by Dani René
Deep down, I wonder why he’s hiding, why he’d come to the ceremony, only to watch from the back. I blink, and when I open my eyes once more, he’s gone.
2
Damien
The shitty LA air is stifling. I want to go back home to Thorne Haven. It’s the only place I feel myself. Where I can allow myself to indulge in the silence that the city doesn’t offer. Even though I know he’s happy, something doesn’t sit right with me. The woman he’s vowing his life to is a fucking gold digger, and no matter how much I try to tell him the truth, he doesn’t want to listen.
When he first told me he was getting married, I admit, I threw a shitfit. The rage I felt was nothing compared to that of my mother’s, when she walked out on us, leaving her husband and sons behind.
I watched her breakdown.
The volatile relationship they had was nothing short of a hurricane tearing through the house, leaving only destruction in its wake. At twenty-seven, I shouldn’t even be bothered with what my father is doing, but what he doesn’t know is I’ve looked into this new wife of his.
She’s nothing more than a Botox filled plastic doll that he’s marrying to make himself look good. She’s in the public eye twenty-four-seven, and I know she loves it. I’ve seen the photos online. What I don’t understand, though, is what her daughter does. Granted, she only just turned eighteen, but I’ve not seen her in the photos I found of her mother.
And that is why my gut is churning with anxiety, and my mind whirling with questions.
When I pull into the parking lot of the hotel, I kill the engine of my raven-black Camaro and slide out of the driver’s seat. My phone is already buzzing, and I know it’s one of my brothers. They were both standing at the fucking altar, smiling at Dad, as he kissed his bride, but they didn’t know I was there. I didn’t want anyone to know, and then the girl looked at me.
Her daughter.
My new stepsister.
Pulling the cell phone from my pocket, I flick the green button and press the device to my ear. “What?”
“Dad would’ve liked that you were here.” Cassian. Even though I’m older, you’d think he’s the eldest because he’s more levelheaded than I am. He thinks things through before acting on impulse, whereas I like to jump in headfirst. Not thinking about the consequences has always been my mistake, and you’d think I would’ve learned by now, but no. I’m still like that, even at twenty-fucking-seven.
“I don’t think Dad even noticed I wasn’t there.” My tone is cold and biting, but I know my brother won’t notice it. And if he did, it wouldn’t matter because he’d still give me shit for not being there.
“Finn and I think you should come back, spend the reception with us.” I know he’s trying to keep the peace. That’s what Cassian is like, always making sure everyone is happy, but this time, he can’t fix it.
“Cass, I know what you’re trying to do, but I can’t deal with this bullshit. Even though our mother walked out on him, I’ve watched him latch onto every woman who’s offered him a smile since I was fourteen. He claims to be in love, but that’s pure lust. Love doesn’t exist.” Even as I voice the words, I can see Cassian’s expression, he’s probably wincing at my biting tone. Cassian is the only one of us, besides our father, who believes in love. Even though he’s single, my brother is a serial lover. He falls for girls all the time, and yet, he has never kept one around for longer than a month.
“I know you’re angry—”
“I’m not angry, I’m actually quite happy, Brother,” I tell him with a smile. “I’ve booked the plane; I’m heading to London to see what Thorne Industries is doing over there.”
“How long will you be gone for?”
“I don’t know. Why don’t you take care of our little sister while I’m away?”
Cassian sighs. “Fine. But don’t stay away too long. She seems like a nice girl. Perhaps we can find peace in this madness.” And there he is, the peacekeeper.
“Tell Finn not to fuck her,” I bite out, as I recall the girl standing at the altar with the bouquet. She looked so out of place, not because she wasn’t beautiful, but the expression of worry that painted her features was enough to tell me she didn’t want to be there.
“She’s our stepsister, Damien,” Cass reminds me, with an exasperated tone that has me chuckling. “Sometimes I worry about your sanity.”
