by Sam Crescent
EVERNIGHT PUBLISHING ®
www.evernightpublishing.com
Copyright© 2020 Sam Crescent
ISBN: 978-0-3695-0125-7
Cover Artist: Jay Aheer
Editor: Karyn White
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.
This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
STEP LOVER
Forbidden Series, 2
Sam Crescent
Copyright © 2020
Prologue
Myron
She’s my stepsister now. It means whatever feelings I had for her must be kept under wraps. She is not mine, no matter how much I want her. My only job is to protect her because she is one of the most precious people in the world. For years I watched her, hoping one day I’d get my chance. She’s one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen. She’s smart, sexy. I love her curves. For a long time, I saw her nervous and upset about being fuller than the other girls at school. But, to me, she has always been perfect, and anyone who even dreamed of calling her fat in front of me got a nice, fat lip. She’s not fat. She’s curvy, juicy in all the right places, and now that she’s old enough, I want all of those curves to myself. Then my father sprang the news he was going to marry her mother, and from that day forward, I knew I couldn’t have her. My dad would forbid it.
He'd told me how her life and chances were more important. She should go to college and live life before even thinking of settling down.
But now I’m tired of not getting what I want and he always being there to take it from me. I’m going to have Kate Reid, even if my father disowns me.
Chapter One
Kate
Coming back home is always a challenge. Not because I hate home or had any reason to wish I was somewhere else. No, I have a great home. An amazing, supportive family. I mean, my father died when I was little and I know it took my mom a long time to get over him, but she finally did, with a nice man. Frank Gates never fails to put a smile on my mother’s face, and for that, it makes him one of the best people around. I love my mom, and Frank’s not a bad person to like either. He’s always been fair and kind to me.
Now I can’t say the same about his son, Myron.
Nope, his son for whatever reason, the moment our parents got married, decided to put me in the “he didn’t care about” column. I mean, it’s fine. What is there to like about him in the first place? He just treated me like I wasn’t there. I didn’t exist.
Sure, he’s good-looking. Tall, muscular, and even before he turned eighteen, he had a whole lot of ink already. From what I found out, he’d found a crooked artist willing to ink anyone for a quick buck, and that was where he got the ink from. I don’t know if it’s true, but Myron has always been a rebel.
The moment the girls at my school figured out I was living with him, they all suddenly became my new best friend.
Most of my life I’d been a loner so having friends was really new to me, but I always knew why they were “friends,” so I always kept my distance.
Besides, he could be so distant at times, and even his silence was like I didn’t exist. I don’t know what I ever did to him, but I’m finally over him. I won’t let him bother me anymore. I’m over him in the best kind of way, and I don’t care. At least, I’m hoping so. This is the first time I’ve seen him in a long time. Now I sound like some desperate woman. I’m wrong. So wrong.
The cab pulls up in front of the house. My mom and I had moved into Frank’s place, only because he had a four-bedroom house with en-suite bathrooms, a garden with a pool, and in a nice part of town. Again, there was not a lot to hate about becoming his stepdaughter.
In the past seven years, they hadn’t had any more kids. I don’t think Frank can have anymore, but the moment the door opens, before I see any humans, four dogs come rushing down the path as the cab driver gets my bags for me.
It is the holidays, and all the festive lights are up around the house. Mom and Frank are both Christmas fanatics. They love this season and would often deck the house from top to bottom and do the whole of the outside. They even have a Christmas sweater tradition. Yep, I got mine in the mail, and I am wearing it. This year it is a reindeer on the front, cute. Another year it was a Christmas tree complete with flashing lights. It did look beautiful.
Duncan, James, Huwie, and Bernice all jump around me. One cocker spaniel, Labrador, German Shepherd, and finally a Pomeranian are dancing and yapping at my feet.
I love dogs. They are my favorite.
I crouch down to their level and end up on my butt in the snow, but I don’t care. All I want to do is rub, kiss, and love these little darlings. They are so incredible, loving, and I’ve missed them.
“Good boys and girl. Did you miss me? Yeah, I missed you so much.” I kiss each of their heads as Frank comes to pay the driver and take my one single suitcase.
I’m never one for travel, or doing the whole six hundred bags for a couple of weeks. Besides, I don’t have all that much stuff.
“Is this it?” Frank asks.
“Yep.”
“I don’t know how you can pack so light.”
I laugh. Frank often thought I wasn’t like normal girls, especially compared to my mom. For a weekend away, I know she always had to pack at least four bags. My mom had a thing about odd numbers, so if she only packed three bags, it would bug her too much to let it go, so she’d find an excuse for a fourth.
It was sweet, really.
“Come here,” Frank says, pulling me into a hug. Before I’ve even gotten into his arms, Mom is there, surrounding me with her love.
I love both of these people so much.
