Inked Stepbrother: New Adult Stepbrother Romance

by Brother, Stephanie

  “You look stunning,” a voice interrupts me, and my eyes float down until they find Hunter, standing at the base of the stairs. He has a bouquet of red roses in his hands, and even though it’s silly, it breaks my heart and mends it at the same time, knowing he did this for me.

  In all the time I’ve known him, Hunter never once did something romantic. And to know I’m worth the trouble to him makes my heart speed up and my eyes water with pure love for him.

  Love?

  I gulp realizing what I just realized, but the thought is pushed backwards as I descend the stairs into his arms. He welcomes me in his embrace, his hand gently circling the small of my back, his lips whispering my name into my hair. I can feel goose bumps forming on my skin.

  We put the flowers in a vase and walk into the dining room, which is transformed.

  It’s illuminated with candlelight and looking out to the backyard, where the water in the pool is sparkling like it’s made of magic.

  Hunter makes me sit down and I’m faced with a dinner made for Gods.

  “I didn’t know you could cook!” I exclaim in surprise as he reveals one mouthwatering dish after another. He grins at me.

  “Lots of things you don’t know about me, Candy,” he says, and even though it’s meant to tease me, it cuts deep. He is still such a stranger … But why do I feel like this when he’s around, then?

  We dig into the food and I savor every bite. It is only halfway through the meal that I notice he’s drinking champagne while my glass is filled with orange juice.

  “I don’t deserve a glass of alcohol?” I ask innocently.

  He looks at me sternly. “You’re nineteen,” he says matter-of-factly. “You’re not drinking on my watch, baby.”

  I don’t know whether it’s the term of endearment or the fact he’s taking care of me like this, but my insides melt all over again as he says those words.

  When we finish, he takes me by the hand and leads me outside.

  The night is warm and breezy, a perfect combination. And on the lawn, there’s a lounging area which was most definitely not there this morning. It’s a huge mattress-like thing, stuffed to perfection with plenty of pillows and blankets. It looks like a fairytale.

  “How did you …?” I ask with wonder, but he just gives me a mysterious smile and leads me to the soft cushions. I kick off my heels and fall down on the soft fabric, looking at the stars.

  They seem to be especially bright tonight …

  I feel him lie down next to me, his mere presence sending shivers down my spine. I look up into his eyes, and I realize this is the perfect day, the most beautiful moment in my life.

  Not only because he went to such great lengths to take care of me.

  It’s because it’s Hunter, and he has been the object of every daydream and fantasy I’ve had since I was about 14 years old.

  His lips part slowly and I breathe him in, our closeness tying us closer together than any kiss could.

  “It’s a special night,” he says softly against my lips, his breath warm on my mouth. I want him so badly … I would do anything, anything in the world for just a taste of those forbidden lips.

  “It is,” I breathe raggedly, and he smiles down at me, positioning himself over my body until I freeze in anticipation, more than ready for his touch.

  “Please,” I ask softly.

  “Please what?” he wants to know.

  “Touch me,” I beg. “Kiss me. Show me …”

  He looks for confirmation in my eyes and I know it’s there, along with the need I feel for him - and have felt for several years, burning brighter since the moment he walked back into the house.

  He lowers his lips against mine, his kiss soft at first, but I’m too impatient. I bring him down on me, crushing our bodies together with desperate need.

  And I know tonight I’m more ready than ever … Ready to become his completely.

  His tongue explores my mouth and I moan softly against his mouth, feeling his hardness pressing against my thigh. Slowly, I strip him of his shirt and work on his jeans until he’s only left in boxers. My dress takes more work and I giggle as he struggles to get it off, messing up my hair in the process. But it’s all worth it for the look I get when I’m in front of him in nothing but a lacy pink thong.

  “Fuck,” he groans under his breath, pulling me into his lap.

  I straddle him and lower my lips to his while his hands roam over my sensitive skin, coming to rest on my full breasts, pinching the nipples until I yelp as the sharp sensation takes over.

