RACHEL

He slammed into me again, harder, and faster, this time, until my mind went completely blank except for him.

"I love how f*cking tight you are, freckles," he groaned, gripping my hips like if I even moved an inch, he'd lose himself.

It was insane. One moment I was furious at Raymond for making out with another girl, and now I was here, being absolutely wrecked on the bed of a stranger who touched me like he already owned every part of me.

Before I could breathe, he flipped me onto my stomach. One finger slid into me, deep and slow, at first, pulling a broken moan out of me before I could even think of Jack Robinson.

"F*ck," I gasped.

He kept going, like my voice only pushed him further. His finger curled, twisting deeper until my hips were moving on their own, matching the pace he set.

"Do you want me inside you again?" he asked, his voice low and dark.

"Yes... please."

That was all he needed. He slammed into me from behind, one hand gripping my ass like he needed it to stay upright.

"Oh God," I choked out.

But he didn't stop. He kept thrusting deeper, relentlessly until my walls tightened around him and I was close, so close I could barely breathe.

His cock tip hit the deepest part of me, filling me harder, stronger, until I felt him thicken inside.

Then warmth flooded him.

Before I could fall apart completely, he pulled out and spilled hot cum across my thighs, collapsing over me, breathless and heavy, like he'd just spent the last of himself inside my body.

Just like that everything faded.

***

RACHEL

My eyes flew open as sunlight spilled across my face. My head was heavy, foggy, and I knew at once this wasn't my room.

I pushed myself up, and my hand hit something hard as a stone.

No. No. Rachel, no.

My heart thundered, my brain ringing like an alarm bell. I slowly turned, and there he was. A ridiculously hot guy lying right beside me.

I almost jumped out of the bed.

Fck. Fck. It wasn't a dream. The touching, the kissing, every second of it had been real.

I swear this is the last time I will ever get drunk. You're completely insane, Racheal.

I snatched my purse and phone from the nightstand, carefully slipping my feet to the floor, trying not to wake him. I yanked on my top, pulled my skirt on till it sat on my waist. I didn't even bother with the heels.

He shifted on the bed just as I reached the door. And just like that, my heart tumbled.

"If you're gonna walk out that door, you'll need the key," he said calmly.

I froze. Then turned. My heart dropped to my feet as I locked eyes with him.

"I doubt you have the key," he added, his voice flat.

I rolled my eyes. "Where's the damn key? I need to leave."

He didn't answer. He just tucked one arm behind his head, showing off those thick, flexing muscles.

"I see we're back to being feisty, huh?"

I let out a hard breath. "Listen, I don't know what happened, but whatever it is-"

"Are you sure you don't remember shouting 'f*ck me harder' last night?" he teased, sliding out of bed completely, and that was when I realized he was still damn naked. Like fully, shamelessly naked.

I slapped my hands over my face, my heels dropping to the floor.

His footsteps approached. He picked up the heels, then gently pulled my hands down my face and placed the shoes on them.

"You already saw everything yesterday," he said. "You don't have to be dramatic."

I stepped away, smirking like I had confidence, even though my head was a mess.

"You're such a freak," I snapped. "Who the hell takes advantage of a drunk woman? I was mad, broken, and drunk, it wasn't an invitation for anything, so that didn't give you the right to touch me. Got it?"

He didn't respond. He just stared slowly, dragging his eyes down to the curve of my chest, then back to my face again.

"Alright, Rachel," he said softly. "I get it. It's embarrassing to admit you enjoyed yourself. But don't worry, you're welcome. I had fun too. So, that's even."

What? Was this guy serious?

I swallowed my anger, waited until he unlocked the door, then stepped past him.

"Thank your stars," I said sharply. "I don't have time for the likes of you today."

He let me go, but I could feel his eyes burning into my back the whole way out.

***

RACHEAL

By the time the cab stopped outside my estate gate, my head was pounding. I paid the driver, stepped out, and watched him drive off.

My phone was a mess of missed calls from my mum, Tiara, and even that stupid Raymond.

I unlocked the gate and trudged inside. The second I got in, I dropped onto the couch, inhaling deep just to steady myself. My brain felt like it was beating against my skull.

That was when my phone rang again.

Tiara.

"Hey, babe!" she chirped, way too bright for someone who should've been freaking out about me disappearing all night.

