Jesus.
Someone shoot me.
“Great,” I say, and I know I’ve got a horrified expression on my face.
Shit.
“Where’s Melanie?” I squeak, shoving out of Jack’s arm.
“She’s resting. She’s tired,” Mom says.
“Great. I’m going to explore the lake.”
I turn and rush out the door without giving them the chance to answer. I know I look crazy; I just came back from exploring the damned lake. My heart is pounding as I rush down the steps towards the setting sun. Behind me a door slams and booted feet follow close behind. Great. He’s following me.
“Did you fuckin’ know?” he barks.
I skid to a halt and swing around. “Seriously?” I laugh, low. “You think I’d fuck my damned step-brother willingly?”
He crosses his arms, making his muscles bunch. Holy biceps.
“Then how the hell does something like this happen?”
I cross my arms too. “How the hell should I know? As far as I knew, until two seconds ago, I’d never met you. You didn’t see a picture of me at all from your dad?”
He snorts. “Hell no. They went to a fuckin’ hall to get married and honestly, I really didn’t care about his new life at that point.”
“Nice.”
He reaches up and runs a hand through his hair. “Jesus, this is fucked.”
“Thanks so much.”
He stares at me, his eyes icy. He kind of looks like Liam Hemsworth, only darker and broodier. His face is still youthful, not yet scarred by the journeys of becoming a man, but he’s got an edge that screams he’s older than he actually is. I’d pick him for twenty-six, if I didn’t know better. But then, looking at the size of Jack, it’s not a wonder he’s ripped at a younger age than most.
“About that weekend . . .”
I laugh bitterly. “Really? You’re going to do that?”
He frowns. “I don’t have to, but I’m tryin’ to be nice.”
“Come on now, Bladen, you don’t want to be nice. You’re shitty because you have to explain yourself.”
His jaw tics. “You know what? Yeah, I am shitty. I never thought I’d see you again, so I sure as shit didn’t think I’d ever have to explain.”
“Save it; whatever happened back then is done. I’ve moved on and no one ever needs to know about it.”
He snorts, giving me a skeptical look. “Don’t look like you’ve moved on.”
“Really?” I snap, taking a step closer. “You think you’re that good.”
His lips tip up and I growl loudly.
“Listen, my mother is everything to me so I don’t need her knowing about this. What we did finished the day you upped and walked out with no explanation. From this moment forward, there’s nothing else to be said about it.”
“I didn’t fuckin’ up and leave with no explanation. As far as I knew, it was a couple of fun nights. You never asked for anything more.”
“Seriously?” I laugh. “Pretty sure I gave you an idea I wanted more.”
“Yeah seriously,” he mutters. “It was a good weekend. We had fun. If I had known you were . . .”
“Our parents weren’t even together then,” I bark. “So quit it.”
He narrows his eyes and I know he’s calculating the time in his head. “Still, even if they weren’t, things still went how they went. Wasn’t bein’ a jerk, but we agreed to have fun and that was that. You never told me in so many words that you wanted more. Sure, I got the idea you were edging that way, but it wasn’t the right time.”
Oh my god.
Of course I didn’t tell him; I thought he felt it, just like me. The weekend we’d had together was amazing. We’d laughed and joked, we’d touched and learned about each other. It hadn’t felt like a bit of fun to me.
“I didn’t tell you because I thought you felt the same way as I did,” I mumble. “I didn’t think I needed to.”
He flinches. “I had fun; that was it. Whatever you thought . . .”
“Look, forget it,” I say, waving a hand and cutting him off. “It’s done.”
“Look, Aria, whatever the fuck went down there? It’s finished now. I feel completely fuckin’ grossed out and frankly, I don’t need to be thinkin’ about the fact that I’ve had my dick in you.”
I blanch. “We’re not related; we’ll never be related, so stop making out like we did something disgusting. And as far as I’m concerned, I don’t want or need you either, and I certainly don’t need a new brother or brothers. As far as this goes, you’re nothing more than a stranger to me.”
