Stella's P.O.V.

My stepbrother is so fucking rude!

He spoiled my mood. I was so excited to explore New York City. It's the first time I've stepped out of my hometown, Ibiza, and I thought this would be an amazing start. But no, Alex-the guy with hazel eyes and brown hair-ruined everything with his attitude. All I did was ask him for a tour, trying to break the ice, and he snapped at me as I asked for his life savings.

"What's his problem? Is it because I'm his stepsister? Or is he just an asshole to everyone?" I murmur to myself, rolling my eyes.

I've only known him for a few hours, and I already can't stand him.

Now, I just pray I never meet him again, but we're going to live in the same house. It's quite impossible to avoid him. God! Please save me from him.

I was looking forward to exploring this city, but now all I can think about is how I'm stuck living under the same roof with him. I mean, it's not like I wanted this either and I didn't choose for our parents to get married. This entire situation is so awkward, and he's not making it any easier.

But I can't let him spoil my mood. I came here to start fresh, and I'm not going to let some grumpy stepbrother ruin that for me.

The house is grander than I expected. My new room is bigger than my old one, and as much as I miss my old room, I know I'll make this place my own soon enough. There's even a balcony attached, and it has a swing hanging from the ceiling. I sit on it for a moment, taking in the view of the swimming pool below and the cloud-covered sky. It's beautiful, and for a second, it makes me forget about Alex and his terrible attitude.

After taking a deep breath, I push off the swing and head inside. I need to freshen up and shake off the bad energy from earlier.

The bathroom in my new room is like something out of a magazine-marble floors, huge mirrors, and a bathtub big enough to fit at least two people. It's luxurious, almost too much for me, but I'm not complaining. I strip off my travel clothes and step into the shower, letting the warm water wash away the frustration of the day. As the water cascades down my body, I try to clear my mind.

Don't let him get to you, Stella. He's just one person, and this is a big city. Focus on that.

After showering, I wrap myself in a towel and step back into my room, feeling somewhat lighter. I glance around, already thinking about how I can make this space feel more like home. Maybe I'll get some plants or put up some pictures from Ibiza. Anything to make it feel less like a stranger's house and more like my space.

After quickly wearing a pair of shorts and a tank top, I collapse onto the bed. The long flight has drained me, so I fall asleep almost instantly.

When I wake up in the afternoon, there's a knock on the door. I roll out of bed and open it to see Mom standing outside with a smile.

She asks, "Sleep well, baby?"

"Yeah," I reply, stepping aside so she can come in.

She steps inside and glances around. "Your room is beautiful, isn't it? Do you like it?"

"It's amazing and big, but I miss my old room, Mom." I pout at her.

Mom wraps me in a hug. "You'll get used to it, Stella. Give it time."

I smile weakly and pull away. "I'm sure I will."

"Why don't you go out and explore a bit? Get to know the city," she suggests.

"Actually, I was going to ask if you'd come with me."

But she shakes her head with an apologetic look. "I can't, honey. Your father and I are going out tonight. It's important."

Oh, no! Today, I have to explore the city alone.

I hide my disappointment and force a smile. "Oh, okay. Have fun with your husband then."

She laughs before leaving the room. I change into a black top and blue jeans. But just as I step out of my room, I see Alex entering the mansion.

Seriously? It feels like fate is determined to make my day worse. I should've stayed hidden in my room.

I try to back away without drawing his attention, but I bump into one of the maids, who is carrying a tray of drinks. The glasses crash to the floor, spilling everywhere, and the sound is like a bomb going off in the quiet hallway.

"Fuck!" I mutter under my breath, squeezing my eyes shut.

God! Why does this have to happen now?

"I'm so sorry. I didn't see you." The maid apologises, bending down to clean up the mess.

Why is she apologising? It's my fault.

Before I can say anything, Alex's eyes lock on me, and he's already storming over.

"What a clumsy girl you are," he sneers. "On your first day here, and you're already making a mess of my house."

Just don't answer him, Stella. He isn't worth your energy. And you can't let him annoy you more. So just leave.

