One Step Too Far

On the day we got our marriage license, Sonia Gray told me that if we ever slept in separate rooms for more than a week, it meant we had silently agreed to divorce. Every time we got into a fight, she would grab her pillow and run to the other room. And every time, I was the one who had to back down, lower my head, and apologize. She used that threat to keep me wrapped around her pinky for three years. It was my 28th birthday. Once again, she missed our date because of the intern at her workplace. When she came home, she extended diamond cufflinks to me. I did not take it. Sonia frowned at me for a while before saying coldly, "You have a birthday every year. He doesn't get a second life. This isn't a game. I came back as fast as I could after taking Chris to the hospital. Stop throwing a tantrum. How controlling can you be? You're a monster." She went right into the guest room. This time, I did not go after her.

She was easygoing and warm toward everyone — except the boy who tormented her throughout high school. She thought she’d escaped him for good once graduation was over. But fate had other plans. A few months later, her mother came home with a new partner… who turned out to be the bully’s father. Now living under the same roof as adults, the tension between her and her stepbrother shifts into something far more dangerous. Leah knows she should stay away — especially since her stepbrother’s girlfriend is her best friend — but the pull between them is undeniable. A one-night stand with him, fueled by alcohol and a game of truth or dare, set the flame in her heart burning even hotter. Will she put out the fire she started… or be consumed by it?

When I was five, Mom and Dad took my little brother to the city for kindergarten and left me in a mountain village with my grandfather, who had dementia. Before they left, Dad told me to take care of Grandpa, watch the house, and protect the yard. Mom said I was the older brother, so I had to be sensible. They said that once they made enough money, they'd bring me to the city too. I didn't want to let go. I clung to Mom's leg and begged through tears, "Mom, please. I don't want to be separated from you." My tears and snot smeared across her expensive dress. She scolded me for being difficult, slapped my bottom until it swelled, and struck my face hard enough to break the skin. In the end, they didn't soften. They left and never came back. Three months later, when I was close to starving, I called Mom and begged her to send me something to eat. She snapped, irritated, "A boy who talks about being hungry every day? Why don't you just starve, then? How can there be nothing to eat in the countryside? "Your father and I are under so much pressure in the city. Can't you be sensible for once?" Her words came true. That winter, I starved to death. Five years later, Mom pushed open the rotten door. "Miles," she called. "Mom's back."

When a dare goes too far, 18-year-old Sophia finds herself in a compromising position with a stranger. Weeks later, her mother introduces him as her billionaire stepfather, shattering Sophia's world. But the chemistry between Sophia and her stepfather is undeniable despite the age gap. Then one fateful night, they let their desire take over. Will Sophia confront her past mistakes, her feelings for her stepfather, and the lies that threaten to tear her family apart? Or will one careless night forever define her future?

Warning: DARK ROMANCE Story contains detailed mature scenes possessing dubious consent not recommended for age group below 18 years old. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED! Prologue Shadows engulfed him in a beautiful embrace. He looked like an angel with devilish intentions. It wasn't until he took a step towards her did the gravity of situation descended upon her and even then she couldn't do anything but shake in fear. She knew making a run for it won't do a thing, calling was not an option and if she screamed...she opened her mouth to scream but a meek plea came out. Her body's lack of response terrified her, tears gathered in her orbs with horrible anticipation. With his each step nearer she gripped the frame of her window tighter hoping to keep her balance. It took him three steps to be inches away from her body. He slowly took his suit jacket off, making himself comfortable as he amusingly watched her shaken face. She was so horror-stricken to even look at his face. She gulped as his hand cupped her neck in a gentle grip, guiding her eyes to his. His eyes slipped from the hold of her eyes to her lips in a second. She grew self conscious all over again. His heated gaze on her lips was unwavering. In the moment of bewilderment and growing self awareness her tongue unconsciously wiped her lips wet and it was all it took for him to descent on her lips.

I turned my head and looked at the Alpha, trying to ask him why Kristen was dead. Did they come late? Or, did they just rescue me in time? However, the Alpha’s face was cold as ice. I even felt that he hated me to the core in that instant. He had never looked at me that way. He was always kind to me as far as I could remember. “Lindsay Blackwood, Gamma Jen’s daughter, brutally murdered my sister, Kristen. Is there anything else you want to say before the judgment is served?”