  I’m too caught up in our kiss, but then I run my hands over his arms and open my eyes for only a moment. I look at him, so beautiful, so damaged to an unknowing eye.

  And I finally see Hunter Parker for who he is.

  Ever since he got tatted, I’ve wanted to ask him why he did it. Why he chose to cover his beautiful, muscular, strong body with black and white images that mean nothing to me.

  But sitting there in the moonlight, his eyes mirroring mine, I see it all …

  I see the pain of losing his father, the yearning to find someone who would love him. The consequences of being separated from his mother, of my Daddy not being supportive.

  I see that his scars are in his ink.

  Every image, a cry for help. Every word, a way to hurt himself, to punish his body for things he had no control over. It’s his self-inflicted pain, but today, he bears the signs with pride.

  My eyes fill with tears, but I’m not sad. I’m proud of Hunter.

  Stepbrother.

  Son.

  Student.

  Lover …

  He sees my expression and I can see the worry in his eyes, but I smile through my tears, desperate to show this man love like no one else has before. I’ll be the one to make it all better, and it starts right now.

  “Okay?” he asks me softly, his voice rough with the feelings he’s trying to hide.

  “Okay,” I reply with a slow nod, lowering my face to his as he kisses my tears away.

  And then, I let him have me - all of me. Body, mind and soul …

  From this moment on, I belong to Hunter Parker.

  Chapter 12

  HUNTER

  I slowly strip Candy of her thong, and my boxers follow, my eyes glue to hers for the whole time. I can’t believe this is happening, and for once in my life, I don’t feel like the fuck-up everyone’s making me up to be. Right here, with her in my arms, I feel … complete.

  I lower her gently on the mattress and her eyes mirror mine. Fear, anticipation and pure lust. This is my last moment to stop what’s happening, though even as I think about it, I know it’s been too late since the moment I stepped back into this house.

  I lower my mouth against Candy’s ear, kissing her ear lobe softly as she moans in expectation below me. “Are you sure?” I ask, my voice hoarse, needing her answer more desperately than ever.

  And if she were unsure, if she so much as gave any indication of not wanting to do this, I would stop immediately. But sweet little Candy does nothing of the sort - she nods vigorously and pulls me down against her body.

  I groan as our bodies connect and I can feel the wetness between her legs on the tip of my cock brushing against his.

  “Please,” she begs, and that small word might just be my undoing.

  I take my cock in my hands and place it at her entrance as she writhes under my body, desperate for me to push inside. I realize this is actually happening, and I reach for my pants, where I have my wallet with condoms.

  She stops me halfway and I look into her eyes, confused. “Don’t,” she asks softly. “I want to feel you … All of you. I’m on the pill.”

  I’m conflicted, but those big, gorgeous eyes could make me do anything. And now I can’t hold back any longer, so I look right into her eyes when I slowly plunge inside her wetness.

  Candace gasps when I enter her, her mouth making the perfect surprised o-shape. She trembles under my touch and I try as hard as I can to be
gentle, pushing inside her as softly as I can, even though it’s getting harder and harder to hold back.

  My little doll is perfect, from her toes to her head. And her pussy … fuck me, that’s another thing altogether. She envelops me, tightening her walls for me like we were made for each other. I feel my piercing grazing her insides and it turns me so much I have to stop myself from pumping harder.

  “Does it hurt?” I whisper softly in her ear, and Candy shakes her head. “Do you want more?” I offer with a groan, needing her to answer with a yes.

  And she nods, so I stop holding back. Sweet Candy moans and groans as I start pumping deeper inside of her, finally pushing my whole length inside her. “There we go,” I groan into her ear. “All in … you like how that feels?”

  “Yes,” she gasps. “I love it …”

  Her hands find my back and her nails slide across my skin as I quicken my pace. I’m still looking into her eyes, mesmerized by their beauty, the innocence I now know will be there even after we’ve done this.

  She’s sweet and pure and beautiful.

  She’s all that is good in the world, and I’m darkness, closing in …

  But together, it makes perfect sense.

