Mated To My Obsessive Stepbrother

Chapter 21

Of course, it was about him. But I wasn't so stupid to tell anyone if I didn't want them dead.

"No. Not at all. It's personal," I lied again, trying to fake a smile as I tucked some strands of my curly hair behind

my ear.

Jake's gaze lingered on my lips a lot longer than I'd have liked. It made me uncomfortable. I didn't want to give Kester any impression if he ever looked into our office.

Thankfully, Jake stopped looking, but his question stole the air from my lungs, "What happened to your mouth?"

Fuck. I had totally forgotten about that. What should I reply That I got bruised when my big brother kissed me like a mad, hungry man earlier today? Fuck, no.

I had sustained a small bruise when Kester kissed me like his life depended on it. And it was taking so much time to heal... Obviously, because I hadn't gotten my wolf yet.

"L... Uh... I bit my lip while eating breakfast. It's nothing, Jake." I faked another smile, and my stomach tightened with guilt. I felt like I was betraying the man who I was meant to love. And his care and kindness weren't making it any easier for

me.

"Meet me in the restroom. I want to tell you something," Jake said, standing up before I could protest.

I couldn't. I mean... What if Kester sees us? I hesitated as Jake disappeared into the hallway, heading toward the bathroom. A sinking feeling weighed in my chest. What if Kester noticed? He always noticed. My palms felt clammy as I glanced toward his office again.

I swallowed hard and stepped into the hallway, my heels clicking softly against the tiled floor.

The restroom door was slightly ajar, and Jake was inside, leaning casually against the sink. His face lit up when he saw me, and before I could say anything, he reached out and closed the door behind me.

"Jake,"

my voice as I glanced back at the now-closed door. "We

Kasmine," he interrupted in a soft whisper,

blouse. "You

shoulders. The warmth of his touch

moment with you," he said, his voice carrying a softness that made my heart ache. "You've been distant for days, and I...

His

world outside that tiny bathroom seemed to

I murmured, shaking my

mine. "And I want to change that.

whispered, "You don't understand.

cut me off, his grip tightening slightly as if he were afraid I'd vanish. "Just find a way to leave the house. Please. I promise it'll be worth

he looked at me like I was the only woman in the world made my chest ache. His sincerity, his hope-it was intoxicating, and a fleeting moment, I let myself bask in

Chapter 21

say another word, he leaned in, his lips brushing against mine. The kiss was slow, tender, and unhurried as if he had all

on his chest. His warmth seeped into me. His touch was loving, his lips warm and gentle,

But it didn't.

Something was missing.

into memories I desperately wanted to forget

Demanding. Possessive. Commanding Intentional.

over me like a violent tide, leaving no room for breath or even

and chaos, the

soft and sincere, felt like

wanted... the man I loved. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't stop the comparison that kept creeping into my

lips responded to Jake's kiss, but my body. my body ached for something

precious, like I mattered. But I'd already been ruined- marked by something darker, something I couldn't explain, and I hated myself for