There’s a deathly silence. From the corner of my eyes, I can see how astonished both Alex and my mom are. Sure, Eason didn’t do things like giving me a French kiss or grabbing my ass, but his behavior was still outrageously inappropriate.Who would rip off a tag using his teeth?!“Let’s go.” I said sharply, trying hard to suppress the anger in my chest.Alex follows me out of the yard, as I can feel his eyes are tracing me, apprehensively. I have a strong feeling that he’s going to ask me what happened between me and Eason, and I don’t blame him for that, but I internally pray that he would just let everything slide.The first 3 minutes of the drive is nice and quiet, with both of us wrapped up in our own thoughts. Then finally, he opens his mouth, “Nat, what’s wrong with—”“Nothing!” I cut him off, before he can finish the sentence. Irritation flares up in my heart. Great, now my ball night is officially ruined. I know Alex’s curiosity is not the one to blame, so everything’s on Easo
The music is playing on out loud as the ball reaches its climax. And only a curtain away from the crowd, I’m messing out with my stepbrother.His tongue has found its way in as it tangles with mine tasting every corner of my mouth. I can’t help but bring my hands up to his hairs and clutch on to it, earning a tormented groan from him.I’ve given up on the little restrain left in me and let myself drown in the passion.His breath grows rougher as if he’s restraining from his own urgers. As the hot and wet kiss continues, I feel his hand travels down my waist, past my bums, and finally enters through the bottom of my gown.I shiver when his hot palm is placed on the soft skin of my inner thigh.“Eason…” I moan his name, panting hoarsely and pleading. “No…not here.”From the primitive look in his eyes, I have no doubt that he’ll just take me right here behind the curtain a few steps away from the crowd, if I don’t stop him.“I know.” He sucks the bottom of my lips and licks it. “Don’t wo
When we step out of the curtain, he keeps chuckling quietly behind me. I shot him a deathly glare and he quickly pushes down the corner of his lips but still can’t hide his smugness.“Seriously?” I roll my eyes. He’s acting like a juvenile boy getting excited over sex with women.He shrugs. “What?”“You must have fucked a thousand girls in public places. Stop acting like that.” I point out. OK that sounds a little gross and is probably an exaggeration, but I’ve seen him with girls.His gloating smile fades away a bit as he frowns at me. “What do you think of me? A breeding horse?”Well not so much as a breeding horse. But definitely a fuck boy.He clenches his teeth apparently irritated by my judgment. A soothing waltz melody starts playing in the background, so he offers his hand to me. “Dance with me for this next song and I’ll forgive your foul mouth.”I pause. His hand hangs in the middle air for a few seconds before he snaps grumpily. “What now?”“Who did you come to this ball wi
I don’t know why I let him take me home. But maybe deep down inside, I know we have crosses that line and I want this as badly as he does. He speeds all the way back. As soon as we step into the door, he presses me to the wall and hungrily captures my lips. I let myself drown in that wild kiss, hands holding on to his broad shoulder as those muscles flex under my palms. I take pleasure at knowing that my touch can bring pleasure to his body. His tongue slides into my mouth and tangles with mine making erotic watery sound. I moan between breaths and bring my upper thigh slightly higher to rub at his leg craving for more. I can’t help it. I want his body on me and for us to be closer than we already are.He groans. “Fuck. If you keep doing that you won’t be able to keep that dress.” “What?” I tease him giggling. “You’re gonna rip my clothes again? With your teeth?” I still haven’t forgiven him for ripping off the tag that way in front of my mom and Alex. He raises his brows at me
I flinch slightly at his words. I wish I have enough courage to rip his boxer off and and make him moan so hard like he did to me.But the few experiences I had have proven that I’m not so good at that sort of things.You stink in bed. In Zack’s exact words.And as he had eagerly reminded me, that’s exactly why he left me for another woman.I won’t let that jackass ruin my sex life. But in my imagination, the next sex I have will be with my next boyfriend, someone who treats me dearly and I’ll be able to overcome my own shadow with him.Not with my fuckboy stepbrother for sure, who may laugh at me the second I do something wrong.“What’s the matter?” he asks, still waiting for my next move.“Umm…” I hesitate, careful with my word choice. “I’ve never…well I don’t exactly know how to—”“What’s so hard about it?” he shrugs. “You put your mouth around it and you suck it.”I’m pissed. So “patience” is definitely not in his dictionary.“Well then just forget about it,” I snap. “It is hard f
I end up spending the night.I’ve made my protest, saying that my mom would get worried and stuffs, but he just won’t listen. He basically dragged me to bed and forced me to lie down.“At least let me change first?” I give up eventually. He can be very persuasive sometimes.He opens his closet and grabs a random t-shirt before he throws it on me. “You can wear this.”It’s soft, made in better fabric than my own pajamas. I am about to take off my clothes but suddenly notice him staring closely at me.“A little privacy, perhaps?”“A bit late for that, don’t you think?” he grins but turns away anyway.I pull the ruined dress down and slip through his shirt, while asking him, “so how come you don’t have any feminine stuff here?”“Because I’m a man and I won’t be needing those? Apparently?” Even his back is facing me, I can still tell he is rolling his eyes.My temper flares. Does he really don’t know what I’m talking about or is he just playing dumb?“I mean for your girlfriend, or partne