  I can tell by her little whimpers I’m starting to hurt her, so I gently kiss her pouty lips, pulling on her bottom lip with my teeth. “Want me to come?” I ask her hoarsely and she nods so vigorously it makes me smile widely.

  “Well, get ready then, sweet Candy …”

  I pump faster, making sure to rub her skin with my piercing, pulling my cock out all the way just so I can slap her pussy with it. She gasps, her eyes staring into mine intently - a silent plea to fill her up.

  I finally plunge deep inside her and I feel myself coming undone. “Here you go, baby,” I moan in her hair, enveloped in her thick, delicious scent. “Here we go …”

  Only one more push and I groan as I feel myself coming, releasing my hot come inside her. She gasps and says my name, over and over and over again, like it’s all that is keeping her grounded.

  I can’t make myself roll off her, I need her as close as possible. My cock is still throbbing inside her and I can feel the remnants of my orgasm pulling at my body.

  I kiss Candy. She tastes sweet and perfect … And I know I’ll never be able to love any other lips than these right here.

  Love … What a strange thing it is.

  I pull her into my arms, cradling her like she’s a porcelain doll, and she curls up in my embrace.

  “Did you like it?” I ask hesitantly, well aware of the fact that first time aren’t usually very good.

  But as soon as she looks at me with those perfect round eyes and I see her mischievous, dreamy grin, I know she loved it …

  “I loved it …” she whispers, cuddling closer.

  We start drifting off to sleep, and my eyes are just starting to close so I can’t be sure if I hear right. But I think Candy might have just whispered something in my ear right before I succumbed to my dreams.

  “And I love you …” she tells me her secret.

  Chapter 13

  HUNTER

  “What in holy hell is this?”

  I wake up to screaming. Lots of it, loud, oppressive and threatening. My first instinct is to protect Candy who’s still curled up in my arms, just waking up slowly. I wrap her in a blanket, covering us both up and look at the person who rudely intruded on our little fantasy.

  Well, holy fuck.

  It’s Candy’s Dad, and my mother. They’re standing three steps away and I am currently holding the man’s naked daughter in my arms, both of us barely covered by a blanket.

  I just stare at them as Candy stirs in my arms, waking up slowly. “What’s going on?” she asks softly, nuzzling my neck.

  “You fuck,” her father whispers. “You sick fuck.”

  He walks over to me and takes Candy out of my arms gently, but his muscles are tight and ready to fight me. She’s waking up properly and looks up to her Daddy with shock and surprise, struggling to her feet and wrapping the blanket around her. I quickly grab another one and cover myself up. I’m feeling frozen, numb and I know there’s no fight left in me.

  Why would I fight about something that I now know is so damn right?

  Before I can react, Mr. Winters’s fist connects with my eye and blood spills down my face immediately. I curse out loud, trying to wipe it away.

  “You don’t have a word to say to me?” he roars in my face, and I look into the man’s eyes defiantly, realizing I will fight him. I’ll fight for Candy, because now that I’ve had her, I won’t be satisfied with second best.

  “I don’t have to defend myself,” I spit out angrily. “I don’t care what you think, old man. I …” I look at Candy, whose bottom lip is trembling as she hides behind my shocked mother. Her eyes are filled to the brim with tears just waiting to spill over.

  “I love her,” I realize, and saying it out loud just cements my feelings.

  Mr. Winters lunges for me again but I duck. He roars and screams my name as I stare him down.

  “Don’t you even fucking look at her,” he yells at me. “You’re sick, you fuck-up! I knew you would try to take her.”

  He rubs his eyes, turning towards my mother and Candy who are both trembling on the porch, too scared to even speak up. “I told you we needed to come back, Kate,” he spits out, then looks at me. “Your mother tried convincing me you didn’t have bad intentions. She’s blind when it comes to you, but I see it all …”

  He points at me and I see pure hatred in his eyes. I know this man has seen a lot of evil in his time, and I know it makes him paranoid … But if he believes I am so bad, is there a chance of it all being true?

