Forbidden Desires Daddy's Favorite Sin

SCARLETT

I sat across the coffee counter, clearly invested in my phone until it was snatched from me.

"Hey! Give me that!" I yelled at Tessa, my best friend who had just deprived me of my phone.

"Quit whining, you've been watching his interviews for an unhealthy length of time," she said, throwing her arms in the air. I adjusted in my chair, trying to reach out to my phone.

"It's just one interview."

"It's not just one. I don't really see the appeal behind the addiction to this man," Tessa blurted out.

"Of course you wouldn't understand, he is Simon Laurent, the billionaire businessman," I mentioned excitedly.

"Yes, and?" Tessa asked, visibly rolling her eyes at me.

"C'mon you're no fun, can't you see?" I started, "He's sexy, hot and makes me we.."

"Okay, enough. Spare me the horrid details, I have work to do anyways," Tessa finalized and returned my phone.

I smiled faintly and was about to return to the interview when I received a call from my mom.

"Hey mum, what now?" I asked curiously.

"Come home , now!"

"Wait, wh..." she already cut me off before I could complete my question.

I say goodbye to Tessa and head back home.

For as long as I could remember, it has just been I and mom since my dad died. I met Tessa in 6th grade and we've been inseparable since then.

Outside the house, there were three strange SUVs packed in the driveway. What in god's name was going on here?

Taking in a deep breath, I found my way into the house and heard my mom's voice accompanied with a masculine voice. Hold up, I know that voice.

I rushed into the living room and came face to face with my mum sitting with THE Simon Laurent. It was my first time seeing him outside TVs and billboards, and god the pictures didn't do him enough justice.

As much as I would love to get wet over his appearance, I was more interested in getting to know why he was in my freaking living room.

"Scarlett, you're home," mum said, breaking me out of my chain of thoughts.

"Wait, what's going on here?" I asked calmly, my mum smiled at Simon then looked back at me.

"I am engaged, Scarlett," she said smiling.

My knees went weak instantly, I held onto the couch for support, I stared back between my smiling mum and Simon who just sat there sipping his coffee like all was right in the world.

"To who? Him?" I finally mustered the courage to ask.

"Honey, that's basically how this works, I've known him for a year and ..."

"A year?!" I yelled, cutting her off. "That's how long you've kept me in the dark?" My voice, already breaking up.

Mum got up slowly and moved towards me, pulling me into a hug I didn't want right now.

"I know baby, I'm sorry, but we love each other and we're going to move in with him and become a family," she added and I quickly disengaged myself from the hug.

I stared at Simon who finally dropped the cup as if finally getting into the discussion. At this point, I didn't know which hurt more, the fact that my mum kept a secret from me or the fact that Simon was about to become my stepfather.

"Do I even get any say in this?" I asked, throwing my hands in the air in frustration.

"There's not much you can do or say," Simon finally spoke. I should've been angry at his statement, yet I stood here thinking about his voice telling me to strip and bend over. God! Scarlett, focus!

"I was talking to my mom and not you," I shot at him. I expected him to yell at me but instead he kept his calm expression, not saying anything to me.

"I won't tolerate you talking to him that way, I'm sure you two will get along soon," she said sternly.

Simon stood up abruptly and walked up to my mother, drawing her in for a cheek kiss.

"Cynthia, I have to leave for a meeting. The moving trucks are on their way."

The silence that took over the house after he left was overwhelming, I stared back at my mom in total disbelief and shock.

"What is going to happen to the house?" I questioned not breaking eye contact with her.

"It's already on the market, honey."

"Great, so you got engaged to Simon Laurent and sold the house without letting me know, real nice," I blurted out and she looked at me. Some sort of disappointment flashed across her face.

"Tell me Scarlett. What were you expecting me to do?"

The question hit me harder than expected. Mum had always prioritized me since dad died and now it was her chance at happiness and I wanted her to what? Remain lonely? I felt very selfish, mostly because part of the reason I didn't want her to marry Simon was because of my fantasies with him.

"I'm sorry mum, I just want you to be sure of your decision." I added and hugged her.

"I know baby, I'm sure and I'm happy."

