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
Gasps filled the room.A woman covered her mouth, eyes wide with shock. Someone else whispered, “Did she just say…?”I didn’t care.I meant what I said.Riley looked stunned for a split second before her lips curled into a sneer. “You’re lying.”I exhaled sharply, my body trembling. “No, I’m not.”“You’re just making excuses for your mother,” she snapped. “Playing the poor little victim so people will feel bad for you.”I let out a bitter laugh. “Victim?” I stepped closer, my voice calm, steady. “Do you know what it’s like to wonder where your next meal is coming from? To watch your mother strip in a club because it was the only way she could feed her child?”Riley’s eyes flickered, but I didn’t stop.“My mother did whatever she had to do to survive. It wasn’t perfect. It wasn’t right. But she did it—for me,” I said, my voice breaking slightly. “And your mother? She wasn’t innocent either.”Riley’s jaw clenched. “She—”“She is a terrible mother who made you obsessed with her by starvi
I stepped back. “Is this one of your tricks to make me fall for you?”An unreadable emotion flickered through Ryder’s eyes, something quick, almost too quick for me to catch. But then, just as fast, it was gone, hidden beneath that signature smirk of his as he leaned back against the fountain like he had all the time in the world.“I don’t need tricks, Evie,” he drawled. “You’ll fall for me eventually.”I let out a sharp laugh. “Wow. The ego.”He grinned. “Confidence, baby.”I rolled my eyes and turned away slightly, looking around. The garden was breathtaking, roses, ivy-covered arches, little lanterns hanging from trees, casting a soft golden glow. The venue itself felt like something out of a damn fairy tale.“You know,” I said, trailing my fingers along the marble edge of the fountain, “for all the drama that just happened inside, this place is actually beautiful.”Ryder hummed. “Alexander doesn’t do anything halfway. Even in his own estate, he has an amazing venue built just for
He hushed me with another kiss, slow this time, his fingers sliding under the thin fabric, finding exactly where I was soaked for him.I shuddered, my head falling back as his fingers brushed against my clit.“So fucking wet,” he murmured, his breath warm against my throat. “All this for me?”I couldn’t even answer.My knees felt weak as he slipped a finger inside, curling it just right.I whimpered.His lips curved against my skin. “Thought you hated me, Evie.”I gritted my teeth. “Shut up.”He chuckled, his finger moving in slow motion. My eyes rolled up as my thighs shook.Fuck. And then he added another.My nipples were hard, pressing against my bra. The pleasure was too good, goosebumps started to appear on my skin. 9 months without sex. Without him and only day dreaming about how his big cock would fill me. My breath hitched as he set a rhythm, moving in and out, his thumb rubbing my clit, more wetness filled his hand as the sound of his hand smacking into me filled the night
I didn't want to smell my cum when my mother hugged me. That would be so disgusting. The thought. Literally the most mortifying thing ever. Oh. My. God.Panic shot through me as I stayed very still, praying she wouldn’t notice, praying nobody would notice.I tried to breathe.Think of literally anything else.“You were amazing today, Evelyn,” Mum said softly, pulling back to cup my face. “I saw what you did. How you stood up for me.”I swallowed hard, nodding. “Of course, Mum.”Her smile wobbled slightly. “You don’t know what that meant to me.”I didn’t know what to say to that.Because despite everything, despite the years of struggling with her choices, despite the frustration, I loved my mother.And I hated seeing her hurt.So I forced a small smile. “You don’t have to worry, okay? You deserve this.”She exhaled shakily, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “You’re the best thing that ever happened to me, Evie.”I felt guilt claw at my chest.Because just minutes ago, I had been on
I laughed, “Are you asking me for gossip?”Vivianne raised a brow, amused. She had this calm, effortless energy about her—dark braids pulled into a loose bun, silver hoops in her ears, and a fitted long-sleeve shirt that screamed “I know I look good and I don’t care if you know it too.” Her notebook was already open, pen in hand, like she actually cared about the class we were about to sit through.“I mean,” she said, sliding into the seat beside me, “you disappeared since we last saw, show up looking like a walking heartache, and now you’re giving me that tight-lipped ‘I’m totally fine’ smile? Come on, spill something.”I looked down at my lap, the corner of my mouth tugging up. “I don’t really know much. Just that my best friend dumped me.”Vivianne paused, eyes flicking to mine. “Damn. That’s rough.”“Yeah.” I shrugged like it didn’t sting, even though it still sat heavy in my chest. “She’s been hanging out with people who… yeah, let’s just say they’re not on my list.”Vivianne lea
The driver barely spoke during the ride to Ravencrest. I didn’t mind. My phone was in my lap, my fingers scrolling through old messages I didn’t delete. Mostly from Elara.“Wanna borrow my fishnets?”“My one night stand is such a piece of crap, lol.”“I’ll never leave you. You know that, right?”Lie.I clicked the screen off.The car pulled into campus and stopped near the main building. I stepped out slowly. It didn’t feel like a regular first day. It felt like walking into enemy territory.Riley was probably already here. Sienna too. I adjusted my bag on my shoulder and started walking. I kept walking.My eyes scanned every group. Every familiar face. I could feel the stares. The whispers.There were usual Cliques, none that I care to join. I crossed my arms around my chest and walked forward. I reached the front steps of the school building.Paused.Took a breath.And then I saw him.Ryder.Leaning against the railing, sleeves pushed up, hair messier than usual. He was looking
We stayed like that for a while, until she pulled back just enough to look at me.“Ice cream?” she said, her lips twitching into a small smile.I laughed through the sniffles. “Always.”She smiled back. “Good. Because we have the fancy kind. Belgian chocolate. I was saving it, but today feels like a ‘no rules’ day.”I let out a soft chuckle. “Thanks, Mum.”She brushed some hair from my face and kissed my forehead.“You’re starting school next week,” she said. “You’ll need your strength. Your smile. And probably new boots.”I smiled weakly.She stepped back and clapped her hands once. “Also! We still need to go dress shopping. My wedding dress isn't going to magically appear on its own, you know.”I blinked at her. “Haven't you already chosen one?”“No. I haven't seen ‘The one’. You get? I need something that represent my relationship with Alexander.” She grinned. “Come on. I need moral support and someone to make sure I don’t choose anything that looks like a cupcake.”I laughed again
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