by Amy Brent
“Emery!” I jumped at the sound of my mom’s happy voice and looked at her. “It’s so good to see you.” She pulled me into a tight hug and I wrapped my arms around her, smiling. I looked a lot like her with the same hair and eyes. I was built like my father’s family and sometimes cursed the genes that gave me the extra weight.
“Hi, Mom. How are you?” I asked her as we pulled apart and looked at one another. She looked happy. Phil was a billionaire as far as I knew, and he took good care of her. He worked at the physical therapy offices that he’d started years ago sometimes even though he was a few years past retirement age. Phil was active, and he kept my mother the same way. I looked her over and wondered if she wasn’t too skinny as I heard Phil’s booming voice.
“Emery. How are you?” I hugged her new husband of two weeks and smiled. It was the first marriage since Dad died, which was good. It still hurt that he was gone for me.
“I’m great, Phil. How about you?” I asked him as I smiled into his warm brown eyes. I wasn’t totally comfortable around him yet since I’d only met him a month ago in New York. It was a whirlwind relationship, but Mom’s eyes were shining with something that looked like love as she gazed at Phil.
We made our way inside of the house and I dropped my purse off in the first guest bedroom. Everything was clean here to a fault, and I wondered how often the maid had to pick up. I was sure that Mom had to be bustling around doing some work and I had a hard time picturing how to keep this place clean. I wandered to the kitchen where they were getting drinks for all of us to sit down and catch up and I inhaled the smell of lasagna with a smile.
Their chef was amazing. I couldn’t wait to eat.
We took seats at the table that overlooked the backyard and Mom started to talk about the move. I smiled and nodded in all the right places, uncomfortable with the fact that Phil was doing me so many favors. I’d gotten the impression that he’d do more financially for me and blushed as I remembered what I did most recently for money. They would both kill me, and I sipped my iced tea, bowing my head while I regained my composure. She told he how much fun we’d have on girl’s day and that she was looking forward to it.
Phil was beaming at Mom and I quietly observed him as I took another drink. The chef walked in and checked the oven, telling us that dinner would be ready in about an hour. Lucy was nice, and I smiled gratefully at her.
“Did you bring a bag?” Mom asked as I looked back at her. I hadn’t, planning to go home tonight. I needed to get as much of New York as I could. I hated admitting that I was hoping to run into Sebastian over the next few days, but I knew that was a bad idea.
“No, I forgot it at home in my rush to leave the city.” I lied, watching her face fall. “I am moving here, Mom. Don’t look so sad.”
Just before dinner, I went to wash my hands and freshen up. I was nervous today. I kept thinking about Sebastian and what Mom would think of me if she knew. She was always proud of the fact that I was saving myself for the right man. Mom always told me how rare that was now. She’d hate me for essentially selling my body even if it was for charity. I looked in the mirror and ran a hand through my waves with a sigh.
I left the bathroom and headed to the kitchen as I heard the doorbell. I told them that I’d get it and walked into the foyer, turning the knob, and opening the door. I had no idea who to expect and smiled as I looked out. My face fell, and I gripped the door frame tightly, so much so that my knuckles turned white.
“What are you doing here?” I whispered as Sebastian’s face showed the same shock that I was feeling. He dropped the bag that he was carrying, and pain crossed through his eyes. “How did you find me?”
“I didn’t,” he said as we both heard voices.
“Sebastian! You’re here just in time for dinner.” Phil said as Sebastian looked at him. “I see you met Emery. She’s your new stepsister.”
I backed up as horror filled me. I bumped into someone before turning to run back to the bathroom, closing and locking the door. How the fuck was it Sebastian that showed up here? Out of all the men in New York, he had to be the one at the auction that night. I slipped to the floor and sucked in my breath, knowing that I had to go out there and act normal.
How was I going to pretend that everything was okay? Judging from Sebastian’s face, he wasn’t going to have an easy time of it, either.
I stood up slowly and splashed cold water on my face. I patted it dry and searched my face to see if I could hide the emotions that I was feeling. I made up a quick story as I left the room and headed to the dining room to join everyone. Phil and Mom were sitting beside one another, leaving me to sit across from her and next to Sebastian. I settled in my seat as Mom looked at me with worry in her eyes.
“Are you okay, Emery?” Her voice was sweet, and I smiled weakly.
“I’m fine. I felt sick for a moment is all.” I shrugged. “It passed.”
I glanced at Sebastian, noting the scruff on his face that made him look rugged. He met my eyes, and I looked away immediately as Mom asked me if I wanted something to drink.
“I’ll get some water,” I told her as I stood and headed to the kitchen for a much-needed break. I looked at the bottle of wine sitting on the counter, wanting to drink it all. I settled for water, knowing that drinking wine after feeling sick would be ridiculous. I carried the glass back in and sat down as everyone started serving themselves the gooey, steaming lasagna. I knew that eating this might be weird as well. I had been starving before seeing Sebastian and I smiled as he offered to get me a piece.
