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.

RACHEL

I hate Thane. I really do. Every inch of me hates him right now, especially that stupid handsome face that makes me question if any of those stupid advances he ever made were even real.

I don't even care. And don't get me started on that Wendy girl. Just hearing her name had made him glare at me like I'd committed a crime.

"So is this Wendy girl coming or not?" I snapped. "Because we can't be stuck here forever." I said, then I mumbled this part, "...especially not with Thane."

Thane scoffed. "Wendy's not coming. And I'm not reacting to that attitude of yours either. So if you're done, get back in the damn car."

I blinked. Seriously?

Does he really think he gets to talk to me like that just because our parents are engaged?

Okay, technically he is my stepbrother now. But standing here, staring at his smug face, I already knew one thing for sure, I wasn't built to survive under the same roof as a man who sleeps and wakes up wrapped in arrogance.

"Well, you don't tell me what to do, big bro," I shot back. "I'm calling my mum."

I spun toward the car, reaching for my bag, and suddenly he was there so fast.

His hand caught me mid-move. His eyes flashed like someone had just told him his house was on fire. He yanked the bag from me, slammed the car door shut, and before I could process anything, he dragged me to the hood and pinned me there.

My breath hitched the second he leaned close enough to see the tiny birthmark on his upper brow.

His scent was damn wild, plus warm, and definitely dangerous. It filled my lungs before I could stop myself from noticing it.

Our eyes stayed locked. And instead of being smart, my traitor brain slid straight to his lips. 

And then I was already imagining how soft they'd probably feel on mine.

God, you've gone crazy, Rachel. Just strip him instead. *in sarcasm*

"Do you understand?" he said firmly.

Wait-what?

"Answer me, Rachel. Do you understand me?"

I swallowed.

There was no way I was about to admit I hadn't heard a word he said because I'd been too busy thinking about his mouth. So I just nodded in a way that looked like my neck was controlling itself.

He stepped back just enough to give me space. "Now get in. And be quiet."

Did I agree to that too? Strangely... I didn't fight him. I just turned and walked toward the car.

Then he grabbed my arm again.

He suddenly pulled off his suit jacket and shoved it against my chest. "You should've said it if you were cold," he muttered, like saying nothing would've been so easy for him.

"I'm not cold," I said flatly.

He grabbed me again. "Don't make me force you."

I rolled my eyes before practically snatching the jacket from him, and climbed into the car without another word.

Thane and Noah stayed outside, arguing about something, then somehow becoming best friends again two minutes later. I swear, men's brains run on chaos. 

I haven't called Tiara yet. I didn't want this whole thing to get crazier than it already was.

Thirty minutes later, a red Porsche pulled in front of us.

And wow.

The engine roared like it had something to prove. The door swung open and smoke poured out like it was intentional which I believed was. The second the driver stepped down, the air filled with more smoke. 

I started choking so I had to rush out of the car.

"Dammit, Wendy!" Noah yelled, waving the smoke away. "Did you come here to murder us?!"

Wendy? She's Wendy?

I didn't want to care... but somehow I found myself moving closer just to get a better look at her.

She wasn't anything special. Except for the killer dress.

Honestly? A man could lose his mind over those long straight legs and those big boobs she carried with way too much confidence.

"I told you not to bother coming. Why are you here?" Thane said calmly, but for the first time since I'd met him, he actually looked like he meant it. Like he really hated his so-called wild pet.

Wendy stiffened, adjusting the flare of her dress. "Noah explained..."

"Just answer the damn question, Wendy. You know I hate repeating myself."

She scoffed. "Alright. So I guess this means you didn't want me here."

"Yes. I didn't want you here," Thane snapped. "And you still came. So don't make this about me."

"Relax, man," Noah cut in.

"Shut the hell up, Noah," Thane shot back. "You told me a second ago she wasn't coming anymore. Now she's here?" He shook his head, then faced Wendy again. "We're fine. Leave. Now."

