My Stepbrother the Ultimate Collection (Five Complete Box Sets)

by Cindy Wilder

  "Wait," he said, as he threw the covers off, jumped out of bed, crossed the empty space between us, and grabbed my arm. "You can't give it back to me. It's your graduation present. I want you to have it. I'm hoping you take your own advice and follow your passion instead of what people expect of you."

  "It's too much. I didn't get you anything. Take it back and use the money on something for you or your bike. There's no way I could take pictures with it. I need a clean break. It would remind me of you, and I don't want anything that reminds me of you."

  He grabbed my shoulders and turned me toward him. I got a clear look at his new tattoo. It was a sun with a tiara on it. My hand lifted and my fingers softly circled it.

  "When did you get it?" I whispered.

  "The day after you found out who I was," he said.

  "Why are you playing with me, Ethan? What are you getting out of hurting me?"

  "What do you mean?" he asked. "I'm not playing with you."

  "Come on," I said, as I pulled my hand back to wipe the wetness from my face. "You said you didn't know it was me when we started talking."

  "I didn't know," he answered. "When you started shit with me at school, I couldn't believe it. I think it was the first time I had heard you talk because you actually wanted to. You told me off. Fucking with you became fun and something I looked forward to. I couldn't wait to hear what snotty thing you had to say each day."

  "I know when you figured it out," I said. "That night we had sex in the bathroom. The night I gave you my virginity. You went back to your room. I felt so bad. It was like I was betraying the one I loved. Biker was the one I was going to be with. You were just someone that was pissing me off. I came clean and told him I had sex with someone. I told him your name. A few minutes later, you slammed something in your room and took off. That was when you found out it was me. Looking back, it makes sense. You wanted it to be someone else. I get it, and I'm fine with it. I just need you to stop messing with me. I'm having a hard enough time with my mom not showing up and trying to figure out where I'm going to be sleeping tonight. You could at least stop screwing with me."

  "You couldn't be more wrong," he said.

  "We're leaving in thirty minutes for graduation," Greg yelled up the stairs. "Make sure you're ready."

  I turned to walk away. When I got to the door, the tone in his voice got me.

  "Stop," he snapped.

  He said it in a rough, demanding tone, but I could hear nervousness in it as well. I closed my eyes, sucked my bottom lip into my mouth, and stood still but never turned around to face him. I heard him take a deep breath. He was probably running his hand through his morning hair, which looked amazing by the way. There was no way I could face him. I stood patiently waiting for him to speak.

  "That's not when I found out who you were, Lauren," he said.

  "What?" I whispered. "Then when?"

  He was silent.

  "We had sex. I felt horrible and stupid when I went back to my room. I was supposed to be in love with someone else. I had betrayed him. I couldn't understand how I let that happen with you. The hardest part was that it meant something to me. When you touched me, I felt so many things. There was something there. I couldn't stand you. You fucked with me every chance you got. I spent time thinking of ways to mess with you. When I walked back into my room, I couldn't believe I went against the man I had just professed my love to. I felt just like her."

  "You are nothing like her," he snapped. "Do not ever say that."

  "When you touched me, it was perfect. I felt like we belonged together. I also thought that things would be so much better with him. I loved him. Looking back, I realize you took off when you found out it was me. You were disappointed."

  "That's not why I left," he said.

  I turned around to look him. He was sitting on the edge of his bed with his head down. I couldn't help but go to him. The space between us was more than I could take. I went down to the ground, put my hands on his knees, and looked at him. He didn't lift his face. I couldn't see his eyes.

  "I knew," he said.

  "What do you mean you knew?" I asked. "You said you didn't know in school. How could you have known before I told biker?"

  "I knew when I walked into the bathroom who you were," he said, as he lifted his face and my breath caught.

  His eyes were filled with sadness.