Phil talked to his son as we ate, and I sensed that they weren’t all that close. I learned that Sebastian was three years older than I was and worked as an ad agency in the city. It was a successful one, and I glanced at Phil as they caught up, wondering why his son worked. He had money from all the evidence that I’d seen. He spent seventy thousand dollars on me and his house was amazing.
Sebastian drank a beer as he ate, and I wondered if I was the only one that noticed the way he finished it quickly. He seemed uncomfortable here, and I wondered if it was me or Phil that caused it as I picked at my dinner. Mom asked him some questions, and he answered her without looking at either of us.
This was bad. I saw my mom looking at the food left on my plate as we finished dinner, frowning at me. I helped clear the table as we all turned down dessert, needing to be away from the situation. Mom reminded me that they had someone to take care of that and I smiled, assuring her that I didn’t mind. The hot and cool water brought me back to the moment as I blinked and took a deep breath. I felt someone behind me and his scent filled the room, making me grip the counter.
“What are the fucking chances?” Sebastian murmured as he opened the fridge for another beer.
“I didn’t know. I knew so little about you,” I whispered as I kept staring forward.
“I didn’t even know how old you are. I didn’t think… I was more nervous about seeing Dad tonight. I never expected to see you again.” Sebastian told me as I closed my eyes.
“I’m sorry,” I apologized, refusing to look behind me.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Sebastian
Holy shit. I was expecting a slightly uncomfortable chat with Dad while I met his new wife. I didn’t think in a million years that Emery would open the door. Her eyes showed the same shock that I was feeling as we stared at one another. I’d been trying to find her just a few days ago with no luck. How the fuck was she in my father’s house?
When we sat down to eat, I barely tasted anything. I caught up with Dad somehow, finding out that Emery was going to be moving in here in just a week to start a job at one of Dad’s places. She was quiet, picking at her food as she remained quiet. She was probably playing the sick card that she used for running away from me, or she was sick. Is that what I did to her after our night together?
Fuck me. I drank the beer that I’d opened to calm down fast and was up getting another. I didn’t plan to stay here initially but with the w
ay it was hitting me, I knew I had no choice. Emery would likely make her exit as soon as possible. She wasn’t drinking at all.
I went into the kitchen to get another beer when dinner was over, finding her washing dishes in the dim room. Dad had staff for everything. Was she trying to avoid me? We talked for a minute, but it was brief, and she refused to look at me. I took the bottle and went into the living room, making small talk from the chair as Dad turned on the news. He looked happy with Laura. I was glad for that but still bitter that my mom was gone. I didn’t think he’d get married again.
Emery made an appearance after doing the dishes and I noted that her cheeks were red. She sat down on the love seat across the room from me, folding her hands in her lap.
Memories of that night flashed through my mind. I could still taste her on my lips and hear her crying my name. The image of her pressed naked against my window, crying out my name as her heat washed over me.
I could still feel her tight pussy wrapped around my cock.
I talked to them as I watched her, staring into her beautiful face. I forgot how gorgeous she was. When the news ended, Phil yawned and looked at his wife.
“Want to go to bed, babe? I know that you have yoga tomorrow and I have a long day at the office.” He looked at us. “Are you two staying the night?’
I nodded, holding up the beer. Looking at Emery, I was surprised to see her nodding.
“I have some of your clothes in the room that your purse is in. I hope we get to spend some time together tomorrow.” Laura hugged her daughter with a loving smile before she and Dad headed upstairs.
We sat there in the living room quietly as I felt the tension fill the air between us. It was full of shock, discomfort, and heavy lust and I watched her as she walked back to the kitchen. I followed her, listening for anyone on the stairs. I walked in to see her pouring wine into a regular glass and downing it as I raised my eyebrow.
“So that’s what you were doing in here.” Emery jumped and set the glass down heavily before turning to face me.
“I intended to go home tonight. I saw the wine earlier and started drinking it. I barely ate so yeah… it affected me. I hope that they don’t keep track of stuff like that.” Emery told me as she ran a hand through her hair.
“Why were you at the bar that night? Why did you need the money, Emery?” She looked at me with pain in her eyes. “He cares for you. My dad will clearly do anything for you.”
“It’s not that easy for me,” she protested as she left the kitchen to walk to her room. I followed, needing to know my answer. I needed her, and my cock was aching after the days without her. I strode into the room, closing the door as she spun to look at me, her face strained with emotions as she clenched her fists. “Sebastian.”
I knew that she wanted me from the shaking of her voice and stepped forward. This was the wrong time and definitely the wrong place, but I kissed her. I cupped her face and kissed her the way I’d been dreaming about since she walked out of my life. Emery let out a strangled noise before she slipped her arms around my waist, parting her lips for my tongue. Fuck, she tasted so good and I felt her heat through our clothes. I gripped her hair, kissing her harder as she whimpered.
