6

The family gathered at 7:00 PM sharp.

Emma had spent the afternoon hiding in her room, desperately trying to compose herself. She'd changed into her nicest dress—a simple black number that hugged her curves—and fixed her hair.

But she still felt like she was walking to her execution.

"Ready?" her mother asked, knocking on the door.

"Ready as I'll ever be."

Emma followed her mother down the grand staircase, her heart pounding with every step.

The dining room was even more impressive than the foyer. A long mahogany table dominated the space, surrounded by high-backed chairs. Candlelight flickered from an ornate centerpiece.

And at the head of the table, watching her with an unreadable expression, was Ethan.

Their eyes met, and Emma felt her breath leave her body.

He looked different in a suit. Commanding. Authoritative. The gentle lover from last night seemed like a distant memory replaced by this cold, powerful stranger.

"Emma," Damian said warmly, pulling her from her trance. "Come sit. There's someone I want you to meet."

He guided her to a seat across from Ethan, whose gaze never left her face.

"Ethan, this is Emma, Olivia's daughter," Damian said. "I'm sure you two will get along wonderfully."

Ethan's lips curved into a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "We've met," he said smoothly. "Emma is the pastry chef at Savor. I'm a regular customer."

"You know each other?" Olivia asked, delighted.

"Something like that," Ethan said, his gaze dropping to Emma's lips, lingering. "I've been watching Emma for a while now. She's very... memorable."

Emma's cheeks burned. She knew exactly what he meant by that.

"How nice," Damian said, oblivious to the tension. "Well, Emma, I hope you'll be comfortable here. The house is always open to you."

"Thank you," Emma managed. "I really appreciate this. It's just... temporary. Until I figure things out."

"Don't rush," Ethan said. "Stay as long as you want. We have plenty of room."

His voice was casual, but his eyes were anything but. They burned with a hunger that made Emma's stomach flip.

The front door opened, and a new voice filled the room.

"Did I miss dinner?"

A man strode in, his energy electric. He was devastatingly handsome—chiseled jaw, mischievous eyes, a smile that promised trouble.

"Adrian," Damian said, a hint of exasperation in his voice. "Nice of you to join us."

"Wouldn't miss it." Adrian's gaze swept the table, landing on Emma. "And who's this gorgeous creature?"

"This is Emma," Damian said. "Olivia's daughter."

Adrian's smile widened. "Well, well, well. Mother didn't mention she had such a beautiful daughter." He sauntered over to Emma, taking her hand and pressing a kiss to her knuckles. "I'm Adrian. The fun one."

Emma pulled her hand back, flustered. "Nice to meet you."

"Trust me, the pleasure's all mine." Adrian settled into the chair beside her, his thigh brushing against hers. "So, Emma, what brings you to our humble home?"

"I'm just staying for a while," she said, trying to ignore the heat of his leg against hers. "My marriage ended recently, and my mother offered to take me in."

Adrian's expression shifted to something more serious. "I'm sorry to hear that. Though I can't imagine anyone being foolish enough to let a woman like you go."

"A woman like me?" Emma said, a edge of bitterness creeping into her voice.

"Beautiful. Talented. Strong." Adrian's eyes flickered over her body with obvious appreciation. "The kind of woman who deserves to be worshiped."

Emma heard Ethan's sharp intake of breath.

"Adrian," Damian warned. "Don't overwhelm her."

"I'm just telling the truth." Adrian leaned closer to Emma, his voice dropping to a whisper. "My brother's been talking about you for months. I wanted to see if you lived up to the hype."

"Adrian," Ethan snapped. "Back off."

"Relax, brother." Adrian grinned. "I'm just getting to know our new sister."

Emma's head was spinning. Brothers. They were brothers. And she'd already slept with one of them.

Dinner was a blur of awkward conversation and heated glances. Emma barely touched her food, too overwhelmed to eat. Ethan watched her like a hawk, while Adrian flirted shamelessly.

At one point, Adrian's hand landed on her knee under the table, squeezing gently.

"Eat something," he murmured. "You look like you need it."

Emma's first instinct was to pull away. But something in Adrian's voice made her pause—a note of genuine concern beneath the playfulness.

"I'm not hungry," she said quietly.

"Then at least have some wine." He poured her a glass, pushing it toward her. "It'll help you relax."

"You're very pushy," Emma said, taking a sip.

"I'm persistent." Adrian winked. "There's a difference."

Ethan cleared his throat loudly. "Adrian, perhaps you'd like to help me with something in the study after dinner."

"Can't. I have plans."

"For once, I'm asking."

Adrian's eyebrows rose. "You're actually asking? This must be serious."

"It is."

The tension between the brothers was palpable. Emma could practically see the electric sparks flying between them.

After dinner, Damian excused himself, and Olivia followed. Adrian disappeared to take a phone call.

And Emma found herself alone with Ethan.

"Follow me," he said, his voice brooking no argument.

"Ethan—"

"Now, Emma."

She followed him through the labyrinthine mansion, her heart hammering. He led her to a private study, closing the door behind them.

"What are you doing here?" he demanded.

"I didn't know," Emma said defensively. "I didn't know you were my mother's stepson. I swear, I had no idea."

"Of course you didn't." Ethan ran a hand through his hair. "It's just... I planned to see you again tonight. I had everything ready. And then I walk downstairs, and there you are, and I have to pretend I don't know what you taste like."

"Pretend?" Emma said, her voice breaking. "I can't even look at you without remembering last night."

"Good." Ethan stepped closer, his eyes dark. "Because I don't want you to forget. I want you to remember exactly how I made you feel."

"Ethan, we can't. You're my stepbrother—"

"Stepbrother," he corrected. "Not blood. Not even related. Just a technicality."