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.

intricate, dainty, a silver chain adorned with tiny channs that glistened under the

13

Chapter 58

them.

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

chest tightened, an unexpected warmth spreading through

all about my worries. I loved gifts and surprises, which was why Kester

best days

like it?" Jake asked

quickly to fight the

It's so beautiful," I whispered,

smiled, eyes crinkling at the comers.

throat...

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

details most people overlooked. And yet, even as I told myself this was what love should feel like, I couldn't stop myself from thinking that Kester never had to notice. He

me so well that you'd think he had a manual

I scolded myself for the unintentional comparison as

A phone.

up at him, confused.

the edge of my desk. "We need one. I don't like the idea of not being able to reach you.

my fingers brushing over

number in there," he added, "But, Kasmine..." He leaned in slightly, his expression turning serious. "You need to hide it

would do

nodded either way, gripping the phone a little tighter. "I

let out a small breath, his fingers drumming lightly against my

my head. "What about

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

way of making me feel like I could escape,

23

said, and for the first

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

new bracelet as he looked at it absentmindedly, "I'm falling for you. So hard