They are my reason for fighting so hard at school, not physically, but on an educational basis.
I love to learn, but it’s also really difficult for me, has been for as long as I can remember. I do my best, and I know my parents think I’m gifted or what not, but it’s only because I have to try really hard.
Tucking my red hair behind my ears, I pull away and follow them back into the warmth of the house. Snow has already fallen, and I wasn’t supposed to arrive until Christmas Eve, but the moment the forecast got so bad, I was asked to make the trip here early. I’d finished all my assignments, and caught up well in advance of my schoolwork, so there was no valid reason for me to not come.
In the back of my mind there was a tiny problem: Myron.
My feelings for him, my real feelings over the years, they haven’t changed, not one bit, but I wouldn’t let him see I was like the other girls. He didn’t need to know that the moment he walked into a room, all I could think about was him. All I wanted was him. No, he had to think I didn’t like him, and that way, I wasn’t like the other girls.
He had many notches on his bedpost, and I’d promised myself years ago I wouldn’t be one of them.
“I’m so pleased you came. I’ve got dinner baking in the oven. Vegetable lasagna, your favorite.”
“Thanks, Mom.” I hug her tight and feel her happiness surround me. This is one of the many reasons why I love my mom, and will never, ever say no to her. “I’m going to go and get freshened up. My room is still my room?”
“Yep, don’t worry, no gym yet, darling. Your mother keeps me on my toes.”
“Don’t mind him, sweetheart. It’s so good to have you home.” She hugs me agai
n, and I smile. It’s really good to be home.
College is great. I love it, but it is not like home. Going away was supposed to be my chance at finding independence. Becoming myself. Experimenting.
Instead, it has only driven me crazy because I know there is one person I want that I can never, ever have.
Taking my case from Frank, I walk upstairs, going to the end of the hall where my bedroom is. The door is open, and I frown. My door is always shut.
You haven’t been home so of course everything is going to change.
At least I don’t feel like the odd one out.
The moment I enter my room, I freeze. There at my open window, which is letting in a cold, icy blast, is my stepbrother, Myron.
He’s not even smoking, just letting the cold in.
****
Myron
I watched her arrive. I saw the dogs loving her and getting petted, her affection. Then of course my dad, her mom, and she’s looking good.
No, fuck good.
She’s looking sexy, hot, and grownup.
Gone is the young schoolgirl she’d been, with the beautiful red hair and sweet smile.
Now, she is … stunning. Sexy. Even in a reindeer sweater, which I have one to match in my own room.
I don’t live with my parents, but over the holidays my dad insisted I come around for family time. It’s not like anything was keeping me back at my apartment. It’s lonely. Sure, I own it, and I’ve become an independent, respected working man at twenty-five. My dad can’t find a reason to complain about me, but I know deep down he wants what is best for me.
I’m simply not allowed to have this woman standing right in front of me.
“Myron,” she says, her gaze going to the window.
I only opened it so I could hear her voice.
“Kate.”
Her lips are nice and plump. I’ve wanted to kiss them for so long, but always held myself back, because my family wouldn’t allow it. I’m getting sick and tired of looking the other way.
She’s in college now.
I can’t remember the number of times I’ve lain awake all night wondering what guy touched her, got to feel her against him. I’ve thought about driving to her college and beating the shit out of any person with a dick who thought they could get close to her. She belongs to me, only me, and I won’t have anyone stealing her away.
“You’re making it really cold.”
I close the window. “Cute.” I point at her outfit.
“Please tell me you got one? I was told all of us are getting one.”
“I’ve got one in my room.”
“Great. Well, I’m going to wash up.”
I watch her.
“It requires you to leave, Myron. I know you think you’re the gift and all that, but I do need to get changed.”
“Do you think I’m not a gift?” I step closer to her.
“I don’t have time for this.”
The heavy scent of vanilla fills the air. It’s the scent of her shampoo. I know because I was the one to pick up the groceries, and she always asked for the vanilla scented.
I love the smell of vanilla. It always reminds me of her.
It’s not a bad thing. I like being reminded of the woman I could never have.
She tilts her head back and looks at me. “Look, I don’t know what you’ve got to say to me, or how you intend to make this time terrible, but can we call it a truce? I don’t want to be ignored over Christmas. I know you like to pretend like I don’t exist.”
“Yes.” I don’t argue with her. The only reason I’ve ever ignored her is for her own good.
I mean it. If she thought there was a chance between us, it would have been next to impossible to stay away from her.
It no longer matters now. I’m done listening to my dad. He can have his happy ending, but I’m not allowed to?
Kate Reid has been a thorn in my side for a long time. I’ve wanted her, but stayed away, because I’m a good son. Sure, I piss my dad off with being a prick, but deep down, I’ve always done as I was told.
Now, I’m done walking away from happiness.
