Chapter 1

CHAPTER 1

Myrah

I toss the white tank top down and slip the black one on again. Oh God, I’m so nervous. It’s been six years since I’ve seen Knox. Not only that, but I have no idea what one even wears to a prison. I’m not even sure he’s going to recognize me. I was twelve when he went inside. I hadn’t even hit puberty yet. Everything about me has changed.

The last time Knox saw me I was a tiny little runt, two buck teeth, scrawny little legs, black rimmed glasses too big for my face, and long blonde pigtails. Now, I’m eighteen and the only thing that’s the same is my eye color. Although, these days I’ve been getting the tinted contacts to change things up. Today, I’ve got my brown contacts in so I don’t have to squint in the sun all day. They won’t let me take sunglasses inside because somehow, they could be used as a weapon. The only thing allowed past prison security is literally the clothes on your body.

I take one last look in the mirror. Not sure if a black tank top and leather skirt is prison appropriate, but I don’t want to be late for my visitation time, so I slip on my boots and head out. I want to have every possible second with my stepbrother. Talking on the phone with him has helped ease my worry over the years, but I still won’t truly believe he’s okay until I see him.

As soon as my eighteenth birthday hit, I filled out all the paperwork and started what turned into a ten month process to get approved for visitation. Which I’m positive took so long because of who it is I’m trying to see. But finally, the approval went through. And now, someone will be showing up for Knox. Because unfortunately, the day he was sentenced, his dad disowned him. Saying he was a disgrace to the family and he didn’t want Knox’s arrest tainting the Bricker name.

I still don’t understand how he could turn his back on his prized son. My stepbrother was the quintessential perfect American teenager. He was a rule follower. The captain of his football team, champion all-star quarterback, valedictorian. He wasn’t some cop-hating, drug-using punk like the officers claimed in the courtroom. God, just thinking of the injustice has my blood boiling. But I keep an eye on my speedometer, making sure I don’t do a single mile over the speed limit.

Getting past the security check was quite the process. For a moment, it felt like I was being arrested. They finger printed me, did a full body check, and pulled my records. The approval was taking so long, I started getting nervous they weren’t going to let me through, but then they finally gave the green light.

“This way,” the officer orders, leading me through the doors and into another locked corridor. He enters a code into the panel and puts in a key, causing a loud buzzer to sound. “If at any point you get nervous or want to leave, you just give me the signal and I’ll escort you out.”

I nod in spite of my annoyance by his suggestion. I have nothing to fear with my stepbrother. Knox isn’t the evil monster they’ve claimed him to be. And since he’s been in prison, he’s not only gotten a college degree, but he’s gotten his master’s too. He’s been the perfect inmate. Yet, every time he’s been up for parole, none of his stellar behavior has mattered. The two dirty cops come in claiming he’s a danger to society, and within two minutes the parole board has their mind made up.

In another two years, he’ll have another shot at parole, and this time I’ll be there with proof in hand that he isn’t the monster they’ve painted him as. I’ll have his transcripts and letters from his old teachers showing what a calm, sweet boy he was. I’ll also have the computer printout from his GTR showing the proof that he wasn’t speeding so there wasn’t even a reason to pull him over in the first place, only adding to the suspicion spotlight on the officers. I wish I could figure out how to get ahold of the deleted patrol car footage because that’d be the only proof I’d need, but that’s beyond my means.

Interesting how both police cruiser cameras malfunctioned at the exact same time. I still can’t believe the judge just took their word for it and didn’t even question the fact. But like Knox told me, the judge was part of the same good ol’ boy system, and without a proper attorney, my brother’s defense was a matter of his word against two high-ranking police officers who have received exemplary accolades during their careers. My brother didn’t stand a chance against those lying pigs.

The thick metal door finally opens and the officer leads me into a big, barren room with nothing but tables and chairs. There are a few other prisoners sitting with their visitors, but the place is by no means hopping.

