Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2

Knox

F uck. I should’ve held my tongue. “Put your contact back in before you lose it.” My dick is already in a painful way. Don’t need those topaz beauties adding to my depraved state. It’s bad enough that the moment I laid eyes on her, I drank her in like a man dying of thirst, my cock instantly growing erect in my jumper. I was praying to God I had it wrong and that the sexy-as-fuck vixen in black leather was not my stepsister but was someone else’s sister that I was going to demand an introduction to.

But when I saw the little birthmark under her left eye, I knew my wish wasn’t coming true. The girl making my cock stiffer than the steel bars keeping me locked in this joint is my sweet little Myrah. My baby stepsister. The girl I’m supposed to look out for. I shouldn’t be wanting to rip off that leather skirt and violate her right in front of everyone in this goddamn room. Show all the fuckers looking her way that she’s mine.

“Next time you come, wear pants.”

Once again, her shoulders rattle in fear from my harsh command. I need to rein my shit in. It’s obvious I’m scaring her. The girl’s been shaking like a leaf since I walked in. I’m the last person on this earth that would ever hurt one hair on Myrah’s head. Which is why I shouldn’t be having these damn thoughts.

Just knowing I want to wedge her thighs apart and brand her pussy with my cum is a betrayal. She trusts me. Looks up to me as a brother. Hell, she’s all the family I have left since that asshole of a sperm donor decided I wasn’t worthy to bare the Brinker name anymore. I’m a disgrace to the family.

All those millions in his bank account and he wouldn’t pay a single dime to fight for me to have a retrial; one where the judge wasn’t in the officers’ favor. It was pretty damn obvious that it wasn’t a coincidence that both officers’ dash cams malfunctioned at the exact same time and there was no footage to prove my innocence. But Judge Pratwick didn’t even question the fact. Neither did my father.

He believed the policemen’s word over his own son. Didn’t even matter that my body was black and blue, ribs broken, concussion showing on the scan, and that only the one cop had a black eye, which those fuckers obviously staged to back their claim on how I threw the first punch. In my father’s eyes, the law was truth. And now, I’ve lost all respect for the system—and for the man I once called Dad.

Have to say there’s one good thing that came out of this entire shit situation. Make that two. First and foremost, it brought me and Myrah even closer than we already were. It’s proven to me that shared DNA means absolute jack shit when it comes to family. She and I aren’t related by blood, but we’re thicker than thieves. And I know no matter what, she’ll never turn her back on me like everyone else did. Even Anna wrote me off.

The other rainbow that’s come from this shitstorm is that I’m no longer living a lie. The kid I was back then was who he wanted me to be. I did everything to please him, to earn his pride, but it was all for naught. I kissed his ass and he still washed his hands of me the second I was arrested. Because innocent or not, I’d tainted his name.

The kid that took the beating from the officers, thinking it was the right thing to do, was weak. And that boy is long gone. I’m stronger now, and when I get out of this place, there won’t be a single person who will ever be able to take me down again.

I just wish Myrah was out from under the asshole’s thumb as well. Soon enough, she will be. Which reminds me. “Did you have a chance to look at those listings I sent?” I carefully scoured through commercial properties, making sure the ones I sent her are not owned by Bricker Investments.

“I did.” She nods, shifting uncomfortably in her seat. “But they’re a little out of my price range, Knox. I found a place on the outskirts of town I think will work.”

Not fucking happening. “I told you not to worry about the money, Myr. I have it covered.” Thanks to Monk teaching me a few things in here, my pockets are deep. Whatever she needs is hers. “And you’re not setting up shop out in the sticks where any fucker can come in, have his dick get all hard from the sexy little mechanic, then take advantage of you.”

Her cheeks flush a pretty shade of rose. She can be mad all she wants but she better not fight me on this because I guarantee she won’t win. “Besides, you need to be on the main drag in town or you’ll have to spend a killing in advertising.”

“You should be using your money on attorneys, Knox. Not on me.”

