Three

I’m late for my next class. Or more like, I’ll be late by about a minute. That’s the reward of being in the girls’ room after everyone’s settled in.

I’m running down the hall when an arm wraps around my shoulder. For a second, I freeze, thinking Ryder has returned for revenge. He’s been ignoring me since the morning, but I know more than anyone that if Ryder Saint ignores you, it’s a disaster disguised as a blessing.

I release a breath when I inhale and realise it’s not him. He doesn’t smell this strong or feel this hard – not that I know how he feels.

And yes, I know how Ryder smells. It’s only because of my ability to connect to my surroundings, remember? 

"Nice to see you Genie" I smiled up at Chris Morrison. He's one of the few friends who doesn't pick on me. He's cool and has a boyish charm. His jet black hair is slightly curled at the end. He starred on the football and basketball teams and was one of the best

looking guys in school. 

"Let me get the door for you" I stepped aside, giving him the chance to swing the door open.

I smiled up at him and mouthed a quick ' Thank you.' 

We made it in before Miss Smith, the history teacher, came in. Not long after she launched into a full blown lecture. Out of my peripheral vision, I noticed a few students around the room glancing my way. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. What is everyone's problem? Aren't they over the interaction earlier this morning? 

Fuck them.

Aware of Chris Morrison sitting right behind me, I tried to concentrate and after fifty minutes of long and boring lecture I finally retrieved my phone. 

I was grossed out by replying to a message from Lexi that I didn't realize where I was going until my head hit something. 

A wall? No. 

A chest. 

I traced my way up to see who it belongs to only to be face by Xavier Juan 

One of the four best guys in school and Ryder's best friends. My pulse raced thinking Ryder had sent him but the smirk on his face tells me otherwise. He's watching me with a glint in his eyes as if he found his next prey. Xavier is easier to deal with compared to Ryder. He might be a pain in the ass too but he's not always bullying me like Ryder. 

"Looks like a lamb lost her way" he chuckles moving forward while I move back until my back hurts the wall. He placed his hands on the wall and leaned into me, enclosing and trapping him till we're breathing the same air. 

"Wh… wha-t are you doing?" I tried to keep my voice steady but it's of no use. 

"You can't hide away from me" He ran the knuckles of his left finger down my arm and I snuck in a breath

"Get away from me" I tried to shove him by hitting him hard on the chest but he wouldn't even bulge. God-damned this guy is so strong. 

"I can take you out here in front of everyone. If you go out with me Ryder would leave you alone." He toyed with me playing with the tie of my uniform.

He must be dreaming if he thinks I will do as he says… I can hear the laughter in my head. 

His hand glided down my back and moved it across the wall of my ass. 

What did he just do? 

Did he just grab my ass? Without my permission?

 In public?

 Oh, no.

Then, he squeezed. Everything after that point happened in a rush of reaction and adrenaline. I popped out of my seat like my legs had springs. The muscles in my thighs were taut with tension, and I clenched my fists.

As I faced Xavier, who had raised himself to meet my gaze, I grabbed him by the shoulders and lifted my knee into his groin. Hard. The amount of pressure must've been a lot, because he yelped and fell to his knees, moaning while holding his crotch.

With my heart pounding and a cool heat surging down my arms, I didn’t stop to think about where this would put me tomorrow or next week. I just wanted him to stop.

Ryder might have been threatening and bullying me for years but he would never do such. Hell I'm like trash so he wouldn't even touch me, so he had never crossed that line. He had never touched me or made me feel physically violated. 

“Don’t touch me and don’t talk to me.” I said pointing a finger at him. Xavier's eyes were closed as he breathed hard. 

“Did you really think I would go out with you? Seriously, you're unbelievable.” The entire room erupted in laughter. 

“Thanks for the offer anyway, Ryder,” I sang with mock sweetness. Now you won't try to mess with me again. 

Everything felt weak with tingles, and I was afraid my legs would give out. What had I just done?

But before I reached the doors, I threw caution to the wind. Oh what the hell, I’ve developed a death wish lately. First Ryder and now Xavier. I might not see another day. Still happy I turned but stopped when I saw the only person who made my blood boil. Ryder fucking saint. 

