Neal Stephenson Novels & Stories

The part of her that had been silenced for too long. “Why now?” Serena whispered, her lips barely moving. “Because you’re no longer running from yourself.” Nene’s voice was calm but edged with strength. “You’re finally letting yourself remember. Accept. Breathe.” Serena closed her eyes again, and instead of darkness, she saw silver. A swirl of mist, shifting into the silhouette of a graceful wolf—tall, majestic, and glowing like moonlight. Nene’s eyes mirrored hers, full of pain, strength, and determination.

He entered and removed his goggles as his eyes met that of Josalina's. Both of them were staring each other and Josalina was chocking herself because the man was none other than the former CEO of the "Tyrant groups", Mr Stephan Richards!!! A cool breeze of wind blew past both of their ears and the moment was beautiful as well as harsh. The streak of past lied in front of both their eyes and they couldn't breathe.

I also said barely a word or two throughout the rest of the drive back home and although I could faintly hear Brittany and Ralph speak to themselves, I was lost in a completely different consciousness and it was all centered around you know who. The rest of the day breezed by alot too slowly especially since noon time after Bee returned back to her house and it was just me in my room again with a bowl of popcorn and eyes glue to the novel I held in one hand which has been right at the same page for almost half an hour. I couldn't focus on the story while my head was busy cooking up ideas of its own. See you tomorrow, Adrian Shelton.

"Think of it as an experiment, Elizabeth. " "Uh?" "You liked the kiss and you want to do so much more. There’s no use denying it because I can feel it. I know you want to do more than just that, so just think of it as an experiment. Don’t think of it as doing anything wrong. Think of it as using me to explore your desires. What you truly want to do. Don’t think of me as your best friend or your… your stepbrother. Think of me as a fascination you want to satisfy because god knows… I want to know what you taste like again, Elizabeth. "

Before Ella could retort back, the door once again opened and entered, Elias, with Stephan following behind him. "Hey Aunt El and Lena." Elias came forward, a small smile playing on his lips. I nodded back, blankly. "Is my room a freaking fish market?" "Yes, octopus, turtles live-" "Its time guys, we need to leave." Stephan intervened. His eyes momentarily connecting with mine. The same anger, pain and hurt swirled in his eyes just like every other man in this household held.

The stone driveway gleams under the late afternoon sun, the marble lions on either side of the steps looking just as smug and judgmental as they did when I left three years ago. Everything smells the same, money, power, polished wood, and secrets. But I'm not the same girl who ran away at eighteen with a heart full of grief and a head full of stupid dreams. Back then, I was scared. Lost. Now, I'm fucking dangerous. The heavy oak doors creak open before I even lift a manicured hand to knock. And there he is. Alexander Wolfe. Billionaire. Kingmaker. Devil in a goddamn suit. And my stepfather.

I needed to be away from her as I couldn’t think straight with her here. I lit a cigarette and then poured myself a drink, before walking off to the balcony. It was raining, the city glowed through the wet widows. I undid the buttons of my shirt, I was mostly warm. As I inhaled the smoke, I closed my eyes in thoughts. It has been over a week and I still couldn’t get thoughts of the kiss out of my head. Every time I closed my eyes, I thought about her. Her cold lips, they tasted like chocolate butter. The way she lay her head on my chest, and everything after that. My obsession with my stepdaughter grew every day we worked together.

I grabbed the can. "You know anyone at this party?" Anna asked. "Well, I'm Ryder's stepsister, you guys know him?" Esther and Anna broke out in laughter almost immediately. "Girl, everyone on the island knows Ryder Jake Williams. That's who you're talking about right? RJ?" Esther said. "Yeah, that's him," "Well, your stepbrother is a fucking legend," she laughed. The two girls then caught me up with stories about the famous RJ and his numerous sexcapades, and also a little bit about him being a promising young pro-surfer. But his latter achievement was greatly overshadowed by his first one.