Mated To My Obsessive Stepbrother

Chapter 38

KASMINE

The universe had already cursed me for my sins-I was sure of it. How else could I explain this torment? This unbearable, all-consuming need with no relief in sight?

I couldn't concentrate on anything. Not the pile of work in front of me, not even Jake's constant questions about how best we could commumicate now that I no longer have secret phone.

I had ignored him. But a part of me felt terribly bad about it. He deserved an answer. He deserved my attention. But I barely had the presence of mind to spare him more than a few nods, Guilt clawed at the edges of my thoughts, but it wasn't strong enough to override the fire burning beneath my skin.

I needed a release. Desperately.

My body was on high alert, and the slightest hint of contact with a man made my body tense, my core tightening with anticipation that had nowhere to go. The simplest things-watching a man roll up his sleeves, hearing the deep timbre of a voice–sent sharp jolts of arousal straight to my center. It was unbearable.

I considered slipping away to the restroom, locking myself in a stall, pressing my fingers between my thighs just long enough to take the edge off, but I was too worried. What if I was interrupted again? I wouldn't survive. another interruption. I needed more than a hurried, desperate release.

I needed to be alone. I needed the time and space to let myself fall apart.

Tonight. I'd lock the doors this time as soon as I got home. No distractions. No interruptions. Just me, my aching body, and the pleasure that had been so brutally denied me

Kester was nowhere to be found as soon as we arrived at the office. A part of me felt relieved about it. Otherwise, I would have been tempted to go to him to finish up what he started earlier. And I was sure he'd have made me beg for it.

I was still lost in my own thoughts, fingers mindlessly flipping through a folder on my desk, when I heard the door creak open. I didn't bother looking up at first, but the sound of footsteps made me glance up.

Jake stood there, a small bag in his hand, his lips curving injo a smile as soon as our eyes met.

Something about Jake had always been soft in a way that made me feel... safe. And his eyes... Always warm and earnest. It always made my heart melt when I looked at him

I smiled back at him, forcing and wishing the smile looked as genuine as I wanted it to look.

"You seemed a little out of it earlier," he said in a light voice, but I caught the trace of concem beneath it. "Did I do something? Because if I did, I-

"No,"

"I cut in quickly, shaking my head. "I'm just a little tired, that's all.”

His shoulders relaxed slightly. "Good," he exhaled, then gestured toward the bag. "I, uh... I got you something. Well, two things, actually." He announced happily.

My curiosity sparked, and this time, my excitement wasn't forced. I reached for the bag, pulling out a small, delicate box. My fingers trembled slightly as I opened it, and the moment I saw what was inside, agasp left my lips.

A bracelet.

just any bracelet-it was intricate, dainty, a silver chain adorned with tiny channs that glistened under the soft office

13

Chapter 58

them.

up at him as he stared at me lovingly, "You shouldn't have..." I traced my fingers along the design, my smile growing

unexpected warmth spreading through me.

gifts and surprises, which was why Kester made it a duty to give me lots of gifts when we were

the best days of my

it?" Jake

blinking quickly to fight the prickling

beautiful," I whispered, voice

crinkling at the comers. "I saw it and thought of

past the lump in my throat... That

the way he looked at me like I was someone-not a possession,

like this-sweet, attentive. He noticed things about me, remembered the little details most people overlooked. And yet, even as I told myself

knew me so well that you'd think he had a manual of my creation.

I scolded myself for the unintentional comparison as

A phone.

glanced up at

my desk. "We need one. I don't like the idea of not being able to reach you. It kills me." His hypnotizing blue eyes searched mine

brushing over the sleek surface

in slightly, his expression turning serious. "You need to hide it properly this time. Don't let him find it. Who knows what he might do to

He was correct. Kester would do the unthinkable to me if he ever

either way, gripping the phone a little tighter.

drumming lightly against my desk, a telltale

head. "What about

a hand through his dark hair." "I was thinking. After the surprise I have planned for you, maybe we could spend the rest of the evening together. Just us. I don't know. Maybe drive out of town and find some quiet place, away from-" He paused, eyes

always had this way of making me feel

23

I said, and for the

relaxed, "Good," he murmured, and then his voice dipped slightly, just enough to make my heart stutter. "I just want to spend so much time with you that it hurts... You've occupied my mind, my thoughts... I just wish we had more time together." He

looked at it absentmindedly, "I'm falling for