I’m late for my next class. Or more like, I’ll be late by about a minute. That’s the reward of being in the girls’ room after everyone’s settled in.
I’m running down the hall when an arm wraps around my shoulder. For a second, I freeze, thinking Ryder has returned for revenge. He’s been ignoring me since the morning, but I know more than anyone that if Ryder Saint ignores you, it’s a disaster disguised as a blessing.
I release a breath when I inhale and realise it’s not him. He doesn’t smell this strong or feel this hard – not that I know how he feels.
And yes, I know how Ryder smells. It’s only because of my ability to connect to my surroundings, remember?
"Nice to see you Genie" I smiled up at Chris Morrison. He's one of the few friends who doesn't pick on me. He's cool and has a boyish charm. His jet black hair is slightly curled at the end. He starred on the football and basketball teams and was one of the best
looking guys in school.
"Let me get the door for you" I stepped aside, giving him the chance to swing the door open.
I smiled up at him and mouthed a quick ' Thank you.'
We made it in before Miss Smith, the history teacher, came in. Not long after she launched into a full blown lecture. Out of my peripheral vision, I noticed a few students around the room glancing my way. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. What is everyone's problem? Aren't they over the interaction earlier this morning?
Fuck them.
Aware of Chris Morrison sitting right behind me, I tried to concentrate and after fifty minutes of long and boring lecture I finally retrieved my phone.
I was grossed out by replying to a message from Lexi that I didn't realize where I was going until my head hit something.
A wall? No.
A chest.
I traced my way up to see who it belongs to only to be face by Xavier Juan
One of the four best guys in school and Ryder's best friends. My pulse raced thinking Ryder had sent him but the smirk on his face tells me otherwise. He's watching me with a glint in his eyes as if he found his next prey. Xavier is easier to deal with compared to Ryder. He might be a pain in the ass too but he's not always bullying me like Ryder.
"Looks like a lamb lost her way" he chuckles moving forward while I move back until my back hurts the wall. He placed his hands on the wall and leaned into me, enclosing and trapping him till we're breathing the same air.
"Wh… wha-t are you doing?" I tried to keep my voice steady but it's of no use.
"You can't hide away from me" He ran the knuckles of his left finger down my arm and I snuck in a breath
"Get away from me" I tried to shove him by hitting him hard on the chest but he wouldn't even bulge. God-damned this guy is so strong.
"I can take you out here in front of everyone. If you go out with me Ryder would leave you alone." He toyed with me playing with the tie of my uniform.
He must be dreaming if he thinks I will do as he says… I can hear the laughter in my head.
His hand glided down my back and moved it across the wall of my ass.
What did he just do?
Did he just grab my ass? Without my permission?
In public?
Oh, no.
Then, he squeezed. Everything after that point happened in a rush of reaction and adrenaline. I popped out of my seat like my legs had springs. The muscles in my thighs were taut with tension, and I clenched my fists.
As I faced Xavier, who had raised himself to meet my gaze, I grabbed him by the shoulders and lifted my knee into his groin. Hard. The amount of pressure must've been a lot, because he yelped and fell to his knees, moaning while holding his crotch.
With my heart pounding and a cool heat surging down my arms, I didn’t stop to think about where this would put me tomorrow or next week. I just wanted him to stop.
Ryder might have been threatening and bullying me for years but he would never do such. Hell I'm like trash so he wouldn't even touch me, so he had never crossed that line. He had never touched me or made me feel physically violated.
“Don’t touch me and don’t talk to me.” I said pointing a finger at him. Xavier's eyes were closed as he breathed hard.
“Did you really think I would go out with you? Seriously, you're unbelievable.” The entire room erupted in laughter.
“Thanks for the offer anyway, Ryder,” I sang with mock sweetness. Now you won't try to mess with me again.
Everything felt weak with tingles, and I was afraid my legs would give out. What had I just done?
But before I reached the doors, I threw caution to the wind. Oh what the hell, I’ve developed a death wish lately. First Ryder and now Xavier. I might not see another day. Still happy I turned but stopped when I saw the only person who made my blood boil. Ryder fucking saint.
Ryder's full attention was focused on me, and the world in my peripheral vision stopped as we stared at each other. His lips were slightly parted but not smiling. Those eyes, however, seemed challenging and too damn interesting. He looked like he
was sizing me up.
Fuck. Shit.
Leaning back in his chair, he had one arm hooked behind him on the back of his seat and one arm resting on the table. He was staring at me, and unwanted heat rushed to my face. Without saying a word I bolted out of the classroom as quickly as I could.
The rest of the day went perfectly well without event after the other. I couldn't really believe today was the first day of school. First I stood up for myself without Lexi beside me.
The interaction with Ryder then Xavier. Well I wasn't really at rest thinking Ryder could appear any moment for payback. But I don't care. A lot of strange faces smiled up at me during calculus class. I tested Lexi giving her account of all that happened but of course she had already heard about it.
