The sound of moving furniture echoed through the spacious living room, a harsh reminder that my peaceful life was officially over. I sat on the grand staircase, hugging my knees to my chest, watching a stranger carried boxes and expensive looking furniture into my house.

A soft voice called out

I looked up to see my mother, Elena, walking towards me. She looked beautiful, as always, but there was a nervous glint in her eyes. She sat beside me and brushed a strand of hair away from my face.

She said gently

I gritted my teeth slightly. Brother. Right. A stepbrother.

Just a month ago, It was just me and mom. Now, she was remarried, and we were merging our lives with a man I barely knew and his son. I didn't want a new father, and I certainly didn't want a brother.

I muttered, looking away.

She smiled weakly, standing up as the front door opened again.

I stood up slowly, straightening my shirt. My heart was pounding against my ribs, a mix of anxiety and resentment bubbling inside me.

A tall, handsome man walked in. That was Richard Harrison. He smiled warmly and greeted mom. Behind him, however, was someone else.

He was tall- way taller than me. He had messy black hair that fell over his forehead, partially covering that eyes that were dark as night. He was wearing a black fitted shirt that showed off his broad shoulders and muscular arms, and ripped jeans. He looked like he belonged in a magazine, or perhaps...like a delinquent who didn't want to be here.

His eyes scanned the room lazily until they landed on me.

The air in the room seemed to drop a few degrees. Those dark eyes narrowed slightly, looking onto mine. There was no smile, no wave, just an intense, piercing stare that made me naked and exposed.

Mom called

I walked over slowly, keeping my head down.

Richard said proudly

Brother. The word sounded foreign and wrong coming from his mouth.

Zane didn't speak immediately. He took a step forward, towering over me. I had to crane my neck just to look at his face. He smelled expensive - like expensive cologne and something dangerously masculine.

Zane said finally. His voice was deep, raspy, and sent a strange shiver down my spine.

But he didn't stop at just saying hello. His eyes roamed over my face, down to my body, and back up again. It wasn't a friendly look. It was assessing. CLAIMING.

I managed to whisper, trying to step back, but his gaza seemed to hold me in place.

Zane remarked, his lips curling into a smirk that didn't reach his eyes.

I felt my cheeks heat up, partly from embarrassment and partly from anger.

He replied, and then, to my shock, he reached out and tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear. His fingers brushed against my cheek, and his touch was surprisingly warm, yet it made me want to pull away.

That night, dinner was awkward. Richard and Mom talked happily about the future, while Zane are silently, occasionally throwing a glances my way. Everytime I looked up he was already staring at me. It was unsettling.

After dinner, I decided to go to my room to escape. I just want to lock the door and pretend this wasn't happening.

But as I was walking down the hallway, a large hand suddenly grabbed my wrist and yanked me back.

I gasped, stumbling into a hard chest.

Zane whispered next to my ear. His body pressed against mine against the wall, trapping me.

I stammered, trying to pull my wrist free, but his grip was like iron.

Zane said, his face inches from mine. I could feel his breath on my skin. His eyes were dark and swirling with emotions I couldn't understand.

I said, trying to sound brave.

Zane leaned closer, his nose almost touching mine. The proximity was overwhelming. He smelled as good, and he felt so solid against me.

He murmured, but he didn't let go. Instead, he slowly lifted his other hand and traced the line of my jaw.

He finally released me and walked past me, heading to his own room. I stood there, heart racing, touching my wrist where his hand had been.

What had I gotten myself into? This Zane...he was dangerous. And I had a feeling that living with him was going to be nothing like I expected.

to be continued

I barely slept that night. Every creak of the house made me jump, thinking it was Zane coming back to bother me. When morning finally came, sunlight was streaming through the windows, but I didn't feel rested at all. I dragged myself out of bed and changed into my uniform. We went to the same school—St. Augustine Academy. I was a sophomore, and apparently, Zane was a senior. The thought of seeing him in school made my stomach twist. When I went downstairs, the atmosphere was different. Richard had already left for work, and Mom was in the kitchen making breakfast.

