Chapter 2

Sebastian’s POV

Despite the files and work piling up on my desk, I cannot seem to concentrate on anything else but my step-sister, Shelly. It’s wrong in so many ways, especially since I am supposed to be her protector and big brother figure. My mind races, swirling with the thoughts of her, the memories of our time together, and the undeniable attraction that grows stronger with each passing day.

Shelly entered my life when my dad married her mother, bringing her into our home when she was just 14 years old and I was shy of turning 17. From that moment, I knew there was something special about her—the way her laughter could fill a room, how her eyes sparkled with a mixture of innocence and curiosity. I still remember the first time I laid eyes on her, the way she seemed to light up the dimmest corners of my heart.

For three long years, I’ve controlled myself, pushing down the feelings that threaten to consume me. I’ve carved out a reputation as the most dangerous mafia boss, feared by many and respected by all. Yet, despite the power I wield and the respect I command, I cannot deny my feelings for Shelly any longer. What I feel for her is not merely brotherly love; it is something deeper, something that ignites a fire within me that I can no longer ignore.

As a mafia boss, I am known for my ruthlessness in protecting my family, yet I find myself trapped in a web of conflicting emotions. The very thought of my desires for Shelly sends shivers down my spine; it is both exhilarating and terrifying. I know that this is dangerous territory, one that goes against everything I stand for, but the urge to claim her as my own is overwhelming. She has become my obsession, my baby, and I can't seem to shake her from my mind.

Every time I try to focus on my work and my duties, my thoughts drift back to her—her laughter, her smile, the way she moves with a grace that captivates me. It feels wrong, like I’m betraying the very foundation of our relationship, yet I can’t help but see her in a different light. My role is to guard her, to beat up the boys who dare to break her heart, but underneath it all lies a yearning that I cannot control.

I want her to be mine, wholly and completely. As a mafia boss, I am supposed to be feared, to be the embodiment of danger, but my feelings for Shelly make me feel vulnerable in ways I never thought possible. The conflict within me rages on; I know it’s wrong, but I cannot help the way I feel. The internal battle leaves me restless, consuming my every thought.

I find myself at a crossroads, torn between my responsibility as her brother and the burning desire that threatens to engulf me. I need to devise a plan, a way to keep her safe while navigating these treacherous waters of emotion. How can I protect her without exposing our secret? How can I keep her by my side without putting her in harm's way?

“No, no, no, this is wrong,” I mutter to myself, trying to crush these feelings that have taken root in my heart. Maybe finding one of the working girls from my club will help. Yes, that will do. I need to distract myself, to find solace in someone else’s arms. Yet, as soon as the thought crosses my mind, I’m struck with guilt. No matter how hard I try to convince myself, I can’t escape the truth. I want Shelly, and no one else will do.

Sebastian’s POV

Last year, our lives were irrevocably changed when we lost our parents in a brutal attack. Our father, once a powerful mafia boss, was taken from us by a ruthless group of gang members, leaving a void that felt impossible to fill. It all happened one fateful night during their three-year anniversary. As they returned to their car, it exploded into a violent fireball, shattering our world and leaving us broken.

That night was the hardest time for both me and Shelly, but I knew it weighed even heavier on her. While I immersed myself in the chaos of becoming the next mafia boss as a means of distraction, Shelly was left to navigate her grief alone, her heart heavy with loss. I could see the pain in her eyes, the way she struggled to find her footing in a world that had turned upside down.

Now, my purpose is clear: I must protect her and keep her safe from harm. I know she may have felt abandoned when I wasn’t there during her darkest moments, but I’ve always been silently guarding her against the dangers of this cruel world. The weight of my responsibilities presses down on me, a constant reminder of what I stand to lose if I allow these feelings to spiral out of control.

As I sit at my desk, surrounded by the chaos of my life as a mafia boss, I can’t shake the image of Shelly from my mind. The way her hair cascades over her shoulders, the way her laughter lingers in the air long after she leaves the room—these thoughts consume me, a relentless tide that threatens to drown my rationality.

I remember the moments we shared, the quiet afternoons spent in the comfort of our home, and the way she would curl up beside me on the couch, her head resting on my shoulder as we watched movies late into the night. It was in those moments that I felt a sense of normalcy, a fleeting sense of what family should be—before everything changed. But now, those memories are tainted with a longing that feels forbidden.

The very thought of pursuing a relationship with her sends a shiver of fear down my spine. What if someone found out? What if our bond was discovered by the very enemies I’m sworn to protect us from? The mafia world is unforgiving, and I can’t risk putting her in danger. Yet, the more I try to suppress these feelings, the more intense they become.

I can’t help but notice the subtle changes in her. The way she has blossomed into a beautiful young woman over the years, her confidence growing with each passing day. It infuriates me to think of other men admiring her, wanting her. My protective instincts kick in—she’s mine to protect, mine to cherish. But that possessiveness blurs the line between brotherly affection and something much much deeper than anything else.