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.

RACHEL 

I thought I could handle this. I really did.

But the truth? It was worse than I imagined. First, I had to imagine my everyday life in this big house that's as quiet as a graveyard. It was just so suffocating, like it was slowly swallowing me whole. 

And having to deal with him on top of it all? Thane? It was all too much.

I let out a sharp breath and adjusted my tie for the third time. I had already told Mum I wasn't changing schools. What was the point? I was graduating soon anyway. I just needed to survive a few more months.

I slung my bag over my shoulder and headed downstairs, already feeling my mum's presence waiting at the bottom of.the stairs before I even saw her.

The moment I hit the last step, her glare found me.

Great.

"Listen," she started, "I don't know what's gotten into you, but you need to stop all these acts. I thought we were fine. Didn't you say..."

"Please, Mum," I cut in sharply. "I don't want to be late for the bus. Whatever this lecture is, it can wait till I get back."

She scoffed, her hands sliding to her waist like she was holding back a scream.

She'd been like this ever since the whole mess with her company-snapping at every tiny mistake like the world owed her an explanation. I barely even cared anymore.

I turned for the door.

"Thane is going to drop you off and pick you up from school from now on."

I froze instantly. What?

Then I spun back around. "I don't need him to do that. I've been managing just fine."

"I only allowed it before because I was always busy," she said firmly. "That's not the case anymore."

You've got to be kidding me. The words burned at the back of my throat, but I swallowed them.

I grabbed the handle and slammed the door behind me. 

Outside, my so-called stepbrother was already waiting.

His sunglasses on. Two buttons of his shirt undone like he was heading to a fashion show instead of work.

I ignored the whole stupid display and walked straight toward the passenger door.

He stuck out his hand just before I grabbed the handle.

"Give me your phone."

I didn't answer him. I went for the handle.

He caught my wrist easily and yanked my phone from the side pocket of my bag.

"What the hell is your problem?" I snapped.

He powered it on like I was invisible, tapping through things I had no idea about.

"Thane!" I shouted.

He finally looked at me. "Wow. First time you've called my name. I thought you liked 'jerk' better."

That smug little smirk hit his lips.

What a jerk.

He shoved my phone back into my palm while I gave him a deadly glare.

"Pops says you get off by five," he said casually. "That won't work for me. So do me a favor, call me by four and I'll pick you up."

Then he winked and walked around the hood to the driver's seat.

I just stood there, stunned.

Did he seriously just say that?

I held a fist before opening the door. The moment I clicked the seat belt, he didn't wait before zooming off.

I hesitated before opening the door. The moment my seat belt clicked into place, he sped off as if he'd been waiting for it.

We hadn't gone far when his phone rang. He slipped an earbud into one ear and answered, his eyes steady on the road. At least he had that much sense.

"Hey, bro." His tone was relaxed, almost sounding bored.

"Slow down," he added after a second. "I can't hear you properly. I'll pull over."

That was when I turned to look at him. Pull over? You've got to be kidding me.

He pulled over the car to the side of the road, unbuckled his seat belt, and stepped out without saying a word. I stayed seated, watching the seconds pass, my irritation already building. When he finally returned, he didn't bother with an apology.

Instead, he glanced at me and said the one thing that snapped something inside me. 

"Erm, firecracker," his tone casual. "I've got an emergency."

I didn't respond.

"You've got two options," he continued evenly. "You either come with me, or you take a cab."

I stared at him, stunned. Like absolutely stunned he said that in the most natural way.

"You're joking." I said calmly even though I was about to explode.

His expression didn't change. "Look, I don't have time for this. A friend of mine's in trouble and needs me. I don't need a high schooler adding to my list of problems. So... are you in or out?"."

I scoffed. Great. Just perfect.

"So your solution is to abandon me halfway to school?" I asked, my voice still calm. I was trying as hell to keep it together.

He exhaled through his nose, impatiently. "You're seventeen, Rachel, not helpless. I'm giving you another chance to pick one."

I let out a short, humorless laugh.

"This guy's got to be kidding me." I glare at him. "Your father was very clear. You're supposed to drop me at the school gate, not wherever it's convenient for you."

