My stomach dropped as realization hit. This had to be Alexander’s ex-wife—Riley and Ryder’s mother.Damn. She was… stunning. Sexy in a way that made it hard to look away.I thought two beautiful people doesn't work well together. I guess social media was wrong. They do. As Ryder and Riley were equally gorgeous.I glanced at Mum, whose face had shifted from bright and cheerful to cold and tense. Her smile was gone, replaced by a tight-lipped expression as she stared at the woman like she was a ghost.The ex-wife approached the group with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Lorelei,” she said, her voice smooth and dripping with sarcasm. “How lovely to see you.”Mum’s jaw tightened, but she forced a smile. “What are you doing here?”“Oh, didn’t you know?” the ex-wife said, tilting her head innocently. “I was invited.”Mum turned to the woman who had organized the event, her voice low but sharp. “How could you invite her?”The woman stammered, clearly uncomfortable. “I-I thought—
Ravencrest University was everything I imagined and more.The huge exclusive campus was a mix of old-world charm and modern luxury. Ivy-covered buildings stood tall against the backdrop of perfectly manicured lawns, and students dressed like they’d walked straight out of a catalog strolled by, chatting and laughing. The air buzzed with energy, and I felt an overwhelming mix of awe and nerves as I took it all in.“Wow,” I muttered under my breath, walking past a massive fountain in the center of the quad. The water sparkled in the sunlight, and I couldn’t help but stop for a moment to admire it.I pulled out my phone and hit the video call button for Elara. She answered almost immediately, her face filling the screen.“Evie!” she squealed, practically bouncing in excitement. “Did you miss me?”“Yesss. I did. Like…oh my God. Guess where I am?”“You’re at Ravencrest, aren’t you? Turn the camera around! I want to see!”I laughed, flipping the camera so she could get a full view of the c
Holy shit.Holy shit!!!!What sort of cliché moment is this?“Ryder…” I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper.He was standing there, casually leaning against the wall with that damn smirk plastered on his face. Ryder Caldwell, in all his glory. Dark hair that looked like he’d just run his fingers through it, sharp jawline, and those impossibly deep eyes that seemed to see right through me. He was wearing a fitted black T-shirt that clung to his toned chest and arms, paired with athletic shorts that showed off his ridiculously strong legs.And those hands. God, those hands. They were shoved into his pockets, but I knew firsthand what they could do.He wasn’t alone, either. A group of guys stood behind him, all dressed similarly, probably his teammates. They were laughing and talking, but I couldn’t hear a word of it. All I could focus on was Ryder.“Evie,” he said, his voice smooth and low, the kind of voice that sent a shiver down my spine.I swallowed hard, trying to keep my co
My heart stopped for a second.“Oh my God,” Elara whisper-screamed, gripping my wrist. “This is like straight-up forbidden romance fanfic level of drama! I knew there was something there!”“No,” I said quickly, locking my phone. “There is nothing there.”Elara scoffed. “You’re so full of shit.”“I’m blocking him,” I said, my thumb hovering over his contact.“Don’t you dare!” she gasped, grabbing my phone like it was a national treasure.“Give it back, Elara!” I lunged for it, but she dodged expertly, holding the phone above her head.“Evie, let’s be logical,” she said, twirling away from me. “This is Ryder Freaking Caldwell. The hottest, most unattainable guy at Ravencrest, and he is texting you. Asking for tit pics, no less. Like, are you hearing yourself? You’re about to ruin something beautiful.”I groaned, trying again to snatch my phone back. “I don’t want something beautiful! I want peace!”She gasped dramatically, clutching her chest. “Peace is overrated. Horny stepbrothers are
The bridal shop was exactly what I expected, overly luxurious, filled with silk and lace and the strong scent of overpriced perfume that made my nose tickle. Women walked around sipping champagne while stylists fluttered over them, draping them in fabrics that probably cost more than my rent.Mum was in her element.“Oh, finally,” she said as I walked in. “Come, come, sit! I’m about to try on the next dress.”I slumped into one of the plush chairs, exhaling as I pulled out my phone.If she was serious about this whole bridal shower thing, she needed to do it right.I pulled up a quick search:When should a bridal shower be held?Typically, bridal showers are held one to three months before the wedding.I frowned. “Mum, when exactly is the wedding?”She peeked out from behind the dressing room curtain. “Oh, darling, you know that! Next month.”No I don't know that. Tsk. I stared at her with a blank expression. “Then why are you planning a bridal shower now?”She waved a hand. “Because
I thought of what me and Mum talked about in the car.I couldn’t help but wonder if that’s why he acted like a sex addict sometimes.Ryder didn’t just flirt, he seduced. He pulled people in, made them want him. But he never let anyone have him, not really. It was all surface-level charm, a game he played flawlessly.And one I am failing woefully at it seems. I sighed, pulling my shirt over my head as I stepped into the shower. The hot water hit my skin instantly, rolling down my shoulders, loosening the tension that had been sitting in my body since the bridal shop.I tilted my head back, letting the heat soak into my muscles, but my mind wouldn’t shut up.Ryder.Ryder with his cocky smirk. His rough voice. The way he had leaned in at the boutique, whispering filthy things in my ear like he owned me.His messages. Left boob from the right? I chuckled as I touched my boobs. But my fingers grazing my nipples made me shiver. My breath hitched.I reached for the showerhead.The detacha
