Walking to my doom

SERENA’S POV

My eyes darted to the door, wondering what would happen if it swung open at that very moment.

“Was just fucking with ya, it’s locked.” Cameron said with a devilish smirk.

“I’d be right there Mom!” I called loudly and then whispered to him.”She cannot see you here”

“What do you mean? This is my house.”

I pushed him toward the bathroom. "Hide in there. I'll figure something out."

“Wait, you expect me to stay in your bathroom and hide like a criminal?”

“Don’t be impossible and keep that deep voice of yours down before she hears you from outside,” I said in my smallest voice throwing him a warning look.

Just as I directed him to the bathroom and closed the door,I adjusted the towel on my chest and made way to my room door,opening it.

I quickly threw on a casual smile, hoping to appear unfazed. "Hey, Mom. Sorry, I was just finishing up in the bath."

Mom glanced around, her sharp eyes narrowing as she entered. "I can smell a man’s cologne. Were any of the twins in here?"

I hesitated, my mind racing. "Oh, yeah. Cameron came by to say hi and welcome me. Left a few minutes ago."

Her suspicion lingered and then after a second it was gone. She embraced me warmly. "I'm just so happy to see you after such a long time dear,”

I hugged her back tightly."I'm sorry, Mom. I know I haven't been able to come see you since you stepped foot in New York. Work has been crazy."

Mom reassured me, "It's okay, sweetheart. I understand.” At that moment,her phone rang.

“ I was going to tell you something important, but let's talk after I take this call.It has to do with the wedding”

I nodded vigorously and watched her exit the room.

I exhaled a breath I didn't realize I was holding, grateful for the temporary reprieve. As I was going to shut the door,Kaden suddenly appeared, lingering at the doorway with both hands firmly dug into his pockets.

He had an expression on his face I couldn’t quite read when he asked,"Mind if I stand here?"

"You're already standing here, Kaden."

"So, how does it feel to know your mom is marrying my dad?"

I sighed, feeling a pang of guilt. "Honestly, I haven't talked to her much about it. I feel like a bad daughter for not knowing she had someone so serious in her life."

Kaden shrugged. "It happens. Life gets busy. Besides, it's not like we're the most traditional family, right?"

“Yeah,but still.” I rubbed on the back of my neck awkwardly while I shifted my weight from one foot to the other. It was so odd to be standing there chatting with him while I was still horny and soaking wet. Christ,he was incredibly sexy. I could see the tattoo on the side of his neck clearly now. It was a butterfly shaped tattoo and it was so hot,that I wanted to run my fingers over them and…

“You know,isn’t it remarkable that my attorney is going to be my baby sis?” He gave a lopsided grin,cutting me off from my thoughts.

Was that a dimple digging his cheek? Jeesh. What kind of temptation was this?

I cleared my throat,gaining composure.

Baby sis?

“I am going to be your step-sister,” I corrected.”And I am definitely not a baby.”

No way in hell I wanted to be related by blood to this very gorgeous man standing before me.

“Also,” I added firmly.”We aren’t even sure yet if the wedding would hold or not.”

His raised brow hinted at a challenge. "Are you planning to break up the marriage already?"

I shook my head. "No, I just want to be sure my mom is genuinely happy. I owe her that much."

There was a short pause and then he spoke again."You know, I didn't realize you were so pretty. If I knew, I wouldn't have bailed on that meeting earlier."

Heat rushed to my cheeks, and a shiver ran down my spine as he casually removed a thread from my wet blonde hair. I brushed it off, trying to keep cool."Well, now you know."

Our moment was interrupted when Mom returned and Kaden excused himself with a casual "see you around."

Alone with my mother, she dropped a bombshell. "Serena, I've been thinking. Why don't you move in fully after the wedding?”

I blinked in surprise. "Move in? Mom, it's a big step. I have my own life, my own place."

Mom’s eyes held a hopeful gleam. "I know, dear, but it would mean the world to me. I just really want to make up for lost times. And I want us all to be one big happy family. You do not have to make your decision now,but just promise me you would think about it?”