“Sebastian… our parents.” She spoke softly, and I smiled against her lips. I’d barely pulled away from her.
“Dad means it when he goes upstairs. He’s never gotten back up. We’re alone.” I assured her before kissing her again. I knew that we should be talking over this, but her lips were so greedy, and we started to undress each other as she kept listening for anything. I ripped her bra open, leaning over her body on the bed to suck one of her nipples, hearing her harsh breath. Emery traced her hands over my bare chest, dragging her nails over my skin as I tensed. My fly was open, and her jeans were around her ankles. I reached between her thighs and stroked her gently as she reached into my pants to grip my cock.
“I’ve been thinking about you since that night. I’ve wanted you.” I slipped my hand under the lace and found her clit as she gripped me tighter. “Fuck, Emery.” She was dripping, and I was hard. It made me want to take her right here, and I tried to remember if I had a condom in my wallet. “You’re so ready for me.”
“Sebastian,” she whispered, stroking me slowly as I gasped. I slipped a finger inside of her and she moaned softly, reaching out to pull my jeans down. She seemed to still, listening closely as I kicked them off, bare and hard underneath. “You go commando to a family dinner?”
“I got dressed in a hurry. I wasn’t sure I was even coming.” I admitted, slipping her underwear off, and dropping to my back. “I have some condoms in my wallet. It’s in my pocket.” She stared at me before reaching in and getting the strip as she scowled at me.
“You’re all ready, aren’t you?” I heard the jealousy in her voice and gazed at her as she brought them over.
“I am a careful guy.” I told her as she nodded. I tore one off and ripped it open, sheathing myself before gazing into her darkening eyes. “I want you to ride me.” Emery tossed another look at the locked door before she crawled on the large bed, licking her lips as I stiffened further. “We have the kind of bathroom that leads to both rooms. Don’t worry. I can get out of here quickly.”
Emery slid over me, taking me inside of her warm heat. There was something between us that was undeniable. There always had been. I gripped her hips and watched her nipples pebble in the air as she moaned. She had me all the way inside, buried to the end of her and she bit her lip. Fuck, she felt so good. We eased into a slow rhythm, wanting to stay quiet despite the size of this house. I felt her slide down slowly, gripping me with her warm walls as I pressed against her.
I hadn’t had sex in my father’s house since college. It was only once since I felt weird about it, but now I was into it. I watched her move, her breasts rocking along with her movements. I reached up to cup one, squeezing as she let out a breath.
“Sebastian,” she whispered as she gripped me tighter. I knew that she was going to come, and I let go with her, watching her eyes widen. It washed through me as her warmth coated me, making me jerk up and inside of her. We stilled, and she rolled off me, dropping beside me on the mattress. “How did that just happen?”
“I wasn’t finished with you that morning. I’ve wanted more ever since. I tried to find you,” I told her as she looked at me.
“You did?” I nodded. “What are we going to do? This can’t happen.”
“Why did the auction happen, Emery? Why was that your decision for a first time?” I asked her as she winced.
“I don’t want your dad supporting me, Sebastian. I work, and I can do it myself. The auction wasn’t about the money, not completely.” She swallowed the lump in her throat. “This is hard to talk about.”
I leaned over, taking her nipple into my mouth as she whimpered.
“We can talk later. Do you regret that night?” Emery shook her head as I reached a hand between her legs, stroking her gently.
“No. It was everything. I want more… I really do. This is so wrong.” She arched her back as I stroked her, knowing how sensitive she was.
“Come back to the city with me tomorrow. Stay the night with me,” I urged her as she bit down on her lips. She gasped as she jerked, coming for me.
“Yes,” she agreed with a gasp as I memorized the look on her face. I made myself leave her room after a long kiss, stunned by these new developments. I knew that I wasn’t going to be able to sleep well, anticipating the next day. I wondered what Emery was doing in her room just a few feet away, wanting to go in and hold her.
We had to be careful. We needed to figure this thing out before anybody knew about it.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Emery
I stared at the ceiling, thinking about everything. Sebastian was here. He was Phil’s son. What were the odds of that happening to me? I took a slow breath.
I thought back to how fast we ended up sleeping together again. I couldn’t resist him, and I pl
anned to do the same tomorrow on his turf. I knew what he’d do to me and the way that he’d make me scream his name. Sebastian was a skilled lover and my weakness, but he was my stepbrother.
How could that be?
I turned to the side and closed my eyes, wondering what Mom would want to do tomorrow. I imagined lunch and maybe shopping or spa time. She loved being pampered and always made a point to take me somewhere. She loved talking as we got manicures or pedicures and allowing ourselves to feel beautiful.
What would Sebastian do while we were out? I couldn’t help but to wonder if he’d been with anyone since our night together. I hadn’t, but it was only a few days. He was a gorgeous man who had to have women throwing themselves at him.