***

The truck came with a lot of workers, they moved swiftly, packing up items and boxes into the truck and separating those we didn't need. I sat in the living room basically giving instructions while things were moved into the truck.

"Hey! Be careful with that!" I yelled.

"It's labeled socks ma'am," the worker replied.

"Those are expensive socks, dummy," I snapped back at him before he left.

Mum came down the stairs looking like she'd just finished a hectic exercise.

"Mum, you look awfully tired," I chucked softly.

"Well, I wouldn't look this way if you decided to help me and stop sitting here doing nothing." she breathed out.

"I'm not the one that woke up and decided to move," I murmured. " Besides, I'm managing the workers and giving instructions."

She just stared back at me in defeat and went back inside. I stared at the almost empty house, I had been here all my life and it had become a vital part of me.

Somehow, I felt sad that I would be leaving but some part of me couldn't wait to be close to Simon. Hell, I shouldn't even be thinking like this, he's basically my stepfather. Who am I kidding? Something about that even intrigued me more after all it was just a crazy fantasy I wasn't actually going to fulfill.

Once everything was done, I picked up my phone and texted Tessa to let her know what just happened.

Of course, she made fun of everything. I smiled faintly and sank into the couch for the last time. I really hope I don't regret this.

SCARLETT

The drive down was quiet. Hell, the mansion itself looked quiet. The black iron gates slid open slowly as the car rolled forward, revealing a long driveway and a massive estate.

Beside me, mum adjusted her pearl earrings nervously before smoothing invisible wrinkles from the dress.

"Darling, try to look happy when we go inside," mum whispered.

I almost laughed at her comment. Happy? She had just gotten engaged to Simon Laurent and sold our old house without asking me what I thought about it, dragged me across the city into this giant mausoleum pretending it was some glamorous new beginning. Happy was the last thing I felt.

The car stopped beneath the mansion's towering entrance. A uniformed driver stepped out immediately to open the door but I remained seated for a second longer, staring up at what was supposed to be my new home.

"Scarlett?" mum hissed.

"I'm coming," I muttered before stepping out of the car. The front doors opened before we could even reach them and there he was, Simon Laurent.

This time, I had a good look at him. Pictures had not done him justice. He stood at the top of the marble stairs inside the foyer, one hand resting casually in his pocket as if he owned not just the mansion, but the entire world. He was tall, fair skinned, broad shoulders. Dark tailored suit, silver watch gleaming beneath the soft light. Power clung to him naturally.

Memories flashed through my head, the late nights alone in bed, watching interviews of him, enjoying the rough sound of his voice and touching myself. The humiliating, filthy dreams I had buried and ignored once my mother announced their engagement. He was basically my mother's new husband and my stepfather now.

The thought alone made me feel sick. Yet Simon kept looking at me in a way that made me want to throw all my values away.

"Welcome home," he said smoothly.

His voice was deep enough to get me wet.

Mum beamed instantly. "The house looks beautiful, Simon."

"It's our home now," Simon said, his gaze fixed on me while he drew my mother into a hug. I forced myself to break eye contact first. Some uniformed workers appeared silently and took our luggage.

As mum got inside the mansion, Simon descended down the stairs slowly. As he got closer, the expensive scent of his cologne filled all my senses. There was something about the confidence in his movements that made me want to grab and just kiss him. He stopped directly in front of me.

"Scarlett," he said. Just my name, but something about the way he said it made my insides tingle.

"Mr Laurent." I swallowed hard.

One corner of his mouth tilted slightly. "Simon is fine."

***

That night during dinner, everything felt unbearable. The dining room looked like something from the luxury hotel, all dark wood and gold candlelight stretching across a table long enough to seat twenty people.

I sat stiffly in my chair, the food was good but I got tired heading mom yap on and on about wedding details and honeymoon plans. Simon barely spoke but I could feel his attention constantly. Every time I glanced up, our eyes met instantly. I would switch to look at my mom, but of course she wasn't looking to see a thing.

"So," Mum said brightly, sipping wine. "Scarlett mentioned she's thinking about going to Fashion school next semester."

"That sounds pretty interesting. Why fashion?" Simon asked.