What the hell for? It won’t do me shit. No matter what I fucking do, they’ll continue to throw the book at me. I’ve been the model inmate. Gotten two college degrees. Kept my nose out of trouble. Always do as I’m damn told, and yet, I’m still a “danger to society.” All because the parole board side with their own. And that will always be the case. So, no, I’d rather spend my money watching Myrah’s dreams come true than fatten another attorney’s bank account.

“I have enough for attorneys and your place, Myr, so don’t worry about that.” Not that I’m ever going to piss more money down the legal drain, but I’m not going to tell her that right now or she’ll refuse my offer.

“I don’t understand, Knox. Your dad froze your accounts. How could you possibly have that much money?”

I crack my neck. The selfish prick didn’t just freeze my accounts, he took over my trust, transferring every single million that my grandfather had left me into his account. “He did,” I grit through clenched teeth. “But I’ve managed to make money.”

Her brow cocks up. I know she wants to know how, but I don’t want her to be disappointed in me. Siphoning people’s bank accounts and retirement funds isn’t exactly legal, but the bastards I’m stealing from deserve it. “Can’t tell you how”—I glance toward the guard, hoping she’ll drop the subject—“but there are ways.”

She squeezes my fingers, sending a sizzling fire through my palm and to all the crevices throughout my body. Damn, when the hell did she grow up on me? She still sounds just like that twelve-year-old girl when we speak on the phone. But fuck. She’s become a siren.

“Just promise me you’ll never do anything that will get you into trouble. I can’t handle being away from you for any longer. I need you.”

My dick responds to those last three words, but when I see the tears in her eyes, he gets knocked back down to size. It’s not him that she needs. She needs her big brother to take care of her.

“Come here, sis.”

I shift to the side and tug on her hands, urging her over. She slowly rises from her chair and comes around the table. I pull her down on my lap, keeping her on my left thigh so she doesn’t feel the protrusion laying long and hard on my right. “I’m never going to risk being kept away from you for longer than I already have to. Don’t you dare worry that pretty little head. Okay?”

Her arms wrap around my neck and her head tucks into the crook. God, it feels good to have her in my arms. Too good. I’m chalking up the damn desire coursing through my veins to the fact that I’ve been locked away for six years, only having had a brief taste of sex before I was arrested. That’s the only explanation I’m mentally willing to give light to.

But I sure as hell don’t remember being this wound up though. Waited two years for Anna to be ready to have sex, so by the time it happened, I was wound so tight I wasn’t sure I’d make it all the way inside her before I was blowing my load. Right now, all Myr would have to do is rub her thigh against the crown of my cock and I’d be creaming in my jumpsuit.

“Since when did you grow up on me?” I say, running my fingers through her raven hair, the magenta streaks like the fire running through my veins. “No more pigtails.”

“Do you hate it?” There’s a hint of insecurity in her voice and it strikes me in the chest. How could I possibly hate it? She’s a fiery punk goddess. Gorgeous and wild. Too damn sexy to be entering a room full of inmates who haven’t had sex in a long-ass time.

“It’s sexy as hell, babe.” Shit. Maybe I shouldn’t have used those words. Need to remember I’m not on a date. I’m visiting with my fucking stepsister.

“I like your new look, too.” She gives me a shy little smile, running her soft fingers over the side of my head, tracing the flames coming from the dragon’s mouth. “Never pictured you the type to ever get tattoos.” Yeah, me neither. But again, that was because I was never thinking for myself. Never made any decisions based on what I truly wanted, just what was expected of me.

“They make you look dangerous.” She trails her fingers down the side of my neck, and a whole bunch of inappropriate feelings follow its path. “Powerful.”

If she keeps teasing my skin with that delicate touch, I’m going to be in trouble. Fuck. The cum is already seeping down my leg. I need a distraction. Something to get my brain back to neutral territory. ‘Cause right now all I’m thinking is how I could show her just how powerful I am.

“So, tell me how work’s been, Myr.”

