He slowly lifts his gaze to my face. “So, you are engaged? That’s nice.”
“Oh, I-yes I am.” I turn toward Richard whose existence I had temporarily forgotten. “Damon, meet Richard Pierce.”
Richard steps forward and Damon stretches out his hand. They shake hands. I watch, completely annoyed while the two size each other up. Though he is my fiancé and I love him, Richard really has nothing on Damon. Damon is taller, more muscular, darker and looks like he can hold his own in a brawl. Richard on the other hand is thin and mild-mannered. They’re both blond, but even something about Damon’s hair is superiorly sexy.
I clear my throat, placing myself beside my fiancé.
“Um, Richard, Damon is uh…”
“Her stepbrother,” Damon finishes.
I see Richard’s shoulder relax a bit as he realizes that Damon is not his competition.
If he only knew.
Before I can say a word, Damon asks, “Aren’t you going to give your big brother a hug, Alice? I haven’t seen you in almost three years.” I see the mischief in his eyes.
If there weren’t so many witnesses present I would throttle him.
I let out a nervous laugh and turn to see Richard looking at me expectantly. I reluctantly move toward the tall hunk of gorgeous flesh. Large, strong arms engulf me and my feet are lifted off the floor. Startled I throw my arms around his neck and hold on for dear life. He swings me around “It is really good to see you, little sister.”
My body is stiff in his embrace because I am fighting with myself to not enjoy the physical contact. I lean back in his embrace to glare at him. He puts me down with a soft chuckle. “Well, didn’t you miss me, Alice?” He asks mockingly.
I straighten my sweater, a bit disappointed that he has broken contact. “Of course, brother,” I bite out. “I’m so glad you could make it,” I say the words for everyone else to hear but I give him a pointed look which tells him I don’t mean a word that I say.
“Thanks, Alice, I’m glad to be here,” he says. “I look forward to catching up with you.” I look away when he smirks at me.
“Alright, everyone,” Grams chimes in. “Why don’t you all get settled in? Dinner will be ready soon. Marie you already know which room you and Jared are in.” She turns to me, “Alice you know your usual room. Richard is in the room to your left and Damon is in the room to your right. Will you be a dear and escort them up?”
“Sure, Grams,” I utter weakly. My shoulders droop. “Well isn’t this just fitting,” I whisper under my breath. I am put in between the man I am supposed to marry and the man that I have loved since I was a teenager. “Follow me, gentlemen.”
As I show Richard his room, Damon stands patiently in the hallway. “Thanks, babe,” Richard says. “I’ll just settle myself in. You must want to catch up with Damon. I’ll catch you later.” He pulls me in for a kiss before I can tell him that I will be right back because I don’t intend to spend any time with Damon.
A sharp intake of breath interrupts our make-out session. Richard’s head pops up to look at Damon standing just outside the door. He smiles sheepishly, “Sorry, man. I guess it must be a little weird to see some strange guy groping your sister.”
“Stepsister,” I correct. Richard shrugs and releases me. I glance toward Damon, a bit embarrassed by what he has just witnessed.
His jaw is clenched and his posture is rigid. I frown, wondering what his problem is. I’m sure he has kissed plenty of women. Why would he be offended by witnessing another couple share a kiss? Suddenly the memory of the way he kissed me in my bedroom three years ago assails me. I can actually feel his lips on mine. I am getting overheated.
I quickly put some distance between Richard and myself. “I-I’m going to show Damon to his room, Rich, I’ll see you in a bit.” He gives me a little pat on the behind as I walk away.
Damon cocks an eyebrow. “It seems your fiancé can’t keep his hands to himself,” he mutters after Richard closes his door.
“What do you care?” I snap. I stomp off and he follows.
“Come on, Alice. What is with the hostility?” he asks.
I push open the door to his room and indicate for him to go it. “Are you seriously asking me that? After what you did to me, I’d say that my attitude toward you is more civil than you deserve.”