I cleared my throat. "It has been my passion since I was little, I always liked to play dress up and pretend my mum was the judge." I said, smiling widely.

Simon didn't return the smile, his face just had a little trace of amusement. Why did he look so tough? And why did I seem to like that about him?

"So you're more interested in modelling? Have you actually modeled before?" He asked sharply.

"No," I answered truthfully. "I had applied to a few places and never actually been given a chance because I had no connections."

Simon hummed softly then brushed his eyebrows with hands. "I have a friend, I can pull a few strings and get you in to start by fall."

"I would appreciate that, thank you." I said beaming and held onto my mother's hand, whose face had that look of 'I told you so'.

I have to admit, Simon actually isn't a bad person.

The rest of the dinner went by quickly in silence. I felt exhausted from doing absolutely nothing.

"I'll show you to your room," Simon said suddenly.

Mom just nodded approvingly and went ahead to her room. I forced myself up and followed Simon up the stairs, keeping a careful distance between us.

"You can stop glaring at my back," Simon said calmly.

I was visibly taken aback. "I wasn't glaring."

He stopped outside a large door and turned to me fully. Up close, he looked so intimidating but sexy.

"What?" I asked.

His expression remained unreadable. "You dislike me already."

"I don't dislike you." I said faintly.

"Because I'm marrying your mother?" He asked.

"Because she barely knows you! I barely know you!" I snapped.

"A year is enough time to know if you love someone, and you don't have to know me, you're not the one I'm getting married to."

"Wow, I'm supposed to be your step daughter," I scoffed.

"I don't particularly care what you think about me."

Normally, that statement should've annoyed me, instead I felt impressed. He didn't try to act soft with me the way older men usually were around younger women. He spoke to me like an equal.

I noticed as his eyes flickered downward briefly, to her bare legs beneath her oversized sweater and judging by the way his jaw tightened afterward, he noticed too.

The air between us changed instantly, the horrible tension I had been trying desperately to ignore since I stepped into the mansion.

Simon opened the bedroom door beside him. "Your room."

I walked inside quickly, grateful for the distance. The room was enormous, dark modern furniture, a fireplace crackling softly across from a king sized bed. Glass walls overlooking the rain soaked forest behind the estate.

"It's too much," I murmured.

Simon leaned casually against the doorway. "You'll get used to it."

I turned toward him. He looked unfairly good standing there in the low lighting, tie loosened slightly now, sleeves rolled just enough to expose strong forearms.

My imagination betrayed her instantly. I imagined those hands gripping her waist, deep voice against her ear.

I looked away sharply, disgusted with myself.

"Something wrong?" Simon asked quietly.

"No." I replied sharply.

"But you seem uncomfortable."

I forced a dry laugh. "I'm just trying to process the fact that my mother married a man old enough to ruin lives for a living."

Simon's expression didn't change. "And have I ruined yours yet?"

I could feel the right knot in my stomach. Christ! I should say something, leave, move, anything!

Simon stepped away from the doorway first.

"Get some rest Scarlett."

His voice sounded rougher now, before she could respond, he walked away down the hallway. I stared after him long after he disappeared then shut the bedroom door quickly and leaned against it, pressing my trembling fingers to my lips.

My entire body felt overheated, humiates and confused at the same time because deep down beneath all the guilt and shock, a terrible part of me had noticed something impossible.

Simon Laurent wanted me too.

SCARLETT

I tossed around the bed aimlessly, I was unable to close my eyes to sleep. Every time I closed my eyes I saw Simon Laurent standing in my doorway, staring at my legs and lips like he was imagining something he shouldn't.

I checked the time, 3:17 AM. At this point there was no point of trying to sleep. I climbed out of bed and padded barefoot across the room wearing nothing but an oversized T-shirt and tiny sleep shorts. I poured myself a glass of water from the crystal decanter near the shelves trying desperately not to think about Simon.

My thoughts betrayed me instantly. The way his voice deepened when he said my name. The terrifying feeling that he wanted to touch me.

"Stop," I whispered to myself. This was sick, he is my stepfather now. Even if technically they weren't related by blood, it didn't matter, it was still shameful and disgusting. So why couldn't I stop imagining him?

