Semua Bab Off-limits: My One-Night Stepbrother : Bab 101 - Bab 110

Ariana’s PovI woke to the familiar feeling of arms wrapped securely around my waist.For a few seconds, I didn't move. I simply lay there, letting myself enjoy the warmth before slowly opening my eyes.The first thing I saw was him.He was already awake, lying on his side, quietly watching me with the kind of smile that always seemed to appear whenever I caught him staring.The curtains had been left slightly open, allowing the early morning sunlight to spill softly into the room."Good morning," I murmured, my voice still heavy with sleep.I leaned forward just enough to press a light kiss against his shoulder before settling back against his chest, adjusting until I was comfortable again.If it were up to me, I'd happily stay like this all morning. Unfortunately, life had other plans."Don't you have to get ready for work?" I asked quietly."I do," he admitted, his voice just as sleepy. "But you don't look ready to let go."Before I could answer, his arms tightened around me, makin

Ariana's Pov Before getting into the car, I found myself looking around one last time.The street was busy enough. People walked past without paying me any attention, cars came and went, and nothing looked out of place.Even so, I couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching me. I sighed."Stop being paranoid, Ariana.”I repeated it to myself more than once as I climbed into the car, hoping I'd eventually believe it. I didn't.By the time I got home, the uneasy feeling had only gotten worse. The apartment was quiet.Rhys wasn't home yet. Normally, that wouldn't have bothered me but today it did.My eyes drifted toward the windows before I caught myself wondering something I immediately wished I hadn't. What if whoever left those flowers knew where I lived too?I quickly shook my head."No."I pressed my palms against my face."You're overthinking this."I tried to busy myself by dropping my bag near the couch, but after pacing around the living room for a few minutes, I final

Ariana’s Pov Rhys and I got home earlier than usual that evening. Neither of us wasted any time.The moment we stepped inside, we headed upstairs and started packing.My suitcase sat open on the bed while I moved around the room, folding clothes far more neatly than I normally would. Maybe it was because keeping my hands busy stopped me from thinking too much.Rhys packed beside me, occasionally walking over to ask if I'd forgotten anything."Phone charger?"I nodded. "Packed.""Toiletries?""In the front pocket.""Passport?"I froze.He folded his arms. "I knew it."Laughing quietly despite everything, I walked over to the bedside drawer and picked it up."I was going to get it.""Mhmm.""I was.""I believe you.""You don't sound like you do.""I don't."I rolled my eyes before slipping it safely into my handbag. By the time we were done, both suitcases stood neatly by the bedroom door.For a moment, I looked around the apartment. It suddenly felt strange knowing I'd be leaving agai

Ariana's PovThe moment dinner was over, I excused myself and disappeared upstairs.Right now, being alone sounded much better than trying to sit through another awkward conversation downstairs especially since it was slowly drifting to kian’s engagement that I missed. Yes you heard me, two months ago he had gotten engaged to Serena. My head already felt too full, and I needed something to quiet it.I decided on a bath.Maybe soaking in warm water would help me relax. Maybe it would stop my mind from wandering to places I didn't want it to go.I filled the bathtub and sank into it with a slow sigh, closing my eyes as the warmth surrounded me.It didn't work. No matter how hard I tried to think about anything else, my thoughts kept finding their way back to one familiar person.Kian.Three whole years, and he hadn't even said hello. He hadn't asked how I'd been or how life had treated me. He hadn't even looked at me for more than a few seconds before pretending I wasn't there.But... d

Ariana's PovKian.He was walking down the hallway toward me.For a second, my feet forgot how to move. I just stood there, my hand still resting lightly against the staircase railing as the distance between us slowly disappeared.Don't stare, Ariana. Stop staring. I practically screamed the words at myself, but my eyes refused to listen.This was the closest we'd been since I'd come back, and suddenly I became painfully aware of every step he took.When we were finally close enough to pass each other, I forced a small smile."Good morning, Kian."The words came out quiet, almost hesitant. For a split second, I waited. Waited for him to look at me, for him to say good morning back. Waited for... something.Nothing came.His eyes never left the phone in his hand. He walked right past me as though I hadn't spoken, as though I wasn't even standing there. Not a glance, not a nod. Nothing.I slowly turned to look behind me, watching him continue down the stairs without stopping. He didn't