After ignoring him, as I turn to leave, he grabs my wrist and spins me around to face him. "Where the hell do you think you're going? You made this mess, and you're going to clean it up. Everyone here does their own work."

Seriously, I have no issue with cleaning the mess, but his condescending tone makes my blood boil. Who the hell does he think he is?

I glare at him, trying to pull away from his grip. "Let go of my hand."

"You're not leaving until you clean the mess you made," He states, tightening his grip.

I've had enough. He's pushed me too far. In a fit of anger, I dig the heel of my sandals into his expensive shoes.

He lets out a yelp, immediately releasing my wrist. "What the fuck?"

I give him a triumphant smile, shrugging off. "That's what you get for messing up with me."

"You ruined my shoes." He yells, glaring down at his scuffed white sneakers.

"Maybe next time you'll think twice before grabbing me, Mr Grumpy." I smirk, folding my arms across my chest.

His eyes widen at my words. "What did you just say? Mr Grumpy?"

I laugh at the look on his face. "Yeah, you heard me-Mr Grumpy. Fits you perfectly, don't you think?"

His eyes narrow, and he steps closer, towering over me. "You think you're funny, don't you?"

I chuckle. "You know you earned that nickname with your charming personality."

"You really don't know when to shut up, do you?" His eyes are darkening, but who cares?

"Why do I keep my mouth shut when you're getting on my nerves?" I sneer at him, placing my hands on my waist.

"I'm going to make you pay for ruining my shoes." He points his finger at his shoes, his eyes filled with anger fixed on me.

I fire back, "And I'm going to make you pay for ruining my day."

He rolls his eyes and marches upstairs to his room.

Oh God, how will I survive with him under the same roof?

Shaking my head, I kneel to help the maid finish cleaning up the mess. "I'm really sorry." I feel bad for causing the trouble.

She gives me a small smile. "It's alright. Don't worry about it."

Once everything's cleaned up, I take a deep breath and head out of the house. It's time to forget about Mr Grumpy and focus on what I came here for-a new beginning.

Stella's P.O.V.

After exploring NYC, I return to my new home, utterly exhausted, ready to collapse on my bed and shut out the world. As I lie there, my eyes finally starting to close, I hear it-a loud, pounding beat of music vibrating through the walls.

I sit up, groaning. "You've got to be kidding me."

The music is coming from the room right next to mine.

Shit! Is that Alex's room? Of course, it has to be him. My luck can't be that bad, can it? But there it is, blasting through the walls, rattling my nerves. How the hell am I supposed to sleep with this loud noise?

Fuck my life! This day can't be more bad.

I throw off the blankets and storm out of my room before heading straight for his door. I knock-hard-hoping that he'll at least be decent enough to answer.

Why God, why are you doing this with me? I don't want to face that grumpy man, but you're forcing me to deal with him again. For what sins are you punishing me?

The door swings open, and my eyes widen. Alex stands there shirtless, wearing only a pair of shorts. His abs glisten with sweat, and it's obvious he's been working out.

Fuck! He looks so tempting that it becomes hard for me to look away. A few tattoos decorate his chest and arms, adding to that bad-boy vibe. The truth is, I admire the man with tattoos. For a moment, I almost forget why I'm standing here.

Stop it, Stella. You have a boyfriend, and this man is your stepbrother. Besides, even if you were single, Alex is the last person on Earth you'd ever date.

"It's late, and your music is way too loud. I need to sleep. Turn it down." I demand, folding my arms across my chest and trying to focus on his face rather than the rest of him.

"Not my problem." He shrugs, leaning against the doorframe with a stupid smirk on his face. "I like my workouts loud."

Oh, God! He is a complete jerk.

"Who the hell workouts at this time? It's night, normal people are trying to sleep!" I fist my hands to control my anger and myself from punching him. "So how about you act like a normal person, turn it down, and go to bed?"

"I do whatever I want. It's my house, and I like to sleep in the morning and work out at night. You don't get to tell me what to do." He retorts, pointing his finger at me.

"Are you an owl or something, Mr Grumpy?" I shoot back, losing my temper.

