All Chapters of On Thin Ice: A Forbidden Step Siblings Affair: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

GraysonWith a sigh, I follow Brandon out the door, ignoring Raelynn’s persistent glare. She probably thinks I was lying about losing her stupid letter and maybe just wanted to screw her.But I wasn’t, at least not in that way.I swear I left her dumb letter in my cupboard, so unless it magically grew legs and walked off, someone had to have taken it and left it wherever the hell she found it.But why?I shake my head. That’s not what important right now. Taking a deep breath, I knock on coach whit’s office door.A moment of silence, then, “Come in.”I step in my mind spiraling for answers—or rather excuses, prepared for a round of scolding. But then, he doesn’t say anything.He just keeps his head down, not even sparing me a glance, just keeps scribbling something on his clipboard.“Coach,” I start, trying to sound calm, but my voice comes out rough.No response.I hate this, hate that he isn't speaking at me, hell, I’d actually prefer it if he’d just lash out at me. and not because

Raelynn.I stare at the pile of garbage on the floor, the sound of laughter ringing in my ears. There's still more in my locker. Wet wipes. What disgustingly looks like a used condom. A tampon with some red stuff I can only hope is paint.I won't cry. I bite the inside of my cheek, forcing the tears back.I won't give them the satisfaction of seeing me break.The laughter gets louder, like it’s feeding off my silence. I curl my index finger, dragging the nail across my thumb like I can scrape the panic away. I focus on that...grounding myself with each harsh scratch.The locker door slams shut louder than I mean for it to, but maybe I need the sound. Need it to drown them out. I hoist my bag over my shoulder and turn.They’re all watching me. Like they’re waiting for the tiniest reaction. Briella steps forward, a cruel smile twisting her lips, twirling a strand of her hair with a pointed flick.“Remember what you said to me at that party?” Her voice is sugary sweet but laced with po

Raelynn.This party is insane.Like, the kind of insane where half the people here probably won’t remember their names in the morning, and the other half will be in someone else’s clothes. I thought the rager Grayson threw was intense, but this? This is something else entirely.Lights are flashing, music is pulsing loud enough to rattle the windows, and there’s this faint smell of tequila, sweat, and something suspiciously skunky drifting through the air. Yara’s house is huge, and everyone’s crawling all over it like drunk ants with zero self-respect.Yara’s parents aren’t around, and I kinda envy them right now. Must be nice to be far, far away from this disaster zone.There’s only one rule: don’t go into the master bedroom. Or any door that’s locked. Other than that? Everyone’s as free as a bird.A really stupid, possibly drunk bird making very bad decisions.“You seem to be regretting a lot of things,” Yara laughs, flopping into the seat beside me.“Your brother is insane,” I mutte

Grayson.I don’t look at her, but I can hear her footsteps, soft and hesitant. Like her instincts are screaming at her to run, yet she follows anyway.I stop walking. She bumps into my back with a small wince, one hand pressed to her forehead as she glares up at me.I know I’m taller, but it’s only now I notice how small she seems. Maybe it’s the dim hallway light. Maybe it’s something else, something twists low in my chest. And I don’t like it.“Walk ahead,” I say.She hesitates, narrowing her eyes suspiciously. “Fine,” she mutters, trudging forward.My eyes follow every step she takes, every sway of her hips like it’s some kind of punishment.'I might have to see Naomi again. Not that I think therapy works, but maybe I should put her to use for once.'She passes the room we’re heading to. I knock on the door behind her to draw her attention, she turns.I pull out the keys.“You sure we’re allowed in there?”I unlock the door and swing it open. “Yes,” I say simply.She frowns but ste

Grayson.I hold the phone to my ear, silence stretching thick between us. Neither of us speaks. Just breathing. I could do this all damn day if it meant not hearing his voice.“Grayson,” Edward finally says, his tone clipped. “Where are you right now?”I scowl. “Didn’t your little birdie tell you already? Or did you really think I wouldn’t notice you’ve got someone spying on me?”He exhales like he’s the one dealing with a problem. Like I’m the inconvenience in his perfect little life.“I’m doing this for your own good.”I let out a cold laugh, sarcasm dripping from every word. “Yeah. Father of the goddamn year.”A loud slam from his end, probably just punched a wall. Good.“If your grades drop even slightly, your sister—”“That won’t be necessary.” The words leave my mouth in a half-whisper, half-snarl. My throat tightens as I push back from the chair. Eyes turn toward me, but I don’t care.“That’s what I thought. And you better not lay a finger on your stepsister.”A bitter laugh es