LUKE
There were many reasons why I shouldn’t listen to Dad’s inconvenient request, and I was pretty much having a great time before he called. I could understand his attachment to Gene. My stepmother was one of a kind and the sweetest thing that had ever happened to our lives. I couldn’t list everything she’d done for us. She was a mother to me. Period.
However, Gene was enough. I didn’t like the idea of having a little sister. If it were a brother, I’d give it consideration. In addition, giving out even the slightest part of my property that I worked my ass off for to a stranger was quite ridiculous. But since Dad asked nicely, I had no choice but to do it. Lastly, picking up this new little sister wasn’t that hard, but engaging in extra family matters was never my thing.
At the airport, I didn’t see her right away. She was hard to remember. I’d only seen her once before. All I could recall was the skinny girl with mesmerizing brown eyes.
On the other hand, it was astonishing how time could change someone. When I finally found her, she was too good to be true. She was one of the most beautiful faces I had ever laid eyes on. Her curves had changed through the years; I figured she was a late bloomer. Her breasts were full and round, stretching the fabric of her tight shirt as if they were screaming to burst out.
I groaned when she sat in the backseat. “What are you doing? Sit in the front. I’m not your driver.”
“I’m sorry,” she mumbled, then moved into the front and buckled her seatbelt. “You remembered me,” she stated, her mouth curved with the slightest smile. Oddly, she sounded familiar. I wonder where I heard her voice.
“Yes, but don’t think I’m friendly. I’m doing this for Gene. Do you understand?”
Her face went from red to pale, then she nodded. She still had the smallest face, like how I remembered her, and it was making me fucking mad for some reason I didn’t understand.
“Is that how you normally communicate?” I had to ask.
“W-what? No,” she breathed. “It’s just… This is the first time we’ve actually talked.”
I swear I’ve heard her voice before. “Yes, this is,” I agreed, freeing my mind from such absurd thoughts. I revved the engine and pulled out of the place.
SCARLET
After the numerous heartaches in the past, I’d learned to divide the men I was attracted to into two categories.
The first category could be described as ‘the dangerous ones.’ They were men that would leave you when they were done. Jax landed into that category. Then, there were ‘the safe ones.’ They were the type of men who wouldn’t expect anything from you and the kind that you wouldn’t get too attached to.
However, I didn’t want to put Luke in either of those categories. He was my stepbrother—he was supposed to be out of the picture. He was precisely the man I should avoid.
I’d already had a crush on him in the past, but now I wanted him. If he were mine, I’d move my hands all over him—pleasure him, and whisper goodness in his ears. His presence made my skin itch as if I were yearning to feel him against my body, against my inner thighs. I imagined running my fingers along that strong jaw and kissing him senselessly. I would inhale his musk wood cologne and aftershave. His exquisite display of male beauty had me burning between my thighs. But from the moment our eyes met, I knew I should be running.
Damn. The thoughts scared me instantly. Every hair on my skin stood as a witness to my fear. I’d almost forgotten that he was my stepbrother. I thought of calling Jax to relieve the sexual tension.
Maybe later at home.
“Are you going to stay here for the week?” he suddenly spoke.
“Yes, Thomas asked me.”
He glanced at me. “Are you staying with them?”
“Yes.” I tried to divert my mind by looking through the window, filling my eyes with the beauty of New York City night lights. “Actually, I’d like to move up here.”
To my surprise, he nodded, and his eyes glimmered. “It makes you feel alive.”
I smiled. “How so?”
He didn’t answer but smirked.
“I heard you were in Cambridge,” I went on, trying to start a proper conversation. “I’m sorry, I didn’t get your number to call you while you were there.”
“It’s alright. I’m busy anyway. I won’t be able to meet you.”
I cleared my throat. “That’s what I heard.”
“I wouldn’t mind giving you my number, though.” He flashed a sexy smile. “You’re my new little sister.” He abruptly stopped the car.
“Are we home?” I looked outside, but it didn’t look like Thomas’ house.
We stopped in front of the posh entrance of Hotel B. A five-star hotel Luke alone owned. A giant letter B was embossed just right above the opulent entrance. I’d heard from Mom that the B stood for “Bella.”
