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."

back against the

was normal. Like this wasn't a goddamn circus

with me as the

drifting to her, the

wasn't even

Not that I cared.

throw her in

date.

mix of silver and navy? Or do you think something

Again, silence from me.

Norlan

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mused, tilting his head as he studied her. "Classy, a little bold,

that was the

to me, expectant. "Should I go with something traditional,

should I-

invested, why don't you help her pick out the

dress too?"

chuckled, unbothered. "You're really making me work for this free

let out

on, the way she didn't notice-or

was

passive made my blood itch

the bastard, was clearly enjoying

is Kasmine?" She asked, and

my gaze at her. "Sleeping. Don't

be exhausted." She replied before

away.

had no

Have you finally gotten yourself a woman?" She

the Tab.

saw the way Norlan froze, unsure of how to

his glass, the easy amusement he'd worn a second ago slipping, if only for

fraction of a second.

I almost smirked.

Almost.

depends. Are we counting fleeting encounters

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longer than breakfast?"

a breathy chuckle. "Oh, Norlan. You're still the same, aren't you?" Something flickered across his face before he took a slow sip

reaction had almost

slowly, fingers lingering on the rim before

said in a teasing voice. "I'm entirely capable of

to a woman for longer than a single

lips curled, playful.

corner of Norlan's mouth twitched, but the humor didn't quite reach

last time you asked me