Ryder's full attention was focused on me, and the world in my peripheral vision stopped as we stared at each other. His lips were slightly parted but not smiling. Those eyes, however, seemed challenging and too damn interesting. He looked like he

was sizing me up.

Fuck. Shit.

Leaning back in his chair, he had one arm hooked behind him on the back of his seat and one arm resting on the table. He was staring at me, and unwanted heat rushed to my face. Without saying a word I bolted out of the classroom as quickly as I could. 

The rest of the day went perfectly well without event after the other. I couldn't really believe today was the first day of school. First I stood up for myself without Lexi beside me. 

The interaction with Ryder then Xavier. Well I wasn't really at rest thinking Ryder could appear any moment for payback. But I don't care. A lot of strange faces smiled up at me during calculus class. I tested Lexi giving her account of all that happened but of course she had already heard about it. 

One thing about Evergreen high, news spreads faster than light. 

"Didn't know you were that good" a girl had said to me. Alison I think her name is. 

"A lot of girls were happy about it. Xavier deserved what he got" she smiled. 

Not knowing what to respond with, I just nodded. I wasn't used to people being on my side. My responses to Xavier and Ryder's antics might have changed, but my goal to keep my head focused on school remained the same. My first day had included too much drama already. If I’d kept my head down, I might’ve escaped notice for the most part. But it was almost as if I had no desire to be silent anymore, and my actions were inviting more trouble. What was I doing? And

Why wasn’t I stopping?

*****

The rest of the week passed by quickly and since my confrontation with Ryder he hasn't showed up in school. Not that I care anyway. Even Xavier Juan had completely stayed away from me.

Good. 

Today is Saturday and I slept in. Glancing back at the wall clock on the wall over my headboard to check what time it is.

10:15

Shit. I jumped out of bed and slipped into my flip-flops then made my way down the stairs. As expected I met a handwritten note from mom on the kitchen island. It's short and concise 

"Out with James. Don't cook dinner, we are all meeting tonight." 

I saw the address of the restaurant behind the paper and I smiled. It's one of those fancy ones I usually beg mom to let us try. I kept the paper back where I saw it.

James proposed to mum during the week like I knew he would. He had asked for my permission. We actually had a conversation on Skype since he's been so busy. 

I checked the letter once again. 

All. 

One second

Two

Three

And then it registered. James Saint has a son and will become my stepbrother soon. Mom has mentioned him once or twice but I never did pay attention. She said he's about my age. 

Why do I keep forgetting details like this? 

I have a Stepbrother. It's weird for me to take in at first. As an only child I've always fantasized what it'll be like to have siblings.

I've never been more nervous in my life than I am currently. First, Mom and James are finally engaged and I'll be meeting him. Am I ready for a new stepdad? Maybe. A new stepbrother? Nope. 

I'm dressed in my best clothes. A red satin dress that mom got me for a ball we attended last summer and my favourite pair of matching heels. I FaceTime Lexi to make sure I look okay. I don't want to be overdressed or under; besides , it's a five star hotel. I guess everyone here doesn't just grab a wrinkled dress off of their closet and wear it. 

"I'm a few minutes late, my mother made a reservation for four at 7 o'clock" I explained to the hostess

"What's the last name?" 

I decided to go with James since my mother will make it under his name but only then did I realize I didn't know his last name. What a nice thing to have as a step daughter. So I just went with mom's instead.

"Sophia " I rushed

"That's my mom, she made the reservations"

"Table 6 on the left" she replied without looking away from her computer. He'll show it to you.

"Thanks" I mutter even though I'm sure she won't reply. 

The interior design of the hotel looks beautiful. I'd even stopped by some paintings on the wall and took some pictures with them making a mental note to forward them to Lexi later. She made me promise to give her full details tonight. Especially the step brother aspect. Well, I really hope we get along.

When I got to the table and saw the pairs of eyes before me, I froze.

"Holy shit!" I heard his voice.

Suddenly it clicked in my brain, why I think James looks familiar on our first meeting. Sitting beside James is the last person I ever thought would be there. 

The guy who has made my life hell for the past three years.

Ryder Saint. James' son and unfortunately my new step brother. Can my life get any more twisted than it already is? The smirk and smile on his face says otherwise.