"What's up?" I asked weakly, sinking deeper into the couch.

"You know you're crazy, right? Why the hell did you vanish like that without telling me-"

"Calm down, T." I rubbed my temple. "I'm not dead. See? I survived. And don't even start. You were so wasted you wouldn't have remembered if I told you anything."

She paused. "Says who? I wasn't that wasted. I still heard the whole story about you and Ray breaking up, and you kissed Thane. Seriously, Racheal? You dumped your boyfriend and replaced him in one night. You're insane. And hot. But still insane, girl."

I sighed. "Please shut up. I didn't pick up a new one. It just... happened."

Before she could reply, I heard my mum's voice behind me.

"You're back, honey?"

I turned my head to look at her, then spoke into the phone again.

"I'll call you later, T." I muttered before ending the call.

"You missed my calls yesterday. Did you even see them?" Mum asked the second my phone dropped from my ear. Her voice was calm, but she was definitely mad at me.

"I'm sorry. I should've called," I said quietly, even though I knew that wasn't going to satisfy her.

"You know that's not an excuse, right? What if something happened to you-"

"Well, nothing happened," I cut in, already tired. "I just went to Tiara's birthday party. It's not a big deal. And besides, you're barely around these days, so I'm used to not reporting every move, alright?"

My voice rose before I even realized it. I forced myself to breathe. Things had been weird ever since she started dealing with that mess at work.

Yeah, it wasn't her fault. But it wasn't mine either. And I was tired of always being the one adjusting.

I stood up, and that was when I finally noticed the suitcases beside her.

Hers. And mine.

My heart dropped. "What on earth is happening? Why is everything packed?"

She sighed, rubbing her temple. "That's what I wanted to explain yesterday, but you didn't come home... So here we are."

"Explain what?" I snapped.

"We're moving out, Racheal." She breathed the words like they were heavy.

I almost laughed. "Stop joking, mum. Nothing you're saying sounds funny."

"Look, honey... I need to be honest." Her shoulders fell. "I'm broke. The rent is due. And the company is drowning. I didn't want to tell you because I didn't want you to worry, but... I can't hide it anymore."

"We can sort it out, right? You've always managed. This isn't even the first time something like this has happened, so let's not jump to conclusions yet."

"It's different this time," she said softly, her voice trembling. "I already sold the company... and I think you'll be getting a stepdad too."

My heart flipped once, twice, maybe ten times, before my brain caught up.

Step what?

"I should've told you sooner, but that's the only way to save the company. And besides... Simon's going to be a great stepdad. He loves you, he-"

"Just stop it, Mum!" My voice cracked. "I don't even know who the hell you're talking about, and you're already claiming this random guy 'loves' me? Seriously? If you want to move in with this Simon, go ahead. But I'm not going with you. I hope you understand that."

I turned and walked out before she could say another word, my head ringing like someone had set an alarm off inside it.

RACHEL

I slammed my door the second I got into my room and collapsed face-first onto the bed, swallowing back every stupid tear threatening to slip out.

She always made decisions without thinking of me first. But this? This one crossed the line, and I wasn't letting her win.

A soft knock came seconds later. I ignored it, but she still let herself in. I felt the bed dip as she sat beside me.

"Rachel," she whispered.

I didn't respond. I just wanted her to leave without pestering but that's a no with her.

"I know this is my fault. I thought it would be too hard for you to take. You can't blame me completely, sweetheart..."

I tore myself from the sheets and glared at her. "Yes, I can. You don't get to make decisions for me. I'm not ten anymore, I'll be eighteen next year, mum. Start treating me like an actual adult. When you left Dad, neither of you told me anything, and I still let it go. Didn't I?"

She dropped her head, tears already falling.

"I'm sorry. I should have included you. This affects you too. I just... did everything for us. I tried."

"You can't keep guilt-tripping me," I snapped. "I'm allowed to be mad. Stop acting like what you did makes sense."

Before she could speak, her phone pinged. She checked it, then looked at me again.

"Simon already sent his chauffeur to pick us up." She exhaled shakily. "Can we at least talk more on the way?"

It took every bit of self-control not to scream again. But arguing would do nothing. She always won... until I finished senior year.

Then I'd get my freedom. I hated to admit defeat but...

I didn't answer. I just climbed out of bed and walked to the door.