“Why are we here?” I asked.
“Because Dad has a plan.” He first stepped out of the car and turned around to open the door for me. “And you need to get dressed.”
I stepped out of the car. “For what?”
“Dad didn’t tell you?”
“He didn’t say anything urgent. No.”
He studied me from head to toe. “Do you happen to have a dress?”
I looked down at my casual shirt, ripped jeans, and sneakers. “I… I guess so. I think I brought one in my suitcase.”
“Good. You need to change.” Luke plucked my suitcase out of his car and dragged it with him. I tried to catch up with him.
“Hey, what’s the occasion? It’s already nine and—” I paused. “Wait. Mom’s birthday party is tonight. I remembered her mentioning it over the phone.”
He stopped by the lobby. “You don’t know a single thing, do you? The party starts at eleven.”
I frowned. “But I thought it was tomorrow. Thomas said—”
“Stop talking. This is the plan.” He rolled his eyes, then he dropped my suitcase on the floor.
I gasped. “Hey! Did you just toss my—” I lowered and picked up my luggage, but when I got up, he was already gone, “bag…”
Did he just leave me?
SCARLET Since I had nowhere to go, I went to the reception and tried to book myself a room, but there was already a reservation under my name. Luke might have had it prepared for me—or maybe Thomas. Luke was no gentleman. Certainly, he was nothing like his father. If only I knew he was a jerk like this, I wouldn’t have fantasized about him for the last six years.I dragged my suitcase with me and stepped into the elevator as soon as I got my key card. Good thing my room was a suite. I freaking needed a good bath.First, I dug into my suitcase and laid out the only dress I could ever bring. A Burberry crimson backless dress with a hem two inches above the knee and a pair of Christian Louboutin silver stilettos. Fortunately, I also got my charms and my ruby necklace. I touched the gem with my finger and briefly admired its beauty.I wasn’t greedy, and I’d never imagined myself wearing these extravagant things before Mom’s marriage. It’s not that I desired any of it, but when Mom marrie
SCARLETI was almost ready to head out of the suite, but my throat dried up, so I walked through the suite’s minibar. To my satisfaction, the liquor cabinet had a full range of beverages and my favorite bottle of Château Lafitte. I grabbed the bottle and poured myself a glass.I shut my eyes and took my first sip of the wine’s heaven-and-earthy taste. I ran my tongue over my lower lip as the bittersweet liquid ran down my throat. I was pretty much having ‘me’ time when the door suddenly gilded open, and the sexiest man I knew marched into the room.Luke came back, and my precious glass of wine splattered on the rug, and the glass shattered into pieces. It’s like he brought a storm with him.“Don’t you ever knock?” I bent down and picked up broken pieces of glass.“This is my suite. Get up here.”What? I even walked around naked earlier, used his bathroom, and he’s saying this was his personal space? No wonder everything was provided. I wouldn’t have come here if I knew. I ignored him
SCARLET Here was am, alone again. Well, what was new?I was in the same position six years ago when I watched their wedding ceremony. I was sitting alone, not knowing anyone, because the guests were mostly acquainted with the Alejandros. Oh, right! Something had changed; I could drink now.This was my third glass of wine, and my throat still wanted more—perhaps a stronger drink. My roommate, Katherine, usually offered vodka during sleepless nights and discouraging times. If only my stepbrother wasn’t such an ass and treated me as a part of the family, I wouldn’t have been such a loner.Nonetheless, I didn’t think I wanted to mingle around him at his time. He’s been talking and dancing non-stop with a blonde Barbie doll in a body-hugging red dress. My eyes hurt just looking at them. He was holding her back. I’d always convinced myself that he was off-limits, yet I couldn’t help but wonder how it would feel to be held by him.I heaved a sigh. I was getting more and more hopeless as the