  Am I really such a sick fuck for taking advantage of this innocent girl?

  “You get out of here,” he says, his voice shaking with anger. “I don’t want you here. You need help. You’ve ruined enough.”

  I just stare at him.

  “GET THE FUCK OUT!” he yells, more enraged than ever.

  “Daddy!” Candy interrupts him, stepping forward and grabbing on to his arm, asking for mercy. “Don’t send him away. Don’t … I love him, too.”

  He curses out loud and pushes Candy back a little too hard. That’s the moment I come alive and I jump forward, clutching him by the throat.

  Mr. Winters is a big man, but I am an angry one. And no one could stop me right now.

  “Don’t you dare fucking hurt her,” I snarl at him.

  He ‘s choking, but he manages to look straight into my eyes when he says his next words. “You already took care of that for me,” he spits out.

  I let him drop to the ground and he gets up, looking at me with such pure hatred I wonder how I haven’t turned to stone.

  “You think you can give her a good life?” he demands to know, laughing like he’s just told me a joke. “You’re a fuck-up. You’re nothing, and she has everything ahead of her. You want the best for Candace? Get the fuck away from her.”

  “No, Daddy!” she interrupts desperately, but he ain’t done yet.

  He steps closer to me and I’m frozen to the spot, unable to move an inch. “She can be something,” he says hoarsely. “She can become anything she wants. You’re holding her back. You’re her reigns, and you’re pulling. Get away, Hunter. Let her shine on her own …”

  It’s quiet enough for Kate and Candy not to hear, but his words are clear to me.

  I move away, shaking. I take my clothes to the sound of Candy screaming my name between gasps and sobs. But I don’t look at her once, realizing that will break my resolve immediately.

  I take my stuff and I get the fuck out of there, ignoring everyone’s shouts, cries and pleading.

  I get dressed, take my bike and drive to my bleak future.

  Candy doesn’t need me. Candy needs me gone. And it might be too late for me, but she can still make it … I haven’t ruined her completely.

  One thing I do know - she will shine. And if I�
�m gone, she’ll shine brighter than any other star in the universe.

  I’ve been selfish. I only thought of myself. She’s just a girl, she doesn’t know what love is. Just a silly girl …

  I scream into the wind as I drive away from the girl I love.

  ***

  Everyone looks at me strangely when I pull up in front of my destination. Luckily, I have my wallet with me, so I shove some money into the wallet’s hands as he stares at me, motioning for him to take care of my bike.

  I stroll inside and head straight for the elevators. My heart is pounding as I ride to the floor where she’s waiting. I have no idea if she’ll be here, or if this is a good idea. I could be making the biggest mistake of my life.

  But I have nowhere else to go.

  I find the room quickly, and think about swiping the card, but instead I knock slowly, hesitantly.

  I wait for a long time and nearly lose my nerve, but then the door opens.

  And there she is in all her glory, beautiful red hair like a halo around her perfect heart-shaped face, covered only by a fluffy towel. The elusive Allura Prescott.

  And she looks more than happy to see me standing on her doorstep sheepishly.

  “Knew you would come,” she purrs with satisfaction before pulling me into her hotel room, her towel falling down in the process, revealing her perfect curvy body.

  I feel like I just stepped into a snake’s nest.

  Chapter 14

  CANDY

  6 months later

  I’m broken.

  I smile, I laugh, I pretend I’m perfectly okay. But my insides are all torn up, shredded to pieces, and it has been like that ever since Hunter walked out on me.

  I have a boyfriend now. A perfectly respectable guy called David, who takes me out to dinner and brings me flowers on every date. I haven’t let him touch me yet, but his kisses are lackluster - nothing compared to the passion I shared with …

  No.

  I never let myself say his name, or even think about it. It hurts too much. Plus, my father has pretty much forbidden even thinking about him in our house. When Kate mentioned him once at the dinner table, he slammed his fist down on the wood, making all of the dishes dance.