He releases a sigh. “That was three years ago.”
“Actually three days from now will make it three years,” I hiss. “And the time doesn’t matter, not to me.”
He is standing with his luggage in his hand, studying me intently. “Well aren’t you going to go in?”
He moves forward, taking me by the arm and pulling me into the room in one swift motion. I gasp as I stumble inside. “Hey, what is your problem?” I ask utterly irritated.
He pushes the door closed and turns to face me. “I think its full time you forgive and forget, Alice.”
I place my hands on my hips and give him my most hateful stare. “Forgive and forget? Never. You humiliated me. You took pictures to send to your friends for crying out loud. I had no idea you were so-so cruel.”
He seems pained. Rubbing his hand behind his neck, he takes a step toward me. I immediately take a defensive step back. “I was an immature idiot. I’m sorry.”
“Sorry doesn’t cut it. The damage has already been done.” I walk toward the door, desperately needing to get away from him. Before I can pull the door open and make my escape, his fingers wrap around my wrist.
He tugs me gently toward him. “Your mother is married to my father. We are bound to find ourselves in each other’s presence many times, just like this holiday get-together. Don’t you think we should make an effort to get along?”
I glare up at him. “There is no need for that. I have managed to avoid you for three years. We are only in the same house because of a slight misunderstanding. It won’t happen again.”
I make a mental note to pay my dear mother a visit and let her experience the brunt of my anger.
“Okay, now you are the one being immature.”
“Excuse me? There is nothing immature about my behavior. I hate your guts, Damon. How else do you expect me to act around you?”
He drops my hand from his grip and something akin to pain flashes in his eyes.
I am taken aback by what I have just witnessed.
My anger dissipates slightly at the thought that I might have actually hurt his feelings. I don’t know why I even care; he deserves all of my hatred and anger.
“Do you really hate me, Alice?”
No.
“Yes,” I whisper.
He sighs in defeat. He runs a hand over his face. His jaw clenches and his entire demeanor changes. All traces of pain and sadness quickly disappears and the wicked smirk that always seems to be on his lips returns.
I blink, surprised and confused by the quick transformation.
He takes slow steps toward me until he is way too close.
I take several steps back, stopping as my back hits the door.
He towers over me, making me feel small, like he did three years ago. Weird things are happening inside my body because of his close proximity.
He lifts his hands to place his palms flat against the door on either side of my head, effectively caging me in.
I am staring wide-eyed into a sea of green. “I can change that, you know.”
“W-what are you t-talking about,” I stutter. It is hard to ignore the fact that his lips are mere inches from mine. If he lowers his head just a little bit…
He smiles. “I can melt that frigid barrier that you put up around yourself. I did it once and I can do it again. I can make you melt at my feet, crave and love every touch that I offer.”
I gulp. He might just be right. I can feel myself melting already. I want him to cover the inches between us and kiss me. I clench my fists. The diamond ring on my finger bites into my flesh and his spell over me is instantly broken. My eyes narrow to slits. I push roughly against his chest wit
h all of my strength. He steps back, startled by my action. “Get away from me, you perverted jerk. Are you that self absorbed to think that I will fall into your bed like every other woman you’ve nailed? I’m engaged for goodness’ sake. Have you no respect?” I am now riled up to the extreme. I step toward him, pointing my finger into his chest. “Nothing you do will ever make me forgive you. And how dare you talk about touching your stepsister?”
He lets out a snort, “We are not related by blood, so that title is lost on me, Alice. I can talk about and think about touching you as much as I like. In fact I can touch you as much as I like.”
I let out a shriek as I am pulled roughly against him. I gasp when his lips capture mine without warning. I struggle against him but his grip tightens around my waist. All I have managed to do is wiggle my body closer to his. His mouth moves and I am lost. My mind is telling me to push at him and force him to release me, but my body betrays me. I can’t believe nor can I explain my own physical reaction to the man I’m supposed to hate. I suddenly melt, just like he predicted. My body becomes pliant against his. He lifts a hand to tilt my head back so that he can deepen the kiss. My lips part slightly, allowing his tongue to slide into the warmth of my mouth. I whimper in response.