Elara squealed. “Shut up!Really? It has gotten to that point?”She had a fit, laughing and all.I groaned, rubbing my forehead. “Elara, this is serious.”“This is hilarious,” she corrected, still wheezing. “I knew you wanted him, but having a wet dream? Oh, babe, you’re down bad.”I scowled. “I do not want him.”“Elara, you literally just called me at ass o’clock in the morning because you woke up soaked thinking about his dick.”I winced. “Can you not say it like that?”She giggled. “Okay, fine. Let me put it in scientific terms. You had a sexually charged dream featuring your stepbrother-to-be, and your cognitive dissonance is causing emotional distress.”“Elara.”“You want him, Evie,” she pressed, voice dripping with amusement. “So bad.”I flopped back against my pillows, letting out a strangled groan. “No, I don’t.”“Liar.”“I hate him.”She snorted. “Hate-fucking is a thing.”I slapped my forehead. “You’re a bad friend.”She gasped. “I am the best friend. You’re just in denial. D
My eyes never left Riley for one minute.Even if it meant not enjoying my day.I wouldn’t let her ruin anything.The bridal shower was in full swing, laughter and chatter filling the air as games were played. Guess the wedding dress design, Bridal Bingo, Who Knows the Bride Best?—all of it blending into a mix of champagne-fueled fun.Mum was glowing, basking in the attention, while Marissa ran the show like the socialite powerhouse she was.“Come on, ladies! Last round,” Marissa announced, her voice full of amusement. “Let’s see who knows Lorelei best.”Mum laughed, shaking her head as guests shouted out answers to random questions about her favorite foods, colors, and the wedding plans. It was silly, extravagant, and absolutely her.I tried to enjoy it.I tried to focus on the games, on the laughter, on the absurdity of watching a bunch of rich women play wedding charades.But my gaze kept flicking back to Riley.She sat at her table, perfectly poised, sipping her champagne with an a
I stood there, my lips trembling as my body shook without control.Imagine a friendship that you kept since you were a child. One that saw every broken toy, every scraped knee, every birthday candle and heartbreak. A friendship that felt like home...until it didn’t.The door slammed and the sound felt like my heart. It's as if I could see every moments we had slowly dying. How...could she do this to me?I don’t know how long I stood there, but eventually, my knees gave in and I collapsed onto the couch. The silence of the penthouse pressed down on me. It was too loud.The tears came slow at first. Hot and quiet. But then I broke.I grabbed a cushion and screamed into it. "Ahhhhhh!!" The pain was too much. Just within a couple of hours, my friendship was gone. I sobbed into the couch cushions, curling up, trying to fold myself into something smaller, something invisible. My chest heaved, and my nails dug into the soft leather. My mouth opened but nothing came out—just pain.The wa
The ride home with Nate had been quiet.Too quiet.I pondered on a lot of things he said. Weird. And maybe that’s why I felt so off when I finally stepped into the penthouse—Because the moment I did—Laughter.My mother’s laughter.And then—A voice I hadn’t expected.Elara.I stopped.Blinking.Because there she was, sitting with my mother on the plush white couch, a glass of something sparkling in her hand, laughing like they were old friends.I frowned.Because something was off.And then—I noticed.The clothes.Not the usual ripped jeans, oversized hoodies, combat boots Elara.No.This?This was different.A fitted crop top, a high-waisted designer skirt, and heels.Fucking heels.Her hair was sleek, straightened, her makeup subtle but there—expensive.My stomach twisted.Because this—This wasn’t the Elara I left at home.This wasn’t my Elara.And yet—She sat there, looking comfortable, looking like she belonged, my mother beaming with pride."Oh, Evie!" My mother turned, ey
I stepped out of Ryder’s building, the evening air cool against my heated skin.My mind was a mess.My body was still buzzing, my lips swollen, my skin still tingling where he touched me.I felt like I was suffocating but from pleasure and from guilt. I was spiraling, my mind going out of control. Overthinking. What would happen when my mum find out? What of if anyone finds out? The judgement. The talk. Can I stop it? Can I even stop fucking and feeling for him?I felt the way my heart skipped a beat when he looks at me. He was so sweet. And nice and he cares for me.I felt like something inside me was unraveling, and I didn’t know how to stop it.I didn’t even make it to the curb before—“Evie?”I turned.Nate.Standing beside his car, arms crossed, brow furrowed, his dark eyes scanning me like he could see straight through me.Maybe he could. Can he tell I just fucked my Stepbrother?“Hey,” I said, forcing my voice to be even.His gaze narrowed slightly. “You okay?”I swallowed.L