Why did my thighs press together every time I remembered the way he looked at me?

I think I need a coffee or drink to drive this madness away.

Halfway down, I heard voices, male voices. And one of them belonged to Simon.

"...don't care what the board thinks," he said coldly somewhere nearby. "Fix it."

There was silence before another man spoke nervously. "The investors are concerned about the merger."

"Then they can concern themselves somewhere else."

His tone felt too calm. I moved carefully toward the sound peering slightly into a partially open room.

Simon stood inside what looked like a private office, phone pressed to his ear. His sleeves were rolled up, exposing tattooed veins along his forearms.

God. Why was that so attractive?

The office itself was dark and masculine. Black shelves lined with books. Whiskey bottles glinting beneath warm lighting.

Simon turned suddenly and I held my breath. His eyes landed directly on me and sharpened immediately. The silence stretched for one dangerous second before he spoke back into the phone.

"I'll call you tomorrow."

Then he ended the call. I stepped backward instinctively.

"Sorry, I was just looking for the kitchen."

Simon studied me silently. His gaze traveled slowly downward. Bare legs, tiny shorts, barefoot. The look in his eyes darkened almost imperceptibly.

"I can have someone bring food upstairs for you," he said finally.

"I'm not hungry." That was a flat lie, I was hungry but suddenly not for food.

Simon leaned one shoulder against the desk casually, though nothing about him actually looked relaxed. "You should be asleep."

I laughed softly. "Couldn't sleep."

"Why's that?"

Because of you!!!! I wanted to yell.

"I'm in a strange house, a strange environment."

His eyes remained fixed on me. "Is that the only reason?"

The question hit hard and I looked away quickly. "You always interrogate people like this?"

"Only when they're avoiding the truth."

My stomach was in knots, how I wanted this man to just ram himself into me and claim me.

"You should wear warmer clothes," he said quietly.

I frowned. "What?"

"It's cold."

His gaze lingered on my exposed thighs again.

I swallowed hard. "I didn't realize there was a dress code for insomnia."

One corner of Simon's mouth twitched slightly; that was the first almost-smile I had seen from him. It made him even more dangerous.

"You enjoy provoking people," he observed.

"Maybe you enjoy being provoked."

The words slipped out before I could stop them. His expression changed subtly, like he understood exactly what I meant.

"You should be careful Scarlett," Simon said softly.

The way he said my name sent heat spiraling low into my stomach again.

"Why?" I whispered.

His eyes darkened.

"Because you don't fully understand what you're doing yet."

My lips parted slightly before I could stop herself.

Simon noticed a muscle flexed sharply in his jaw.

Then, they heard footsteps upstairs. Both of them stepped apart instantly. My mother appeared at the top of the staircase wearing a silk robe, looking half asleep. "Simon?"

The tension shattered immediately. Simon's expression turned unreadable again.

"Yes?"

"I thought I heard voices." Cynthia smiled tiredly before noticing me. "Oh. Honey, you're awake?"

"Couldn't sleep," I said quickly.

My voice sounded strange to my own ears.

Simon stepped farther away from me. "Scarlett was looking for the kitchen."

Cynthia laughed softly. "You'll get lost in this house for weeks."

I forced a smile.

If only getting lost was the worst thing happening here.

***

I avoided Simon for three days, or at least I tried to. The Laurent mansion was too large and too intimate at the same time. Even when he wasn't physically present, I still felt him everywhere. I couldn't stop thinking about his voice, the way he spoke to me.

I stayed in my room late into the mornings, wandered the gardens when Simon was in meetings, and ate dinner only after confirming through the staff that he was still working in his office.

It felt childish but necessary because every interaction with him chilled away at my self control a little more.

On the fourth night, Mother had insisted I attend dinner.

"Simon barely sees you," Cynthia complained while adjusting bracelets in front of the mirror earlier that evening. "You disappear constantly."

I forced a shrug. "I've been tired."

"Well, tonight you're eating with us. No excuses."

So now I was sitting stiffly at the massive dining table wearing a black silk dress I suddenly regretted choosing.

