My Stepbrother secret-possession

Protective Brother/Boyfriend

Slowly and reluctantly, my eyelashes gently flutter against my eyelids as I greet the glowing and radiant sun peeking above the horizon, streaming through my window. I become aware of my favourite fragrance in the coolness of my bedroom, the scent that lingers on the soft sheets and pillow beneath me. Lazily, I bask in the warmth of my covers, for every breath I inhale carries his scent. It relaxes me. I would give anything to wake up to Leigh Boyce's aroma enveloping my room forever, no! Actually, to have him wrap me in his strong arms.

My blurry eyes focus on a rose petal beside the nightstand clock, which reads nine-twenty. Now I am fully awake, perhaps more awake than ever before, as I quickly pick up the rose petal and find three words.

"Good morning, baby."

I giggle in the silent room at the endearing gesture that lifts my spirits in the morning. What did I do to be rewarded with such an angelic stepbrother...

That's when reality sets in... believe it or not, Leigh and I are an impossible pair. But the only motivation I have is Lilith's advice. "Enjoy your teenage days."

Knowing that sooner or later things won't be the same, we both have to come to a decision to conclude whatever this is. I embrace the moment and push away the negative energy behind me.

I am going to enjoy my teenage days, and it doesn't matter with whom, as long as they make me feel alive... provide me with a thrilling life. I'm content.

I push myself to get out of bed and get ready for the day before someone catches me wearing the shirt that doesn't belong to me. A shirt that clearly belongs to the boy opposite door.

Once I'm dressed and ready—I head to the ground floor, where I find everyone except Leigh.

"You should go eat," Lilith exclaims as she excitedly stands from the living room couch with a delightful grin plastered on her face. "Your breakfast is in the dining room."

What's with this sudden concern for my empty morning stomach that Lilith has never shown until today?

She begins to push me forward when I remain still, studying her carefully. What is she up to? "You must be hungry, kiddo," she adds with a shrug.

Okay, now I'm suspicious. Lilith isn't usually this kind to me when she knows I'm perfectly fine. Besides, the dining room? I don't think we've ever eaten there. So why is my breakfast there today?

Christian appears with Mum by his side, hand in hand and excitedly announces, "Look who's up." However, Mum doesn't look as gleeful as the other two, as we seem to be on a no-talking stage.

"Your breakfast is in the dining room," Christian confirms.

Lilith cheerfully squeaks and pulls me along with her, bemusing me further.

When we arrive at the room that Christian and his daughter are obsessed with, I find a stainless cloche covering a plate on the table.

"Get ready to fill your stomach," Lilith applauds and nimbly removes the cloche.

Suspiciously, I approach the plate and sit before it. "Yay, I'm so excited to eat something I don't know," I say monotonously.

"Stop being sarcastic and annoyingly lackadaisical. Just open it and dig in," she replies with a perpetual grin.

I roll my eyes before following her instructions, only to be greeted by a box of the latest iPhone. "No way," I murmur in surprise.

"I know, right? Give me credit for setting up the drama. It was all my idea after Dad got you the phone this morning," Lilith begins to narrate, even though I'm not interested in hearing the detailed account of this morning's events. I already know it was her doing.