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?

Stella's P.O.V.

Pain in the ass!

My stepbrother is the one. I know he's deliberately trying to piss me off. But I'm not one to back down. I'll also leave no chance to annoy him.

I walk through the crowded corridors of my new college, trying to find my classroom. Alex is in the same class as mine, but how could I have asked him to direct me to the classroom when we spent the entire car ride bickering instead?

What the fuck does he think of himself? Mr. Grumpy, with his stupid muscles and his tattoos, acts like the world revolves around him.

"Stella, just stop thinking about him and find your class." I chide myself because I can't be late on my first day. Already, I'm entering college halfway through the semester. The last thing I need is to make a bad impression.

Although it's usually easy for me to make friends because of my talkative nature, I still feel a bit nervous. After all, most people have already formed their groups, and I'm the new girl, the outsider.

I continue walking, dodging groups of students who seem to know exactly where they're going. Meanwhile, I feel like I'm lost in a maze.

I glance at a group of students laughing and chatting together. They all seem so comfortable, like they've been here forever. I sigh, feeling a little out of place.

Finally, I spot the right classroom number and take a deep breath. Here you go, Stella. Just walk in, be yourself, and everything will fall into place. You always make friends easily, don't overthink it.

As I step inside, my eyes scan the room quickly, hoping to find a friendly face.

But then my face lights up with surprise and excitement to see Zoe, a girl with bangs whom I met in Ibiza two months ago. That day, she was so lost when I saved her from the hit of a car. But today, she looks so joyful. I'm happy to see her like this because I love smiling faces. When I see anybody upset, I just can't stop myself from cheering them up.

And I'm so glad to find a familiar face in the classroom full of strangers. Thank you, God.

Zoe is sitting in the middle of the room, chatting with another girl who looks so classy, with her long dark brown hair pulled back into a sleek ponytail. She must be Zoe's friend.

I walk over to her with a huge smile on my face. I can't express how relieved I am to find Zoe in my class.

"Zoe!" I call out after approaching her.

She looks up, her face puzzled for a second, but then a bright smile spreads across her face as she recognises me. "Oh my god, I wasn't expecting to see you here."

"I know, right? Small world!" I reply, can't able to stop smiling.

"You two know each other?" The girl sitting next to Zoe asks, her curious blue eyes swaying between me and Zoe.

"Yeah." Zoe nods at her. "I met her in Ibiza. She saved me from an accident and tried to cheer me up."

"Ooh," the girl responds, nodding with interest.

"This is Selene," Zoe introduces her friend, giving her a side hug. "My best friend."

"Nice to meet you, Selene," I say, extending my hand.

"Same here. Welcome to the chaos of college life." Selene replies with a laugh.

I shift my gaze to Zoe and express my happiness. "You know, Zoe. I was a bit nervous about being the new girl. But I'm so happy to find you here."

"Don't worry, you'll fit right in," Zoe assures me. "And we're here for you."

She is so sweet. I'm damn sure we're going to be great friends in the future.

"Thank you-"

Zoe suddenly asks, cutting me off. "Your name is Stella, right?" She looks at me like there is something wrong with my name.

I nod, my brows narrowing in confusion. "Yeah! What happened?"

"Are you Alex's stepsister?"

The mention of Alex instantly sour my mood. Ugh, him again. I roll my eyes. "Yes, unfortunately. How do you know him?"

"He's my boyfriend's friend. We've all hung out a few times. He's not that bad, you know."

"Not that bad?" I scoff. "He's rude, arrogant, and completely mannerless. You should see how he treats me."

Zoe chuckles. "I know he can be a bit... rude sometimes. But deep down, he's not that bad and would do anything for the people he cares about. Especially Sky."

"Whatever." I roll my eyes. "I don't want to talk about him."

Zoe suddenly stands up, her eyes lighting up. I look over and notice a guy with brown hair and blue eyes entering the room with a charming smile on his face, his eyes fixed on her.

She returns her gaze towards me. "Stella, I'm going to sit with my boyfriend because the class is just about to get start. I'll talk to you after this class."

I nod. "No problem."

She walks over to her boyfriend. He takes her hand in his and kisses her knuckles. Seeing them like this, I miss my boyfriend even more.

"See? That's how she ditched her friends for her boyfriend." Selena's words draw my attention.

I laugh, sitting down beside her. "Yep. Boyfriend comes first. What about you, Selene? Are you single?"

"Yep. And you?"

"I have a boyfriend, and I miss him. He lives in Ibiza, the place where I stayed before my mother remarried." I pout at her.

Selene raises an eyebrow, leaning in with a curious smile. "A long-distance relationship, huh?"

Just as I'm about to answer her, the classroom door swings open and there walks in Mr. Grumpy-Alex. I can practically feel my whole body tense up at the sight of him. He strolls in like he owns the place, his eyes scanning the room, probably looking for his usual spot.

Selene follows my gaze and says, "Don't hate Alex. As Zoe said he isn't that bad. It's just that his dad remarried, and it's probably tough on him."

I huff, crossing my arms over my chest. "Yeah, well, he's still a pain in my ass. I get it-his dad remarried, my mom remarried. It's been rough on both of us, but does he have to act like such a jerk all the time?"

Selene shrugs, glancing at Alex as he makes his way toward his seat. "People deal with things differently. Maybe he's just trying to figure it all out."

"By being a complete ass?" I mutter, shaking my head.

Before Selena can answer me, Alex notices me and walks over to us. "Hey Selena, what's up?"

I take my notebook out of my bag, avoiding looking at him.

Selena responds, "Hey, Alex."

"Why are you sitting with a girl like her?"

My head snaps up at his words, a frown already forming on my face. What is his problem? As if I didn't already know. He just doesn't want to leave a single chance to piss me off.

I slam my notebook on the desk, glaring at him. "A girl like her? What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

He raises his brows. "You know exactly what I mean, Stella."

"Actually, no, I don't," I snap, leaning back in my chair with my arms crossed. "Why don't you enlighten me?"

Selena looks between us nervously, clearly not wanting to get involved in the argument.

"Someone who doesn't know how to behave properly," he says with a smirk. "Someone who doesn't listen to anybody."

"Oh, I'm sorry," I bite back sarcastically. "I didn't realise I was supposed to silently worship the ground you walk on like everyone else. Newsflash, Alex-no one cares about your moody, brooding act."

He leans down, his face just inches from mine. I meet his gaze head-on, even though my heart is pounding. There's something about the way he looks at me that makes my stomach flip, which I can't ignore.

Before he can say something, the professor walks inside and the entire room goes silent. The professor, in her early thirties woman with glasses perched on the tip of her nose, sets her bag down on the desk at the front of the room.

Alex straightens up, but not before shooting one last hard look. As he walks away to his seat, I sigh.

Thank God! The professor walks in at the right time. Or else I would've punched him.