Chapter 4

four

. . .

Lila

Golden evening light bathes the backyard as I arrange plates and utensils on the picnic table. Ethan's arm brushes mine as he leans over to place glasses at each setting. A tingle shoots through me at the touch. His fingertips linger a moment too long on my wrist before he pulls away. Our eyes meet, a flicker of something unspoken passing between us, before I hurriedly look away.

Nervous energy hums through my body. It's impossible to ignore Ethan's presence—his confident movements, the spicy scent of his cologne. I feel hyperaware of him, like every cell in my body is attuned to his.

"Can you grab the napkins?" Ethan's deep voice cuts through my reverie.

"Sure." I clear my throat and busy myself with the task, trying to slow my racing pulse.

Our parents love to host, so they’re throwing this huge barbecue. Ethan and I have both invited some of our own friends too, and they seem to be getting along just fine if all the laughs I hear coming from around the firepit are any indication.

I wish I could be as laid-back as them, but I’m wound up tighter than a spring with my sinfully handsome stepbrother around.

What makes it worse is that he makes it clear he doesn’t give shit that we’re stepsiblings.

Every time I look up, his gaze is on me. He licks his lips like I’m a tasty dessert he can’t wait to devour.

But it’s not going to happen.

It can’t.

I spend the evening trying my damnedest to stay away from him, but I constantly feel his eyes on me.

And later, we gather around the firepit with our friends, it’s impossible to avoid him any longer. His gaze has been burning me all night, so the cool night air is a relief against my flushed skin.

Amber flames cast a warm glow over smiling faces as someone suggests truth or dare. My stomach flips as the dares quickly turn flirtatious and full of innuendo.

"Lila, I dare you to sit on Ethan's lap for the next round," Jenna declares with a sly grin.

My cheeks burn as everyone whoops and hollers. I glance at Ethan hesitantly. In the flickering firelight, his blue eyes are dark and intense, sending a shiver down my spine. A hint of a smirk plays at the corner of his mouth as he pats his lap.

I want to say no, but fuck, then that will make it even more awkward, won’t it? If we truly are just stepbrother and stepsister, this should be no big deal, right?

Heart pounding, I perch awkwardly on Ethan's muscular thigh. The heat of his body sears into me. I'm acutely aware of every place we touch—his strong arm wrapping around my waist to steady me, my fingers gripping his firm shoulder. Desire coils hot and tight in my core. I barely hear the others' laughter and chatter over the blood rushing in my ears.

"Comfortable?" Ethan murmurs, his breath caressing my ear.

I manage a strained chuckle, not trusting myself to speak. I'm both relieved and bereft when the next dare is called and I slide off his lap on shaky legs.

As the game continues, I sneak furtive glances at Ethan. Memories of his touch linger on my skin like phantom flames. I ache to feel those strong hands on me again, to discover if his full lips are as soft as they look. Guilt twists in my gut at the forbidden direction of my thoughts.

God, I’m playing with fire, and I’ve got to stop.

Ethan

Watching Lila squirm on my lap, her soft curves pressed against me, tested every ounce of my self-control. I wanted to pull her flush to my chest, claim her pouty lips in a searing kiss, and show all these fuckers that she's mine.

But I held back. For now .

As the night winds down and people start heading home, I corner Lila in the kitchen. She's washing dishes, her back to me. I come up behind her, caging her in with my arms on either side of the counter. She startles when she turns and finds herself trapped between the sink and my body.

"Ethan! You scared me," she gasps, a hand flying to her chest. Her eyes are wide, cheeks flushed so pretty. I want to make her flush like that all over.

"Did you have fun tonight, sis?" My voice sounds rough and gravelly, but fuck I can’t help it, especially when her breath hitches like that. "You felt so good in my lap. I bet you'd feel even better wrapped around my cock."

"Ethan!" she hisses, scandalized. But her pupils are blown with desire, a sheen of sweat on her heaving tits. "We can't. It's wrong."

"Says who? Mom and Dad? Society?" I lean in close, inhaling her sweet scent. "I know you want it too, Lila. I could feel you getting wet for me by the fire."

She shivers, eyes fluttering shut for a moment. "P-please, just let me go."

"No." I tilt her chin up with a finger, forcing her to meet my gaze. "Not until you admit how bad you want me."

"I don't..." she protests weakly, but it's a lie. She wants me so fucking much she can hardly stand it.

My other hand slides down to palm her curvy ass. I yank her hips to mine, letting her feel how hard I am. She whimpers, hands fisting in my shirt.

"Still going to deny it?" I grind myself against her and she moans. "Admit it, Lila. Say you want my cock buried in this tight little pussy."

I slip my hand into her shorts, cupping her mound. She's absolutely soaked through her panties. I rub her swollen clit and she bucks, a needy sound escaping her throat.

"Fuck, please..." She's panting now, hips rolling to meet my touch.

"Good girl," I growl, capturing her mouth in a filthy kiss.

Holy fuck . She tastes like honey and sin. I plunder her mouth with my tongue while shoving her shorts down. Cool air hits my hand as I delve into her slick folds. She cries out when I thrust two fingers knuckle-deep in her tight cunt.

I swallow the sound, pumping my fingers hard and fast, curling them to hit that spot that makes her see stars. Lila's head falls back as she grinds wantonly on my hand, shameless little moans spilling from her lips.

"That's it, baby," I rasp, my own arousal surging at the erotic sight of her. "Ride my fingers. Show me how desperate you are for it."

Her silken walls clench around me, drawing me deeper. I add a third finger, stretching her deliciously as my thumb rubs firm circles on her clit. Lila sobs with pleasure, thighs trembling.

"Ethan...oh god...I'm gonna come," she whines breathlessly, eyes rolling back in her head.

"Do it," I command hotly. "Come all over my fingers like the dirty girl you are. Fucking soak me."

I thrust deep and grind my palm against her swollen nub and she shatters with a sharp cry. Her pussy spasms wildly, creaming my hand as ecstasy crashes through her. I work her through it, rubbing and stroking until she's boneless and mewling.

Slowly, I withdraw my soaked fingers and bring them to my mouth. Lila watches dazedly as I lick them clean, savoring her honeyed essence. "Delicious," I rumble. "I can't wait to taste it from the source."

Her eyes widen and she flushes scarlet. "W-we shouldn't have done that," she stammers, reality intruding now that the haze of lust has faded. She yanks up her shorts with shaky hands. "It can't happen again."

I crowd her against the counter, gripping her chin. "It will happen again," I vow darkly. "Now that I've had a taste, I won't be satisfied until I've devoured every inch of you. I'm going to ruin you for anyone else, Lila. You're mine ."

I capture her mouth again, kissing her until she's breathless and clinging to me, before releasing her abruptly. "Sweet dreams, sis," I quip, tossing her a wink as I adjust myself and walk out.

This is just the beginning. I'll have her begging for my cock soon enough. And not just for a quick fuck—I'm going to own her, body and soul.

Because Lila is mine , and it's time she knows it.