This just officially became the most awkward moment in my entire life.I bet my face is twisted with anger. But I try not to let my fury show because that’s exactly what he wants to see.“Eason,” I grit out through clenched teeth. “This is HARDLY a good time.”He gives me a calm smile.“Emergency, like I said. Do you want to follow me out? Or should I stay, and we can talk here?”I want to throw a punch at his smug face. But my rationality calls me off.The entire classroom has wakened from their afternoon slumber, looking at us with great enthusiasm. I bet rumors about us will fly across the entire school sooner than I expected.“Umm…Miss Ramirez?” the history teacher interrupts our staring contest.I dart him an angry glare. “My last name is Moore, sir.”“Oh, I’m sorry Miss Moore. But if Mr. Ramirez insists that there’s an emergency, maybe you should go with him. See what’s happening.”He has made the judgmental call. Better sacrifice me alone than let Eason ruin the entire class.I
Eason’s POVShe’s shivering under me, not because of pleasure of course. But for fear.I know what she is afraid of, yet I deliberately extend her suffering at this very moment. She bites my tongue and immediately a bloody taste fills our mouths. But I don’t give a fuck.I didn’t let her go till the footsteps is just around the corner.The moment my grip loosens, she moves away from me. She glares at me with so much anger, as if I’ve done something horrible…well I did, but only because she has provoked me.A group of students walk pass by. None of them notice anything wrong between us.In their eyes, we are just standing here talking.She finally restores her breathe and grits out in a low voice. “You…you are fucking twisted!”I sneer internally. She probably wants to slap me for my audacity. But we’re in public. Since she’s too afraid about our relationship being exposed, she won’t do anything at the moment.“Save your energy to bed babe.” I smile, knowing perfectly well that my word
A large group of people escort me downstairs. Because it is absolutely impossible to move in this dress by myself. The delicate lace of my gown sweeps along the polished wooden steps. I must move very slowly and carefully to avoid any mishaps. I grip the banister, my heart pounding with a mix of excitement and nerves.At the bottom of the staircase, servants hold open the grand double doors leading to the garden.The scent of fresh flowers wafts in, mingling with the warm early summer breeze. I take a deep breath, letting myself savor this magical moment.And there my dad is, tall and dignified, dressed in his sharpest suit, waiting for me just by the doors.“Dad.” I whisper, reaching out to hold his hand.He turns, his eyes softening as they meet mine. “Nat, you look absolutely—”“Stunning.” I smile, “I know. Mom told me the same thing earlier in tears.”Then I am shocked to find that there are tears gleaming in his eyes as well.My dad is never a man of emotions. This is literally th
The next morning, I am woken up by the early sunlight and a series of noises.Still half-asleep, I groan and rub my eyes, frustrated.What is going on…Who is out there screaming and yelling…Somebody is trying to get some sleep here…Then something snaps me back to reality like a whip—Fuck! Today is my wedding day!!!Then I hear my mom’s shrieking in the living room, “Is she still asleep? She should be up half an hour ago!”“She is probably in the bathroom. Let me go check on her, Mrs. Ramirez.” That is Jenna’s voice.“Oh thank you darling. You are a life savor…”Light footsteps approach the bedroom door. I only have one quick second to grab the sheet and cover up my naked body before the door flies open.“Morning Nat—OMG, you ARE still in bed!”“…I couldn’t sleep last night.” I swallow, pretending to be calm.Meanwhile, I quickly scan the room—Good, Eason is gone already. I can’t imagine what kind of temper tantrum mom would throw if she finds out that we spent the night together.“R
Today is the last night before my big day tomorrow.Everything is under control. All the guests have checked into the mansion already. Through the window on the 5th floor, where my bridal suite is located, I can see workers working on the final decoration of the wedding venue in the garden.Everything is on the right track. Except for one.My mom.“Natalia, have you seen the seating chart?!”I stand in the center of preparation room, seeing my mom bustles around with a fervor that is both impressive and exhausting.Dresses hang from every available hook, shoes and accessories are scattered across the floor, and my mother’s meticulous lists cover the desk. The room buzzes with pre-wedding chaos, a stark contrast to the calm I crave.I sigh, “Mom calm down…”“I can’t find the seating chart anywhere! And we need to make sure the caterer knows about Uncle Frank's shellfish allergy!”“Mom—”“And where the hell is your wedding planner!!!” mom raises her voice and cries, “We paid him 1000 buc
