Mated To My Obsessive Stepbrother

Chapter 71

The image of Kester's back had burned itself into my mind, haunting me through the night, refusing to let me rest. Even now, as I walked toward my office with a spring in my step, I couldn't stop the smile that kept tugging at my lips.

Kester was determined, tearing down my defenses with a patience that was both infuriating and intoxicating. And damn it, he was winning.

I swear he was getting more points than I'd like to give him

I had crumbled the moment my gaze landed on the massive tattoo spanning his back-ink etched into his skin simply because I liked tattoos.

My chest had ached, my throat had tightened, and tears had spilled as I traced the beautiful patterns with my hands.

But even after pushing him to tell me how he knew I liked them, he vehemently refused to.

And now, just thinking about it sent a shiver through me.

But as soon as I stepped into the elevator, all of my excitement screeched to a halt.

Claire.

The guilt hit me like a punch to the stomach. I had abandoned her yesterday, walking out on her during lunch when she clearly needed someone to talk to. I promised to call and check on her, but I failed to do so.

And Jake...?

I hadn't even touched our secret phone to see if he had tried reaching out.

A deep breath shuddered through me as I adjusted my skirt, the fabric barely brushing my thighs. I needed to pull myself together before stepping into the office.

Pushing open the door, I found Jake hunched over his computer with so much seriousness that it made me smile. "Someone's already hard at work this early in the morning I forced my voice to sound light and playful.

His head snapped up, and the instant relief that flooded his face made my stomach twist.

"Kasmine."

He was on his feet before I could blink, abandoning whatever he had been doing like it didn't matter anymore. "By the gods, I was worried. How are you doing now?" In two strides, he was in front of me, arms wrapping around me, pulling me into the warmth of his embrace.

I melted into it, letting the comfort settle deep into my bones.

It was soothing to know that he wasn't upset.

"I am fine, Jake. I was just... I just needed like ash.

some rest," I forced the words out of my throat, even though it tasted

A lie.

A lie so hollow it barely held itself together.

Chapter 71

He pulled back just enough to scan my face, his brows furrowed with concern. "I was scared to death. And to think that I couldn't even call you-god." His arms tightened around me, holding me like he was afraid I'd disappear again. "Come here."

He hugged me again, and warm liquid pooled in my eyes, but I blinked them back in.

worried you," I whispered. "It won't happen again." I made a promise I knew I'd never be

world, setting me on my seat as if he was scared I'd break, "Allow me take care of you this weekend, Kasmine," he murmured, his fingers tracing a soft caress along my

was going too

the hell was

spend some time with me," He

4

telling him about the trip, despite all I had just heard,

you a massage, cook for you, oil your hair... Anything to help

My heart clenched.

you?" I whispered, my fingers ghosting over his

deserve you, Kasmine. But thank you for giving me the opportunity to even as much as be in the same space with you. It's something any

only he knew how undeserving I

***

yet. I'd been

calling her,

worry aside, telling myself

behind his back, startling me a bit. And... Babe? That was new. It tugged a smile from me before I could stop it.

hands forward, handing me a rose flower. It was

knew it had cost him some money, which

2/4

Chapter 71

I stood u

he gave it anyway, desperate to please me in

would be wrong of me to make him feel any less of a man who was desperate

my arms around him, I pressed close, absorbing the quiet warmth of his lean frame. He smelled of faint cologne and comfort wrapped in

took the gifts from his hands. Jake's gaze softened when

I could react,

my cheek, tucking a stray strand of

slowly, so carefully,

his lips pressing against mine like he wasn't sure he had the right. Soft.

he gathered his courage, deepening the kiss just slightly, his warmth spilling into me. A quiet sigh

a moment, I let myself sink into it.

for a

become anything more, my lips tingling, and my heart doing

breathless chuckle, his cheeks dusted with the faintest shade of pink. "Sorry," he murmured, scratching the back of his head, suddenly looking boyish in a way that made my chest

but it

beside my laptop. "Come on," I said, trying to keep my voice light. "Let's eat whatever's in that

pulling out a

sat together, sharing small bites of the sweet treats as Jake talked, filling the space with his easy words, and I let myself get lost

back yet. Why shouldn't

a surprise planned out for your birthday," he said at one point, grinning like a

my chocolate. "Jake, my birthday is still six weeks

He shrugged, popping another chocolate into his mouth. "I like planning

my head.

here," he teased, nudging my knee with his

I could respond, we heard

Chapter 71

same time, just as the door cracked