The Love of a Stepbrother

William had always been there for Simone, ever since their parents got married when he and she were respectively 22 and 15. He was there during her awkward teen phase, and had made sure to tell her that she was beautiful, and not let the bullies win. He even showed up to school a couple of times in his fancy sports car, making her shine – too much for comfort – for a couple of weeks.He rarely ever smiled genuinely, but when he did, it sure warmed her heart inside out.Nowadays, his smiles did more than just that. They had the knack to make her insides churn deliciously, and sometimes even knocked the breath out of her, as she struggled to keep focused on the conversation. To put it simply, his smiles made her feel alive.But ever since Simone’s mom passed away, two weeks ago, he had taken to being extra thoughtful with her, which wasn’t helping her case of physical awareness.Day in, day out, she struggled to remain sane and not do the unthinkable – kiss the living daylights of him.

Simone was almost in tears. She couldn’t believe how lucky she was to have landed a job so last minute, and at William’s company no less.But it still didn’t solve her rent issue.She thought hard before giving her landlady a call.The elderly woman picked up soon, and greeted her amicably, “Hello Simone, how have you been?”“I have been better to be honest,” she retorted without missing a beat, preparing to tell her she needed to have the deadline extended. She was hopeful for she usually never missed.“Yes… that, I believe. I am sorry I couldn’t attend the funeral, sweetheart. My deepest condolences,” old Mrs Atkins’ response made tears fill her eyes for they had the knack to open back her wound.Simone wouldn’t dare to cry though, not right then.She got her sh*it together within a few seconds before saying, without so much as a sniffle, “Thank you. I called to tell you I will be late in paying the rent this month. I am truly sorry, but I will do my best to pay you in about 2 weeks

Simone wouldn’t need to be paid in gold to help the mouthy Laura shut up. She could picture herself pouring wine over the blonde, red wine preferably, but had to restrain herself and put a commercial smile on all through the evening.She learnt from the overly talkative woman that she was a model, a well-paid one… Simone had to repress a yawn more than a couple of times. She didn’t know how William could put up with the woman. But then again, he was a man, a man with needs, and she couldn’t expect him to remain celibate.Hell, this was surprisingly her first time seeing him with someone, and that in itself was more than she could hope for.In this day and age, finding a faithful partner was hard enough, never mind finding someone who never indulged in the pleasures of the flesh.In her ire, and out of rampant jealousy, Simone didn’t pay attention to her alcohol intake. Soon, she asked to be excused from the small gathering of officials amidst the party, needing to use the restroom to

It was 7:30 am, and William was in his office, already working on his laptop – or rather trying to work. He recalled the party and, most importantly, the kiss, and he felt like he could curse himself to the moon and back.He had been sober but different shades of jealous that evening, so much so that he could barely control himself… but it was too soon. He knew it and could feel it in his bones. Simone didn’t know the depth of his feelings for her, and would probably try to dismiss it all some way.He had seen the looks she gave Laura, and it was like his own version of salvation. But busy as she was glaring at his date, she had been oblivious to the anger simmering just behind the surface.It was his first time seeing her with someone after her prom date. And lo and behold, the man didn’t look fazed by his cold demeanor, whether it be out of carelessness or confidence, he didn’t know… But then again, he was the ruthless boss many whispered about, at least behind his back. He wasn’t e

Nobody knocked. Nobody would dare to knock, given that the door was closed – and it only ever was closed when there was an important meeting taking place.After Simone hurried to rearrange herself, and made sure she looked presentable in the mirror of the en-suite bathroom, she stepped out of the office… Naturally, not before cursing herself for forgetting all about Laura, the leggy blonde who had fun giving her the stink eye just a couple of days ago.Who was she to him? William had said she was irrelevant, and yet he had brought her to the function… Surely, there had to be some sort of connection between them two, at least physical, if nothing else.Simone couldn’t help but wonder if they had gone back together, and if he had touched Laura the same way he just touched her – with pure unbridled passion. She didn’t want to think about it, but it was harder said than done to stop her rampant imagination.She soon felt bile rising in her throat, but inhaled deeply before facing the man