Mated To My Obsessive Stepbrother

Chapter 211

A slow, simmering heat crawled under my skin, spreading like molten iron through my veins. It wasn't just anger-it was something darker, something razor-sharp and corrosive.

"What the fuck are you doing here?"

The words came out low and controlled, but there was no mistaking the venom dripping from each syllable.

Yet, there she stood, smiling like an airheaded debutante who hadn't yet figured out she was walking straight into a lion's den because she still wore that stupid smile on her face.

"I am having trouble picking out the perfect color combinations for the engagement party, baby," she replied, letting out a breath of exhaustion. Her shoulders sagged for dramatic effect as though she carried the weight of the gods on her back.

Baby?

My jaw twitched.

She now calls me that?

If only she could see anything past the bridge of her nose, she'd realize she had no fucking business being this excited about any of this.

"Aren't you going to let me in?"

Before I could answer, she breezed past me, her perfume invading my space like an unwelcome guest overstaying their welcome. "You won't believe how hot it is out there! Jeez!" She breathed in some fresh air.

Then she stopped short.

Her body stiffened, and I watched-half-amused, half-irritated—as her eyes locked onto Norlan.

"Oh," she murmured, hesitating for a fraction of a second before she smoothed out her

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expression. “Didn't know you had company. Her gaze flicked back to me before landing on Norlan again. "Hello, Norlan."

June perched herself on the armrest of the couch, crossing one leg over the other like this

was some cozy little planning session and not a violation of my patience.

"So," she started, flipping her hair over one shoulder. "How many guests are we expecting?"

I didn't answer.

Norlan did when he sensed I wouldn't say a word to her. And I wasn't surprised.

"Around two hundred, I suppose," he said casually, swirling the amber liquid in his glass.

"Unless Kester's got a secret list of enemies he plans to invite just for the drama."

I shot him a glare. He grinned.

June, oblivious as ever, clapped her hands together. "Perfect! That means we'll need to

finalize the seating arrangements soon."

leaned back against the

was normal. Like this wasn't a goddamn

as the unwilling

how Norlan's eyes kept drifting to her, the

even subtle

Not that I cared.

to throw her in his

date.

was thinking something elegant-maybe a mix of silver and navy? Or do you think something warmer,

Again, silence from me.

Norlan stepped

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her. "Classy, a little bold, but not too over the top. Fits the

if that was the best compliment

turned to me, expectant. "Should I go with

should I-

cut in, "since you're so invested, why don't you help her pick

dress too?"

"You're really making me work for this

out

prattled on, the way she didn't notice-or didn't

was

passive made my blood itch

the bastard, was

Kasmine?" She asked, and

at her. "Sleeping.

She must be exhausted." She replied before going back to her Tab and

away.

no fucking

yourself a woman?" She asked, her attention still

the Tab.

froze, unsure of how to

he'd worn a second ago

fraction of a second.

I almost smirked.

Almost.

"That depends. Are we counting fleeting encounters or just the ones

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longer than breakfast?"

"Oh, Norlan. You're still the same, aren't you?" Something flickered

had

his glass down slowly, fingers lingering on the rim before pulling

me, June," he said in a teasing voice. "I'm entirely

to a woman for longer than

curled, playful. "Oh? Since

but the humor didn't quite reach his eyes.

time you asked me that