“Our parents get married,” he says to himself and not to me. “You go from hot to brat in about three seconds.”
“Brat?”
“Brat,” he confirms.
“Are we done here?” I snap.
He leans in closer. “You’re my step-sister and just like you, I don’t want a fuckin’ sister. Let’s leave it at that. You stay out of my way, and I’ll stay out of yours.”
“Fine by me,” I huff.
“Good. I’m goin’ for a walk. Might find some tail on this lake that doesn’t have a mother who is bangin’ my father.”
“You so much as speak about her like that again,” I seethe, “I’ll cut your dick clean off.”
He glares at me. “Listen, your mom seems nice, but facts are facts. Now, leave me alone.”
With that, he strolls off. I watch him go, trying, desperately trying not to look at his ass. It’s a good ass. God dammit. What is wrong with me? I turn and rush back up to the house.
CHAPTER FOUR
THEN – ONE YEAR EARLIER
“Close your eyes.”
I close my eyes but I can’t wipe the smile from my face. “Are you about to lead me into your dungeon of death?”
Mystery Guy snorts and puts his hand over my eyes, just to make sure I’m actually doing as he asks. He walks me down the road and my heart is pounding, even in my drunken state. What if he actually is leading me to my death? And look at me, like a lamb to the slaughter. They say it’s always the really good-looking ones that are the most dangerous.
“Keep ’em closed,” he says, walking me closer to what, I don’t know.
The ground softens below us, and Mystery Man tells me to keep my eyes closed, as he leans down and slips off my heels. Then my toes are curled in soft sand. The beach. Of course we’re at the beach. Romantic. He leads me further down until darkness surrounds us. Even with my eyes closed I can tell this. Suddenly he stops and turns me, then he murmurs into my ear, “Open your eyes.”
I let my eyes flutter open and my heart aches at the sight before me. The moon looks as if it’s touching the water, its big round glow spreading out across the still ocean, creating a gorgeous light. I press my hand to my chest and whisper, “If this is your death dungeon, I’m happy to die here.”
He chuckles and steps beside me. I don’t know this man, but whoever he is, he’s got charm. After we danced a lot, he bought me a few rounds of drinks. We laughed, joked and got along like old friends, which was unusual for two people who have never met. Then he offered to take me for a walk, which I accepted. Now here we are—I’m on a beach with a perfect stranger.
“Do you do this to all the random girls you meet?” I grin, turning to look at him.
He’s got a masculine profile, equally as masculine as his devastating face. His sandy-blond hair whips about in the breeze as he tilts his head and looks down at me. “No.”
“Why me?”
He shrugs. “You have a personality.”
I laugh loudly. “Seriously?”
He grins, showing me those dimples. “Yeah, seriously. Most girls are all giggly and airy-fairy. You managed a conversation—hell, you even made me laugh. That’s rare. I thought I’d better do it right.”
“Well, I think I’m flattered.”
He sits down in the sand, reaching for my hand and pulling me down beside him. “Considering we’re not giving names, you have t
o give me something else.”
“Okay. What do you want?” I shift in the sand, wiggling my toes until they’re coated in it.
“You’ve finished school?”
I nod, staring out at the moon. “Yep.”
“And you’re going to college?”
I smile and nod again. “Yep.”
He gives me a wolfish grin. “Do you say anything other than yep?”
I giggle. “Yep.”
His laughter fills the night. “Okay, Mystery Girl, what are you going to study?”
“Pre-Med.”
His brows shoot up and he turns to his side so he’s facing me. “You’re going to be a doctor?”
“I’m going to be something,” I say. “Not quite sure what.”
“That’s pretty cool.”
“Yeah.” I beam. “It is.”
“What about your family?”
I know my face darkens, because his eyes scan over it before he says, “Sorry.”
I shrug. “It’s fine. I just don’t like talking about it.”
“No problems.”
I shift so I’m facing him now too. “Do I get questions?”