She sits back and glances over toward the officer then leans in to whisper in my ear. I swear, if it weren’t for the words coming out of her mouth, I’d have a hard time concentrating on anything other than her warm breath casting over my skin. But I don’t like a damn thing I’m hearing.

“You know my friend Rowan that I’ve told you about?” I nod. “She keeps getting pulled over by the same police officer. First it was for speeding, which was legit. Then he pulled her over for an expired tag, which he claimed he misread. Last week it was a brake light that was out. But I looked at it and there wasn’t a single thing wrong with it. Not even a loose connection. Then, the other night, he followed her to work and offered to come back when she got off shift to ensure she made it home safe. So, I went home with her and stayed over at her place. Thankfully, he didn’t show his face. But still. She’s really freaked out about it, and it’s not like she can report him.”

Nope. Calling his ass in will get her absolutely nowhere. I know personally how these fuckers like to stick together. They’ll tell her the cop is just doing his job, trying to keep her safe, and suggest she stop breaking the law. Motherfucker . And I sure as hell don’t like Myrah being wrapped up in this shit. One look at my hot little sis and the officer could have a new target.

“Did she get a name on the officer?”

She shakes her head. “No. He keeps letting her off with verbal warnings, so she doesn’t know his name. She did get his plate number.”

“Did she give it to you?” If I at least have that, I can find out which dirty pig is stalking the poor girl.

“No.” She shakes her head. “We were so busy the other night at work and then I completely forgot to remind her about it. I’ll make sure I get it the next time I talk to her.”

I squeeze her in closer, wishing I was on the outside and could protect her and her friend myself. I’d make damn sure the officer never laid one finger on either of them. He’d be taking his last breath if he even tried.

I may not be able to protect them myself, but I know just the person who can. “I have a friend who just got out and owes me a favor. I’m gonna ask him to step in on this and have him watch out for your girl.”

There’s suddenly a weary look in her eyes. “I’m not sure I want an ex-con near my friend, Knox.”

I bite back a chuckle, flipping her hair just like I used to back when it was in pigtails. “Relax, babe. I’d never let someone I didn’t trust anywhere near your friend. He would never hurt her. Promise.”

Those cheeks are blushing again for some reason. I can’t help but run my thumb over her pretty pink skin. So soft. I’d love to make her flush for a different reason— one I need to bury in the very back recesses of my mind and never think of again.

“He did time for fraud,” I tell her, trying to get my thoughts back to where they belong.

“You trust a fraudster?” She hits me with a skeptical look and I brush my nose across her scrunched one. I trust the man with my life. Monk is like a brother to me now.

“I do.” I nod. “So talk to Rowan about it and see if she’d be okay with meeting with him. In the meantime, I’ll reach out and put him on alert. Get him to start tailing the cop as soon as I get the plate number from you.”

“Are you sure you trust him? She’s really pretty. Like gorgeous.”

I tuck a stray piece of her hair behind her ear. Doubt she’s as gorgeous as the girl sitting in my lap. “I’d trust him with you.” I tip her nose. “And you’re the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen, babe.”

Her entire face and neck get flushed red as her eyes drop down to her lap. For some reason the compliment has embarrassed her, which is why I need to keep a clamp on my mouth and quit saying awkward shit. She’s my stepsister. I’m supposed to think she’s cute, not drop-dead sexy as fuck. And I need to quit using the damn “B” word. Fuck.

“What did you do for him that he owes you a favor?” she asks, thankfully steering us back to safer ground. Though it feels like I’ve just taken a kick to the balls from the way they’re aching.

I lean forward, making certain she’s the only one who can hear me. “I showed him what he did wrong. How he ended up getting caught.” The student became the teacher, and now I’m a better hacker than he is.

“I also spent four years being his personal trainer and bodyguard. Helping him turn his body into a weapon and making sure no one in here fucked with him.” The two of us with our size and power were a brute force that no one tempted their fate with. And now, no one on the outside will ever fuck with Monk again.