He didn't argue. He simply buckled his seat belt back on and slammed his foot on the gas like I didn't even exist.

The car shot forward, faster than before.

"Thane!" I yelled.

But nothing.

"If I'm late because of this, I swear, I'm telling your father exactly what happened. Stop the damn car now!"

His eyes stayed on the road. "If that's your plan," he said coolly, "he won't believe you. He knows I'm not reckless."

I turned toward him. "Only a crazy person would think this isn't reckless. Please, just stop the car."

For a moment, I thought he wouldn't. Then he finally pulled over and stopped.

I took a breath, steadying myself.

But he was already opening the door, then stepped out without looking back, walking away like I was a joke.

And the worse part? He didn't tell me where he was heading.

I just sat down, gripping my bag, realizing I won't last a week with Thane in it if this was ever to continue.

I checked my wristwatch again, and again. By the time I couldn't take it anymore, I swung the car door open.

I didn't get far before Thane appeared, his "dear friend" right behind him whom I didn't bother looking at.

I didn't hesitate. I stormed straight toward him.

"I'm really mad at you, Thane," I snapped. "And in case you don't know, I'm definitely reporting this..."

"Calm down, sis," he cut in casually. "If you wanted to tell on me, you would've done it already."

He tilted his head toward the car. "Now how about I drop you at school."

He checked his watch, then looked back at me. "We still got time, don't we?"

I scoffed, the kind that said you've got to be kidding me.

"Rachel?" someone suddenly called behind me.

I turned, still heated, and froze.

Noah? Tiara's boyfriend. What the hell was he doing here?

"Noah?" I frowned. "What are you doing here?"

"My God Rachel..." His voice cracked like he'd been yelling before. "Don't tell me you came here with Tiara?"

"You two know each other?" Thane cut in, clearly confused.

"Yes," I shot back. "He's my friend's boyfriend."

Then to Noah, my tone sharper, "I asked why you're here?"

"It's nothing you should worry about," he said quickly, already throwing an arm over Thane's shoulders.

"Why does that sound like it's exactly something I should worry about?"

He avoided my eyes. Before I could say more, two men came up behind us.

Both covered in tattoos. The kind of guys who looked like they'd just stepped out of a juvenile, except we were standing right in front of a police station.

One of them smirked at Noah.

"You got real lucky today, Chile." His face hardened. "That lawyer homie of yours ain't gon' save your ass next time. And don't get it twisted, this ain't me lettin' you off."

"How about you bounce, man," Thane said firmly. His tone was different now. Like a different person. "You're probably forgetting the Feds are still watching real close." He tilted his head when the guy hesitated.

I didn't need anyone to tell me Noah had gotten himself in big trouble again, something he'd sworn to Tiara he was done with.

The man's eyes flicked to me like he was just noticing I existed, then dragged to Thane again.

"A'ight, pimp." He faced me: "See you 'round, damsel."

And just like that, he walked off.

The second he disappeared around the corner, Thane's head snapped toward me.

"Looks like you're not going to school today, sis."

My brain short-circuited.RACHEL 

I thought I could handle this. I really did.

But the truth? It was worse than I imagined. First, I had to imagine my everyday life in this big house that's as quiet as a graveyard. It was just so suffocating, like it was slowly swallowing me whole. 

And having to deal with him on top of it all? Thane? It was all too much.

I let out a sharp breath and adjusted my tie for the third time. I had already told Mum I wasn't changing schools. What was the point? I was graduating soon anyway. I just needed to survive a few more months.

I slung my bag over my shoulder and headed downstairs, already feeling my mum's presence waiting at the bottom of.the stairs before I even saw her.

The moment I hit the last step, her glare found me.

Great.

"Listen," she started, "I don't know what's gotten into you, but you need to stop all these acts. I thought we were fine. Didn't you say..."

"Please, Mum," I cut in sharply. "I don't want to be late for the bus. Whatever this lecture is, it can wait till I get back."

She scoffed, her hands sliding to her waist like she was holding back a scream.