Noah sighed. "Okay, okay, I didn't tell her not to come and I lied about calling someone else. I'm sorry... But we've got to get out of here. It's not safe. Think about Rachel. She's already freezing out here."

Thane's eyes flicked to me for half a second... then back to Noah.

"She's our only option. Unless you want your dad wondering why you're not at work yet."

Everyone fell silent for a full minute.

Then Thane finally nodded. "Fine. Let's go."

He opened the back door and slid in. I followed him. Wendy and Noah took the front.

I don't know why, but I'd imagined someone louder and maybe wilder with red hair, chaos, and attitude. Someone who looked like trouble.

Instead, Wendy drove calmly, right up until we hit the last corner that led to Thane's office.

"You're not forgetting I'm still in uniform, right?" I finally said.

Thane glanced at me, then sighed. "We already agreed you're staying with me at the office for today."

"When did I agree to that?" I blurted.

He didn't answer. He just stared. And then it hit me.

Shit.

That was what I nodded to earlier, when my brain had completely checked out.

I groaned and grabbed my head.

"Pops won't be coming in today," he added. "He's got plans with your mum."

"Wait. Let me get this straight," I said slowly. "You're telling me I'm spending a full day in the same office with you?"

Wendy pulled into the driveway and glanced at us in the rearview mirror.

"So... that's your stepsister?"

Thane didn't answer. He stepped out and grabbed my wrist. Before he could move me, Wendy spoke.

"She can stay with me. If that's fine."

My head snapped toward her. What?

"Thanks, but that's not happening," Thane said flatly.

"That's not your call," Wendy replied, turning to me. "She can speak for herself, right, Rachel?"

I stared at her. And for one very dumb reason, because I wanted to prove I could-I nodded.

"I think I can survive one day with your wild pet instead of you."

Thane's jaw tightened. "I'm not letting you go with her. You know that."

What was he gonna do? Carry me?

"You know what time to pick me up," I said, already stepping away. "Don't be late."

I walked toward Wendy's car.

"You know what," Thane snapped behind me. "Do whatever the hell you want. I don't give a damn about a stepsister."

Woah. That wasn't how this was supposed to end. Why did it sound like he was even angrier now?

He stormed toward the building.

"Thane!" Noah called after him.

But, he didn't stop.

Great. Do your thing, Thane and I'll do mine.

THANE

“Why the hell did you let her go, Thane?” Noah’s voice followed me as I headed toward the elevator. I didn’t respond at first, but then he grabbed my arm, forcing me to stop.

“Can you just slow down and listen to me?” he demanded, almost yelling, though he caught himself when the security guards shot him a glare sharp enough to cut glass. I should have just told them to blacklist him the last time he stumbled into my office drunk after Tiara broke up with him. Too bad for him, they might break up again after today.

“You don’t seriously mean what you said to Rachel, do you?”

“Look,” I said, dragging a hand through my hair. “If you care about her, go find her. She chose to go with someone she only just met today. Am I the crazy one here?”

He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “It’s your fault. You just let her walk away like that. Rachel shouldn’t be with Wendy, Thane. You know that.”

Really? Like I didn’t know. The same person who deliberately brought her along as some kind of life-saver now suddenly thinks she’s evil?

“That’s on you, because you caused all of it. Find someone else to mess with and stop bothering me,” I growled, turning back to my work.

“That’s just your anger talking, Thane. I know you.”

“I bet you don’t know I’m calling security on you if you don’t get the hell out of this building,” I shot back without even glancing at him.

Everyone had decided to ruin my day, and that stubborn brat made it even worse. I had thought Sarah said she’s a sweet, obedient girl, but now I wasn’t even sure she was the same one I’d liked that night. Well, not that she exactly showed a ‘good girl’ vibe

God. Don’t even think about it, Thane. Rachel’s way below your league, and she’s your damn stepsister.

The elevator dinged. I stepped out and made my way to my office.

