Chapter 5

OLIVIA’S POV

The ceremony didn't take too long because we didn't want to waste anyone's time and the reception started. There was a lot to eat since mom went all out. 

They were called to have their first dance and after that, they danced with each of us. I told Alex how happy I was to know that he was the one who got to marry my mom when we danced and I told Mom not to break her spine before she came back from her holiday. That earned me a smack on the arm but we both laughed.

When the party ended, we packed up and helped mom and Alex get on their way for their honeymoon. They would be gone for two weeks and I know that's going to be the longest two weeks of my life. 

Dante and I alone in the house? I shook my head at the thought alone.

Once we got home, in his Bentley, he brought out some leftover drinks and asked that we have a mini party in honor of our parents. It was a very bad idea but I needed something to aid me to sleep and I agreed. 

It had been a while since I drank alcohol and after a few glasses I was beginning to get tipsy. This was my cue to stop but somehow, I drank more. I knew anything that happened was entirely up to me. 

We talked about anything and everything.

Other than the fact that he was incredibly sexy, he was a wholesome person and very easy to talk to.

Soon enough, I began to feel comfortable. Too comfortable, because of my next question…

“What about Linda? Are you two still dating?” I immediately chided myself internally at my interest in his love life.

He seemed momentarily surprised at my question making matters worse.

“I’m sorry, you don't need to answer that…” I tried to amend the situation. 

It was obviously none of my business.

The drinking was obviously making me say things now.

I needed to stop.

But he laughed, and kept laughing until I felt embarrassed.

He noticed my reaction and stopped, trying to control his laughter.

“I’m sorry,” he said in between laughs, “The look on your face.”

“Oh…” was all I managed to say.

Finally composed he said, “Don’t feel embarrassed about asking me these things… we are family now after all.”

I cringed at the word ‘family', even though I knew he was right. Dante was now my stepbrother. Who would have thought?

“Linda was too vain and I wondered why I spent that long with her.” He sounded regretful, “Maybe if I had not been so interested in being so popular and an asshole…”

“You’re not an asshole. Don't think of yourself that way. You're not as vain as she is. You have purpose. You have dreams, your eyes are always so full of kindness and you never hurt anyone.” I found myself saying.

He looked at me strangely now.

“I… I mean that's what I think. Don't mind me.”

He said nothing, just looked at me.

“Wow…” He finally said. “I didn't know you saw me that way….”

In no time, I felt a shift in the atmosphere and wanted nothing more than to be away from this hot temptation called Dante. He had that hooded look back in his eyes again as though he was seeing me again with new eyes. Or maybe it was just the alcohol. Then he moved an inch forward on the couch on which we sat.

“Uhm…” I started as I inched further to the arm of the couch. “It’s getting late, we should probably—”

“Are you trying to get away from me?”

He had that mischievous glint in his eye and if I was not really feeling him that way, I could have rolled my eyes.

“I don't know… maybe…” I blushed.

He was so close now.

I could feel the faint smell of outdoors, sandalwood, musk, cologne, mixed with the alcohol on his breath that fanned  my face. 

I could see the frame of lashes of his eyes clearly now, and he looked breathtakingly handsome, so handsome that my breath came short.

 “You are beautiful.” He said staring deep into my eyes, daring me to look away. He pushed a stray strand that had fallen to my face to the back of my left ear.

And I gasped. His touch was so cool, yet so electrifying. So delicate yet so manly. I felt like I would melt.

He was staring at my lips now and I ran my tongue over them, feeling self conscious.

I don't know if I would be able to stop him if he wanted to kiss me.

I was not sure I was strong enough to…

It was wrong.

The situation was wrong.

We were tied by the bonds of our parents as siblings forever.

But my body was refusing to listen to the reason that my brain was trying to give it.

That's why when he held my face with one hand and pulled my waist to him with the other hand, I didn't fight it.

I couldn't fight it. I just couldn't.