INICIAR SESIÓNI've known Noah for six years.
He became my stepbrother when our parents got married, and I was sixteen, and he was eighteen. We were both awkward and unsure, thrown together by circumstance and forced to share a house with two people who were practically strangers to us. Our parents were so caught up in their new relationship that they barely noticed us. And we were just two kids trying to figure out where we fit in this new, blended family.I thought I'd hate him. I thoughCHAPTER 1:The wedding was everything I hated.White roses, white tablecloths, and a string quartet playing something classical and boring. Everyone wore their best, flashed fake smiles, and pretended they were happy.But I was not happy.I sat at a table by myself, nursing a glass of champagne that had gone warm an hour ago. The bubbles had long since disappeared, leaving behind a flat, bitter liquid that matched my mood perfectly. My cousin was off taking photos with her new husband, my mother was on the dance floor with my stepfather, laughing at something he'd whispered in her ear and I was alone.It wasn't supposed to be like this. I was supposed to have a date, I was supposed to have someone, but my ex-boyfriend, Daniel, had broken up with me three months ago, and I hadn't been able to find anyone since. Not for lack of trying though. I'd gone on dates, I'd downloaded dating apps and I'd let my friends set me up with their single co
Chapter 1:The bathroom was the only place I could escape to.The party was in full swing downstairs — laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses. My mother's voice carried up the stairs, bright and cheerful. My stepfather's deep laugh rumbled through the walls. Everyone was having a wonderful time.Everyone except me.I leaned against the sink, staring at my reflection in the mirror, my cheeks were flushed and my eyes were bright. I looked nervous. I looked terrified. I looked like I was about to bolt.I had been hiding in here for twenty minutes, and the door was locked. The room was small — just a sink, a toilet, and a shower. The walls were pale blue, the mirror was framed in silver, and a single candle flickered on the counter, launching dancing shadows across the tiles.It wasn't much. But it was safe.Or so I thought.I heard the door handle turn.I froze. My heart stopped, and my breath caught
Chapter 2: The Truth Morning crept in through the curtains, soft and golden. I blinked against the light, baffled for a moment. The room wasn't mine. The sheets weren't mine and the arm draped across my waist wasn't mine. Then the memories came flooding back, and my cheeks warmed. The way his hands had explored my body, the way his lips had traced every curve, and the way he'd whispered my name like it was something precious. I turned my head slowly. Ash was still asleep beside me. His face was relaxed, and peaceful in a way it never was when he was awake. His dark hair was scattered across the pillow and his lips were slightly parted. A sliver of sunlight fell across his chest, bringing out the steady rise and fall of his breathing. His skin was golden, and his muscles relaxed. I didn't want to move, I didn't want this moment to end. I wanted to stay here forever, wrapped in his warmth, pretending the outside world didn't
Chapter 1: The WaitThe party was loud.Music thumped through the speakers, people were laughing and shouting over each other. The living room was packed with bodies, all moving to the same rhythm.I pressed myself against the wall, trying to stay out of the way because I wasn't a party person. I never had been. I only came because of my stepbrother, Kael, who insisted I come."You need to get out more," he said. "You're too young to be a homebody."I didn't tell him that I wasn't a homebody. I just don't like crowds, I don't like loud noises and I don't like being surrounded by people I didn't know.But I came anyway. Because I knew he'd be here.I spotted him across the room. Ash, Kael's best friend. He was leaning against the wall, with a beer in his hand, laughing at something someone said. His dark hair was messy, he had a sharp jaw and his smile was slow and dangerous.He was beautiful. And he was complete
Chapter 1: The Game BeginsThe sky was still very much dark when I pushed open the front door, my heels in my hand, and a stupid grin plastered across my face. I'd had way too much to drink and I knew I was definitely going to regret it in the morning. My head was spinning and my body was buzzing. I was alive.Then I saw him.Damian was sitting in the dark, with a glass of whiskey in his hand, his eyes fixed on me like a hawk watching its prey. He didn't move, didn't blink. He just stared.I froze. My heart stopped and my breath caught in my throat."Evening," he said. His voice was calm, measured, and dangerous like he had all the time in the world to destroy me."Damian.""It's 3:47 AM.""I know.""Where were you?""Out.""With who?""Friends."He set down his glass slowly. "You don't have friends."I felt my cheeks burn. "That's not true,” I said, almost s
Chapter 1: The LessonThe kitchen was dark except for the soft glow of the refrigerator light that spilled across the marble floor. I crept down the stairs, careful not to make a sound. My bare feet were cold against the polished tiles, and each step sent a shiver up my spine. I was thirsty, I needed water, I needed air and I needed to stop thinking about him.But he was everywhere. His scent stayed in the hallway, his presence filled every room. I couldn't escape him, no matter how hard I tried.I pushed the kitchen door open. The light was on and I found him standing at the counter, his back to me, shirtless. His muscles shifted beneath his golden skin as he reached for a glass on the top shelf. His dark hair was messy, falling across his forehead. His jaw was sharp and his shoulders were broad.I froze.Then he turned and his eyes found me immediately. There was no surprise on his face. Like he knew I'd be here, lik







