My Stepbrother: secret possession

Merciless: Meet The New Flyer

"Let's get going. We're running late," Lilith shouts at me from the foyer.

I ignore her and continue enjoying my tea, while also avoiding the perplexed stares from Christian and Mum.

"Ava, I'm not kidding; get your ass over here." Lilith warns me with exasperation.

"Language," both adults say in unison.

"Then you guys should let her know I'm leaving if she doesn't get here within seconds," Lilith says irritably.

Mum turns to face me. "Go on, Ava. It's almost eight."

"Good morning, Auntie, Christian, and little cousin," Sawyer joins us in her morning pyjamas, evoking nostalgic memories.

Smiling at Sawyer, Christian and Mum redirect their attention to me. "Ava," Mum takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself after my stubborn morning behavior.

"I'd rather be absent than ride with her," I mutter, nonchalantly sipping my tea.

"Okay! That's it. I'm not wasting any more of my precious time on you. I'm done with your shitty behavior," Lilith declares as she stands by the kitchen entryway.

Annoyed by her audacity, I rise to my feet and step towards her. "Oh really? Shitty behavior? You kissed me and touched places you had no right to," the words spill out before I realize we're not alone.

Oh, shit.

Lilith turns pale, appearing terrified and frightened. Her murderous glare shifts from me to our parents, who I'm sure aren't pleased with my confession.

"What?" Christian questions, his tone icy and sharp.

When I glance towards Mum and Christian, I can only stare blankly at all of them, mouth agape and filled with terror. I'm certain I look just as pale as Lilith does.

"It was a dare, that's all. I promised Dad," Lilith starts to tremble as she explains.

It takes Christian a few seconds before he responds. "Hand it over." He holds out his hand to his daughter, and I wonder what he's asking for.

"Dad, please," Lilith pleads, her eyes unexpectedly filled with tears.

"Now," Christian yells at the vulnerable girl standing next to me. The weight in his voice makes not only Lilith flinch, but every female in the room.

Lilith drops her Range Rover keys into Christian's outstretched hand without hesitation and shoots a fiery, dagger-like gaze at me. I immediately know it's over between us.

"And you're grounded for two weeks," Christian tells his daughter, gesturing between Lilith and me.

Oh, and that includes me.

Great.

"Welcome to the trekking club," I dramatically raise my hands before slinging my bag over my shoulder and grabbing my purple flask. I wouldn't be surprised if Leigh doesn't show up with my additional tea; he didn't sleep at home. Not that I care, I'm sure he's possibly sharing a bed with his new lover.

I leave the house with the bitterness of that thought in my throat.

***