  "You sent a message saying you loved me and I didn't answer. Minutes passed and I felt like I was going to lose you. I've never told a girl I loved them before. When you came into my room, I was upset. I didn't know what to do. I walked by your room and saw your computer screen on. You were in the bathroom. I went into your room and saw our conversation and the words you had messaged looking back at me. My heart dropped. It was you. You were my sunshine. I couldn't have been happier. I liked the quiet girl that fucked with me at school. I would watch you as you thought about what you were going to say. You were so proud of yourself when you put me in my place. It was amazing. I was falling for that girl at school. I was also falling for my sunshine. She was the one that supported me and was always there to talk to me when I needed her most. When I realized both of my girls were a package deal, I knew I wanted to be with you."

  He took a deep breath.

  "When I knocked on that door, I knew exactly what I was doing. I was going to tell you, but I saw tears in your eyes and wanted to hold you. I wanted to hold my sunshine and show her how much I cared. I wanted to hold my princess and make her feel better. Seeing you in that moment was perfect. You were being vulnerable with the real me. You were letting your walls down in front of Ethan, not biker. That was when I knew I loved you. When you whispered my name, my heart melted and I couldn't wait another moment to be with you. I knew you were a virgin already. I needed you more than I needed to breathe. When you gave me your virginity, I felt like it was the most precious gift in the world. You gave it to me. The real me."

  I hadn't realized that I was crying until he wiped the tears from my eyes.

  "Why did you leave?" I asked.

  "When I went back to my room, I messaged that I loved you too. I meant it. It was the first time I had ever said it to anyone. You wrote back with your confession. You said it was a mistake, and you were sorry it had happened. It fucking tore my heart in two. Being with me meant nothing to you. I couldn't deal with it. I had just put myself out there and let myself feel something, and you crushed it."

  I lifted my hand and rubbed his cheek.

  "I'm so sorry. It did mean something to me. I had been so sure about my feelings for biker, but you made me question everything. I was so scared and mad at myself. You were the bad boy at school. You were the rebel. The one that did what he wanted no matter how anyone else felt about it. I had heard about you and the girls at school. I was sure that having sex with me was just a game for you. I couldn't believe that the guy that hated me at school had just made me question all of my feelings. I meant nothing to you. There was no way I was going to let myself think any different. I knew if I did, I would be sadly disappointed and alone later. Is it true? Did you really know it was me when we were together the first time?"

  "I did," he said. "I tried to tell you more than once. I wasn't sure what you were going to do when you found out."

  Greg yelled up the stairs again that we only had fifteen more minutes.

  "We aren't finished talking about this, and you will keep the camera. I have a few things I need to do before graduation. I'll meet you and my dad there. When it's over, I want to take you someplace. Will you go with me and talk?"

  I wasn't sure what to do. He was being so sincere, and I wasn't ready to be away from him. The thought of never seeing him again was harder than I thought it was going to be. Once I walked back into Greg's house, I knew I was moving out. I wasn't ready to say goodbye to Ethan.

  "I will," I said, as I turned and walked out of his room with my camera in my hand.

  I grabbed my favorite pair of jeans and pulled them on before grab
bing a nice shirt. Nobody was going to see my clothes under my gown anyway. There wasn't going to be anyone there for me. The only reason I was even going was to see Ethan graduate.

  All of my stuff was packed in boxes and ready to go. It was funny noticing once again that everything I owned would fit it the back of my tiny car. I looked around my room again. It really was nice there, but I needed to start my life on my own. I wanted a place to call home. I was looking forward to staying in one place and actually buying things that I wanted and having a place to keep them.

  When I pulled the door shut and walked into the hallway, I heard Ethan telling his dad he would meet us there. Greg was lecturing him about being on time and how sad it would be if he were late for his own graduation. I hurried down the stairs and rushed Greg out the door with me. He got into his truck and started down the drive while I got in my car. I didn't want to drive with him.