The room was quiet, filled only with the sound of our breathing.My body was completely spent, my limbs heavy, useless, relaxed.Ryder’s arms were still wrapped around me, his fingers drawing lazy circles on my skin, like he couldn’t stop touching me.I felt warm, safe, cherished.And that?I wished I didn't. I wish it was just fucking and no feelings, but his attitude towards me makes me wonder if he cares for me. Wants me to be his girlfriend, which is impossible, rather than his sex buddy. Does his heart skip a beat just like mine?Why do I keep on putting myself in such position?I gulped.I let my head rest against his chest, feeling the slow, steady rise and fall of his chest. His lips brushed against my temple, soft, gentle, tender in a way that made my chest tighten.“How do you feel?” he murmured, his voice low, rough, still thick with heat.I let out a breathless laugh. “Like I just had the life sucked out of me.”He chuckled, his chest vibrating beneath me. “You did.”I g
He hovered over me, eyes burning through my top like it was nothing but tissue in his way. His hands found the button of my jeans no fumbling, just a flick and a slow pull. The zipper came down with a purring zzzzzt, and he dragged the denim down my hips, over my thighs, until they bunched at my ankles.He paused.Panties clung to me soaked, nearly translucent, the damp patch clinging between my folds.He exhaled through his nose, nostrils flaring as he stared, thumbs brushing just above the band. Then he slipped them down, slow, watching the wet fabric peel away with almost attention.A growl vibrated low in his chest.But he didn't go for me yet.He sat up slightly, fingers tugging the hem of my top. It glided upward, soft fabric kissing my skin as it rose. My bra was simple black, lacy, and barely containing the swell of my breasts beneath.He didn’t even undo the clasp. Just pulled the cups down until they spilled free, flushed and firm.His mouth was on me a second later and I
“Ryder, come on, man. Some of us actually want to see the game. It’s almost 4 p.m.,” Nate called from the other side of the door.Ryder exhaled slowly, his patience hanging by a thread. His forehead dropped to mine, his breath hot against my skin, the frustration rolling off him in waves.He sighed. “He’s annoying me.”I bit back a smirk. "Just answer him." I whispered. With a final groan, he pulled away, just slightly, his fingers still brushing against my waist. “Wait here.”I nodded, watching as he walked out of the bathroom, I followed but didn't reveal myself. He ran a hand through his already-messy hair before unlocking it.The second the door cracked open, Nate’s annoyed expression slipped into curiosity, his gaze flickering over Ryder’s shoulder. “You alone?”Ryder leaned against the doorframe, blocking the view inside. “Yeah. I told you I’d watch later.”Nate arched a brow. “That’s funny, because I could’ve sworn I heard—”“Just go, man.” Ryder sighed, exasperated. “I want t
The bathroom was as luxurious as the rest of the penthouse.Marble floors, a massive walk-in shower, sleek counters, dim lighting that made everything feel expensive.Ryder was already at the sink, grabbing a towel. “Sit,” he said, motioning toward the black vanity stool beside the counter.I ignored him, leaning against the doorframe instead. “I’ll stand.”He shot me a look but didn’t argue.Then, without hesitation, he grabbed the hem of his shirt and pulled it over his head.Fuck.I forced myself to keep my eyes on his face. Not on the well-defined abs. Not on the firm chest. Not on the deep V-line disappearing beneath the waistband of his sweats.Ryder smirked as he caught me looking. “Eyes up here, darling.”I scowled. “I wasn’t looking. Don't flatter yourself."I gulped as he took off his sweat. Fuck. Keep your eyes up Evie. Eyes up. Nor the first time you are seeing a hot guy stop acting like some blushing teenager. He hummed in amusement before turning and stepping into the s
I noticed the conflict in Ryder’s expression.It was subtle, barely there, but I caught it—the way his jaw tightened, the way his fingers flexed against the counter like he was holding something back.His lips parted, then closed again.And then, finally, he exhaled. “Evie… there’s nothing you can do.”My stomach clenched. “What?”“There’s nothing I can do, either. Not the way you want or expect me to.”I shook my head. “You want to help, but you won’t?” My voice rose. “They—she—deserves to rot, Ryder.”His fingers pressed against the marble. “You think I don’t know that?”“Then why—"“Because, Evie, how do you expect me to bring Sienna down when her mother is a judge?” His tone was sharp now, frustration bleeding through. “Think about it. Even if you take this to court, her mother will make sure it doesn’t even see a trial.”I swallowed. “There has to be a way—”“If you want to do this,” he said, voice calmer now, but firm, dangerous, “you have to break her support first. And even th
My eyes raked over Nate’s body, his abs, his full chest, the way his Adam Apple bobbed and his pouty lips , but only for a second. I schooled my face to remain neutral, whatever blush that wanted to rise up died instantly when I thought of what they did to someone innocent. I wasn’t here for this.Did I expect to see him shirtless? No. But I knew why I was here and it was expected for third year students to show their so called and and muscles when home alone and doing workouts. So, I straightened my shoulders and lifted my chin. "Can I come in?"Cold. Detached. I didn’t have time to pretend like I wasn’t pissed.Nate arched a brow, stepping aside. "By all means."I walked past him, eyes barely flickering toward Ryder, who was watching me closely, unreadable.The second I stepped inside—I took it all in.The penthouse was insane.It wasn’t just luxury—it was the kind of place you saw in magazines. Designed to intimidate.The walls were a deep charcoal gray, sleek and modern, with