He purses his lips. “That depends.”
“On?”
“Do I get to kiss you first? Because, I won’t lie . . . I’ve been waiting to all night.”
My cheeks heat and I say, “Sure.”
“Fuckin’ great.”
He reaches out, taking my neck in his hand. He moves me closer to him and his lips brush mine. He does this for a while, softly brushing, and then his mouth opens and devours mine. His tongue probes deep and his lips are so amazing against my own. I moan and tangle my fingers in his shirt, bringing him closer so our kiss can get as intense as possible.
I think I like this Mystery Guy.
A whole damned lot.
~*~*~*~
NOW
I’m in the kitchen with Mom, chopping salad ingredients for dinner. Apparently we’re having a ‘get to know each other’ cook-out. Melanie is beside me, eyeing Brody with eyes that tell me she’s interested to know the man behind the mask. He’s broody, quiet, and damaged in some way. I wish I knew him well enough to know what was going on in his head; something bad has clearly happened to him. No one is that dark for no reason.
“What do you think’s wrong with him?” she whispers.
I turn, throwing a piece of carrot into my mouth. Jack isn’t here; he’s out with Blade catching fish for dinner. We bought some steaks as back-up, just incase.
“I don’t know,” I say, letting my eyes travel over Brody who is sitting, watching the television absently. His eyes are staring right through it, his fists tight.
“Girls,” Mom whispers. “Stop talking about him.”
I shoot her a look. “You can’t say you’re not curious, Mom. Did Jack say what it was?”
She frowns. “No, he hasn’t said anything, but you’re right, there’s definitely something there. Whatever it is, I don’t think Jack knows about it.”
“No,” I say, crunching as quietly as I can. “I don’t think he does either.”
“Stop talking with your mouth full,” Mom chastises.
Melanie giggles and takes my arm. “Help me set up the table outside.”
She pulls me out the door and we take hold of the tablecloth and cutlery. “So,” she asks, shaking out the tablecloth, “what happened earlier with Blade?”
I groan. “I knew there was a reason you brought me out here.”
“Come on, spill.”
I help her to place the tablecloth, and try to carefully pick my words. Ah screw it, she’s my best friend, I might as well just lay it down. “He pretty much told me what we had was fun, I never asked for any more, and it grosses him out knowing I’m his step-sister now.”
Melanie screws up her nose. “What a jerk. It’s not like you knew that then.”
“No,” I huff. “That’s what I said.”
“So how’re you going to deal with the next month?”
I place some knives down. “I have no idea, honestly, I don’t.”
“And he’s going to be living in the same town . . .”
I groan. “Don’t remind me.”
She sighs. “He’s fine, you have to admit.”
I nod, letting my mouth turn down. “I never denied it, but now it just seems . . . wrong.”
“You never did tell me the full story about that weekend with him.”
I smile, going back to a time when things weren’t . . . forbidden. Yeesh, I hate that word. I mean, I understand if it’s an affair with a married man, or a sexual relationship with your teacher, but Blade has no relation to me. None whatsoever. It’s only forbidden because the word ‘brother’ is thrown around lightly. I’m beginning to hate that word and everything it means.
“No, so I didn’t.”
“Tell me.”
I shake my head. “No way. It’ll take all night.”
She crosses her arms. “You’ll be telling me before we leave this lake.”
I grin at her. “Yes, boss.”
She grins and then stares out over the lake. “We are so sneaking out one night and lighting a fire, or something terribly rebellious.”
I laugh softly. “My gosh, we couldn’t possibly.”
We so were.
The sound of a truck pulling up catches my attention and I turn to see Jack and Blade getting out with a cooler that would appear full because they’re both carrying it. I guess it was a successful fishing trip. They walk up onto the patio, and Blade’s eyes meet mine. My heart skips a beat, but I turn my gaze to Jack. “You did good, Jack?”
“Yeah, honey.” He smiles. “Got a shit load of fish.”
“Wicked.”