“It’s not mine you have to concern yourself with, you know what Finn is like.” The corner of my mouth quirks when I think of our youngest brother. He would fuck anything with a pair of tits. Not only that, I know for a fact that Finn has experimented sexually with guys.
Another sigh from Cassian. “I hate being stuck between you two dickheads,” he tells me, but I can hear the smile on his face.
“Sure, you do, some girls say the same thing.” This time, I hear him laugh out loud. It’s true, though, Finn and I have had the same girls in our beds, but none of them were ever around long enough to learn more about us. It was one night of fun, and before the sun rose on the next day, they had to leave.
Finn is a lot more like me than Cassian would like, but you can’t stop someone from acting like their hero.
“You’re such an asshole,” Cass tells me then adds, “Okay, I have to go. Have a good flight.”
“Always, Brother.” I grin, knowing I’ve only just annoyed my brother. But I end the call before he can warn me from breaking hearts while I’m over the pond. I head into the hotel, making my way up to the room to pack. Having a private jet at our disposal comes in handy for trips like these. But even if we didn’t, I wouldn’t stick around to see my father fawn over some woman who is only with him because he’s got more money than god, and knows how to spend it.
I’m about to walk out of the hotel room when my phone buzzes once more. Cursing, I pull it from my pocket and see my father’s name glaring brightly at me. Jesus, I can’t catch a break today. Cass usually will allow me my freedoms, keeping my plans quiet from our father, so there must be a reason he’s gone to the old man to get him to call me. And I know he did because Bradford wouldn’t spend a moment of his wedding day on the phone with me.
“Dad,” I answer, keeping my voice cool and calm, already knowing what my father is going to say.
“I hear you’re flying to London,” he sneers. The darkness in his tone tells me that something else is about to happen, and me flying across the ocean isn’t one of those things.
“Maybe.”
“I want you at Thorne Haven,” he tells me. “My honeymoon is coming up, and I will be away.” There’s no debating with him. If he’s made his mind up about something, then that’s what’s going to happen. I learned a long time ago, after my mother walked out, that Bradford Thorne is a man who’s no longer soft and caring: he’s cold, calculating. He’s nothing more than a grown-up bully with narcissistic tendencies.
“I wanted to check in on the offices,” I tell him.
“That can wait. Listen to me, Damien, you’re the eldest. Your brothers need you, and your new sister is going to need help finding her way. You should be there to get to know her.” There’s a warning in his tone that tells me he doesn’t trust me around her; which begs the question, why is he forcing me to stay at the house with her?
“Fine,” I sigh in resignation. To be fair, I can leave her in Cassian’s hands since he’s the least likely to want to get into her panties. “I’ll be home when they arrive.” I think about the drive home, and I look forward to it. Thorne Haven is nestled in the middle of nowhere. Which is exactly what I like about it. Forests, mountains, and not much else. Our home is one of the oldest properties in the Pacific Northwest.
Seventeen fucking hours.
“Thank you, Damien. You know, if you can do this for me, I’ll ease up on the restrictions in place for you taking over Thorne Industries.” He’s taunting me with promises I know he won’t deliver on. I don’t understand why he can’t be honest and tell me he doesn’t want to let go of the company.
“Don’t put yourself out. I’m not doing this for you. I know you may not realize this, but I do love my brothers, and leaving them with some new girl who doesn’t know shit about our family isn’t something I’ll do.”
“I would like you at the reception tonight, don’t be late. I don’t want to have to call you again,” he tells me, then hangs up immediately, ignoring the rest of my tirade. I’m left with a command I can’t ignore and anger racing through my veins.
Thorne Industries was started by my grandfather. A company built with old money, with the blood, sweat, and tears of those who came before us, and Bradford believes he can just walk in, rule the roost, and not do shit in the office. When I turned eighteen, I begged him to allow me to work for him, interning while I was studying, but my father has always hated me. I know he sees my mother when he looks at me.
