Lahat ng Kabanata ng Craving Him, My Step-Brother : Kabanata 101 - Kabanata 110

Ivana’s POVWhile I played with my brush, Benny and Rita chatted casually, their laughter breaking through the silence in split seconds. Having had fun to his fill, Benny returned to my side and with his hands pushed inside his pockets, he said, “The offer still stands." Leaning more closely now, he added, “I'm not trying to seduce you. I respect your husband so much, not only that I'm not going to hurt you or him." He smacked his lips.“Ciao." He waved as he made his way towards the door while I kept staring at him, my cheeks flushed in embarrassment. Unable to keep still anymore, I quickly took off my apron and then rushed to the bathroom to splash cold water over my face.The steady hum of the overhead light and the sound of water running into the porcelain sink were the only noises in the bathroom.“Perfect." I muttered, staring at my reflection in the mirror. After one last splash, I reached out for the paper towel to wipe my face and hand. It was at this moment that the door

Ivana’s POVRefusing Benny’s offer wasn't something I intend to do. I don't mind if Rita flipped out or not, that was her business to handle and not mine.After work, I had followed Benny home and right now, I was behind his paintings which were hanging loosely on the wall. The photographs and paintings were neatly arranged in mismatched frames. Some were black and white, others were vibrant with colors. A few looked like they were captured in Russia, snow covered streets, golden domes, and people doned in thick coats but though my gaze lingered, my thoughts were far away.Benny’s voice floated from the adjacent room. He wasn’t speaking English, and even though the walls muffled the sound, I recognized the tone—Russian. My chest tightened as I strained my ears to catch more. There was something oddly familiar about the way he spoke, yet at the same time, it was different.He didn’t have the thick Russian accent that others I had met like Fabrizio had. His voice sounded American, ev

Ruslan’s POVXavier outsmarting me was unexpected and so I had been nursing my wounds silently, waiting patiently for the day he was going to slide into my radar. This time, I wasn't going to let him slip away, I was going to make sure I pulled him back in. Groping my way towards my room, I was on my phone talking to Lara whom I haven't seen in days despite sharing the same roof with her.She was the only family I had around. Igor had left for the vacation house a few months ago with no hopes of returning to the clan.Now in front of my room, I slid my phone into my pocket and then pushed my door in. The dim golden glow of the bedside lamp casted long shadows across the polished floors. The scent of vanilla and wine drifted through the air, but it did nothing to calm my nerves.She was here—Atina. Sitting on the edge of my bed and draped in silk lingerie that clung to her curves like a second skin, she had her head tilted to the side. Her dark hair tumbled past her shoulders in c

Ivana’s POVThe moment my alarm clock went off, I threw my feet off the bed, cleaned up and got into my clothes like a demon was after me. “I'll see you in the evening." I yelled at mom, who had just stepped into the living room.By the time I arrived at Montalto Gallery, the sun was already up in the sky, casting its golden rays on the earth.Smiling broadly until my cheeks began to ache, I held my painting with both hands. After one last admiration at my masterpiece last night, I had wrapped it up and sealed it with a tape.I couldn't allow a dent to spoil it as I had spent the last four weeks, pouring my soul into it. I had barely slept and I skipped meals frequently but it wasn't a loss as it paid off greatly. Even if I wasn't chosen at the end of the exhibition, I promise not to get mad as it was a rare privilege for my submission to be considered. With my heart beating rapidly with excitement, I stepped into the gallery, the smell of varnish and fresh paint messing with my se

Ivana’s POVStill clutching my portrait against my chest, I stepped back into the gallery with Benny leading the way. And for the first time, I realized that he hadn't participated in the theme but I couldn't ask him now. Facepalming myself, I let out a little wince as I crossed the threshold. It was that instant that the atmosphere shifted. I felt the stares, the soft gasps, and the pitiful smiles.I hated pity so I met each gaze with a defiant look until I spotted Rita by the refreshment table.She saw me and immediately, she got off, walking towards me with a forced expression of sympathy, her hands folded in front of her.“Ivana,” she called in that soft, too sweet voice. Halting next to me, she muttered, “I’m so sorry about what happened earlier. I can't imagine how devastating it must have been for you.” She sounded so pained like she really meant her words. Raising my head slowly, I fixed my gaze at her, I intently looked at her like she was out of her mind. Of course, she