She'd been like this ever since the whole mess with her company-snapping at every tiny mistake like the world owed her an explanation. I barely even cared anymore.

I turned for the door.

"Thane is going to drop you off and pick you up from school from now on."

I froze instantly. What?

Then I spun back around. "I don't need him to do that. I've been managing just fine."

"I only allowed it before because I was always busy," she said firmly. "That's not the case anymore."

You've got to be kidding me. The words burned at the back of my throat, but I swallowed them.

I grabbed the handle and slammed the door behind me. 

Outside, my so-called stepbrother was already waiting.

His sunglasses on. Two buttons of his shirt undone like he was heading to a fashion show instead of work.

I ignored the whole stupid display and walked straight toward the passenger door.

He stuck out his hand just before I grabbed the handle.

"Give me your phone."

I didn't answer him. I went for the handle.

He caught my wrist easily and yanked my phone from the side pocket of my bag.

"What the hell is your problem?" I snapped.

He powered it on like I was invisible, tapping through things I had no idea about.

"Thane!" I shouted.

He finally looked at me. "Wow. First time you've called my name. I thought you liked 'jerk' better."

That smug little smirk hit his lips.

What a jerk.

He shoved my phone back into my palm while I gave him a deadly glare.

"Pops says you get off by five," he said casually. "That won't work for me. So do me a favor, call me by four and I'll pick you up."

Then he winked and walked around the hood to the driver's seat.

I just stood there, stunned.

Did he seriously just say that?

I held a fist before opening the door. The moment I clicked the seat belt, he didn't wait before zooming off.

I hesitated before opening the door. The moment my seat belt clicked into place, he sped off as if he'd been waiting for it.

We hadn't gone far when his phone rang. He slipped an earbud into one ear and answered, his eyes steady on the road. At least he had that much sense.

"Hey, bro." His tone was relaxed, almost sounding bored.

"Slow down," he added after a second. "I can't hear you properly. I'll pull over."

That was when I turned to look at him. Pull over? You've got to be kidding me.

He pulled over the car to the side of the road, unbuckled his seat belt, and stepped out without saying a word. I stayed seated, watching the seconds pass, my irritation already building. When he finally returned, he didn't bother with an apology.

Instead, he glanced at me and said the one thing that snapped something inside me. 

"Erm, firecracker," his tone casual. "I've got an emergency."

I didn't respond.

"You've got two options," he continued evenly. "You either come with me, or you take a cab."

I stared at him, stunned. Like absolutely stunned he said that in the most natural way.

"You're joking." I said calmly even though I was about to explode.

His expression didn't change. "Look, I don't have time for this. A friend of mine's in trouble and needs me. I don't need a high schooler adding to my list of problems. So... are you in or out?"."

I scoffed. Great. Just perfect.

"So your solution is to abandon me halfway to school?" I asked, my voice still calm. I was trying as hell to keep it together.

He exhaled through his nose, impatiently. "You're seventeen, Rachel, not helpless. I'm giving you another chance to pick one."

I let out a short, humorless laugh.

"This guy's got to be kidding me." I glare at him. "Your father was very clear. You're supposed to drop me at the school gate, not wherever it's convenient for you."

He didn't argue. He simply buckled his seat belt back on and slammed his foot on the gas like I didn't even exist.

The car shot forward, faster than before.

"Thane!" I yelled.

But nothing.

"If I'm late because of this, I swear, I'm telling your father exactly what happened. Stop the damn car now!"

His eyes stayed on the road. "If that's your plan," he said coolly, "he won't believe you. He knows I'm not reckless."

I turned toward him. "Only a crazy person would think this isn't reckless. Please, just stop the car."

For a moment, I thought he wouldn't. Then he finally pulled over and stopped.

I took a breath, steadying myself.

But he was already opening the door, then stepped out without looking back, walking away like I was a joke.

And the worse part? He didn't tell me where he was heading.

I just sat down, gripping my bag, realizing I won't last a week with Thane in it if this was ever to continue.

I checked my wristwatch again, and again. By the time I couldn't take it anymore, I swung the car door open.