I yank my lips away from him when I hear Richard’s voice from the hallway.
Damon releases me abruptly and I stumble back. I stare at him horror. I nearly growl when I see the satisfied look on his face. “Aly, where are you?” Richard calls.
I wipe the back of my hands over my lips and straighten my clothes, on the verge of panic. I can’t believe I allowed Damon to kiss me like that with my fiancé just two doors down.
Damon grins and walks toward the door to pull it open. “She’s in here, Richard.”
I watch in amazement as he leans casually against the open door to address him. “I’m afraid I’m being a bit selfish with our little Aly. We haven’t seen each other in years, you see. We have so much catching up to do. I was just about to grill her about you when we heard you call.”
Richard laughs, “Ah, the protective big brother. I know how it is, I have two younger sisters. I’m sorry for interrupting, man. I just missed her. You know how it is.”
Damon smiles coolly, “Yeah I know how it is,” he says softly.
I quickly step toward the door. “Richard, why don’t you go to my room and wait for me? I’ll be there in a minute. I’m getting tired of Damon’s big brother questions anyway.”
Richard chuckles and heads to my room.
I step back into Damon’s room. “Are you insane? How dare you kiss me like that?”
He grins, “Based on your reaction, I would say that you enjoyed it, Aly.”
“Don’t call me that,” I hiss. “What we just did can never happen again. It will not happen again.”
He lifts his hand to caress my cheek, “That’s where you’re wrong sweetness. I will have you before the night ends.”
My mouth opens and closes several times. My chest is heaving; I can’t even speak. I let out a growl and wheel around, dashing out the door and marching to my room. I hear his low mocking laughter carry down the hallway. It dawns on me that I might not be able to resist him. All he did was kiss me and every sane thought I had evaporated. I drop my head in my hands. Holy shit, I’m in trouble.
I have to be stronger than this. I can’t allow anything else to happen with Damon.
Not with my fiancé under the same roof… or ever.
Plus, our parents are married to each other. Talk about inappropriate.
I let out a groan before I enter my room to face Richard. I try my best to act normal.
*
“So, Richard, tell me, how did you meet Alice?”
My head snaps up when Damon asks the question.
We are all seated at the massive dining table in the impressive dining room.
My grandparents’ heads turn towards Richard.
Mom and Jared continue to eat as they already know the story.
Richard smiles and lowers his fork. “Well, I had seen her on campus and in several classes for a while. But she always ignored my existence. We officially met one morning in class when she turned around and told me to shut up because she was trying to learn something.”
Everyone laughs loudly.
I flush. “Goodness Richard, you make me sound like such a… b-word.” My comment causes another roar of laughter.
“That’s my girl,” Gramps says between laughter. “She’s a pistol, she is.”
Everyone is completely amused, except for Damon.
He gives a smile and I can tell that it has been forced.
I’m sitting right across from him so I’m able to observe him from beneath my lashes.
He is gripping his fork tightly. I can tell because his knuckles are white. He seems to be shoving down a bitter expression.
My brows furrow. Wondering what his problem is. I shake my head slightly. He is so unpredictable. That much I have already learned in the hours we have been here.
“Well isn’t that a great story to tell the kids,” he says. I raise my eyebrows and shoot him a pointed look.
My grandmother joins in the conversation, “That is indeed a funny story. Alice, dear, last we spoke, you started a new job. How is that going?”
“It’s great, Grams. I absolutely love it. I’m enjoying my independence too. I’m a working girl with her own apartment and everything,” I gush happily. Grams has always been capable of getting me to share. Where I am usually reserved around everyone else, I chat nonstop as soon as she asks me a question. “And pretty soon I will be married,” I beam.