“You take a seat. Raid will be brought in shortly.”

Raid? Is that his nickname in here? My sweet Knox never told me they call him that.

I take my seat and cast my eyes to the tabletop, studying the lines running along the laminate, making sure I don’t make eye contact with any of the inmates. I don’t know what they’re in for, and I definitely don’t want anyone thinking I’m staring at them or judging them in any way. Knox warned me that some of the other inmates are so crazy even a smile could set them off.

A loud buzzing sound, followed by another metal door clanking open has me looking up. The air gets trapped inside my lungs as I watch them drag a giant prisoner forward. His ankles are bound in heavy chains and his wrists are still cuffed. He must be unruly or doing time for something really bad. Everything about him screams danger.

I should look away before he catches me staring, but I can’t. I’m drawn in like a moth to a flame, studying the viscous-looking dragon tattoo running up the side of his neck and curling around his shaved head, breathing fire in my direction. It’s as if I can feel the heat from its mouth coursing through my veins, burning me up from the inside out, making me feel flushed in the most inappropriate places.

My taste for bad guys is another reason my stepfather hates me so much. He thinks I’m a wild child. A rebel who doesn’t fit his perfect WASP mold. But why would I ever want to please a man who would turn his back on his own son. A boy who was a perfect kid, doing everything his father ever asked of him. Including, getting accepted into Harvard.

Honestly, I think the only reason Lloyd hasn’t kicked me out of his house yet is because I’m a tax deduction. In spite of the millions my stepfather has in the bank, he’s as greedy as they come. The man will never have enough money.

The prisoner’s eyes scan the room, like they’re clocking every single person in the place. Like he’s looking for his next victim. God, I just hope he isn’t on the same cell block with Knox. A guy like him would beat my brother up just for having long shaggy hair. Every inch of the prisoner is sculpted and primed to kill, like he’s had nothing but hard time to turn his body into a weapon— and man is it lethal.

Finally, his head turns and those dangerous eyes land on me. Oh my God . He used to have long, shaggy hair that was always tucked under a backwards baseball cap. His soft cheeks would split into a charming smile every time he saw me. And his kind eyes used to be so full of warmth and love, they’d make me feel like I was being hugged anytime I walked into a room. Knox was boyishly handsome the last time I saw him. Every cheerleader’s crush. But now…

Now his eyes are dark and his glare menacing, searing my skin as he trails over my body. His body, which was always strong and built, has practically doubled in size. And he obviously went through his final growth spurt while behind bars because he’s definitely taller than I remember. He has to be at leas 6’4” now and every inch is corded with muscle. Knox was a clean-cut prep the last time I saw him, but now…he’s covered in ink and oozing with raw deadly power.

It’s so contradictory to the guy I chat with on the phone. My stepbrother is my best friend. The one and only person who knows me inside and out. Who knows all of my secrets. I knew his voice had grown deeper, but all of him has changed. He’s no longer the cute boy who I loved to play hide-and-seek with and follow around all the time. He’s transformed into the ultimate bad boy. Sexy and dangerous.

The butterflies start flittering around in my stomach as his eyes connect with mine, finally finished studying how I’ve changed too. I’m no longer the little bucktoothed girl with pigtails and chubby cheeks. I now have black hair with magenta highlights running through it. My blue jean overalls I used to love have been traded for black lace and leather. And my teeth finally fit my mouth which is painted in pin-up red.

Based on the glare in his eyes and the purse of his lips, I’m not sure he likes the new me. Our physical changes never came up in conversation, mostly because I was afraid to taint the image he had of me. Now, I’m thinking I should’ve given him a warning.

“You better behave, Raid, or your ass will be thrown in the hole.”

The officer’s voice gains my attention. I don’t understand why they’re giving him the warning. As far as Knox has told me, he’s never been thrown in the hole or done anything to get himself into trouble. He keeps on the up-and-up in hopes of getting released early. But now that I’m seeing him in person, I think maybe he was saying those things in fear of tainting the image I had of him .