It was modest… Cut that crap… It was the smallest in the building. Pops didn’t care how long it took; he demanded you earn whatever position he put you in, and I'm doing just that. I worked like every other employee, even though I was next in line to his seat.

I flopped into my chair, finally thinking I might be able to forget Rachel for a few minutes. I scrolled through my contacts, looking for Wendy when I realized I didn’t even have her number saved anymore.

Hell. Just let her be, man, my brain screamed.

Then, a knock sounded at the door.

I looked up.

Dammmnnn… Hot Nina.

The red suit hugged every curve, every perfect line that had a way of driving me insane. She strolled in, confident, as if she owned the room.

“Am I disturbing someone?” she asked, perched at the doorway.

No way. Nina. Even if she were a hurricane, I’d rather give it all up to have her in my arms right now, I thought as she made her way toward my desk.

“Since when do you ask, Nina?” I said, smirking.

She blushed, just a little, and leaned on the desk. Two hands gripped the edge as she inched forward, just enough to make me notice the open spot I shouldn’t see unless we were in a hotel.

“You’re distracting me, Nina. You know you’re not supposed to seduce me at the office.”

“Who am I to stop you if your eyes keep wandering?” she countered, playful and teasing.

I shot to my feet, circling the desk until I was in front of her. My hand moved to the last button of her shirt, that one spot she left deliberately undone.

“You don’t want people asking why my father’s personal assistant keeps visiting the intern’s office,” I warned, though my voice was low betraying all the constraints I had left.

She raised a brow, and her hand slid along my waist. “Forgotten something?” Her touch lingered, too close, too dam close to that part. “Your father asked me to teach you well.”

Her hand dropped lower, to a place it shouldn’t, and I felt my breath catch. I almost choked on my saliva, clutching her wrist instantly.

“Fuck. Stop, Nina,” I whispered, my voice rough.

“I want just one quickie, Thane,” she murmured, her lips brushing my ear, sending electricity straight down my spine. “I won’t moan. I promise.”

A grin spread across my lips. Nina knew exactly how to wake the demon in me. She was exactly type. You know, reckless, confident, and irresistibly sexy and just as tall as me. 

Only that my father would kill me before she could be my girlfriend, especially since she was older, but I didn’t care. Not one bit. 

I pinched her nose playfully. “You’re being a very, very bad girl.”

She chuckled and, without another word, dragged me straight to the restroom.

“We need to have it from the back. That's faster.” 

She didn't argue. She just leaned on the sink and spread those legs wide for me to come in.

Just one struck inside her, my eyes rolled backwards. That wave of pleasure scattering any sanity left inside me. I gripped her waist and thrusted deeper until I was touching her walls.

“Four seconds left, Thane.” She moaned softly.

I didn’t stop. I thrusted deeper and deeper until a thought flashed in my head.

What if Wendy says something she shouldn't to Rachel? She wouldn't right?

“Go faster, Thane. You're almost there.” 

Nina gingered me on and I swear, I wanted to tear the thought of Rachel off my mind but… I couldn't.

I pulled out of Nina at once and rested my weight on her back.

She didn't give me a minute before she turned to face me.

“You can’t stop now. I haven't released yet.” 

I exhaled hard. “Let’s just stop here, Nina. We'll finish this off after work.”

I started zipping up when she held me. “Are you joking right now? You haven't even cum yet.”

Yeah and that's gonna be a big deal for me later but I can’t do anything about that guy down there that wasn’t hard anymore. 

“We'll continue later, hmm?” I assured her.

She wanted to argue but fortunately, she didn't. She pulled up her panties and we left the toilet.

“I'll wait until nine as usual.” 

She said the moment we reached my office. I nodded, stranglely not feeling excited like I should be.

I think it's because I'm just worried that Rachel is gonna do something insane.

Plus Wendy has a weird way of blowing things up in the strangest way and if Rachel has decided to play the I'm-in-control card then I better find a way of letting her not screw this up.