"Didn't you say the driver's here?"

She blinked, then lit up like she'd been waiting for that moment all day. She hugged me tight.

"Can you not be dramatic?" I muttered, peeling her off.

She only laughed and pulled me downstairs where a man in a suit was already waiting. He collected our luggage, opened the door, and drove off.

I stared out the window the whole ride, reminding myself this was temporary. I just had to survive senior year. Then I was done.

Minutes later, the car rolled to a stop in front of a house big enough to hold half the city.

Was this Simon guy that rich?

Mum held my hand gently, almost like she was scared I'd break.

"Are you sure about this, sweetheart?" she asked softly.

I rolled my eyes. "Would you change your mind if I said no?"

She dropped her gaze to her lap, guilt written all over her face again. "Thank you, Racheal," she murmured eventually.

I didn't answer. I just opened the car door and stepped out.

A man stood at the entrance of the massive house, smiling too wide, like a kid promised a box of candy.

Mum rushed toward him first. The way she hugged him... and the kiss they shared... told me they'd known each other much longer than she claimed.

Only after their little reunion did he turn to me.

"You're just as beautiful as Sarah said. Glowing, even," he teased lightly, like we weren't complete strangers.

"I'm Simon. It's nice meeting you, Racheal."

I looked from Mum to him, unimpressed.

"Sorry, Simon, but I can't say the same. I hope that doesn't bother you."

I didn't wait for his reaction. I just walked past them and headed straight up the stairs.

I felt Mum's eyes burning into my back as the chauffeur held the door open for us.

Inside was... insane. Massive, polished, expensive. Every painting on the wall screamed rich man with ridiculous taste.

"Home sweet home," Simon announced, stretching his arms like he owned the entire planet. "Make yourself comfortable. My son should be here any minute."

Mum whispered something to him before tugging me up the stairs.

She stopped at a room painted in my favorite color, beautiful, soft, almost unreal.

"Do you like it?" she asked.

"It's beautiful," I forced out.

"I told the designer to match it to your taste," she added, proud of herself.

"That's... thoughtful," I said, even though she clearly wanted more.

She finally left, and I let out a deep breath before stripping out of my clothes and heading straight for the bathroom.

The place looked like something out of a princess movie, pink scents, gold fixtures, everything too perfect.

What was I now, thirteen again?

I promised myself five minutes in the bathroom. But, I ended up soaking way longer.

When I finally climbed out, I wrapped a towel around my chest and opened the door.... and my brain blanked.

He was there. Sitting on the edge of the bed. Calm. Arms folded. Watching me like he'd been waiting.

That same face. That same guy.

What the hell was he doing here?

He smirked. "Hello, sis."

I rolled my eyes so hard it hurt, heat rushing up my face.

"What the hell are you doing here?" I snapped.

He didn't answer immediately. He just stood slowly, and walked toward me.

I stepped back. He stepped forward. I kept moving until my back hit the wall, his shadow swallowing the space between us.

"Are you stalking me now? How did you even get in?" I hissed.

He smirked, low and amused. "You're the one standing in my house. Shouldn't that question go the other way around?"

My stomach dropped straight to the floor.

Then a soft knock sounded on the door.

The door opened before I could even breathe.

Mum's head popped inside, her eyes brightening the second they landed on him.

"Oh Thane! I didn't know you were back."

Then she turned to me, smiling like this was some sweet family reunion. "I see you've already met your brother."

Brother. Wait... Brother?

My whole body froze.

He wasn't just the guy I kissed. Or the guy who wrecked me all night.

He was my new fucking stepbrother.

THANE

When Pops said I'd be meeting Sarah's daughter over breakfast, I didn't think much of it, another polite smile, another forced family introduction.

What I didn't expect was for her to be the same girl I had my hands all over last night.

Yeah. Her.

The short firecracker with the sharp mouth and the tighter-than-sin attitude.

She's not my usual type. Girls below my chest height normally don't get my attention, but damn, she made it hard not to look twice. Or want a third round.

Funny how life works. I thought I was getting a stepsister.

Instead, I got her.

I was ready to tease her just to watch her react when Sarah's head popped into the doorway, cutting through the whole mood.

"When did you get back, Thane?" she asked, wrapping me in a side-hug.

I flashed her a lazy, sheepish smile. The one she never sees through.