SCARLETLuke slid an arm around my waist and pulled me close to him as soon as his friend left. And unlike Aries, who gave me space, Luke sandwiched me between his arms, possessively pressing me against his rock-hard body. His overall physique dwarfed my small frame, making me feel vulnerable, and it was bad news. I hated this effect on me; he made me feel like squirming. I clung to his shoulders but kept my eyes away and tried not to drink him in. He smelled so divine.I could feel Luke’s gaze on me as he began swaying our hips. His long fingers at my back compelled me to move in accord with his body. His thumb pressed firmly on my palm. I tried to bear it, but I couldn’t. I couldn’t breathe. He was driving me crazy.“Wait,” I whispered.I stopped and pushed his chest with my free hand, but he didn’t let me escape. He brought me back into his arms with aggression. A quiet groan of frustration vibrated in his chest. What the heck was wrong with him?“Stop struggling,” he hissed harshl
SCARLETWhat was I doing? It’s not like I was a virgin.I waited for another hour before I went down for breakfast because I was too embarrassed to see Luke’s face. I’d heard he always left at eight and returned home at seven, so he was barely at home. I guess I wouldn’t have to worry when he came back.Mom and Thomas were on the porch having coffee when I came down. They were like newlyweds that couldn’t let go of each other. Thomas couldn’t stop nuzzling at her hair. I had to admit that Thomas was handsome, and he’d kept in shape despite his age. I didn’t want to interrupt them but I told them I was present anyway.“Morning, Mom. Morning, Thomas.” I kissed both their cheeks and settled on the empty seat across from them.“Oh, darling. Good morning!” Mom greeted me with the sweetest smile. “Did you sleep well?”“Barely.” I shrugged and chuckled. “But I probably still have jet lag,” I reasoned, which wasn’t the real case.“Have you had breakfast?” Thomas asked.“Um, no, not yet.”“The
LUKEIt was late when I returned home. I was exhausted, so I went straight to my bedroom and took a shower. I had set up a schedule at the ranch for a few rounds of horseback riding, but then I received a call from my lawyer that I needed to visit her office. I also returned to the hotel to pick up some legal files.After freshening up, I grabbed a can of beer from the fridge while holding a pile of folders I needed to work out with this evening. I then found Cely carrying a tray with empty plates and glasses from the bedroom floors. I’d known Cely almost my entire life. She had been my nanny, and the shades of her silver hair indicated that she had been with us forever.“Cely, are they home yet?” I was referring to Dad and Gene because they called me earlier, saying they went out together. They usually come back late when they have a date. I guessed they were just before.“Oh, good evening, but no, Luke. They’re not home yet,” the head housemaid answered.“Then whose plate is this?”
SCARLETShortly after, I came downstairs, straight to the dining room. I was a bit afraid to find Luke, but fortunately, he wasn’t there.“Good morning, Thomas.” I pulled out a chair and settled by his side. One of the housemaids instantly served me a plate and a glass of milk. I muttered thanks, but she didn’t seem to hear and left. I wasn’t used to having people serving me as if I were royalty.“Good morning, dear,” he greeted back. “I’m glad you decided to join us. Luke preferred eating alone, as usual.”“He probably just likes to eat with the outdoor view, honey,” Mom said. “He’s on the veranda,” she added with a wink, though I wasn’t asking.“That kid. No wonder he likes you more than me.” Thomas shook his head in disbelief. “Anyway, I’ll make sure your daughter will like me.”I grinned. “Oh, I like you, Thomas.” I leaned over and whispered, “Mom nags me all the time.”He let out a rich laugh. “Does she?”Mom glared at us. “I heard that you know?”I giggled. “Love you, mommy.”“S
SCARLETThis wasn’t a vacation. It was a week of torture. It had only been three freaking days, and I’d gone crazy.Just like yesterday, I didn’t do anything at all. I had no energy to go out. Mom and Thomas didn’t seem to care that I was in the room all day, and it was already afternoon! To entertain myself, I checked my inbox to see if there were any new messages, but Jax seemed busy. There were only three people in the world I could talk to, my roommate Katherine, her boyfriend Nate, and Jax. But they would be busy with their own lives.Jax would be having a meeting today, and I hadn’t heard his voice lately. Katherine had gone home with Nate, so they were surely busy.Almost after dinner, I found Mom and Thomas in the living room, watching some TV.“Hi. Can we talk?”“Darling, of course.” Thomas tensed up. He picked up the remote control and shut the TV off.I sat on the seat across from them. “First, I want to apologize for being rude yesterday.”“It’s okay, sweetheart. We unders