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.

was intricate, dainty, a silver chain adorned with tiny channs that glistened under the soft office lighting. A crescent moon, a

13

Chapter 58

them.

I giggled, looking up at him as he stared at me lovingly, "You shouldn't have..."

chest tightened, an unexpected warmth spreading through me.

I forgot all about my worries. I loved gifts and surprises, which was why Kester made it a duty to give

were the best

like it?" Jake

blinking quickly to fight the prickling sensation behind my

love it. It's so beautiful," I whispered,

comers.

throat... That warmth again. The quiet affection

he looked at me like I was someone-not a possession, not a challenge, not something to be

the little 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 just

me so well that you'd think he had

as

A phone.

at him,

need one," he said simply, leaning against the edge of my desk. "We need one. I don't like the idea of not being able to reach you. It kills me."

brushing over the sleek surface of the

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

the way he said it made my stomach tighten. And, yes. He was correct. Kester would do the unthinkable to me if he ever found out, and I

nodded either way, gripping the

lightly against my desk, a telltale sign of his nerves. "Listen,

tilted my head. "What

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

making me feel like I could escape, even when I

23

for the first

it hurts... You've occupied my mind, my thoughts... I just wish we had more time together." He stepped closer to me receiving

at it absentmindedly, "I'm falling for you.