One thing about Evergreen high, news spreads faster than light.
"Didn't know you were that good" a girl had said to me. Alison I think her name is.
"A lot of girls were happy about it. Xavier deserved what he got" she smiled.
Not knowing what to respond with, I just nodded. I wasn't used to people being on my side. My responses to Xavier and Ryder's antics might have changed, but my goal to keep my head focused on school remained the same. My first day had included too much drama already. If I’d kept my head down, I might’ve escaped notice for the most part. But it was almost as if I had no desire to be silent anymore, and my actions were inviting more trouble. What was I doing? And
Why wasn’t I stopping?
*****
The rest of the week passed by quickly and since my confrontation with Ryder he hasn't showed up in school. Not that I care anyway. Even Xavier Juan had completely stayed away from me.
Good.
Today is Saturday and I slept in. Glancing back at the wall clock on the wall over my headboard to check what time it is.
10:15
Shit. I jumped out of bed and slipped into my flip-flops then made my way down the stairs. As expected I met a handwritten note from mom on the kitchen island. It's short and concise
"Out with James. Don't cook dinner, we are all meeting tonight."
I saw the address of the restaurant behind the paper and I smiled. It's one of those fancy ones I usually beg mom to let us try. I kept the paper back where I saw it.
James proposed to mum during the week like I knew he would. He had asked for my permission. We actually had a conversation on Skype since he's been so busy.
I checked the letter once again.
All.
One second
Two
Three
And then it registered. James Saint has a son and will become my stepbrother soon. Mom has mentioned him once or twice but I never did pay attention. She said he's about my age.
Why do I keep forgetting details like this?
I have a Stepbrother. It's weird for me to take in at first. As an only child I've always fantasized what it'll be like to have siblings.
I've never been more nervous in my life than I am currently. First, Mom and James are finally engaged and I'll be meeting him. Am I ready for a new stepdad? Maybe. A new stepbrother? Nope.
I'm dressed in my best clothes. A red satin dress that mom got me for a ball we attended last summer and my favourite pair of matching heels. I FaceTime Lexi to make sure I look okay. I don't want to be overdressed or under; besides , it's a five star hotel. I guess everyone here doesn't just grab a wrinkled dress off of their closet and wear it.
"I'm a few minutes late, my mother made a reservation for four at 7 o'clock" I explained to the hostess
"What's the last name?"
I decided to go with James since my mother will make it under his name but only then did I realize I didn't know his last name. What a nice thing to have as a step daughter. So I just went with mom's instead.
"Sophia " I rushed
"That's my mom, she made the reservations"
"Table 6 on the left" she replied without looking away from her computer. He'll show it to you.
"Thanks" I mutter even though I'm sure she won't reply.
The interior design of the hotel looks beautiful. I'd even stopped by some paintings on the wall and took some pictures with them making a mental note to forward them to Lexi later. She made me promise to give her full details tonight. Especially the step brother aspect. Well, I really hope we get along.
When I got to the table and saw the pairs of eyes before me, I froze.
"Holy shit!" I heard his voice.
Suddenly it clicked in my brain, why I think James looks familiar on our first meeting. Sitting beside James is the last person I ever thought would be there.
The guy who has made my life hell for the past three years.
Ryder Saint. James' son and unfortunately my new step brother. Can my life get any more twisted than it already is? The smirk and smile on his face says otherwise.
You two know each other?" It was my mom who spoke next, breaking the awkward silence I seemed to bring with me since my arrival. I realised I was still standing so I took a seat at the extreme, making sure it's not anywhere near Ryder.A lot is going through my head right now. My mom is engaged to Saint James, father of my bully. Do I just open my mouth now and tell mom? Should I make her call off the engagement because of the rifle between me and Ryder. She waited sixteen years after dad and now that she's got a man do I just ruin it.Is life playing a game with me? Why do I have to always be entwined with Ryder? When I thought I have a year to endure more only to be thrown into a family relationship with him."We're in the same English class, Sophia" he said looking at me meaningfully"She just don't talk to me" The last part holds meaning only both of us understand. "Really, Genie?" I can feel her eyes questioning me."I don't talk to most people mom" I muttered not meeting her g
RyderI still can't believe Genie McConnell is going to be my Stepsister. Out of any other girls with tities and a nice ass, it's going to be her. Since when did dad start seeing another woman. Hell, he's never seen anyone since mom left. All however was just a nice pussy to satisfy his urges. But seeing Genie mom with him, I'm pretty sure it must be serious. It's been a week since my dad and Sophia announced their engagement and I'm still fuming. I don't understand why I'm angry. First, why does he have to throw that news at us without any warning. From the horrified look on Genie's face I'm sure it came as a surprise. Secondly, he hasn't been around ever since. I know he has a busy schedule but fuvk, he's settling down in a few months now with a soon to be Stepsister and a wife for Christ sake. I know he came in late last night anyways. Throughout this week, I did something. Haven't done since the first time I set my eyes on her, I let her be. I avoided and stayed clear of her way
