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,"

voice as I

whisper, "No one's coming in here. I

of my blouse. "You don't understand. We could get

gently gripping my shoulders. The warmth of his touch steadied me, but it didn't ease the

wanted a moment with you," he said, his voice carrying a softness that made my

His

world outside that tiny bathroom seemed to blur, and all I could really

murmured,

spending time with you," he said softly, his hands sliding down to hold mine. "And I

I whispered,

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

my chest ache. His sincerity, his hope-it

Chapter 21

pulling me closer, and my heart skipped a beat. "Jake..." I whispered again, but before I could say another word, he leaned in, his lips brushing against mine. The kiss

touch was loving, his lips warm and gentle, moving with an earnestness that spoke of care and adoration. It should have been comforting. It should have made my heart

But it didn't.

Something was missing.

mind betrayed me, pulling me into memories I desperately wanted to forget - The moment Kester kissed me. His

Demanding. Possessive. Commanding Intentional.

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

to his will. It was fire and chaos, the kind that seared itself into you,

felt like a whisper compared to

But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't

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

kissed me like I was precious, like I mattered. But I'd already been ruined- marked by something darker, something I