Simon sat directly across from me. Mum was busy discussing Charity events and social dinners. His attention appeared focused on the wine in his glass but I knew better because every few minutes his eyes lifted toward me.

I took a shaky sip of wine.

"You don't drink often," he observed calmly.

My mother laughed. "Scarlett's terrible with alcohol."

I shot her a look. "Thanks."

"It's true, one glass and you start saying things you shouldn't."

Simon's gaze darkened almost immediately.

"Interesting," he murmured.

I wanted to crawl under the table. The rest of dinner felt unbearable.

Every accidental brush of Simon's gaze felt intimate now. Mother noticed absolutely nothing mostly because she wasn't paying attention. It should have made me feel relieved but instead it made her feel guilty, because part of her had started anticipating these moments.

Dinner ended just after ten. announced she was heading upstairs for a bath, leaving me alone in the dining room gathering enough courage to move without embarrassing herself. Simon remained seated, watching her.

"Are you frightened of me?" he asked suddenly.

I looked up sharply. "What?"

"You avoid me constantly."

"I've just been busy." I said casually.

"That's not an answer."

I set my wine glass down harder than intended. "Maybe I just don't enjoy being analyzed every time we speak."

Simon leaned back slightly in his chair.

"You think too loudly," he said.

"What does that even mean?" I asked.

"It means your face gives you away."

Simon's eyes lingered on her face. "Like now," he added quietly.

I stood up abruptly. "Goodnight."

"Scarlett."

My name stopped me instantly. God, I hated how he said it, slowly and possessively. I turned reluctantly. Simon rose from his chair then. He loosened his tie slightly as he walked towards me, and I could feel my pulse hammering painfully beneath her ribs.

"You keep running from me," he said softly.

I forced myself to hold my gaze. "Maybe because you keep saying inappropriate things."

"Inappropriate?"

"You know exactly what I mean."

Simon stopped directly in front of me, close enough that I could feel warmth radiating from him.

"You're an adult, Scarlett."

The words sent a strange shiver through me.

"And?"

"And I think you enjoy this tension as much as I do."

I shook my head quickly. "This is wrong."

"Yes." The immediate agreement startled me. Simon's jaw tightened slightly.

"But you still think about me."

The silence that followed was devastating because he was right. Random quiet moments where her mind betrayed her with filthy thoughts she shouldn't be having about the man who married her mother. I looked away first.

"I hate you," I whispered.

Simon stepped even closer. "You don't hate me."

My heart was thudding violently in my chest. "You barely know me."

"I know enough." His voice lowered dangerously. "I know the way you look at me when you think no one notices."

My stomach twisted violently. Simon lifted one hand slowly, giving her enough time to stop him but I didn't.

His fingers brushed lightly against her jaw, the touch felt electric. I inhaled sharply as his thumb traced softly along the edge of her chin.

"Simon..." I whispered. His eyes darkened at the sound of his name in her mouth.

"You should tell me to stop," he murmured. I should, instead my body betrayed me completely, leaning ever so slightly into his touch. Simon noticed immediately, a dangerous look crossed his face like the last thread of his control was snapping. Then suddenly he stepped away.

I blinked in shock. Simon dragged his hand through his hair roughly before turning toward the window.

"Go upstairs."

The command in his voice startled me.

"What?"

"Now."

I frowned. "You don't get to order me around."

Simon laughed softly but there was nothing amusing about it.

"You have no idea how difficult I'm trying to be right now."

The confession hit me like a slap. My breath became shaky. Simon kept his back turned toward me.

"Go upstairs before I forget every reason this is a bad idea."

The room fell completely silent. I stared at him, and for one reckless second I wanted to stay. I wanted to walk back toward him instead of away, wanting to see what would happen if neither of them stopped pretending anymore.

The realization terrified me enough to finally move.

I turned quickly and left the dining room before myself control disappeared completely.

Halfway up the staircase...

"Scarlett."

I froze again. Simon still stood near the window downstairs, one hand in his pocket, his expression unreadable beneath the dim lighting. Then he said the one thing guaranteed to ruin her entire night.

"Wear that dress again."

My entire body felt hot instantly and Simon watched her reaction with dark satisfaction before walking away.