Tamed By My Stepbrother

KEIRA’S POVTHE NEXT MORNINGThe soft click of the front door signaled my mother’s departure. “Take care, Mom,” I whispered, though she was already gone, leaving the house quieter than usual. I lingered for a moment, staring at the empty hallway, then shook my head and turned to get ready. Today felt… different. I couldn’t shake the lingering tension from last night—or the thought of Drake.After showering and dressing in my simple black knit turtleneck and white skinny jeans, I was just about to leave my room when a knock on the front door made me freeze. My heart skipped a beat. Who could it be so early?I approached cautiously, and when I opened it, my eyes widened. “Drake!” I exclaimed. “What are you doing here? And how did you—”He stepped inside before I could finish, moving past me with an arrogant air that made my skin prickle. “So, this is your place?” he said, surveying the living room with a critical eye. “I think this house is barely as big as my bathroom.”“Drake, you kno

KEIRA’S POVWhen I finally returned to the dining room, my hands still trembled slightly. I tried to act normal, even though my lips still tingled from what had just happened. Drake was already back at the table, seated beside his father as if nothing had occurred.His eyes flicked toward me for a brief second—just one—but it was enough to make my pulse skip. I quickly looked away and sat beside my mom, forcing a polite smile even as my heart refused to calm down.The air between us felt heavy, almost suffocating. I tried to listen as Edward and my mother exchanged a few quiet words, but I couldn’t focus. Every move, every breath, every quiet sound reminded me of what had happened in that hallway. The taste of it still lingered on my lips.Edward cleared his throat softly, pulling my attention back to the table.“Keira, Drake,” he began, his tone carrying weight. “We have something important to tell you both.”I looked up, sensing that this wasn’t just casual conversation. Mom’s hand

KEIRA’S POV I was floating somewhere between dreams when something tapped my cheek. At first, I tried to ignore it, burying my face deeper into the seat. Then came a voice I’d know even in my nightmares. “Hey, drooling girl! Wake up! We’re already here.” My eyes flew open. Drake’s smug grin was the first thing I saw — and immediately, I wished I was still asleep. “What did you just call me?” I mumbled, rubbing my eyes. Then I froze. My fingers brushed something wet on my cheek. Oh no. I turned my head — and horror slammed into me. His black leather jacket… was wet. Because of me. “Don’t tell me—” I gasped, already reaching for tissues that didn’t exist. In pure panic, I wiped his coat… and, out of reflex, even dabbed the corner of his mouth. Drake’s laughter exploded, deep and unrestrained. “Unbelievable,” he said between chuckles. “You’re literally a walking disaster.” Mortified, I wanted the ground to swallow me. Instead, he stood and left the plane, leaving me to die of em

KEIRA’S POV"Old style, Doc!" Drake teased—but his eyes were on me, not Sean.Sean burst into laughter. “I knew it. Someone else spotted her first,” he said meaningfully, throwing Drake a knowing look.Drake’s gaze, however, didn’t waver. He was staring straight at me, and something in the way his eyes burned made my pulse quicken."Alright, I’ll leave you two," Sean announced, stepping away. But before he left, he glanced back at me and smirked. “Keira, be careful with my cousin. His charm’s… different. Once he gets under your skin, you might never escape.” He winked, then disappeared down the path, leaving an awkward silence between Drake and me.Drake turned to me sharply the moment Sean was gone. “Next time, don’t talk to just anyone here—especially not—” His words faltered as his eyes swept down my body, lingering too long. His jaw clenched. “And for God’s sake, Keira… don’t ever go out dressed like that again.”I blinked, stunned. “What? Do you want me to wear a gown? We’re at t

KEIRA’S POVI froze when I heard the knock—soft at first, then steady, insistent. My hand stopped midair, fingers hovering above the doorknob. I quickly wiped the stray tears from my cheeks before pulling the door open just enough to peek out.It was Mom.“What is it, Mom?” I asked quietly. My voice came out uneven, betraying the emotions I’d tried to hide.She smiled, her tone unusually bright. “We’re going to the ancestral house. Edward’s siblings are there—we’re having a small get-together. Do you want to come with us?”I shook my head, forcing a polite smile. “I’ll stay here, Mom. I’m… tired. Besides, I wouldn’t really have anyone to talk to there.”Her expression softened with concern. “You’re sure? You’ll be fine here alone?”“Yes, Mom. Don’t worry,” I reassured her. “Just enjoy your night. I’ll be fine.”“Alright, sweetheart. But if you change your mind, just call someone to drive you there, okay?”“I will.” I smiled faintly before closing the door. The soft click echoed louder