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.

Alex's P.O.V.

"Alex, you better behave with Stella. She is my friend now." Zoe comes over to my seat with Sky after the first class.

I was already frustrated because of Stella's presence in the classroom and now Zoe telling me she made Stella her friend. Fucking why?

"You met her today only, you made her your friend. I can't believe it." I shake my head in disbelief at her.

"And you? What did you do? You made her your enemy before even meeting her." Zoe chides me, making me more frustrated.

Sky intrudes, "Alex, since Stella will be with you a lot at college and your place, try to get along with her."

I clench my jaw, glancing between Zoe and Sky. They don't get it. They have no idea how much Stella is pissing me off.

"Get along with her?" I scoff, crossing my arms. "She is the daughter of a woman who replaced my mother."

Sky gives me a pointed look, and I know what he's going to say before the words even leave his mouth. "Maybe that's why you treat her like crap, Alex. You don't even give her a chance."

Zoe nods in agreement. "Sky is right. You can't punish her because your dad remarried her mom. What is her fault?"

Running my hand through my hair, I try to control my irritation.

I glance over at Stella, who is talking and laughing with Selene. I know there is no fault of her in this, but there is something which is forcing me to hate her. Because if I don't hate her, I might start feeling something else, something which is completely forbidden.

Where the fuck is my mind going?

I tear my gaze away from Stella and turn back to Sky and Zoe, keeping my expression cold. "You guys won't understand. I'm leaving." I stand up from my seat, grabbing my bag and slinging it over my shoulder.

Thankfully, they don't stop me when I dash out of the classroom without glancing at the woman, who is slowly driving me insane.

***

Stella's P.O.V.

After the last class of the day, I turn to Zoe and Selene with a huge smile. "Hey, would you guys mind giving me a tour of New York City? I mean, I'm still new here, and I'd love to explore a bit."

I'm sure they won't deny me because they're sweethearts, unlike Alex, who refused me so rudely yesterday.

Ugh, I'm not even going to think about him right now.

Thanks to Zoe and Selene, my first day at this new college went pretty well. I didn't feel like an outsider at all, which was a huge relief.

Zoe lights up instantly. "Of course! I'd love to show you around."

Selene glances at her watch and sighs. "I wish I could, but I have to get home. Family dinner and all."

"Selene, I really wanted to explore with you both." I give her my best puppy-dog eyes.

Zoe also requests her. "Come on, Selene. Just for a little while. It'll be fun."

Selene chuckles and shakes her head. "You guys are killing me with the guilt, but I really can't. My mom will freak out if I miss another family dinner."

Zoe nudges her playfully. "Next time, then. You owe us!"

Selene grins and throws up her hands in mock surrender. "Fine, fine. I promise. But tonight, I'm off the hook." She gives us a quick hug before turning to leave. "Have fun, girls. Don't do anything I wouldn't do."

I laugh and wave as she walks away. "No promises."

Once she's out of sight, I turn to Zoe. "So, it's just us, then?"

Zoe nods with an enthusiastic grin. "Yep, and trust me, you'll love it. I know all the best spots!"

Just as we start to head out, my phone rings. It's Alex.

Why is he calling me?

I roll my eyes before answering. "What? Don't tell me you called me to annoy me more."

"I called you because of my father. He wants to drop you home safely after college. Now come to the parking area. I don't have an entire day for you."

Why fucking he has to be so rude all the time? I wonder if there's more to him than the grumpy exterior he always shows.

"I'm going out with Zoe," I reply, trying to keep my voice calm. "I'll come back home myself."

There's a brief pause, then he says, "Okay."

"One thing that's good about you is that you actually listen to your father." I chuckle, taunting him.

"And you know what? There's nothing good about you, Stella," Alex bites back, his voice laced with irritation.

I freeze for a few seconds at his words.

'You're good for nothing, Stella.'

'You're worthless.'

The harsh voices from the past echo in my head, making my chest tighten and my breath catch for a second. I grip my phone tighter, forcing myself to stay composed.

You can't again fall weak, Stella. Take a deep breath.

I exhale slowly, pushing the old memories down. "Thank you for the compliment. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm about to have a great time with my new friend."

"Just don't be late getting home." Then, the call ends with a click.

I stare at my phone, the screen darkening as the call disconnects. My hand shakes a little, but I quickly shove the phone into my pocket before Zoe notices.

"You okay?" she asks, her eyes full of concern.

I force a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Let's get going."

Zoe gives me a doubtful look but doesn't press the issue, thank God. The last thing I want is for anyone to feel sorry for me. I've had enough of that in my life. So instead, I focus on the excitement of exploring New York with my new friend and push thoughts of my past far, far away.

***

Zoe takes me to some of her favourite spots, and I can feel our bond growing stronger with every stop. In just one day, we've clicked so well, and it's like I've known her for much longer. Zoe is the type of person who radiates kindness, and being around her just feels... easy. I like that vibe.

We grab coffee at a cute little cafe, take a stroll through Central Park, and even go shopping for a bit.

When Zoe finally drops me off at my place, I don't want the night to end. "You should stay the night," I suggest, hoping she'll agree.

Zoe smiles but shakes her head. "I'd love to, but I have plans with Sky. Next time, though, me, you, and Selene-girls' night for sure."

"I'll hold you to that." I wink. "Have fun with your boyfriend."

She chuckles, shaking her head. "I will. Good night, Stella."

"Good night, Zoe" I give her a quick hug before she heads out of the car.