Eason and Mr. Ramirez heard about what happened later that day.“Katherine?” Eason’s voice darkens immediately. “She is a fucking nobody. Her family went bankrupt. Their reputation stinks! How dare she fight you on this venue?”“And I hate it when people go behind my back and bother my family with things from work.” Mr. Ramirez says with a frown. “I will give my people a heads-up, telling them to cut off any connections with her and her husband immediately.”Looks like Rosa’s husband’s proposal will go down the drain even before it got a chance to be presented to Mr. Ramirez.It feels so great to be protected by your own family.Eason still seems mad, “I can’t believe anyone is still willing to marry Katherine! Don’t they know that this woman is crazy?”“Rosa’s family is new to the town,” mom says.Eason lets out a snort, his green eyes gleaming icily, “Maybe they will be interested in Katherine’s history.”I know what he is thinking.If he finds a way to leak Katherine’s history to Ro
I stare at Katherine with shock.Seriously, I am the thief?!She is the one who tried to steal Eason’s inheritance!She doesn’t look at all like the sweet and kind girl I first met, the one who exuded elegance.Now she is sharp and bitter, but her expression gives away how weary she really is. Her cheeks are pale, and her hair is dull and split. It must have been a long time since she last visited the salon.The bankruptcy really taken a toll on her. She doesn’t need me to make her more miserable. She has taken care of that herself.“Mom, let’s go.” I give Katherine a look of disgust. “Don’t waste our time talking to her.”I grab my mom and try to walk around Katherine.But Katherine blocks our way again.“Why are you leaving? Are you afraid? Afraid of facing me?” her voice is sharp and shrill. “Do you know what people have been saying about you? You are a slut, Natalia! You steal other people’s fiancé because you can’t stand them living a happier and more wealthy life than you are! Lo
I widen my eyes slightly in shock.That is the last thing that I expect.Honestly, where does that come from?“What letter?” my dad asks with a frown.“Oh, there is a letter that Eason wrote to Nat years ago, when they first met. He chose to do ask her out in the most traditional way—by putting it down on the paper. Don’t you think it would be so romantic and meaningful to read that letter on the wedding? You know, to commemorate the beginning of this relationship?”“What does the letter say?” Hallie asks curiously.“Well that is the main thig—none of us know, except for the two of them.”I let out a dry laugh.My mom doesn’t know about this but the letter actually means more than that. It not only marks the beginning of our love, but also the years-long prejudice and misunderstandings between us.It is literally the start of everything.I look over to Eason and want to see his reaction toward this.…He is blushing like a red ballon.I am so damn shock.Eason is the most barefaced, ego
I am too stunned to say anything.“We are in Fiji? How??”The last thing I remember from yesterday is drifting into sleep in Eason’s arms. So did we take a flight after that? How come I didn’t have any memory of that?!“Did you drug me?” I eye him suspiciously.He laughs heartly, “I didn’t. It all thanks to your own magic potion. Two bottles of them.”I rub my forehead embarrassedly. I was really hammered last night. I should have known that Eason was up to something to get me drunk.“So,” he smiles. “Do you like my surprise?”I stand on tiptoe to kiss him on the lips, “I love it.”Nothing is better than a getaway trip to Fiji after an exhausted month.Eason knows exactly what I need.The smile on his lips gets wider as he says, “Well, wait till you see this.”He holds my hand and leads me down the stairs, through the villa’s back yard and out to the beach.The sand is white and warm. The ocean is turquoise-blue. And there is a long table set on the beach, surrounded by roses and lilie
Our lives go back to normal after we return to New York.I have my school work and job hunting to do. And Eason has his company. We all have our own ways to stay busy and occupied. Yet since we already live in the same apartment now, we still get to spend plenty of time together.And living with Eason…is such a magical experience.He has lots of works to do, and yet he still manages to find time to buy me flowers, make us dinner and pick me up from school.He also sent away the cleaning lady. Because I didn’t like a stranger walking around in our apartment. And he was eager to share the duties.He broke a glass the first time he did the dishes, since—apparently—someone like him has never washed anything in his entire life.But he is a quick learner.Now every time I come back to our apartment, the laundries are done, the sheets are changed and all the dishes are nice and clean.I felt bad that he needed to find time after work to do those chores when he could easily hire someone to do
Natalia’s POVThe rest of my Christmas holiday is amazing.Eason and I get to cuddle on the couch all day watching our favorite movie or reading books together. Now that everyone in this house knows about us, there is no need for us to hide anymore.The only people I am still worried about are Mr. Ramirez’s friends and business partners. Those upper-class people can gossip.I just gave them one huge scandal to chat with when I exposed Ms. Griswold in front of a room full of guests. If they find out that the Ramirez heir is dating his stepsister now, God knows what more vicious words will come out of their mouth.Yet my deepest fear is bound to come true.One day, Eason and I are in the living room. He was playing his guitar. And one thing led to another. We start making out on the couch.No one is around. Our parents won’t come back until after dinner. We both let our sanity slip away.None of us notice the front door opening.And when we hear a horrified cry, it is too late.I jump o