I didn't get far before Thane appeared, his "dear friend" right behind him whom I didn't bother looking at.

I didn't hesitate. I stormed straight toward him.

"I'm really mad at you, Thane," I snapped. "And in case you don't know, I'm definitely reporting this..."

"Calm down, sis," he cut in casually. "If you wanted to tell on me, you would've done it already."

He tilted his head toward the car. "Now how about I drop you at school."

He checked his watch, then looked back at me. "We still got time, don't we?"

I scoffed, the kind that said you've got to be kidding me.

"Rachel?" someone suddenly called behind me.

I turned, still heated, and froze.

Noah? Tiara's boyfriend. What the hell was he doing here?

"Noah?" I frowned. "What are you doing here?"

"My God Rachel..." His voice cracked like he'd been yelling before. "Don't tell me you came here with Tiara?"

"You two know each other?" Thane cut in, clearly confused.

"Yes," I shot back. "He's my friend's boyfriend."

Then to Noah, my tone sharper, "I asked why you're here?"

"It's nothing you should worry about," he said quickly, already throwing an arm over Thane's shoulders.

"Why does that sound like it's exactly something I should worry about?"

He avoided my eyes. Before I could say more, two men came up behind us.

Both covered in tattoos. The kind of guys who looked like they'd just stepped out of a juvenile, except we were standing right in front of a police station.

One of them smirked at Noah.

"You got real lucky today, Chile." His face hardened. "That lawyer homie of yours ain't gon' save your ass next time. And don't get it twisted, this ain't me lettin' you off."

"How about you bounce, man," Thane said firmly. His tone was different now. Like a different person. "You're probably forgetting the Feds are still watching real close." He tilted his head when the guy hesitated.

I didn't need anyone to tell me Noah had gotten himself in big trouble again, something he'd sworn to Tiara he was done with.

The man's eyes flicked to me like he was just noticing I existed, then dragged to Thane again.

"A'ight, pimp." He faced me: "See you 'round, damsel."

And just like that, he walked off.

The second he disappeared around the corner, Thane's head snapped toward me.

"Looks like you're not going to school today, sis."

My brain short-circuited.

THANE

Rachel is stubborn as hell. She'd been following my lead just fine... right up until I said she wasn't going to school today.

Okay, maybe I said it the wrong way, but still. What more does she want after I already explained? I don't trust Joe. Not for one second. My gut says he's already clocked Rachel, and I'm not about to let him start trailing us down to her school like some unhinged creep. It's better she's left out of whatever games he intends to play.

And don't even get me started on the idiot beside me who thought it was smart to bet his car in a game against a cheating psycho like Joe.

"Hello?" Rachel snapped from the back seat. "I'm not talking to myself here, am I?"

Right. She was still raking about school. 

At least Noah was in the passenger seat and not her. Small mercies I'm grateful for.

I pressed the gas a little harder, not that the pedal was actually responsible for my headache. "English isn't complicated, sis. I don't need to repeat myself ten times."

"You're seriously testing my patience, Thane," she shot back. "You drag me here without my consent, then I find my best friend's boyfriend in the middle of whatever this is, and he definitely owes Tiara a massive explanation when we see later..."

"Wait, wait-what?" Noah turned fast. "I've done nothing wrong to offend the angry god, so why am I catching strays here?"

"Oh, now you want to talk?" I snapped. If I wasn't driving the damn car, I'd have smacked some sense into him. Maybe knocked his brain back into place. "We agreed to stay away from Joe, but you didn't. Now he's got his eyes on someone who refuses to listen, and she's breathing down my neck because I just saved your ass."

I kept my eyes on the road but threw him a sharp glance. "Take some responsibility, man."

"Responsibility?" Noah scoffed. "Don't start with me, Thane. That loose dog is on me because of you. And now my girlfriend might dump me because you can't even control your step-sister. You don't know how to handle anything."

Oh, so that's how we're doing this now?

I'd just pulled him out of trouble, and suddenly I'm the villain? Yeah, maybe I played a part in Joe coming after him, but I didn't tell him to bet his damn car or cause a scene like an idiot. He never owns up to his mistakes, and he never even stops making new ones.