I watch as she drives off, feeling content. It's only been one day, but I already feel so connected to her. Zoe is the friend I didn't know I needed, and I can't wait to see where this friendship takes us.

Alex's P.O.V.

Two Weeks Later

It's been two weeks since Stella has been living in the same house as me and going to the same college. And somehow, every single day, she finds new ways to test my patience. 

Since she entered my life, I haven't been able to concentrate anywhere. I don't know why, but she's driving me insane, and it frustrates me even more. Maybe it's because she's always around. Maybe I think she and her mother are after my father's money, or maybe it's something more-something I don't want to admit.

The attraction.

I clench my fists at the thought. No. She's off-limits. My dad's remarried her mother, for fuck's sake. She's practically my stepsister. She's forbidden.

That's probably why I can't stop picking fights with her. The more I feel this stupid pull towards her, the more I push her away.

During basketball practice, I'm trying to focus, trying to keep my head in the game. The ball is in my hands as I dribble across the court, sweat running down my face. The thud of the basketball hitting the ground should be enough to drown out any thoughts of her, but of course, she shows up.

Stella, in all her annoying glory, walks up to the coach with that bright smile of hers. "Coach, mind if I join for a bit? I love basketball," she asks with enthusiasm.

I roll my eyes. Really? She loves basketball? Since when?

The coach glances at her and shakes his head. "After the team finishes practice, then maybe you can shoot a few hoops."

Stella pouts, but nods. "Okay, I'll wait."

I can't resist. I stroll over to her, and utter, my voice filled with sarcasm. "You really think the coach is going to let you play with us? The championship team? You're dreaming, Stella."

She turns to me, narrowing her eyes. "Why are you always like this? What's your problem with me?"

My problem? Where do I even start?

I lean in closer, my voice low so only she can hear. "My problem is you. You and your mother coming into my life as you belong here. But you don't. Neither of you do."

Her face hardens, but I can see a flicker of something in her eyes-hurt.

I don't know why, but it pierces my heart. Fuck! 

Stella straightens up. "You know nothing about me or my mom. Stop acting like you do." 

"I know you both are after my father's money-"

"I don't care what you think, Mr. Alex Blackwood. So just shut up." She yells, pointing her finger at me, and I can't stop myself from noticing how beautiful she looks when she's angry. Her cheeks are flushed, her lips pressed together in a tight line. 

What the fuck am I doing? Here we're fighting and I'm admiring her. What is wrong with me? 

 "You think just because your dad remarried my mom, you can treat me like crap? Well, Alex-you're not the king of this house, or this school, and I'm not some gold digger who's here to ruin your precious life!"

I should be angry, should yell back, but all I can think about is how close she is. Too close. The fire in her golden eyes, the way her chest rises and falls with each breath-it's making my blood pump faster. And not because I'm mad. Damn it, she's driving me insane.

Suddenly, I feel an urge of something dangerous. I want to shut her up, but not with words. I want to silence her by pulling her against me, kissing her until she can't say anything. How would her lips taste, I wonder? 

What the fuck is wrong with me? She's my stepsister.

I grit my teeth and remind myself to stay in control. This is wrong. So wrong.

"I can't believe you." She yells again, throwing her hands up. "You're so full of yourself. You think the world revolves around you?"

That's it.

Without thinking further, I grab her wrist and pull her close before silencing her with my hand over her mouth. I'm standing so close to her, my palm against her lips, and our faces inches apart. 

Her eyes go wide, and for a few seconds, everything goes quiet. Neither of us moves. I can feel the heat radiating from her body, and my heart is pounding like a drum in my chest. 

She looks up at me, and for a split second, the anger fades from her eyes. Something else flashes between us, something electric. My fingers twitch against her mouth, and I can't tear my eyes away from hers. This is bad. So fucking bad.

Then, just as quickly as the moment started, it ends. She bites my hand-hard.

"Fuck!" I hiss, letting go of her immediately.

Will she stop biting my hand? 

She steps back, her eyes blazing with fury, but there's something else there too. She's breathing heavily, just like I am.

"Don't you ever touch me like that again," she snaps, her voice shaking slightly. 

Then, without another word, she turns and walks away, leaving me standing there in the middle of the court, my hand throbbing, my heart racing, and my mind a fucking mess.

I watch her go, trying to get my breathing under control. What the hell just happened? I scold myself, running a hand through my hair.

She's my stepsister. She's forbidden.

And yet, all I can think about is how much I want to break every rule to have her.

Shit! I'm fucked up. 

***

Stella's P.O.V. 

I march out of the basketball court, fuming in anger. His harsh words ring in my mind. 

'I know you both are after my father's money.'

How dare he say that? He knows nothing about me or my mom, yet he acts like he's figured us out like we're these money-hungry women who somehow tricked his father into marrying my mom. My blood is boiling, my fists clenched so tightly my nails are digging into my palms.

And that thing he just did-grabbing me, silencing me with his hand. Who the hell does he think he is? 

I hate myself for the way I froze when he touched me, for getting lost in his eyes. Why did my heart race when it should have been disgusted? He's arrogant, rude, and constantly belittles me. Yet, there's something about him-something that makes me want to scream and throw things, but also something that makes me... want him.

"No, no, no. You're not thinking about that," I mutter to myself as I push open the door to the washroom. "He's a jerk. A total ass."

He's my stepbrother, for God's sake. 

And I have a boyfriend.

What the fuck is wrong with me?