Guess We're Siblings Now

MILES

As I finished my vegetables, I tried working on the potatoes. My mouth was telling me they were so buttery and just melted in on my tongue, but my brain said it tasted like sand paper.

Every second felt like an hour. I told myself that last night wasn't my fault. Well, the fucking was my fault but I didn't know Dominic's dad was going to marry my mom. I didn't make it my mission to know who people were and who they knew. I didn't even like people.

Plus, couldn't he see how I was just as surprised as he was?

Damn it. He was still just as handsome as yesterday dressed in black slacks and a white dress shirt. It made me sick thinking that my mother and I had the same preference since Dominic was the spitting image of his father. Just because we were going to be step siblings didn't mean we were actually related. We could actually sneak off and-

No! no. I couldn't think like that. It was gross. Wasn't it?

"So Miles, your mother tells me you graduated at the top of your class. Have you applied to any colleges?"

She did? I didn't even know she was interested in my acidemics. I was about to answer him but my mother beat me to it.

"Oh, she's indecisive at the moment. She's had a few offer letters come through already," she said with a chuckle.

Yeah, offer letters she put through the shredder.

"I see. Any schools catch your eye?" Mr. Black rested his elbows on the table and clasped his hands.

"Actually I-"

"We haven't discussed any schools outside of Jameson, but I hear Branshire University is top tier."

I looked at my mother, wondering if she was going to answer all of the questions anyone asked me. She must have felt my stare because her hand was back on my thigh, her nails digging deep and I bit the inside of my lips, trying to match the pain. Did she have to do it in the same spot?

I had actually applied to many schools that were as far away from our town as possible. The further, the better. I checked the mail every day so I could catch the letters before my mother did. I still hadn't gotten one, but I didn't lose hope. I graduated as the valedictorian of my class. I took as many programs as I could get away with, being so much of a teachers pet that they worked with me with scheduling, so my mother didn't suspect anything.

She didn't go to my graduation, so she couldn't have known, but she seemed to have talked about my grades to her fiancé. Panic worked its way up my spine. What if she had called the school? What if she knew everything I was trying to do?

"Yes, Branshire is in the top five universities in the country. Dom here attends and is on the football team," replied Mr. Black.

My mother gushed. "Oh, you must be very proud! How do you like the school so far, Dominic?"

He gave her a gorgeous smile before answering. "I love it. The programs they have in place are designed for success. There has not been a single failing student in the 80 years it's been established."

I took another sip of my water. I did not like where this conversation was going. A conversation I apparently had no part of but was the topic.

Mr. Black tapped on his chin in thought. He looked at his son, then at my mother and lastly, at me. I kept my face blank, but I hoped and prayed he could hear my silent plea. 'Please don't. I know you're super rich, but I don't want that.'

And then he fucking did it.

"I'm sure she could easily get in given her academic record and maybe... a recommendation."

I gripped my fork so hard it was biting into my skin. I started to shake as rage boiled my blood. She knew exactly what she was doing. My mother turned to me, her smile nothing but triumph.

"Miles would absolutely love that!"

No! I wouldn't. I didn't want my future in her hands. I wanted control. I wanted to decide my life. Not being able to stand it any longer, I shot out of my seat, mother's hand releasing my leg.

"Excuse me, may I use your bathroom?"

Mr. Black seemed startled at first, then smiled warmly at me. "Of course, angel. Dom will show you the way."

"I can manage. I wouldn't want to interrupt his dinner." I said, raising my hands, but Dominic rose from seat flashing me a smile that made my heart drop.

"I don't mind. The manor can be a maze, and I wouldn't want you to get lost."

I swallowed. Okay then.

He rounded the long table and went into a hall. I followed him but kept a good distance. I couldn't keep my eyes off his back or the way his dark hair curled at the nape of his neck. I wanted to kiss it, nuzzle my face in it. But that was another thing my mother had taken from me.

Dominic turned into a hallway, getting out of my sight, so I hurried so as not to lose him, but as soon as I turned, I was slammed against the wall. My startled scream was replaced by a huff of air since the wind was knocked from my lungs by the force. Dominic had his large hand around my jaw just as he had last night, except this time, it hurt.

"What the fuck are you playing at hm?" His eyes were alight with undiluted rage.

"Dominic, I-"

"Shut the fuck up." He squeezed my jaw harder and I couldn't help the excitement welling up inside.

"If what happened last night comes to light, you'll regret ever being born. I'll make your life a living hell." He leaned in close. "So keep that pretty little mouth closed and stay the fuck out of my sight."

He trailed his eyes over my face as if he couldn't believe he was fooled by someone like me, pure regret flashing in his eyes.

It didn't hurt me, and once again, a huffed laugh escaped my nose. The fact that he thought I had some secret agenda was ridiculous. What did he think I had to gain? His threat meant nothing to me. Him make my life a living hell? He wouldn't be able to accomplish that. I was already there.

"You think this is a joke?" He asked, venom dripping from his lips. "Don't. Test. Me."

All I could do was give him a vacant stare since he had my lips pressed together. He gave me one more hard look before he snatched his hand back like I had burned him.

"Guess we're siblings now, but I won't be a doting big brother, so don't expect anything from me," he sneered.

I rolled my eyes. "For the record," I started, "I didn't know who you were yesterday or who my mom planned on marrying. I don't exactly think I'll benefit from telling anyone I fucked my future stepbrother last night."

His nostrils flared.

"And what about you huh?" I questioned. "Did you know who your dad was going to marry? If she had a daughter?"

His eye twitch but he said nothing.

"Thought so. You? Make my life a living hell?" I laughed as I stepped closer to him, crossing my arms. "I'm already well acquainted with that place, so try it."

I didn't know why I kept challenging him. I never challenged anyone. I didn't have the energy, so why the hell was I doing this with him? I needed to figure out how to escape, not play mental footsies with a man who clearly thought the worst of me.

Dominic tilted his head, and it looked almost animalistic, his dark eyes filling with deadly promise as he smiled. "Bathroom's right over there, little sis." He pointed to my right before turning and leaving.

I almost gagged. Little sis? There was no way I would think of him as a brother. Especially not when I wanted to fuck him again. Even though he threatened me... I couldn't help how much I kind of liked it. It was wrong, of course, the way he gripped my jaw and dug his fingers into my skin, but I still felt drawn to him. I still wanted him.

Oh my gosh... was I growing an obsession? The man was fine as hell, but I've seen assholes with jaw-dropping bodies, and I was never affected like this. Something about him just... made me feel.That was something I craved, needed. Or else I'd just feel hollow.

I shook my head. I would just have to ignore it. I had a bigger fish to fry, and its name was Candice Valentine.