"Stop calling me that and get out." He moves to close the door.

What he thinks, I'll just leave and let him do whatever he wants. No way. I'm Stella and I've my ways to deal with men like him.

I shove my foot in the gap, forcing the door open again. "Not until you turn it off. I'm not leaving."

"I'm not turning it off, and you can do whatever you want about it." He tries to close the door again.

But I won't let him win. I shove the door open and march into his room. The music is even louder inside, pounding like a jackhammer. I march straight to the stereo. Before he can stop me, I turn it off and grab the device in my hands, causing his eyes to widen in shock.

"Now watch me, Mr Grumpy." I murmur, smirking at him as he watches me in confusion.

"What the hell are you doing?" He shouts, storming after me as I dart toward the balcony.

Alex lunges for me, but I'm quick. I throw the stereo into the swimming pool below with a loud splash.

"Goodbye, Mr Grumpy's stereo," I mutter, giggling.

It feels good now. How did he even think that he wouldn't let me sleep in peace?

He grabs my arms, spins me around and pins me against the balcony railing in a swift motion. "Are you fucking crazy?" He yells, moving closer to me, causing me to shiver and squeeze my eyes shut for a second.

He's so damn close, his face inches from mine, his eyes blazing with fury. His grip is tight, his breathing heavy, and for a second, despite everything, we lose ourselves in each other's eyes. My heart races in my chest because of our proximity.

What the hell is happening to me?

"Let go, Alex." I try to wriggle free, but his hold is firm.

"I'm not letting you go," he growls, his dark eyes fixed on me. "First, you ruin my shoes, and now my music system. You're making me so, so damn angry, Stella."

His grip tightens, and I wince. "You're hurting me, Alex."

But he isn't listening. His dark gaze is locked on mine, and I feel like I'm suffocating under the heat of it. I have to get out of there.

Think something, Stella. Think.

And then, it hits me-I lean forward and bite down on his arm.

"Ah! What the-" He yelps, releasing me instantly.

Well done, Stella! Well done!

I rush, giving a cheeky grin over my shoulder as I stick my tongue out at him before darting out of his room.

That's what happens when anybody tries to mess up with me.

"You ill-mannered girl." He shouts after me, and I giggle, entering my room.

I slam the door shut and collapse onto my bed, smiling with triumph. What did he think? He wouldn't let me sleep? I'm Stella, I have my ways to deal with an arrogant, grumpy and spoiled brat like him.

But as I close my eyes to sleep, the image of Alex standing so close, his muscular body and those tattoos keep replaying in my mind.

"Why can't I just stop thinking about him? What the hell is wrong with me?" I whisper to myself, frustrated.

Alex's P.O.V.

Murder!

I want to murder my stepsister.

I'm still fuming from last night. Stella-my ill-mannered step-sister-threw my stereo into the pool like it was nothing. Who does that? That girl is out of her mind.

Last night, I planned to take revenge on her for ruining my shoes. I didn't want to let her sleep in peace, but she again did something-for which I want to kill her more now.

My arm still stings where she bit me. I can't believe she actually did that. I didn't expect her to get so... wild. Who does that? Is she a kid or what?

Now, I'm not going to leave a single chance to piss her off. I won't let her live in peace in my house for even a single second.

She doesn't know I'm Alex Blackwood, and I won't tolerate the way she is behaving with me. She has to pay for her deeds-for spoiling my shoes, for throwing my stereo, and for biting me.

I sit at the dining table the next morning, glaring at Stella who sits across me, glancing at me with a stupid smile on her face.

She thinks by winning last night, she won the world. But she doesn't know. It's the beginning of a war between us.

Beside Stella, her mother is sitting, and my father is sitting beside me.

I can't bear the presence of Stella any longer. I should leave.

As I'm about to stand up, Dad speaks up, "Alex, I need you to do me a favour."

"What?" I ask, annoyed, because I have to bear her loving stepdaughter because of him.

"I need you to drop Stella at her college."

My eyes widen at his words.

What the fuck! Dropping Stella to college. No ways! I can't bear her.