She chirped, but her smile faded when she saw my face.

I lied, forcing a smile.

She asked, looking around.

A deep voice answered from the doorway.

I stiffened. Zane walked in looking effortlessly handsome. He was wearing the same uniform, but somehow he made it look dangerous. His tie was loosened, the top button undone, and his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing his toned forearms. He didn't look at Mom first. His eyes immediately found me, pinning me in place. He walked over to the table and pulled out the chair right next to me, sitting down with a confident thud.

He ordered softly, pushing a plate of pancakes towards me.

I blinked.

He said, leaning back in his chair, stretching his long legs out until his knee brushed against mine under the table.

Mom didn't seem to notice the tension. She just beamed.

I wanted to tell her that this wasn't 'getting along'. This was... domination. Zane was marking his territory, and I was standing right in the middle of it. Breakfast was torture. Zane didn't talk much, but he kept touching me. A hand on my thigh, brushing his shoulder against mine, or passing me things unnecessarily just so our fingers would touch. Every contact sent electric shocks through my body, confusing me more and more.

Mom said, handing us our packed lunches.

Zane said, taking the keys from the counter.

I asked

He stated, not as a question, but as a fact.

He cut me off, his voice dropping an octave. The look in his eyes told me not to argue.

The car was sleek, black, and expensive. The inside smelled just like him—musky and expensive. The ride was silent, but it was a heavy silence. I kept my eyes glued to the window, feeling his gaze on the side of my face every few seconds. When we pulled into the school parking lot, I immediately reached for the door handle.

Zane grabbed my arm again, stopping me.

I turned to look at him.

He leaned over the console, invading my space once again. He was so close I could see the individual lashes framing his dark eyes.

He said, his voice low and serious.

I frowned

He smirked, but there was nothing playful about it.

He counted off on his fingers.

He reached out and tucked my shirt collar properly, his fingers lingering on my neck.

I stared at him, mouth slightly open in disbelief.

He said simply, his eyes darkening.

His words were possessive, overwhelming, and strangely... thrilling? My heart was hammering against my ribs. I didn't know if I wanted to run away or stay trapped there with him.

He asked, his thumb brushing against my jawline. I swallowed hard, my voice barely a whisper.

He smiled, a genuine, breathtaking smile this time.

Stepping out of the car was like entering a lion's den. Zane was famous here. As we walked through the gates, heads turned. Whispers followed us.

Zane noticed the stares immediately. He didn't like it. He suddenly slung his arm over my shoulders, pulling me tight against his side, practically forcing me to walk under his shadow.

He muttered down at me.

I walked stiffly, my face burning. I could feel the heat radiating from his body, the weight of his arm heavy but secure. We stopped in front of a row of lockers.

He said, pointing at the locker right next to his.

Zane said casually, spinning the combination lock.

He opened his locker, and suddenly, he pinned me between the lockers and his body. There were students walking by, but Zane didn't care. He towered over me, caging me in with his arms on either side of my head.

He whispered, his face inches from mine.

He leaned down, and for a second, I thought he was going to kiss me. My eyes fluttered shut involuntarily. But instead, he just breathed in the scent of my hair, letting out a satisfied groan.

He whispered, and then he was gone, walking away like he hadn't just turned my entire world upside down. I slid down the locker, clutching my chest. What was happening to me? Why did my heart race so fast when he was near? And why... deep down... did I kind of like being his?

To be continued

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.....,.........

When lunchtime came, my friends called me over, but Zane appeared instantly, blocking my way.

He said firmly, grabbing my hand.

He dragged me to his table, sitting so close our legs touched. He draped his arm around my chair, claiming me in front of everyone.

He announced proudly.

When a classmate tried to shake my hand, Zane glared, making him back off immediately.

He growled lowly.

As we ate, I saw Kyle from my class waving at me. I smiled back. Instantly, Zane’s aura turned ice cold. He pulled me tight against him and shot a terrifying glare across the room, scaring Kyle away.

He commanded, holding my chin.

I nodded, my heart racing. I was falling for him, fast and hard.