I gulped, stepping back until my back hit the railings.“A coincidence…yeah. I agree.”He chuckled. That deep, rumbling chuckle that rose from his throat and sent a shiver straight down my spine.“Are you nervous?” he asked, cocking his head slightly to the right as he adjusted the sleeves of his suit jacket.I couldn’t help but stare at his arms, at the way the fabric stretched over his muscles, at the veins that bulged with every small movement. I swallowed hard, and his lips curled into that infuriating smirk. He noticed. Of course, he noticed.Before I could think of a response, he took a step forward. Then another.Long strides closed the distance between us in seconds.He placed one hand on the railings behind me, then the other, boxing me in. His face was just inches from mine now, his dark eyes locked on me with an intensity that made my knees weak.“What’s wrong, Evie?” he murmured, his voice low and teasing. “You’re not usually this quiet.”I inhaled sharply, trying to pul
I wasn’t watching where I was going, and the next thing I knew, I bumped into someone.Blonde hair whipped at my face, and I staggered back, muttering an apology.“Watch it,” came a sharp voice.I froze. Riley. Of course.My luck. After kissing her twin brother, I have to bump into her. She stood there, slowly crossing her arms against her chest, her icy blue eyes narrowing as she looked me up and down. Her perfectly styled platinum blonde hair didn’t have a strand out of place, and her lips curled into a mocking smirk that made my stomach twist.“Running off in such a rush, huh?” she sneered, tilting her head. “What’s the matter? Couldn’t handle the attention you were getting out there?”“Riley,” I started, my voice low, “I’m not in the mood for this. We just met…and I don't want drama.”“Oh, but I am, and drama is my second name,” she said, stepping closer. Her tone was sweet, but her words were bitter. “You and your mother really know how to make an entrance, don’t you? Climbing
My home was nonexistent, according to Mum.“It was falling apart, Evelyn,” she said, waving her hand dismissively as she adjusted her pearl necklace. “Alexander bought the whole block. He’s renovating it completely.”I stared at her, my jaw tightening. “What about the people living there?”“They’ve been relocated,” she said breezily, as if it was no big deal. “Given better homes.”Better homes. Right. Because displacing families and shoving them into some pre-selected housing was the epitome of generosity.“And now,” she continued, a smile spreading across her face, “we’ll be staying in a penthouse. Our own private elevator, stunning views, the works.”Her excitement was almost childlike as she rambled on about the penthouse, but all I could think about was the hollow feeling in my chest. That “home” she’d dismissed so casually was the only place I’d ever known. The walls, no matter how cracked or faded, had been ours. And now it was gone, just like that.Within twenty four hours.
“Evie!!!”I groaned, using the pillow to cover my ears.Fucking hell.I’d forgotten how living with my mum actually was. No peace, no quiet, and absolutely no sleeping in.“Evelyn!” she called again, her voice sharp and demanding. “If you don’t get up right now, I swear I’ll—”“Fine!” I shouted back, my voice muffled by the pillow. “I’m up!”Dragging myself out of bed, I shuffled toward the living room, still half-asleep. The sound of maids bustling around greeted me before I even got there, the clinking of glasses and soft chatter filling the air.When I entered the dining room, my mother was sitting at the dining table, an elegant silk robe draped over her like she was royalty. Her hair was perfectly done, and she sipped from a porcelain coffee cup like she was posing for a magazine.“Good morning, Evelyn,” she said, barely glancing at me.“Morning,” I muttered, running a hand through my messy hair.She tsked, setting down her cup and giving me a once-over. “Honestly, Evie, you real
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
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