Mated To My Obsessive Stepbrother

Chapter 56

KASMINE.

I stepped out of the bathroom, my bare feet sinking into the thick rug, but the

warmth did nothing to chase away the cold sinking into my bones.

This was breaking me.

Piece by piece.

No matter how hard I tried to ignore it, to suppress it, to pretend that I wasn't unraveling at the seams, it was destroying me.

I pressed a trembling, hand to my chest, my heart thudding too fast, too violently.

This couldn't continue.

It shouldn't have started in the first place.

But the more I told myself that, the more Kester's voice replayed like a loop in my head, dark and possessive, with promises that made me tremble.

'You can't and won't leave me.'

'You are my obsession, Kasmine.'

'After this, you will get addicted to me.'

And yes, I was getting addicted to him, and it was scary. He had devoured my light and left me craving his darkness.

I squeezed my eyes shut, willing his words away, but they only burned deeper, carving themselves into the fragile parts of me that already belonged to him.

Because that was the truth, wasn't it?

I wouldn't deny the pull I felt toward Kester. In the last few days, he had managed to worm his way into my fragile heart, and despite reminding myself that he was my brother, my heart kept growing softer for him every second.

I pressed my fingers against my lips, remembering how he kissed me like he was trying to make me feel the obsession coursing through his veins, how he touched me like he was trying to carve his name into my very soul. And now that he had been the one who had taken my virginity, he seemed to have nestled himself deeper into the most fragile part of my heart where I couldn't pull him off easily, otherwise, I'd bleed.

But, no. This had to be controlled. Otherwise, we'd both bleed after this.

A strangled sob escaped my lips, and I clamped a hand over my mouth, my shoulders shaking.

He had been so broken when he left the bathroom. I saw it all in his eyes. My words always had a way of killing him each time, but I had no choice.

I forced my breathing to steady, swiping furiously at the tears streaming down my cheeks. I locked my door securely before reaching for my secret phone.

"Oh, Selene..." I gasped when the screen lit up, and my stomach dropped.

Missed calls: 12

Chapter 56

Mess

6

Jake.

BONUS

He was dying with worry.

was

My pulse pounded violently as I tapped on his name, my fingers barely able to keep steady.

Jake: Kasmine, where the hell are you?

Jake: It's been hours. Why aren't you answering?

Jake: Are you okay? Say something. Please.

Jake: I swear to the Moon, if he's hurting you-

I sucked in a sharp breath, my chest tightening painfully.

and left him in the dark

heart slamming against my ribs as I

swallowed, pacing the room, my free hand clutching the fabric of

Ring

on, Jake. Pick

Ring

The line went dead.

at the screen as

No.

No, no, no-

I tried again.

Call Unreachable.

Selene..." I whispered, gripping the phone so tightly my

and guilt hit me hard occasionally when I recall how I always

for both of us.

to be ours. He had planned for it, probably envisioned

ruined

day, and I didn't even have the courage to face

up today, just like Kester said I would. I moved quickly, dressing for work, eager to see Jake to ensure he was okay. If he wasn't at the office, then I have no choice but to confront

thought made my stomach

Chapter 56

still looking for the

them when they came to clean my room

muscular, heart-stoppingly handsome man strode in with his usual charisma

Gods.

his broad chest like it

at the top, giving a hint of what lay beneath it, and the delicate gold chain resting

his hair-sleek,

Too perfect

maddening perfection cracks, if it would make him look less attractive. He was so handsome

the first time you've seen Kester!' I clenched my

first time I'd seen him, so why did he

as if he could hear

as I expected him to be. And sincerely, it made me

to break the silence between us, Did

and for a moment,

asked, and I paused, my heart skipping a beat before I resumed rifling through my clothes. "I've burnt it.” He said casually, walking

prayed I hadn't heard him properly, "You what?" I asked, turning

repeated, coming to a stop in front of

could you? That was one of my favorites, Kes.." I was

head slightly, regarding me with the kind of detached curiosity that sent a

shifting his attention to my closet as if the conversation was already

he

"Kester-

lethal instantly. "Burning that dress was the only thing I did, Kasmine. Don't remind me of the other

take last night." I stiffened, the anger in

my gaze, suddenly hyper-aware of the anger crackling beneath

are you doing?" I

he flipped through the dresses in my closet, his fingers trailing over the fabric like he

Chapter 56

truth, he did. Every single piece in this wardrobe had

and

you to wear," he replied without

"Since when do you pick out

work?"

pulled a dress from the rack and turned to face

the fabric slip through his fingers like it was something precious. The moment my

red flair

lavees. It was beautiful, but that wasn't

problem was him.

I knew Kester.

me wear something

dark amusement swirling

is what I

and Kester didn't like

dress in my