Lahat ng Kabanata ng Craving Him, My Step-Brother : Kabanata 91 - Kabanata 100

Ruslan’s POVFor more than ten minutes since I stepped into my room, I was still frozen in place, my eyes on one woman whom I thought I was never going to see again.Atina Dumello, my ex-girlfriend who suddenly disappeared without a trace, not like I really cared but now, she is back. I hadn't meant her randomly, instead, I had met her in my house and room of all places and at the moment, she was lounging on my bed like she still had a claim to it. It has been a year since I last saw her but she still looked exactly the same, a little more refined but recognizing her was instant.Her dark curls which she always left resting on her back were now styled with effortless grace, and her lips painted in the shade I used to love. The scent of her expensive perfume clung to the air, sickly sweet and far too familiar. I hadn’t smelled it in a year, but yet it brought back memories that twisted in my chest like barbed wire.“What the hell are you doing here?” I asked when I finally found my

Ivana’s POVSitting in my favourite position at the studio, a brush was dangling in my hand as I stared at the blank canvas in front of me. The smell of turpentine and fresh acrylics soothed my nerves and immediately the inspiration hit, I dragged the brush across the canvas, layering strokes of pale gold over the subtle pink tones I had spent the last hour blending.I was painting a girl silhouette who had her head turned toward a lake that shone under the moonlight. It was the theme of the week and so I wanted to put in my best.Keeping me company in the large studio which was deserted as everyone has gone for lunch was the gentle instrumental music playing from my phone. The instant there was a shift in the air, I noticed and immediately, I turned off my music, turning to face the intruder who was no other than Benny. Crossing his hands on his chest, he muttered, “You don't like the food around here?"“I had a late breakfast." I said through my teeth, resisting the urge of scoo

Ruslan’s POVTitling my head to the side, I let out a low huff before swirling around to face Nico who was behind me, waiting for further instructions. “What did you just say?” I was on the verge of laughing in his face. "Slade offered to help us hit the deal only if we step down from the deal we were trying to conclude with the guys from Morocco.”"The next time he comes to you, redirect him to me. I might consider it if he says that to my face.” I muttered, watching Nico as a knowing smile spread across his face. Walking away from the window, I positioned myself in the middle of my office, staring at the oak door as I replayed father's words in my head. He has asked me to find Xavier, my cousin who suddenly fizzled into the air without a single trace. Everything that could be done to find him had been done but it was to no avail. He had been missing for over a year before we were notified by my uncle. “I bet he is already dead." I muttered, rubbing my nape. "I beg to differ.

Ruslan’s POVThe faint hum of electricity buzzed around me and for some reason, I found an odd comfort in the sterile, high tech wire room.Arching my back slightly, I exhaled slowly, watching the screens blink, flicker, and settle into patterns of digital activity that meant little to anyone outside Walter’s world. The air was cool, clinical like it was a hospital. It was probably from the scent of static and faint cologne from Walter. Walter was pacing about, his phone pressed to his ear and his brows pulled together in his signature stubborn line especially when he wasn't getting what he wanted like now. He had been trying to reach Xavier for almost an hour now but he wasn't picking up. “He’s still not picking up,” he grunted like a dying old man as he turned to face me. “He knows the reason we are calling him so he is ignoring us on purpose.” I let out a chuckle which was a dark sound laced with amusement and irritation. “Of course he is ignoring us. He knows he has been cau

Ivana’s POVThe studio was quiet, giving me the kind of stillness that allowed my mind to slip into the world of creativity without distractions. Lunch time was always like this and so I always liked to maximize it each time I was alone. My hands moved with certainty over the canvas, my brush dipping into thick oils as I blended the edges of a sunset against the silhouette of a fading cityscape. The piece had taken days to shape and hours to perfect, and now, finally, it was beginning to come to life. Proud of my hard work, I was about to start admiring my piece when I felt his presence.Benny.I didn’t have to look to know. He had a particular kind of silence which was always intentional and curious that gave him away every time. I rolled my eyes before he even said a word.“Still ignoring the world, I see,” Benny said, folding his arms across his chest as he stepped inside.At that moment, I twisted slightly, my hand moving swiftly to adjust the canvas and to block his view.Be