Ripley comes rushing out of the house with a beer in his hand—well, three beers. He thrusts one at me and Melanie, then announces, “I am not out here to act like a sissy. Let’s get this party started.”
“You’re too young to drink,” Jack says, eyeing his son.
“So’s she,” Ripley says, jerking a finger at me.
Jack narrows his eyes. “She’s going to college. You’re in high school.”
“Ah-ah, Papa, it doesn’t work like that.” Ripley grins, waving a finger at his dad.
Jack shakes his head with a sigh and continues inside. Ripley throws himself onto a chair and lifts his boots up on the table, and then he proceeds to study Melanie and I.
“Dude,” I say, smacking his feet down without thought. “We’re going to eat there.”
He grins, big. Well, I guess the ice is broken. “We’re going to get along just fine, you and I.”
I roll my eyes.
“I always wanted a big sister.”
I flinch. “I’m not your sister, Ripley.”
He laughs loudly. “Sure you are, time to deal, Sissy.”
I wish they would all stop saying that. I glare at him and he continues his low chuckling.
“Call me that again, and I’ll deck you.”
His smile is so big, I can’t help but smile back.
“Yep,” he says. “We’re going to be just fine.”
Damn. I kind of like him.
~*~*~*~
“So, Ripley, how’s school?” Mom asks as we’re eating fresh fish, salad and home-baked bread later that night.
“I hate school,” Ripley says, swigging more of his beer.
“That’s a shame. You seem like a smart boy.”
He grins at my mom then turns to me. “Not as smart as my big sister.”
I cringe. Why must he continue to point out the obvious?
“I’m not your sister,” I snap.
Everyone turns their eyes to me, and I see Blade’s dancing with amusement. Asswank.
“Ari,” Mom says softly. “There’s nothing wrong with him calling you his sister.”
“Yes, there is,” I mutter. “Because I’m not.”
“Honey,” Mom says softly.
Blade chuckles loudly, as i
f this is amusing him. It pisses me off, and I find there’s an unknown emotion rising in my chest. I don’t need Blade. I don’t need his brothers. I don’t need a replacement family. “A sister is someone you grow up with, you have a bond with, you love and cherish,” I whisper, head down. “Not someone you gain overnight. I’m not their sister and they’re not my brothers. It takes a whole lot more than marriage to throw that word around. I wish you would all stop throwing a word at me, that quite frankly, means nothing.”
I stare around the table and six stunned faces stare back at me. I push out of my chair. “Excuse me.”
Then I turn and walk down the patio. Melanie is behind me in a matter of seconds, following me as I hurry down the path towards the lake.
“You okay?” she asks after a few moments.
“Yeah.” I sigh.
We walk out onto the large jetty and sit down, dangling our legs over the side. It’s a gorgeous, cool night. The stars are twinkling, the moon shining over the water giving it a silvery glow. Birds twitter and fish flutter about, looking for their nightly nook to sleep. Laughter comes across from the other side of the lake and fires crackle along the banks where people camp.
“That was a bit of an outburst . . .”
I sigh and lower my head. “I know. I didn’t mean it to happen. I just . . . I feel like they’re trying to remind me that they’re my new family when that’s not how I want it. I lost my family; I watched them die. I don’t want anyone to try and replace that. I had a sister—I was a sister, and I lost it all. I don’t want to be a sister again.”
“Oh honey,” she says, wrapping her arm around me.
“I’m not trying to be a bitch, but it’s not just the fact that I’m being thrown into a role I wasn’t ready for, but the fact that”—I stop talking and take a deep breath—“he was important to me, Mel. I cared about him. Now he thinks it’s a big joke and he’s making that known.”
“Blade?”
“Yeah.”
“I’m sorry.”
“I slept with my step-brother, and worse, I care about him. How wrong is that?”
“You have to stop thinking of it like that, because it wasn’t like that at the time.”
“No.” I sigh. “You’re right. It wasn’t.”
“Evening, ladies.”