Black hair, blue eyes, I’m the spitting image of Mommy Dearest, and that’s why my father hates me. The day I turned twenty-one, he gave me my inheritance and told me to do what I wanted with it. So, I did; I invested it, and I live off the profits. He thinks I’m young and stupid, and I’ll blow it all, but what he doesn’t realize is that I learned how to do business from him.
Be shrewd.
Be calculating.
And, be an asshole.
After sliding my phone into my pocket, I grab my keys, wallet, and suitcase, and head for the door. Time to grab something to wear tonight since it looks like I’ll be in attendance to celebrate the happy couple, even when I don’t want to be. Also, I’ll have some time to think about just how much hell I can give this new girl when I meet her.
I’m coming, little sister.
I hope you’re afraid of the big bad wolf.
3
Nesrin
Present Day
The lavish party plays on as I make my way down the stairs and into the main dining hall of our beautifully stylish home. The room has been changed, making it look more like a party venue than a space where the family would sit down to eat. This house, the same place that I grew up in, and the only place I’ve ever called home, feels vastly different.
Three floors of Italian marble, infamous original artworks hanging against the walls, and carpets handwoven by the most prolific weavers around the world. Crystal clinks as the guests cheer and smile at each other. Each one as fake as the last. My mother has changed into a sleek silver dress that hangs to the floor.
Her wedding reception is in full swing with the guests mingling, most of them circling my mother and Bradford as if they’re the newest celebrity couple. People hang onto every word from my mother’s new husband.
The gold-rimmed railing of the staircase is confirmation enough of how wealthy my mother is in her own right. And it’s also a stark reminder of how drastically life can change. I can’t find it in myself to smile, but I know if I don’t, she’ll be on my case.
I really should be happy for her, and I am, to a certain extent. If I believed she truly loved him, I would smile and play the dutiful daughter, but I don’t.
As I was changing, I once again google searched the man. It seems like he’s more powerful than god, which makes me think that throwing money at anyone and everything is what he enjoys doing, because the lavish party is drenched in gold and crystal, diamonds and silver. Perhaps he believes his wealth can right the world of all its wrongs.
How I wish it were so.
It’s not.
I move toward the crowd. People smile at me, tilting their flutes as I pass by, and I paste on the happy expression that’s expected of me. I’m not averse to parties, but I prefer being on my own. Tonight, especially, I feel out of my depth. Perhaps it’s because I’m nervous about meeting my new family, as my mother put it earlier.
I find my mother in the living room that’s been decorated—luxuriously and lavishly—filled with sparkling banners that wish the couple a Happy Marriage. Gold shimmers from every corner, balloons that are color-coordinated to my mother’s specifications float above everyone’s heads. Knowing my mother, she probably drove everyone crazy, making sure it was all set up perfectly. Even the hors d’oeuvres that are being served have a mini edible candle-shaped breadstick coated in gold glitter, as per my mother’s instructions.
“Nesrin.” My new stepfather smiles at me happily, and I have to grant him his dues. He’s vowed to love my mother for the rest of his life, that’s commitment with eyes closed because he’s not seen her at her worst yet. The coldness she exudes when she doesn’t get her way, the biting words that attack like knives. “I hope that we’re able to get to know each other when your mother and I get back.”
“Thank you.” I smile at him, but I don’t feel the assurance that I should.
“I’ve spoken to my sons, they’ll be with you at Thorne Haven, while we’re away. Just so you don’t have to stay here alone. I wouldn’t want you to feel as if you’ve been abandoned.”
I don’t know what to say. I never thought my mother would agree to me leaving this house. But when she moves up behind Bradford, there’s a grin on her face that makes me feel as if this was planned long before tonight.
“I think you’ll like it up there, Nesrin,” Mother says. “Bradford told me it’s one of the oldest houses in the area. You’ve wanted to move up to the Pacific Northwest.”
My heart stutters in my chest. What? “We’re moving?” I croak.
