. I opened it and received a message from my friend Rachel. She sent me a message with a picture attached to it.

My hands trembled and my heart ached after I saw a photo of Rachel and Nik. His face was buried in Rachel's neck but I know it's him. I know him too well.

'Guess who's with me? He's inviting me to his condo, Blakely. Would you mind?'

A rebellion raised in my heart as I stared at the photo. I wanted to throw my phone and slam it against the wall while my heart ached like crazy. Another message came from the same sender.

'Nik told me to ask you since he doesn't want to ruin our friendship. I hope you don't mind, Blakely. Your brother is so hot!'

He just.played with me. Of course!

My heart bleed as I typed in a message, telling Rachel to do whatever she wanted to do with him and I didn't care.

I was almost breathless when I cupped my forehead and bit my bottom lip. He treated me like nothing. He kissed back last night, but he's now ready to hook up with my friend. I felt played. I feel jealous. This is ridiculous!

I should forget him completely. I know from the very beginning that we will never happen. He's forbidden. However, deep down I knew I hated why my heart was still beating for him even after everything. The unexpected kiss we shared last night shattered all my plans. I could have forgotten about him, accepting the truth that he would never be mine but after last night, how could I forget him? Just.how?

'Stop this, Blakely!' I warned myself, shaking my head. 'Don't let your stupid obsession poison your mind any longer!'

'You're already engaged! You can't fail Stan anymore!'

I drank all the water and realized it was not enough to calm me down. Whatever happened last night, I should forget it. Nothing will work out between Nik and me. I was already engaged with Stan and all I needed to do now was to get over my adoptive brother and focus on my own life.

My eyes found the photos and paintings. This is probably the reason why I couldn't forget him. Because I'm still keeping my illusion of having him to look at me like a woman.

I felt suffocated as I gathered all the paintings and photos and decided to burn them. The fire eating the surviving trace of my illusion of having my adoptive brother was suffocating to watch. I feel like I'm burning a part of me and I can't do anything because it's for the best.

Suddenly, a warm liquid rolled down my cheeks. I wiped them and scolded myself. Why am I crying over paintings and photos? God! This is ridiculous!

The heaviness in my heart didn't subside as I busied myself by cleaning the room that was once locked and a witness to my helpless one sided love.

DING_DONG

When the doorbell rang, I thought it was Stan, so I pulled the door open. I almost dropped my own heart on the floor when I saw Nik standing in front of my house. His eyes were dark and dangerous, and immediately met mine. He smelled heavily of alcohol.

My lips parted in shock as I stared at him with eyes widening. But.wasn't he with Rachel?

"N-Nik."