I shut my eyes as soon as I opened them. Wtf! Why is it so bright in here? What happened? My room is usually dark. When my eyes finally get used to the light I realised it's not my room after all. Where am I? Like a flash, I recollect the events of yesterday. Our arrival and then at night, a drunk Ryder. The window, my face went in that direction spontaneously and I realised it's still open. Little wonder it's all bright in here. I stared at the ceiling for a while while I listened to the low…. Coming from Ryder's room. He must really love that band. After a while, I decided to get out of bed and put on some clothes as I was done doing this, I heard my door close behind me and I looked up to see the race of the person I so dread. Arrgggh Will I ever get used to seeing his face each day now that we live together? I don't think so. Stepping away from the mirror, "Have you ever heard the word 'privacy' before?" I studied his face, he looks okay, his hair is a little dishevel
He is leaning against the closed door obviously blocking my way out. How did he get in here? I didn't hear him climb the stairs let alone come in. "What are you doing here?" His voice is calm."No..noth…nothing" I stammered and quickly god the camera behind my back but it was too late as he already saw it."Oh!" His eyes widened In recognition as he took in the scene before him "Give it to me" he extended his palms out towards me. I start to bypass him but it's of no use as he had already shut the door. I stood incredibly close to him as I inhaled the smell of freshness from him. I've never been this close to him. Never. It has always been him intimidating me and me running away. But that had stopped. I made that clear weeks ago that he couldn't triumph over my weakness again. Plus, I've already decided that I'll stop being a victim to his unjust war. I tightened my trip around it "No" I said firmly. He can do what he likes all I care. He takes a step closer and I take one back. "
*****I opened my eyes. My hair sticks to the side of my face with sweat.Heat smothers my body and my breasts tighten against the towel.That’s not all.Oh. God.My hand rests between my legs and I’m… wet.I jerk my hand free as if I was caught stealing.I remember last night after an early dinner with mom, dad and Ryder I came in here to study but I ended up falling asleep. heard a muffled sound coming through the wall from Ryder’s bedroom. It must be what woke me up from while at the brink of getting a good orgasm. I listened carefully and It sounded like someone crying in pain, but as I cocked my ear towards it, I realized it was a woman moaning with pleasure.God, he was such a vulgar man-whore. He's watching the blues. Omg. I tried to picture him stroking himself while watching and insert my fingers where it aches me between my legs. The lady starts moaning faster and I follow the Rhythm with my fingers in an effort to finish what I have been dreaming about but my hands don't s
One fact I disagree with is that I'm obsessed with my stepbrother. Ex bully but now my stepbrother. The transition is overwhelming and unbelievable. The guy who I had vowed to hate and get away from. The one who makes me feel insecure of myself. The one whose voice makes my blood boil. Just like the dew disappears with the morning light, all of this magnimonity was replaced with a feeling I can't place my hands on. Ryder is more than I had earlier pictures of him. Of course he is a badass guy who still pisses me off anytime he wants but beneath him is something more. Ryder and I never spoke of the sexual tension between us even though it ran through my mind each time especially the movie we both shared in his room. I was pretty sure it didn’t mean anything to him, that he was just trying to lose me even though the sensations I experienced were the same as if we were in the movie. The past few weeks have been less dramatic. He's been busy with practice so I see less of him at home.
We stare at each other, both of our eyes wide. Like we just woke up from a century's worth of sleep and realizing the change in the world. We were surprised at what just happened. I can't read the expression on Ryder's face. I can't tell if he regrets what just happened or it's just part of what to expect. "I'm just going to leave," I mutter. I stand up and straighten my blouse, stepping away from him. It didn't take me any second before I exited his room, not glancing back to spare him a look. I leaned against my door the moment I'm in my room and closed the door behind me. I stood there blinking for forever and staring into eternity. I placed my hands over my chest to stop my racing heart. There is no logical explanation for what just happened. I just freaking kissed my stepbrother. The guy who weeks ago is the last person I ever wished to come across. The guy who infuriates and makes my blood boil. The guy I seriously wish to get away from. The guy who never dated girls. The guy
I was in a calculus class when I heard my phone chimed. I was relieved I could get my eyes away from Mr Allen and his boring lectures. Infact, I have been dying to get off this seat for a long time. So when I got a message, I became happy. I reached between the pocket of my sweater and pulled out my phone. It's a message from Ryder. Why is he texting me in school? The few weeks since I've known Ryder now, he only texts when he has anything naughty to say or to disturb me. Something within me tells me something is wrong somewhere. I mean, he never texts in school at least. Before I could find out what the message entailed, I heard the demanding yet ugly voice of Mr Allen calling me. "Miss, McConnell, are you still with us?" I look up to find his eyes boring into mine like he has been staring at me a long time ago. I broke the contact and looked around to find all the double pairs of eyes lingering on my body. "Ye..yes" I stuttered. "Good" he says before turning to the board to co