"Well, I couldn't help but rush down when I heard I'd be meeting my hot-" I paused, pretending to censor myself. "My step sister. I like her already."

Racheal rolled her eyes so hard I thought they might hit the back of her skull. Then she let out this dramatic exhale that was supposed to warn me off.

If anything, it just made something in me shift with curiosity, interest...something I shouldn't be feeling.

Sarah seemed to feel the tension, because she stepped in, straightened Racheal's shoulders like she was resetting a doll, and gave her a gentle push.

"How about you get changed, Racheal, and meet us downstairs for breakfast," she said with her soft smile. Then she turned to me. "Thane can drop you off at school afterward."

"What? Mum, seriously? I can take a cab. I don't need some random person dropping me off-"

Random. Ouch. She just called me random.

Sarah frowned. "Thane isn't a random person. He's your-"

"I get it," Racheal snapped, cutting her off. She crossed her arms. "Fine. I'll go with him. Happy now?"

Sarah grinned like she'd just solved world peace and sent me a knowing look.

Honestly? I wasn't planning on having breakfast when I walked down here.

But now? I'm definitely staying for it even if it meant a front-row seat to her attitude and all.

The moment we got downstairs, I did the gentleman thing and let my stepsister take a seat first. Naturally, I planned to sit right beside her.

But that didn't happen.

She slid into the chair next to my father instead, like she knew exactly what she was doing. Pops' eyes followed me the entire time, sharp and warning, like he could already smell trouble on me.

Not that he knew what kind of trouble. But if there was one thing Simon Adams hated, it was disorder, especially at his precious family table.

"Is there anything in your room you don't like?" he asked calmly. "I can have it changed."

Racheal didn't look interested in answering, but she still forced a smile.

Before she could speak, Sarah jumped in. "I told you I decorated it to her taste, honey."

She set the last dish on the table, glancing at Rachel. "Right, sweetheart?"

"Yeah," Racheal replied flatly. "Like I had a choice." she muttered under her breath, but Sarah caught it.

"Racheal," She snapped.

I almost smirked. So the little firecracker had already clashed with her mother. Interesting.

"Mum, he asked me a question," Racheal shot back. "I just answered it. Sorry if that pissed you off."

Her chest rose as she spoke, fast and sharp with emotion. I made a point not to look too closely, but I barely survived.

Pops gave Sarah a subtle nod, then turned to Racheal again.

"Look, Racheal. I know all of this is still new to you. I'm not rushing you. Just take your time, hm? I'm good at waiting."

She let out a tight breath. "I'm sorry, Simon, but you might want to wait for-"

"Can you just stop being like this?" Sarah cut in sharply, her tone rising a little. "I didn't raise you to be rude."

The table fell into a quiet so thick it could choke.

And me?

I just leaned back in my seat, watching it all unfold, already knowing this house wasn't going to be peaceful for long.

Not with my little sis. in it.

Racheal pushed back from the table slowly. Like staying one more second would make her explode.

She barely even touched her food.

Without looking at anyone, she dabbed her mouth with a napkin and said, "Please, excuse me."

Then she turned and walked upstairs. Just like that, the whole place turned into a damn graveyard.

Pops finally turned to Sarah, who now had her face buried in her palms. 

"Hey," he said gently, placing a light hand on her shoulder. "It's fine. I told you to give her time. She'll adjust."

Then his eyes dragged to me quickly. "You need to adjust your schedule at the office, Thane."

I frowned. Adjust... for what?

"Why-"

"You'll be picking Rachel up from school from now on."

I froze. For one full second, I honestly thought he was joking.

"You know how packed my schedule is," I said evenly. "That won't work. Drew can always pick her up."

The real problem wasn't the school run. It was the way that order sliced straight through my plans.

"Drop everything by five," he replied coolly. "Make sure you're not late."

I let out a short laugh. Seriously?

I saw Sarah reach for him, trying to soften it, but when Pops made a decision, it was already carved in stone.

I shoved my chair back. It screeched loudly across the floor.

"Alright," I muttered. "I'm heading out."

"And don't forget," he added calmly, "you're dropping her off too."

I turned at the doorway. "You don't want me to go wake her up and get her dressed too, do you?"

Then I walked out and slammed the door behind me with the last thread of patience I had left.