I nodded numbly. She kissed my cheek,told me to get some rest before leaving and I finally shut the door.

“Cameron,you can come out now.” I said gently.

“So,you were having a chat with my brother too?” He asked me with a slight frown.”I could hear his voice.”

“He just happened to check in,” I responded and bit my lip.

He stepped closer to me and I held my breath obviously affected by the close proximity and the way he looked at me.

“I have a party to attend that I am late for now,thanks to you. See you around.”

And with that, he walked out. I threw my hands in the air in frustration. Great! He turned me on and then walked away like it was nothing.

Cameron Lodge,I would get you for this.

The next morning, I quickly called Katy to inform her of the turn of events while I prepared for work.

"This is the kind of drama you need in that boring life of yours!” She exclaimed on the other end of the line.

I couldn't help but chuckle, running my fingers through my honey-blonde waves that fell all the way to my back.

I stood before the mirror adjusting the pencil pleated skirt hugging my curves, it’s hemline teasing just above my knees which elongated my shapely legs in the two-inch heels I wore. My top was neatly tucked into the skirt, my slim waist and voluptuous figure very prominent.

"Maybe too much drama Katy," I replied, reaching for my makeup bag. I carefully applied eyeliner to make my chocolate eyes pop and added a touch of crimson lipstick to my naturally pink, full lips.

Katy, ever the conspirator, wasted no time in suggesting. "So, is it Operation sabotage your mom’s wedding?."

I smirked, "Yes, and the sooner, the better. I can't stay in this mad house for too long."

Breakfast that morning was awkward. I avoided Cameron's gaze, unable to face the intensity in his eyes after what had transpired the night before. I hurriedly finished my meal and made a hasty exit, eager to escape the tense atmosphere.

Later that evening, Kaden arrived at my office, looking effortlessly sexy in a form-fitting suit. The colors, blue and white, were my favorites, showcasing his strong physique. He was slightly late, so our meeting was brief.

I watched stupidly as Kaden got up, his words barely registering in my mind. "I'll see you at home, Serena. I have somewhere else to be," he said, his voice pulling me back to reality. I nodded absentmindedly, still processing his sudden departure.After working for another fifteen minutes, I got out of the building and began my drive home.

My car suddenly jerked to a halt after only three minutes on the road. I tried to restart the engine, but it refused to cooperate. With a groan of annoyance, I pulled over to the side of the road.

I reached for my phone, intending to call my trusted mechanic, but his number was unreachable. Leaning against my car, I contemplated on my next move, when a car pulled up slowly beside me.

It was a sleek, white BMW. The driver's side door opened, and Kaden stepped out, a concerned look on his face. "What's the problem?" he asked.

I blinked, momentarily stunned by his unexpected presence. "My car just stopped, and it won't start again," I replied, my frustration evident.

Kaden nodded, his gaze shifting to the engine. "Let me take a look," he offered.I couldn't help but notice that he had removed his suit jacket, revealing a crisp white long-sleeved shirt. The first two buttons were undone, and he casually rolled up his sleeves to his elbows, revealing his strong forearms.

As he leaned over the engine, his silver chain dangled and caught the setting sun, glimmering against his tanned skin. The ripple of his muscles were visible beneath his shirt and I found my eyes involuntarily drifting to his hands, marveling at their strength.

I watched him work, admiring his focused expression,his perfect full brows knitted together.

After a few attempts, he straightened up, a hint of disappointment in his eyes. "I'm sorry, Serena. I've tried everything, but it seems like we'll need to call a tow truck. The car is parked wrongly, and it's best to get it fixed tomorrow," he explained.

“Thank you for trying, Kaden," I replied, as I hugged myself and gave a small smile.

He gestured toward his car. "Do you want a ride back home? It's getting late, and it's the least I can do," he offered.

Did I want a ride back home? Was December 25th Christmas Day?

“Yes,thank you for offering.”

And just like that,I was sure I was walking to my doom. Oh and I didn’t want to be saved.