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.

under the soft office

13

Chapter 58

them.

him as he stared at me lovingly, "You shouldn't have..."

warmth spreading through me.

loved gifts and surprises, which was why Kester

best days of

it?" Jake asked

to fight the prickling sensation behind my

love it. It's so beautiful," I

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

in my throat... That warmth again. The

someone-not a possession, not a challenge, not something to be conquered, but someone he

He noticed things about me, remembered the little details most people overlooked. And yet, even as I told myself this was what love

he

it, Kasmine!" I scolded myself for the unintentional comparison as I shoved the thought

A phone.

glanced up at

simply, leaning against the edge of my desk. "We need one. I don't like the idea of not being able

brushing over

he added, "But, Kasmine..." He leaned 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 you if he ever

was correct. Kester would do the unthinkable to me if he ever found out,

gripping the phone a little tighter. "I

out a small breath, his fingers drumming lightly against my desk, a telltale sign of his nerves.

head.

his lips, but there was something nervous about the way he ran 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 flickering toward Kester's empty office before looking back at

feel like I could escape, even when

23

that," I said, and for the

you that it hurts... You've occupied my mind,

looked at it absentmindedly, "I'm falling for you. So hard that I fear I might lose