The guy was bullied all throughout school. Beaten up so bad, he has a scar from chin to temple, a crooked nose from it being broken so many times, and is now deaf in one ear. Monk came to prison a weak victim, trying to extract vengeance in the shadows of the cyber world. But by the time he got out, he was one scary-looking dude and no longer needs to hide behind his computer screen. And the fuckers who wanted to pick on the kid because they felt stupid next to him better watch the fuck out because Monk is ready to get his revenge once and for all.

“Okay.” She nods. “I’ll talk to Rowan about it.”

“Now,” I say, “tell me what else you need for your shop so I can start placing the orders.”

She opens her mouth to argue, but I hold my finger over it—so damn tempted to run it across her red lip, to tease between the seam and feel the lick of her tongue. Goddammit, I need to stop. “You either give me a list, or I’m going to make sure you’re decked out to the hilt like the best auto shop in the world.” I plan on doing that anyway, but I want to make sure I’m getting the brands she likes.

Those eyes of hers roll just like they used to when I told her she could only have candy if she ate some veggies. “You’re so stubborn.”

I’m stubborn? Me? Oh, that does it. “You’re calling me stubborn, sis?” I move my fingers into her sides, finding the vulnerable spots I remember and then start tickling her senseless. Her giggles fill the room and my chest at the same time. That sweet sound eases some of the tension that’s been holding me hostage for the last six years. “Your stubborn little ass is going to agree to let me spoil you, or I’m not going to let up.”

She squirms in my lap, begging me to stop, but I won’t until I hear the words. “Say it, Myr.”

“Okay,” she practically cries through her laughter. “You can buy me stuff.”

“Good,” I tell her, letting up. Her giggles slowly fading as she settles back down on my lap. She pins me with what I’m sure is meant to be a glare but just looks damn cute.

“I know you’re not ticklish,” she says, still trying to catch her breath, “but I’m going to find a way to get you back for all the times you’ve tickle-tortured me. Mark my words, Knox.”

I’d like to see her try. “You’re threatening a convicted criminal, sis. Better be careful,” I growl into the side of her neck then nip at her bare shoulder. Realizing too late that I shouldn’t have put my mouth on her because my mind sinks back into the gutter as I struggle not to lick across her soft skin. Instead, I run my nose up her collarbone, filling my lungs up with her sweet vanilla and holly berry scent. Cum leaking from my cock, wanting her to rub that smell all over me—and him.

The little noise she makes almost sounding like a scared whimper snaps me out of the blistering inferno I got trapped in. What the hell am I doing? I’m about to come in my pants scenting my damn stepsister. Fuck. Maybe I do belong locked behind these walls. I’m not sure on the outside I’d be able to keep my hands off her. At least in here they won’t let me pry her legs open and act out my perverted fantasies on my little stepsister’s pussy.

“Sorry, you just smell like home.” I pull back, wishing they had restraints on my damn thoughts like they do on my ankles. “Been a long time since I’ve seen or smelled anything so good.” Though, as I recall, my dad’s house smelled like a tobacco room from all the cigars my grandfather used to smoke.

I dare a look at her face to see the damage I’ve done and sure enough she looks like she’s about to freak out.

She shakes her head. “It’s okay, Knox. Don’t apologize. I’m sure you miss a lot of things being in here.”

Goddamn, she has no idea. Although, I never realized how badly I missed sex until she walked in today looking like a wicked temptress. Still can’t get over how much she’s changed. “Tell me what you need for the shop, Myr,” I breathe through clenched teeth, desperate to get my shit under control. “How about you take your seat and I’ll get Burbank to bring us a piece of paper and a pen.”

She scurries back to her side of the table like she can’t get away from me fast enough. My nerves tighten like a noose has been wrapped around each and every one. I’m not sure she’s going to come back next Saturday. I’ll be lucky if she does. Before I lose the only family I have left, I need to figure out how to recover this. So, for the rest of the visit, we’re making the plan for her shop and I’m going to keep my damn hands and awkward comments to myself.