Mated To My Obsessive Stepbrother

Chapter 222

Chapter 221

words.

'Til fall deeper..."

But those words were enough to unravel Rester. I couldn't let him get the slightest hint that I had fallen for him. It would be his

ruin.

He looked like I had slapped him.

I wanted to turn away-because staring into those stormy eyes while I said this felt

like self-mutilation-but I didn't. I owed him the dignity of my gaze.

"I know what this has been for you," I said, my tone growing softer now and bitter

at the edges. "Something wild. Something thrilling. But it's not love. Not feally. It's... adrenaline. A forbidden fruit. A distraction."

His chest rose. "Don't. Don't reduce it like that."

"And you-" I swallowed hard. "You don't get to break June's heart just because you think you can. If you go through with this engagement... then go through with the marriage, too. Don't come looking for me afterward. Don't knock on my door at midnight or call my name like it still belongs to you. Because once you put that ring on her finger, Kester, it's over."

His face contorted, pain bleeding into fury. "That's not fair. I just need time to-"

"I don't care," I whispered, lying through my teeth. "Four more days, Kester. That's all we have left to drown in this secret of ours. You have every right to my body for the next four days. So, enjoy the thrill while it lasts. But know this-" I took a breath so sharp it nearly cut my lungs, "-once you're engaged, I will never let you anywhere near me again."

Silence.

whole body vibrating with emotion that I was

as my vision blurred with the tears

heart was screaming, 'Tell

my mouth wouldn't dare

Because love was reckless.

with

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Chapter 222

arms crossed while his posture was stiff with confusion or concern-I couldn't tell which, and I didn't

phone buzzed on the

immediately. The vibration skittered across the surface like an insect, and it irritated me

was. This was the sixth time this

to the screen to see what she had said this

for dinner tonight? I'm thinking that blue dress your mother said

jaw ticked. I didn't

planned-one of those performative family gatherings to make June feel like she was already part of the family legacy. A pre-engagement, pre-dowry, pre-prison celebration. It felt more like a funeral with wine and fake

The phone buzzed again.

time, she was

the call

been poised with her thumb