On Thin Ice: A Forbidden Step Siblings Affair

Raelynn

“Pack your bags, we’re moving.” My mother’s words echo in my mind as I shove my clothes angrily into my box.

This week has been hell, scratch that, way worse than hell. Yesterday, I walked in on the one person I called my best friend, Chloe, and my boyfriend, Peter, making out.

Peter and I were to hang out at his place, but he couldn’t because he suddenly caught the flu. Being the sweet and naive girlfriend I was, I decided to go over and check on him. Bring him some soup and tissues.

I did not need to knock because I know his passcode...one two three four five six, yes, he is an idiot.

Turns out I should have just minded my business and stayed at home, then maybe I wouldn’t have had to walk on both of them right there on his couch, her black hair tangled in his fingers.

The worst thing was that they did not even feel bad about it. Chloe just smirked, and Peter’s excuse? “You’ve been depressed lately, and we needed to rely on each other.”

I throw another shirt into my suitcase.

‘Depressed? I was only depressed because I was stuck with losers like you two.’

I groan, slamming my box shut and take a deep breath, trying to get them both out of my mind.

“Raelynn, get down right at this instant,” my mum screams from downstairs.

“I’m coming, mother!” I yell back, yanking the suitcase off my bed.

As if last night wasn’t hard enough, I came back to hear my mum say we’re moving all the way to Tribeca, and we stay in Queens Village, meaning an hour and sixteen minutes’ drive, and she will not even tell me the reason.

I give one more glance at my now-empty bedroom, and to some extent, I’m going to miss this place.

A sigh escapes my lips as I drag my luggage down the stairs with a grunt. When my mum sees me, she crosses her arms and frowns.

“I told you to get ready last night. Now you are going to make us late, and it’s your fault.”

“Yeah, well, maybe you should have given me a little more notice,” I snap. “Or better yet, maybe I’ll just go live with dad.”

The moment the words leave my mouth, I instantly regret them. The world seems to freeze for a moment, and I can actually see my mother’s hand tremble.

“Raelynn…” Her voice is softer now, but the pain behind it is enough to make my stomach twist into knots with regret. I should know better than to bring him up.

She is still scared. After everything he did to us...almost did to me, she’d have to be.

I clear my throat awkwardly, and she shakes her head to snap out of it.

“Take your things out and make sure not to forget anything.”

I nod and do what she asks, then head to the mailbox. We will not need the new people moving in going through our mail…especially them.

“To Sarah.”

No sender's name or address…again.

I stare at the five mail in my hands, a shiver runs down my spine. Quickly, I stuff them into my bag, so mum doesn’t see them. Hopefully, when we get to our new place, I’ll find a place to hide them from her, the way I did here.

“Let’s go.”

Mum shouts, I grip my bag tighter, my heart racing, before rushing to the car.

The car is quiet for a moment, but something feels weird. I mean, why are we moving, and where did we even get the money to move to Tribeca? That’s a place for rich people, and mum and I are worse than broke.

“Where are we going?” I finally decide to ask.

But mum just shrugs. “You’ll see.”

I groan, rolling my eyes. My thoughts drift back to Chloe and Peter. I hate that we’re moving. I hate that it makes me feel like I’m running away and giving them room to play happy couple after what they have done to me.

Eventually, I get tired, and I do not even realize when I drift off to sleep.

Hours later mum wakes me up, and my eyes widen, sleep immediately vanishing as I stare at the mansion in front of me. The car slows in front of a massive iron gate, which swings open as if on cue. Beyond it is a mansion straight out of a movie...white pillars, pristine gardens, a fountain in the driveway.

“Holy crap,” I mutter, sitting up straighter. “Did you win the lottery? Or take out some insanely huge loan that we’ll never pay off?”

Mom rolls her eyes. “Neither. Now stop gawking and help with the bags.”

She parks, and I step out, still staring at the house like it might disappear if I blink too hard.

Once she parks, a man approaches her and, with a big smile on her face, she steps out and hugs him.

“You are?”

They pull apart, and the man turns to me, extending a hand. “You must be Raelynn. I've heard so much about you. I’m Edward.”

I scowl at his hand. “And how do you know my mother?”

Mum sighs and turns to me. “Rae, this is Edward, my fiancé.”

The words hit me like a brick in the face.

‘Fiancé? Since when? How? Why’

“You’re joking,” I say flatly, crossing my arms.

Edward chuckles awkwardly, shoving his hand into his pocket. “I know this is a lot to take in...”

“Yeah, no kidding.”

“Raelynn, that’s enough.” Mum snaps. “Edward has been kind to take us in, so I suggest you show some respect.”

I bite back a retort, but my glare speaks for itself.

Edward clears his throat. “Why don’t I show you your room? I had it set up this morning.”

I do not bother responding. Instead, I grab my suitcase and stomp past him, ignoring the man I assume is a butler reaching out for it.

The inside of the house makes me let out a gasp. Everything about it is overwhelming, from the high ceilings with golden chandeliers to the sparkling marble floors and furniture that probably cost more than I can think of.

I’m so lost in awe, I do not notice someone standing behind me until they’re too close, their presence too intense and suffocating.

Before I can turn around, two hands grip my shoulder firmly, keeping me in place.

“Enjoying the view?” The voice is smooth, like a seductive whisper that makes you want to drown in it, but the dangerous edge in it keeps you far away.

A shiver runs down my spine as his hot breath fans the back of my neck.

I try to turn around again, but the grip on my shoulders tightens, not hard enough to hurt, but just enough to remind me how easily it could.

“You should enjoy it,” he murmurs, his tone mocking. “After all, you will not be here long.”