Like dating a high school girl, Tiara. Someone who's supposed to be under his swimming class training.

At least I have principles. I don't mess with high school kids like him.

And I was about to fire back at him when Rachel exploded.

"Will you both shut the hell up!"

The volume alone nearly cracked the side windows. Apart from being a head strong, she's got a speaker down that small throat of hers.

She leaned forward, her eyes already blazing.

"What are you? children?" she scoffed. "I'm starting to wonder who the adult is here, because the two people who are supposed to be responsible are acting like kids fighting over candy."

I swallowed. "I didn't do anything," I muttered.

"Stop talking until I'm done, Thane."

Wait. Did she really just say that to me?

And the worst part? I didn't even bother interrupting her.

"That's right, Thane. Listen to your new big sis."

I frowned. "What? Big sis?"

"She's the one calling the shots now. You better listen."

Rachel groaned behind me, but I didn't care. I was already done with this guy beside me. If I wasn't in the middle of traffic, I would've thrown Noah out of the car right there. And I won't even bat an eye.

One thing I hate is being talked down to and Noah knows that. Now he's pushing me into petty arguments in front of my step-sister, of all people. That was beyond embarrassing.

"Listen, man." I turned to him. "Forget the car you bet on that stupid game because you're not getting it back, got it?. And while you're at it, you better find yourself a new lawyer. I'm done with you."

"So now you're bailing on me?" he snapped angrily. "Who was just preaching about responsibility? Is this how you show yours?"

I changed lanes hard and shot him a look that could kill. One more word and he was walking.

"You think that's what responsibility is?" I said coldly. "I have a real job. You can't even coach a high school class without getting under a student's skirt."

"We're both guilty, Thane," Noah fired back, and said that one-thing that totally pissed me off. "You slept with your step-sister, and you've been thinking about it ever since..."

"Shut it, Noah!"

Boom! That happened next.

The impact came out of nowhere before the car jerked violently and slammed into something solid. Smoke flooded the front of the windshield.

"Thane!" Rachel leaned forward from the back quickly. "Are you alright?"

Did she just care about me? Something about it felt different but I can't be feeling butterflies now.

I didn't answer right away. I unbuckled my seat belt and pushed the door open.

"I'm fine," I muttered on my way out of the car.

When I stepped out, my stomach dropped. The hood was crushed. One headlight was completely gone. I ran a hand through my hair in frustration.

"Wow," Rachel said behind me. "That's bad."

Then, she went full strong mode, "Are you two happy now? We're stranded in the middle of the road."

I let out a dry laugh. "Can we not do this right now, sis? Another argument won't fix anything and I don't even want to deal with one right now."

"So what's the plan?" she asked. "Should I call my mum?"

My head snapped toward her. "Don't even think about it."

If her mum knew, my dad would know. And if my dad knew, I was dead. This car barely lasted a week. And he's gonna kill me before I form a lie to save myself.

"Just sit in the car," I said flatly. "I'll handle it."

"Don't tell me what to do, Thane."

"Relax," Noah cut in. "While you two were arguing, I already called us a savior."

If help was coming from Noah, it was never the kind that actually helped. Still, I forced myself to hope just a little in him.

"You called a tow truck already?" 

I asked thinking that was the highest his brain could think of but he shook his head, that crooked smirk on his lips already spelling trouble.

"The car will survive. But we need to get out of here first."

"For once, you actually thought straight," I said flatly.

Then it suddenly hit me. I didn't ask what mattered.

"...Noah. Who did you call?"

His smirk deepened. "Relax. I called Wendy. She'll be here any minute."

My stomach dropped instantly. No, no. He can't be serious.

"What?" I snapped. "Are you insane?"

"Who's this Wendy girl we're talking about?" Rachel's voice cut in from behind me.

I shot her a look. I thought I told her to stay in the car?

"That," Noah said with a grin, "is Thane's wild pet."

He dodged my glare. "The only ex that refused to let him go."

Rachel slowly turned her eyes on me. And the second she did, I knew I was completely screwed.