My mother is about to respond when two Thorne sons, the two best men who stood witness to the marriage stroll up to us. “Hey, Dad.” One with a buzz cut of dark brown hair grins. His eyes are a soft blue, with a twinge of green. A sharp jaw with a light dusting of stubble. His full lips capture my attention for a split second, and I notice the lower one more so than the top.
“Here they are.” Bradford smiles happily. “This is Cassian.” He points to the boy with the teal-colored eyes. “And that is Finn.” I notice the boy farther back who has a mischievous grin on his face. His hair is longer on top and buzzed short at the sides. His eyes, however, are dark brown, like hot chocolate on a cold winter’s night.
“Hello.” I smile at them, but I can’t stop my stomach flipping, as they stare me down, as if I were something beautiful to look at. I’ve grown accustomed to people staring at me, but never men who looked like them.
“Nice to officially meet you, little sister,” the one called Cassian says with the corner of his mouth tipped into a smirk. He holds out his hand, which I accept.
“It’s good to meet you, too,” I respond, feeling nervous at everyone looking at me. I want to hide, to not have their focus solely on me, but I can’t with so many people around me, and I feel my stomach twisting with anxiety.
“I’m the handsome brother,” the other boy says suddenly. Although, I can’t call either of them boys because they’re men. He offers me a wink, and I laugh, it’s a real honest to goodness chuckle, and I’m shocked that he’s brought it out of me.
“She’s our sister, for fuck sake,” Cassian bites out through clenched teeth, before rolling his eyes at his brother. I don’t know who’s younger, but from their banter, I guess it’s Finn.
“Language,” Bradford admonishes his son.
“Sorry, Dad,” Cassian says. “You can call me Cass,” he informs me, then tips me a salute before making his way to a pretty blonde that I now realize is waiting for him.
“Sorry about that,” Finn says, as he steps forward, “Welcome to the family.” I’m expecting him to shake my hand, but instead, he pulls me in and wraps his arms around me. I can’t see his body, but I can feel every ridge and dip of his muscles.
Finn has his hair falling over one eye, making him look even younger than I would guess he is. His smooth jawbone is angular, with a sharp nose and full lips. Where Cassian is stoic in his expression, Finn smirks like a bad boy personified. And I have a feeling he lives up to that title.
Finn steps back as he pins his focus on me. His chocolate brown eyes dance with mischief. Their father has salt and pepper hair, with pierc
ing blue eyes, and I wonder if their mother had dark brown eyes which would match Finn’s perfectly. It’s intriguing.
“It’s good to meet you,” I say, looking up at Finn.
“I think it’s time for a drink.” The young man winks then heads off to grab some bubbly from a passing waiter. My gaze follows him, taking in his broad shoulders in a crisp white shirt.
“Why don’t you grab a glass of champagne? Only one,” Bradford warns, playfully, as he taps me on the nose, and I fight not to cringe away from him. It’s far too personal for someone I’ve only met once.
“I’m going to get some fresh air before everyone starts with the speeches,” I tell him with a smile, ignoring my mother’s heated glare burning into me because I’m not doing as I was asked.
I move through the throng of people, stifled by the amount of perfume that’s invading my nostrils. I push through to the patio doors and step out into the rather warm night. I’ve always hated this weather where you can shower one minute, then sweat the moment you step outside.
Soon enough, I’ll be in the Pacific Northwest. I should’ve asked about where they live. All I gathered was that it was in the middle of nowhere, and my mind runs riot with images of a large mansion sitting on a hill, overlooking a beautiful forest.
My heart thumps at the thought, and I smile as I make it onto the porch, without more awkward hugs and fake smiles. Closing my eyes, I lean against the pillar that holds up the balcony on the second floor and rest my head against the concrete.
I hear a giggle from somewhere in the garden, my gaze snapping open, as I try to make out where it came from. Our grounds aren’t filled with too many trees, so it would be easy to spot someone from here. Another laugh dances across the warm breeze toward me, and I take a step off the patio and onto the mushy grass.