"What?" I ask, trying to keep my voice calm. "I'm not a chauffeur, Dad."

He chides me, "Shut up-"

Stella interjects, "I'll go myself, Uncle. I don't need his help." She glares at me through the corner of her amber eyes, and I roll my eyes.

"Call me Dad, Stella." My dad corrects her before turning his face towards me, his expression turning serious again. "And Alex, I'm not taking no for an answer. You'll pick her up, drop her at college, and bring her home safely every day. No arguments." He orders me in a stern tone.

"Fine. Whatever." I slam my fork on the table, too frustrated to argue. I don't want to deal with her, especially after what happened earlier. But I know when my dad's in this mood, there's no use. He has already made up his mind, and there's no changing it.

I know Stella doesn't want this either. That just makes me feel a little better. If I'm suffering, she is too.

The rest of breakfast is eaten in silence, and the only sound is the clatter of forks against plates. I can't even look at my stepsister without wanting to smash something.

***

After breakfast, I stand by the car, waiting for her to come out. Thanks to Stella, I've lost the freedom to drive my own car. There's no way I'm letting her sit in it.

She finally strolls out, hanging a bag on her shoulder. She is dressed up in a black sweater over a white shirt with loose jeans. What the fuck is she wearing the sweater in this heat?

Why do I care? Whatever she wears.

"Ready for our little ride, Mr. Grumpy?" She gives me a wink, causing me to roll my eyes.

"Fucking get in the car, Stella." I open the passenger door for her. I don't want to spend a single second more on this than I have to.

But she likes to test patience.

"I won't sit." She folds her arms across her chest, standing by the door like she's got all the time in the world.

I frown at her. "I don't have time. Just get inside."

"You have to request me first. Then I'll sit inside and go with you. Say... please, Stella, sit inside."

I've had enough. I can't bear her drama anymore.

Without a warning, I grab her, hoist her over my shoulder and toss her into the backseat like a sack of potatoes. "There. Now you're in the car."

She yells, "What the fuck? Are you crazy?"

"You deserve it, little Drama queen." I lock the door before slipping into the driver's seat.

"You're so mannerless." She huffs from the backseat, arms crossed, glaring at me through the rearview mirror. "You don't know how to respect women."

"Stop giving me a lecture on manners, Stella. You're the one who ruined my shoes, tossed my stereo in the pool, and bit me." I grit my teeth as I peel out of the driveway.

She leans forward between the seats, her face close to me. "Oh, come on. You were blasting that thing so loud it wasn't letting me sleep."

I grip the steering wheel tighter, trying to control my temper. "You spoiled my shoes. How could've let you sleep in peace?"

"So it means you deliberately turn up the volume last night." She raises her brows at me.

"Of course, I had to take my revenge," I smirk, glancing at her through the mirror, and she rolls her eyes and slumps back in her seat.

"You're unbelievable." She shakes her head before adding, "You know you should thank me for not throwing you in the pool with your loving stereo." She laughs, mocking me.

Oh God! This girl is getting on my nerves.

I ignore her, concentrating on the road. But Stella doesn't even bother staying quiet. She picks up her phone and starts chatting with someone like I'm not even there, laughing and making stupid little comments that annoy the hell out of me.

I turn the music up to drown out her voice, and she shoots me a death glare.

"I'll call you later, Leah. My stepbrother is a pain in the ass." She disconnects the call before taunting me. "Real mature, Alex."

I smirk, not even bothering to respond. I've already won.

Finally, we pull up to the college. I hit the brakes a little too hard on purpose, making her jolt forward in her seat.

"Seriously?" She snaps, flinging the door open.

"Have a nice day, my dear stepsister." I wink at her as she hops out.

I watch her storm off without saying a word, her eyes shooting daggers at me one last time before she disappears into the building.

I sit there for a moment, gripping the steering wheel, trying to figure out why she gets under my skin so much. She's just my step-sister, nothing more. But something about her drives me absolutely crazy-and not just in the I-can't-stand-you way.

God, what the hell is wrong with me?