Chapter 3

Author POV

‘Jace wasn’t drunk. I know it. His lips were soft, but the kiss was strong… like he was holding back. And I didn’t stop him. I kissed him back.

Is something wrong with me? I kissed my own stepbrother!’

She pressed her pen against her lips, her mind racing, her chest heaving from the truth yet she couldn't stop smiling.

Upstairs, Jace was staring out at the city lights, fingers twitching like he wanted to punch a wall.

Blaze leaned against the wall, arms crossed. “Something happened?”

Jace didn’t give an answer and just ignored them. He shouldn't give it off that he kissed the girl he has known since she was a child.

Axel raised a brow from where he was sprawled on the couch. “You’ve been ghosting since we got back.”

Jace sighed. “It’s our little sister’s birthday. Let’s just enjoy the night. Like we always said we would.”

Blaze smirked knowingly, and he didn’t say more. But the look in his eyes said ‘I saw something’. Axel remained quiet, but his ears were sharp. His gaze was on Jace for far too long.

Jace tried to drown out the weight pressing against his chest. The way he usually carried Jennifer on his shoulders when she was little. The way she always smiled at him like he was her hero. He used to buy her little things like bracelets, keychains, chocolate bars and take care of her like Blaze and Axel did but what was all that?

Grooming her for a kiss?

Well, he once thought of her as a pretty girl that any lucky guy could own. And the lucky guy would be him. But Blaze would kill him.

Jennifer was their little sister for crying out loud.

His thoughts were interrupted when Axel spoke. “Jace, is something wrong? You look wiped.”

Jace cleared his throat. “Nah. Just tired. It’s been a long night.”

Blaze didn’t buy it but he let it go. He pushed off the wall and headed upstairs. “I’m gonna check on her.”

Inside the suite, Jennifer was still scribbling madly in her diary when the door creaked open. She slammed the book shut and turned.

“Blaze!” she gasped. “Ever heard of knocking?”

Blaze grinned as he stepped inside. “Didn’t know you were keeping a secret diary, Doll. Care to read it out for me?”

Jennifer rolled her eyes. “No! I'm not reading my diary for you! See why you need to get married soon? Maybe your wife will teach you about privacy.”

He laughed and came to sit beside her on the bed. “I'm just 25. I don't need marriage. Do I seem that old to you?”

“Well, you're the oldest amongst us.”

“And you're the youngest and cutest. I just wanted to make sure you were okay. First night back with us, after so many years.”

Jennifer relaxed slightly, her head falling naturally to rest against his broad chest. His warmth was familiar and safe. His scent was all motorcycles and spice, but it was all she ever fantasized about. And on his laps earlier? She felt like she was dragging towards everything she had ever thought of.

Blaze gently rubbed her forehead, talking about plans for the motorcycle club. But Jennifer wasn’t listening.

“You know, Doll? I've always thought of coming back to get you each time I realize you're in the wrong place….”

Blaze's voice faded. Jennifer's rampaged her thoughts. Everyone at school said her brothers were hot and she was just there as their step sister and a gold digger. That's why her mother married their father.

It wouldn't be a felony if she thought her brothers kissed her, but with their touch!

A hug?

A handshake?

A forehead kiss?

Or just a compliment? They all make her feel so weak down in her legs.

And she only watched p*rn to ease herself. She had masturbated a lot of times thinking of them, but Jace especially. One time when she was 17 and Jace brought her a pair of jeans and kissed her forehead.

Their touch was heaven, but it wasn't obvious if she was. “Was it?” She thought.

“Jennifer?”

She blinked suddenly, realizing she had zoned out.

“Jennifer, are you listening?” Blaze asked, his voice teasing.

She sat up quickly, a bit flustered. “I…sorry! What were you saying?”

Blaze chuckled, lying her gently back on the bed. “You’re really naughty. I can’t believe you fell asleep mid convo.”

Jennifer laughed lightly, pulling the blanket over her legs.

“You should go to bed now. Goodnight, Doll.” he said softly, brushing her hair back. “Glad you’re finally home.”

“Night, Blaze,” she whispered.

He stood, switched off the light, and quietly left the room.

As the door clicked shut, Jennifer reached under her pillow, pulled out her diary, and opened a blank page.

“Dear dairy,

I don't know why I feel this way, but I can't take it anymore. I'm living with my three brothers now and a day doesn't go by without a touch from them. I feel fire all over my body and I just want them to touch me. Is that a crime?”

She closed up the page and went to sleep.

*

Jennifer woke up feeling light and tattered. Her sheets were all messed up. She remembered what she did. Write down words about Blaze and suddenly felt wet. She checked underneath her pillow and—

Her diary was gone.

She scrambled off the bed, took off the blankets, checking under her pillow over again and on the floor, even inside her backpack. There was nothing. She felt panic rising in her chest.

Just then, a soft knock came at her door and Jace’s voice followed.

“Red, we’re leaving in a bit. Get ready and come down, okay?”

She opened the door halfway, peeking through. Jace was already dressed, dark shirt rolled at the sleeves, chain at his neck glinting in the light. He turned to leave but she called after him.

“Jace, wait.”

He paused, looking back. “Yeah?”

“Were you… in my room last night?” she asked slowly.