บททั้งหมดของ PUCK ME, STEPBROTHER: บทที่ 11 - บทที่ 20

BrothersBryson's POVJulian drops me off a full block away from the dorms, like being seen with me might damage his reputation. He doesn't say a word, just sits there with the engine running until I grab my bag and step out onto the sidewalk."Thanks for the ride," I mutter, more out of habit than gratitude.He drives off without responding, leaving me standing there with exhaust fumes and the taste of his contempt in my mouth. I curse him in my heart but push it aside and head back to my dorm, shouldering my bag with more force than necessary.The familiar chaos of campus life welcomes me back, students everywhere, music bleeding from open windows, the constant buzz of people who belong here in ways I'm still figuring out. It should feel like coming home, but after spending time in Julian's pristine mansion, even my dorm feels different. Smaller than it should be.My roommate, Danny, is already there when I walk in, practically bouncing off the walls with excitement about something.

Fitting InBryson's POVI leave practice with my heart racing, excitement, and nerves all tangled up inside me. When I first joined the hockey team, it was just because Mom asked me to. But now I actually love it. It gives me purpose, distracts me from all the family chaos, and it feels like something I can finally own.Still, Coach's announcement about the exhibition match shakes me up pretty badly. The way he looked right at me when he talked about proving ourselves - I know what that means. I'm still the new guy, still trying to earn my place. I don't want to let him down, especially since he's already started designing plays around me.The thought of scouts watching makes my stomach twist. What if I mess up? What if I'm not good enough when it really matters?I push myself harder over the next few days, balancing schoolwork, classes, and training. My muscles ache constantly, but it feels good. Like I'm working toward something real.Danny keeps asking if I'm okay because I barely

Breaking PointBryson's POVThe next two days blur together as I find myself sharing a car with Julian to school and back to the mansion. He never speaks much, just drives with his face fixed in that cold mask he wears around everyone. But I notice things he probably doesn't think I see, like how his shoulders tense up every time Richard talks to him.It's weird watching Richard Hayes suddenly play the role of warm stepdad. He asks me about my classes, tells me he's proud of my effort on the hockey team, and even laughs when I mess up basic stuff like using the wrong fork at dinner. He acts like I've always been part of this family.I want to feel grateful. Really, I do. But something feels off about it too. Mom's had boyfriends before who started this nice, this was interested in being a father figure. A few of them turned out to be total assholes who hurt her when they thought no one was looking.I don't want to think negative thoughts about Richard too soon, but I can't help being

Making ConnectionsBryson's POVI feel stiff as hell in this tux, every movement awkward as I sit in the back of Richard's fancy car. The leather seats are too perfect, and I keep worrying I'm going to mess something up just by breathing.Mom looks completely at ease beside me, smiling and chatting like she was born for this world. Her blue dress catches the light from the streetlamps, and she looks happier than I've seen her in years."Remember," Richard says from the front seat, his voice calm but firm, "tonight is about making good impressions. Be polite, be respectful, and let them get to know you."The words settle heavily on my chest. My fingers tremble in my lap, and I clench them into fists to make them stop."You'll do fine, sweetheart," Mom says, reaching over to squeeze my hand. "Just be yourself."Easy for her to say. She's not the one who feels like a fraud in borrowed clothes.Julian sits next to me in complete silence, staring out the window like the rest of us don't ex

DistractionJulian's POVI notice the exact moment Dad's face tightens when Bryson speaks up against that bitch Victoria. I know why he's pissed, even if Bryson doesn't have a clue.Victoria used to be Lauren Victoria Hayes - almost. Dad's most serious girlfriend after Mom died, someone who stuck around long enough that I actually thought she might become my stepmother. She was around for two years, playing the perfect girlfriend, attending every business function and family dinner.Then things went to hell in the ugliest way possible. She cheated on Dad with one of his business partners, got caught, and tried to play it off like it was Dad's fault for working too much. The breakup was brutal and public, and they only stay civil now because their families do too much business together to make it worth the drama.Dad hates public scenes, especially ones involving his personal life. Watching Bryson defend Clara like some white knight probably brought back every messy memory of Victoria'