  It felt so good knowing that I was about to be able to make all of my own decisions. I was sure it was going to be rough and I was going to have to work my ass off, but everything that was going to happen from that point on was going to be something I did because I wanted to. I wasn't going to have to think about what anyone else thought ever again. I was going to be more like Ethan.

  I sat in my row with the other students who were about to gain their freedom. They were all talking about summer and going to school or getting jobs. All I could think about was Ethan. I was worried he wouldn't show up. He never said he wasn't, but I was so nervous that he wasn't going to be there for me. I had my head down in my hands. All of the voices were running together, and I just wanted to get it over with. They had announced that everyone needed to take their seats. I looked over at his empty chair and was sure he was bailing on me. He wasn't going to show up. My heart broke more with each second that passed and I realized just how much I loved him. There was no way I was walking across that stage feeling so alone. I stood up, walked down the aisle, and turned to leave the auditorium when I saw him walking in. He stopped when he got to me.

  "Where do you think you're going?" he asked with a smirk. "Sit your ass back down. I'm not doing this alone."

  "I thought you weren't coming," I whispered.

  "And miss you walking across that stage," he said. "Never. Hurry up and sit down before you get me in trouble again."

  I smacked his arm when he laughed. The whole year, he was the one getting me in trouble. We both sat down and the ceremony began. When he walked across that stage, I snapped so many pictures. I watched his dad's expression. He was so serious. When Greg's eyes connected with mine, I shot him the dirtiest look and clapped for Ethan. Greg shook his head and finally clapped for his son. When I walked across the stage, I looked out at Ethan. He was taking pictures of me as well. There was a huge smile on his face. It was the first time I felt like I actually had someone there for me. I stopped, took my diploma, shook the principal's hand, and turned to the audience. His eyes were glued to me. Yes, I thought to myself, I was going to be more like him. It was time to live for me. I quickly struck a pose with a huge smile on my face. He laughed and took a picture, as he whistled loudly.

  "Lauren," the principal snapped from behind me. "Behave yourself."

  I turned and smiled at him before leaving the stage. It felt good to do something out of the ordinary.

  I must have zoned out for a minute and jumped when I heard them call Ethan's name as valedictorian. When I looked over at him with wide eyes, he shook his head and laughed. I knew he was extremely smart, but I honestly hadn't paid attention to who had the highest average. He was the biggest smart ass in the class. I stood up and cheered along with the rest of the class. He smiled out at all of us. I could see the principal off to the side with the most nervous look on his face. He had probably been dreading that moment all day. Everyone sat back down and the room went quiet.

  "I could stand up here and tell you how much fun high school was and talk about everything I learned, but that's not going to happen. We're about to go out into the world. Shit's about to get real. Some of you are going to go to the school your parents picked out for you. You're going to do what they tell you and be who they want. Some of you are going to a school you actually chose and do something you want to do. Others are going to say screw it and do something else. I was going off to college to be what my dad wanted me to be. Was it what I wanted? No. Money's not everything. A friend of mine recently pointed out that so many people that have money aren't happy. Do what makes you happy. You only live once. None of us know how long we'll be here. My best advice to you is what that same friend gave to me. Follow your passion. If you don't want to do it, don't. Do what you love. To the parents out there, just because they don't do what you want doesn't make them wrong. Love and support your kids while they follow their dreams. You had time to follow yours. If you haven't, you should too. We're all adults now. It's our job to make the world a better place. If we don't, who will?"

  I made sure to record his speech on my new camera. He really was everything I could ever want all wrapped in one gorgeous package. Ethan was assertive, demanding, caring, loving, sweet, and a smart ass. He was absolutely perfect.

  We all cheered as he walked back to his seat. They announced our graduation, and we all threw our caps into the air. It was the beginning of the rest of our lives. Greg walked over to me while Ethan talked to one of his friends. He congratulated and hugged me.