Knox practically growls at the officer and the cop jerks back, his hand clutching his gun at his waistband. He looks absolutely terrified of my stepbrother. Seeing how intimidating Knox is to even the man holding the weapon is causing a stir low in my belly. Oh God. I can’t be turned on by him. Knox is my family. The only true family I have left. But Lord, is he my exact type. If I had to describe the man of my sexual fantasies, it would be him. Every single detail to an exact T.

Shit. This is so not good.

He starts stalking towards me. Each step slow and measured. The chains locked around his ankles obviously slowing him down. Which is a good thing. Because as the space between us disappears, the butterflies grow more anxious.

My panties are not supposed to be getting wet. I’m supposed to be excited to see him, not aroused. But the sensation is crackling up my skin. My hormones are getting in my way and causing all of my synapses to misfire. I need to get my shit together. Fast.

When he stops before me, a rush of heat floods in, drowning me in lust. I can’t catch my breath and I know I’m visibly shaking but I can’t control it. My knees are getting weak. And if I don’t take a seat soon, I may collapse.

“I won’t hurt you, Myr. Never.”

The steel rumble of his voice shatters me further. I tilt my head back, finally finding the courage to meet his eyes. The last thing I want is for him to think I’m afraid of him. That’s not what has me shaking like a leaf. It’s the sheer magnitude of desire that’s trying to bury me alive.

“I know you won’t, Knox.” My voice is barely recognizable, breathless due to the lack of oxygen in my lungs. He’s even hotter up close. His rigid jawline is etched in stubble, and all I can think about is how it would feel running across my inner thigh, tickling against my skin as his mouth… Oh God. I have to stop.

“Been six years, sis. Need you to wrap those arms around me and give me a hug.”

I push past the rattle in my nerves and step closer, swallowing harder. In my next gulp, I’m nearly swept off my feet. Locked into a tight embrace. Body pulled flush against his massive frame. The warmth and love radiating off of him running straight through my veins, melting me further into his chest.

I didn’t realize until this exact moment how much I truly missed him. I bury my face into his shirt, rubbing over him like he’s my big stuffed bear, seeking his strength and comfort which I’ve needed for so long. But as I breathe him in, my body grows uncomfortable low in my belly. His intoxicating rugged scent fills my nose, and a shiver runs down my spine. My mind’s beginning to travel back into dirty territory again.

“Missed you so damn much, sis.”

God, I need to remember that word. Yet the reminder that we’re family doesn’t stop the pulses between my legs. They’re growing achingly worse by the second. I need to pull away before my face isn’t the only thing I’m rubbing against him. If he saw the thoughts running through my head, he’d think I’m deranged. Given that I want to fuck my stepbrother, I probably am.

I give him one last tight squeeze and then pull out of his embrace. “I missed you too, Knox.”

I take my seat at the table, no longer able to hold myself upright. He sits down across from me, putting his hands out for me to hold. I’m not sure it’s a good idea, but I don’t want him to think I’m scared of him. But the moment our fingers are locked together, my hands start sweating. If I don’t get myself under control, he’s really going to think he’s making me nervous. He is, but not for the reason he’ll assume.

“That officer called you Raid,” I say, trying to distract my thoughts. “Why does he call you that?”

He glances over at the guy, then back. “Because to them, I attacked innocent cops without being provoked. Made a raid on law enforcement.” His hands tighten around mine. “Works for me.” He smirks. “The way they act around me makes the inmates nervous. It’s one of the reasons no one fucks with me in here.”

I think his size is another reason. Anyone would have to be an idiot to confront a man who looks like him. They’d get squashed under the heel of his foot.

“Since when did your eyes turn brown?” he asks. “You used to bat those baby blues at me to get me to buy you extra candy at the movies.”

I shake my head, pulling my hands away to take out my contact. “See. Still blue.”