My Stepbrother’s Dirty Secret

Corleone pov

The head of the department's office smelt like wood and pretense. Brown carpet, locked drawers and boring eyes.

Mr Oswald sat across me, lips tight like he was afraid to say the wrong thing. Red suit, subtle beard. He looked annoyingly ugly.

He cleared his throat, pushing back his large glasses. "Fights are not acceptable in this high esteemed college —"

"She picked a fight first." I cut him off, arms crossed lazily.

"It is still a terrible offence, Miss." He countered, worry creasing his forehead. "You broke her nose."

I scoffed, "You have surveillance cameras, yeah? She started it. I only stood up for myself."

Four schools in one year. Two countries. Thanks, mom.

Life would have been easier if I didn't get dropped off in a new school like some packaged box for delivery. I wanted a good marriage for my mom. That was true. But staying in Berlin would have been the best.

The door opened. Dry haircut. Black suit styled with green patches. It looked disgustingly beautiful except that I was uninterested. It was Adam.

"Your cousin is here." Mr Oswald announced awkwardly,"She's being a handful." He sighed.

I glanced in between them. "I didn't do anything wrong." My jaw clenched in argument.

"Shut up, Corleone." Adam snapped, a frown crossing his perfectly shaped eyebrows.

I leaned back in my seat, a glare fixed on my face.

Someone else came in. He walked in like he owned the room. An annoying cologne filled the air. I hated his presence instantly.

"Two days suspension." He said, his voice sharp and cold.

"What?" I blurted out in surprise, clearly not expecting company.

Our gaze met. Calm and measured, like he already knew I was trouble to begin with.

Heat licked up my neck. He gave no reaction. No nod. Nothing. I noticed the silver lining in his onyx eyes. His stare made words dry up in my throat.

Long grey sleeves. Two buttons undone casually. Too much for the old professor I expected. Except he wasn't old. Young, tall and a perfect expensive carved out face. He looked like his job was in trouble. Very nonchalant.

"That will be all, Miss Corleone." Mr Oswald muttered, sneaking up a look at the intense looking man, and swallowing hard like he feared being scolded.

Adam muttered something under his breath and jerked his head toward the door. “Let’s go.”

I followed, resisting the urge to kick the office door on the way out.

Great. The two day suspension wasn't bad. I didn't like coming anyway. Adam walked me into the car, clearly unhappy about what I did on my first day in school.

I climbed in, "Who is the guy?" I asked, swirling my head to the right. The man's dominatory presence is not leaving my head.

Adam sighed, hitting the gas. "Your new head of department." He replied,

Two hours later. We arrived at my new home.

Tall glass frames that enhanced the building. The exterior was very beautiful – the serenity couldn't be mistaken. It seemed my step father was a hot man who had stacked dollars.

I dragged my suitcase through the front door. The house smelled like new furniture and lies.

My mom has always believed in second chances. She married a new man, moved in with him and now, I have a step father I had no idea of.

Indeed a fresh start. We moved from Berlin to Texas because of her new found love.

She said I was still aching from the breakup with my ex. She had no idea of me crying in the shower and how I felt like choking on my own silence. But she was happy and that was good.

"Corleone Audril!" Mom's voice rang out, pulling me from my thoughts.

I rolled my eyes. "Hi mom."

She rushed down the stairs, "You barely adjusted to the new environment and you already caused trouble." Her hands on her hips

"I couldn't get her out of it. Two days suspension." Adam reported like a bodyguard when he was actually my maternal cousin.

Mom chuckled, "You have done enough, Adam. Thanks for helping out." She hugged him.

"Behave, Corleone." Adam warned playfully.

I rolled my eyes and bade him goodbye. I wished I could go back with him to Berlin.

Mom's eyes rested on me softly, "Come meet him, sweetheart." Her face dictated her excitement.

I managed a small smile. Him? Not your new dad. It was as if she knew I wouldn't like the title.

"Mr Carter?" I asked,

"Mr Sutton, dear." A man who was old enough to be my father walked into the living room, correcting me with a smile. "You look more beautiful in person, Corleone."

He was polite. He offered me a firm handshake which I took in slight hesitation.

"It is a pleasure to finally meet you. You are welcome." He took my suitcase from me with another big smile that looked like he could tell a lie without blinking.

"Thanks." I didn't know how to address him. At least, not yet.

"Sweetheart, you can take a tour around your room first. Liam and I have some things to talk about." Mom linked hands with him.

A young maid led me upstairs. The house was a huge one. My mom surely got herself a good catch.

My room was bigger than my former one. It had a large closet, a gaming and reading space, and mini library furniture for books.

"Baby, do you like your new room?" Mom peeked in, her lips widening with a smile.

I shrugged, glancing around one more time. "It is really nice." I told the truth.

"You should get ready. Come downstairs for dinner." She kissed my cheeks before leaving the room.

I sighed, opening the empty closet. No, it wasn't empty. It was arranged with clothes. My lips parted in surprise. Cheers to a new life right?

Minutes later, I headed downstairs in a loose jogger and tank top. Laughter echoed from the dining room.

"Corleone, join us." Mr Sutton called out cheerfully.

I smiled at him, taking a seat. The table was packed with varieties. It looked like a mini feast. I was supposed to be impressed but —

"Oh, I forgot." Mr Sutton suddenly said, "My son should be here by now. I'd like you two to meet." He checked his wristwatch. It was almost nine pm.

His son was definitely a spoiled brat to be absent from home this late.

My mom reached out to touch my hand. "You two will be seeing each other more in school." She smiled.

Before I could ask what that meant, footsteps echoed behind me.

First was the smell of leather, cinnamon and spice. God, I hated my sensitive nose.

"You are late, Martil." Mr Sutton frowned cautiously.

The figure sat opposite me without a spoken word. Our eyes locked again.

The same onyx eyes.

My breath hitched. No way.

The head of my department. The one who gave me suspension today – he was my new stepbrother?

I glared at him beneath my lashes. My fork trembled slightly in my hands.

Silence ensued. It stretched for long minutes. Heavy and awkward.

“You’ll be living under the same roof from now on, honey. It’s going to be... fun.” My mom's voice broke the silence.

No.

As long as the good Lord stayed good — this was going to be a disaster.