I ignore the irritated glance that Damon throws my way.
I refuse to let him put a damper on my happiness.
My grandmother smiles. “I’m so proud of you, my love. Your father would be proud as well.”
I smile sadly. “Thanks, Grams. I think so, too.”
“I can’t believe it’s been so long since I have seen you, Alice. You graduated college and have already started working. What kind of work do you do?” Damon asks.
I manage not to roll my eyes and ask him why he is suddenly so interested in my life. Instead I smile sweetly, “I’m an analytical chemist for a pharmaceutical company.”
He smiles. “You always were a smart girl. I’m proud of you too.”
I glance at him. I become a bit uncomfortable because I see that he is being genuine.
“Thank you, Damon.” I say softly.
I catch my mom smiling at Jared. They are probably just glad that Damon and I are in the same room and we seem to be getting along.
“How is your job going by the way? You are still working in Michigan I assume?” I ask.
He nods. “I am and it’s alright.”
“Oh you are way too modest, son.” Jared says. He turns to me, “He is already the CEO of the company he works for. Can you believe that? In just three years. He is a wolf in the boardroom.”
He’s a wolf outside of it too.
I smile at the pride shining in Jared’s eyes. “Your dad is right, Damon, you are being too modest. That is pretty impressive. You must be really great at what you do.”
His lips curve slightly and he shrugs. My eyes move to his left hand. The presence of the very expensive Rolex gripping his wrist has been explained.
I remain silent for the rest of dinner. Chatter bounces around the room, but I am only half paying attention. My mind is caught up with thoughts of Damon and his words.
I will have you before the night ends.
The words echo in my head.
I am pissed that he so confidently uttered those words and I am afraid that he had every right to be confident.
I am ashamed to admit, even to myself, that I still want him just as much as I did before he shattered my world and broke my young, fragile heart.
I sneak a glance at the man occupying my thoughts but my gaze collides with his.
He smirks over his wine glass and
I quickly look away, reaching for my own glass. I need to drink down some liquid courage—or thought silencer—rather than drink in the man who can overtake my body when I only think of him.
He says that he’ll have me by the end of the night? He has me now.
Chapter Six
“Are you sure you don’t want to stay a little while longer?” I ask, leaning against the door of my room. “I can go downstairs for a bottle of wine.”
He exits the room to stand in the hallway. “I can’t, babe. I’m a bit jetlagged. Plus, do you know how hard it is for me to be in your room and not be able to touch you?”
I move closer to throw my arms around his neck. “But you can touch me,” I pout.
He sighs and gently pulls himself from my embrace, “You know what I mean, Aly.”
I look down to study the blue carpet. “I’m sorry, Rich.”
He lifts my chin with gentle fingers. “No need to apologize babe. I respect you and your wishes.”
I smile. “I love you Rich, you are so amazing. Alright go and get some rest. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Love you too, Aly.” He places a soft kiss on my lips and walks to his door. He turns to give me a wink before disappearing and locking the door. I let out a deep sigh and sag against the wall. I lean my head backward and close my eyes. I hope that Richard’s patience doesn’t wear thin waiting on me. I have expressed that I wish to abstain from sex until we get married. I am twenty-three and I am still a virgin. I’m not entirely sure why I haven’t slept with Richard yet, but the timing has just never felt right. I just assume that I will feel better about sex once we are married. If we ever get married.
“Do you really love him?”
I jump at the sound of Damon’s voice. My eyes fly open.
I glare at him. “Are you trying to give me a heart attack?” I straighten and pull my robe tighter. “My relationship with my fiancé is none of your business.” I eye him. “Were you eavesdropping?”
He shrugs. “I couldn’t help overhearing. My door was open.”
I snort in disgust. “If you will excuse me, I’m heading downstairs for a drink.”
Forbidden Prescription 2: MFM Ménage Stepbrother Romance (Medical Romance) Page 16