“Yes?” Her brows go up in surprise. “Wow, I’m … wow.”
“In shock?”
She smiles, and it’s wide and beautiful. “Yes. This is going to be a good Christmas. I know it is.”
“Then let’s seal the deal with a kiss.”
“A kiss?”
“Yes, pretend there’s mistletoe around. We can kiss and make it all better. Call the truce to make our family happy.” All I want is to have a reason to kiss those plump, kissable lips.
“O-okay.” She’s cute when she stutters.
I don’t make her come to me. Stepping into her space, I place my finger beneath her chin, and see the arousal dance within her gaze.
“Is there a guy at college?” I ask. I need to know how far I’ve got to fight to make her mine.
“What?”
“Do you have a boyfriend?”
“No. I don’t have time for a boyfriend.”
“Good.” I slam my lips down on hers and kiss her like my life depends on it.
Chapter Two
Kate
At first, I think I’m dreaming.
Then as his tongue traces my lips, I know I’m not. It’s not that I’ve never been kissed before. I have. But not like this. There is a hunger to Myron I wasn’t expecting. I don’t know if I can trust it. Is this some kind of cruel joke because he knows I’m attracted to him? How I compare all other boys and men to him? I try not to, but it’s something I can’t control.
Myron is horribly distant, and I … I want to enjoy the kiss but I can’t help but think this is some kind of horrible joke only he knows, and even as it kills me to do so, I push him away. It’s the only way I can keep myself from falling into his arms and giving him everything.
“Kate?”
“I don’t know what it is you’re trying to do or what game it is you’re trying to play. I want no part of it.”
“You think I’m joking around with you?”
“Isn’t that what you always do? The constant joker? I mean seriously, what do you expect? What do you want from me?”
“You’ve got it all wrong.”
I shake my head, even as my heart aches for it all to be the truth. I know deep down it’s not. It’s nothing more than a pack of lies.
“I need to get changed.” I don’t want to think about how good his lips felt on mine. It’s bad enough I’m sending away the guy I’ve had a crush on even before he became my stepbrother.
Ugh!
I’m going to need therapy soon, I just know it. What kind of person lusts after their stepbrother? Shouldn’t I have some natural immunity or something to his charm?
“I really did a number on you, didn’t I?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, but please get out of my room.” I wasn’t a child anymore, but thinking about it, Myron has never been in my room. He’s always kept his distance unless he was saying things that at times made me feel like I didn’t exist.
“I’m going to make this up to you.” He strokes my cheek, but it’s not in a creepy way. There’s intent there, and kindness.
“Have you brought a date to dinner?” I ask. I need to keep some distance and stop thinking this has any meaning at all. It has absolutely no meaning, but even as I think it, I know it’s not true. I know deep down, I want this to be something.
“No, the only date I’m interested in getting is with you.”
Why? Why does he have to say all the right things right now?
“I can see the look in your eyes, Kate. I know you want me, and don’t worry, you’re going to have me. All of me.” With that, he turns on his heel and walks away.
For a few seconds I don’t do anything but stare at the empty space where he was supposed to be.
Did what just happen, really happen?
I’m confused.
Shaking all of the doubt from
my thoughts, I walk to my en-suite and try to ignore the hope curling its way into my heart. I can’t hope for something that is never going to happen.
Me and Myron, it’s not possible.
Even as I think it, I know a part of me, really wants to believe there is a chance for us.
****
Myron
Kissing her was everything I knew it would be. Those lips have always been on my mind, and I’ve had to constantly pull away. I’m drawn to her in ways I didn’t think possible, but she will be mine.
First though, I really need to take care of one problem, and I find him outside smoking a cigar. Suzy hates smoke and her one request when she and Kate moved in was that he take his smoking outside.
My father agreed. I know his love for Suzy is everything to him. He would do anything for her.
“Hey, son,” he says as I approach. “Do you want to have a smoke?”
“No, thanks.” I haven’t smoked since I learned Kate hates it. Again, something he really doesn’t need to know. I’ve made a lot of changes to my life because of Kate. The smoking was the easiest one. The second one was giving up meat. Yep, my girl is a vegetarian. I didn’t even imagine I could do something like that, but here I am, not eating meat. I haven’t eaten meat now for over a year, and she doesn’t even know how much I care about her and love her.
She’s like a drug to me. Whenever she sent a letter or an email, I was more than okay for Suzy to read it to me. Of course, I hated the parts where she talked about going on dates or even going to parties.
Instead of going after her, I let her have her fun, but that is all over now, or at least it will be by the time I’m done with her. The only man who will be between those sweet thighs will be me.
I intend to keep Kate for life.
She will be my wife.
I love her.
“Kate’s home.”
“I know.”
“So, what brings you out in the cold? You and I both know you hate this weather. You’ve always been a summer kind of guy.”