Mated To My Obsessive Stepbrother

Chapter 9

Chapter 9

KASMINE.

I was terrified: The silence in the car was unbearable.

I sat stiffly in the back seat, my hands clenched into fists on my lap as I stared out of the

window.

Kester was seated beside me, leaning back with his hands casually resting on his thighs, his jaw tight, and his expression carved from stone.

He hadn't said a word to me since he saw me with Jake. In fact, as soon as I saw him, he quietly walked away..

I least expected him in my school. I never knew he had something important to take care of there. I wouldn't have sat down in plain sight with Jake.

He had sent June home, and the poor girl couldn't even complain. She took it in good fate, promising to return next weekend.

Sometimes I wonder what she was still doing with a douchebag like my brother.

His silence was worse than anger, and it made my skin crawl. I dared a glance at him out of the corner of my eye, hoping for some clue as to what he was thinking, but his face betrayed nothing.

The driver navigated the convoy through the city streets that led to Kester's estate. My nerves frayed.

Say something, Kasmine. Explain yourself. I kept chanting to myself.

But no. I couldn't. Explaining myself would make me seem guilty. And I wasn't guilty of anything... was I?

I swallowed hard; my gaze fixed firmly on the passing scenery. My palms were sweaty, my heart pounding. The quiet was maddening, but I couldn't bring myself to speak first. I knew Kester. If I said the wrong thing, his fury would ignite.

The car pulled into the driveway, and the convoy came to a smooth stop in front of the house. My chest tightened as I stared at the familiar building. I didn't want to go inside. The walls of that house would trap me with Kester, with whatever punishment he was silently preparing.

The driver opened the door, and Kester stepped out first. I followed, my legs feeling like lead as I climbed out and made my way up the stairs.

Kester paused by his door, pulling out his key to unlock it. I didn't wait for him to say anything

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continued walking toward my room, but

into him. His grip was like iron, his fingers digging into my

room.

choke

door slammed shut behind us. My back hit the wall, his towering frame blocking any escape. His face was inches from mine now, his forest-green eyes burning with

around with that dimwit?" he hissed, his voice sending

my heart hammering against my ribcage. "I wasn't

let out a small laugh, his face coming closer

voice came out weak and teary. I realized I had messed up by mentioning Jake's name. I know

smile. "Is that what you call

"Yes, because that's exactly what it was!

head. I couldn't let Kester keep controlling me

His closeness was suffocating me, his eyes boring into mine with an intensity that

a low and dangerous voice. "I told you to stay away from anyone until you find your

I shot back, my voice rising despite the fear tightening my chest. "I'm not a

raked over me, making my skin crawl, "You're not a child, Kasmine?" he repeated in a low, biting whisper. "Is

hard. He was looking for every

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stammered, shaking my head desperately

was something far more sinister. "Don't lie to me, Kasmine. You've been taking lessons from Jake," he said softly, almost tenderly,

whispered,

again," he declared coldly, his voice devoid of

from my face. “What? No, Kester, you

me off, "And I will.” He leaned in closer,

to my ear.

Jake is taken

knew what he meant. He didn't have to spell it out. Jake's life was in danger,