  "He's a great guy," I said. "You need to think about what you're about to do. You have given him shit every possible moment you could. Do you want him out of your life forever, or can you love him for who he is? His mom dumped him off and left. Do you really want him to have two shitty parents? Take it from me. It doesn't feel good to be left with nobody. I know my mom loves me deep down, but I don't see her here. Think about it, Greg. Is that who you are?"

  He stood looking at me.

  "Thank you so much for letting me stay the last couple of weeks. I'm sorry that my mom took off. It's what she does best. I appreciate you letting me stay after she did that. My stuff is packed, and I will be leaving when we get back to the house. I just wanted to let you know and thank you for everything."

  "You don't have to leave. I don't hold what she did against you," he said.

  "I know," I said. "I just need to go."

  "You really care about him, don't you?" he asked.

  "More than you know."

  When I walked away from Greg, he walked over to Ethan. I stood at my car watching them, missing my mom. Just as I was about to open my door, Ethan ran up to me.

  "Did you forget about our date, sunshine?" he asked.

  It was the first time he had addressed me that way, and it made me smile.

  "I'm moving out tonight, Ethan," I said.

  "You said you would go with me. After that, you are more than welcome to move out," he said.

  I let out a huff.

  "Huff all you want. Get that cap and gown off."

  We threw our caps and gowns in the back seat of my car. I opened my front door, and he stopped me. He pushed my door shut and pulled me to his bike.

  "We're taking my bike," he said.

  "No," I snapped. "I told you I'm not riding it if you don't."

  He put his hand up to stop me.

  "Save it," he snapped, as he picked up two helmets. "You have no excuse."

  He pulled his helmet on and reached over to put mine on. Once it was strapped, he got on the bike and held his hand out for me.

  "Princess," he said. "Your chariot awaits."

  I laughed as I took his hand and got on behind him. It was the last time we were going to be close, and I wasn't passing it up. I put my arms around his waist, scooted forward against his ass, leaned on his back, and put my head against him.

  "If you keep rubbing against my ass with that sweet pussy of yours, I may just have to take you on the side of the road," he growled.

  I laughed, as I let my hand go lower and squeezed his cock through his jeans.

&
nbsp; "As long as we're on your bike, I'm good with that," I said.

  I felt him shake as he laughed.

  "You dirty girl," he said.

  "Only around you."

  He took off out of the parking lot and sped down the road. I knew right away where we were going. He was taking me to his favorite spot, and I couldn't wait to spend that time with him. When he pulled up, I got off the bike and unstrapped my helmet. I pulled it off my head and looked at it. It wasn't old and worn like his. Mine was new. I looked at him and he smiled as I turned it to the side. It was black but had things painted on it. He must have paid a fortune. There was a replica of his new tattoo on one side, a camera on the other, and my name written across the back in a curly, girly font.

  "It's beautiful. Why did you get this? I don't have a bike. It must have cost a fortune."

  He laughed and shook his head.

  "You said you wouldn't ride with me again unless we each had a helmet. Did you think I was going to give you mine? If you're going to ride with me, you need your own. I'm the one that painted it."

  "What?" I asked. "How did you draw the tattoo exactly like they did on you?"

  "I was the one that drew it. My ink is all drawn by me. Bet you didn't know I was more than just a sexy body."

  My hand went up and covered my mouth.

  "You designed your own tattoos? You did the helmet? There is so much more to you than I will ever know. You are so damn talented."

  "So are you," he said, as he grabbed my hand and pulled me over to the tree we sat at the last time we were there.

  I could hear the water moving, and the air felt amazing on my face. We both sat down on the ground. I leaned back and closed my eyes as the breeze blew through my hair. He was watching me. I could feel the heat from his eyes on my skin. It was like he was studying me.

  "Are you watching me?" I asked.

  "I want to live with you," he said.

  My eyes shot open. I needed to see his face. Was he being serious? He looked completely sincere. His eyes were dark, and I instantly felt a warmth move through my body.

  "What?" I asked.