Chapter 32

Iknew going to that party with Steph was a bad idea, and this is exactly why. I’m walking from campus to the bar, and feel like I’m looking over my shoulder every other second.

The sense that I’m being watched has more than doubled over the last twenty-four hours. When Steph said we were going to a costume party, I didn’t think much of it. I was having a good time, dancing. Drinking, but not too much. Just enjoying my night out with friends…until I saw him.

The masked man.

The shiver that traveled down my spine set my heart racing, and I was frozen in fear. I stared into the black eyes of the mask, and just knew it was him. Maybe that’s my paranoia talking, but even if the mask hadn’t been identical, the vibe that the man behind it gave off was undeniable.

Menacing. Murderous. Out for blood and pain. I was immediately sent back to that night…

Only the feelings coursing through my body weren’t just fear. Oh, I was fucking terrified, but I was on fire, too. I wanted to fall to my knees and cry. Beg him to never leave me again. I wanted to rip the mask off his face, and punch him for abandoning me. I wanted him to drag me to a corner and fuck me until I cried.

Slater warned me this campus wasn’t safe. That working at the bar wasn’t safe…maybe I should warn Slater that the thoughts in my own fucking head aren’t safe.

The ungodly things I want the masked man to do to me are so fucking unhinged… But then again, he made me this girl. Molded me into his perfect slut, only to fucking ditch me.

Is he watching me? Is there a way for me to lure him out? Do I even truly want that?

It’s not safe to walk to the bar alone, dressed like I’m using my body for tips. Which I am.

So fuck it.

He wants to play games? Stalk me from the shadows? Hide his face? I’ll give him a goddamned show.

When I arrive at the bar, I’m bombarded with frilly pink decorations. Did I miss something?

“What’s happening?” I ask Slater, as I approach the bar. “Why’s everything so pink?”

“Speed dating. You’ll be serving drinks. Non-alcoholic, of course. It’s supposed to take two or three hours. Once the speedy portion is over, Shelly wants us to encourage the singles to stay and mingle,” Slater fills me in, and I nod.

“I wore pink by accident,” I comment, gesturing to the tight pink tank top I chose, and the white mini skirt. My pink converse are comfortable, practical, and cute as heck. They’re high tops and the laces sparkle. My hair is in pigtail braids, and I spent extra time on my makeup when getting ready this afternoon.

“You look beautiful,” Slater says. “But people may confuse you with those taking part. That’s the dress code for tonight.”

I turn away from him, blushing furiously. What would he say if he knew who I’d put this outfit on for? My masked man. I wanted him to see the white skirt.

I have a job to do now that I’m here, and I highly doubt I’ll see a man in a mask in the middle of a bar today.

I’m three steps away from the bar when Shelly comes rushing over.

“We’re five women short! Speed dating heavily relies on women!” she yells, and I cringe.

“Uh, I have two friends I could invite?” I offer, and she’s already nodding.

“See if they have any friends they can bring as well. I’m also going to need you to participate,” she adds, looking me up and down. “You look like you dressed for the dates. I’ll double your tips for the night if you do this for me,” she offers, and I wrinkle my nose.

At best, that’s an extra two hundred, and I really don’t want to go speed dating.

My manager reads the reluctance on my face and sighs. “Fine, I’ll double them for the weekend! Please, I can’t force you, but I can beg.”

“Uh, okay. I guess,” I reply, thinking of all that extra cash. I probably would have said yes just for the double tips for tonight, but I’m not telling her that now.

“Great! I’ll let Slater know.”

For a brief moment, I wonder if this will upset Slater. I don’t think he’ll be upset, exactly. But I don’t think he’s going to like it though, that’s for sure.

I watch anxiously as my manager approaches Slater. She says something to him, and his head snaps to me.

I spin away, making my retreat. No way am I sticking around long enough for him to…well, I don’t know what he will do, if I’m honest, but I know he’s not pleased because of the look he shot me.

I drop my bag off in my locker, and text both Trisha and Steph, asking if they’re available. Steph replies for both of them, saying they’ll be here in thirty. I let my manager know, and then prepare for the speed dating.

As people start coming in, I get more and more nervous. I want to help my boss out, and I also think it could be fun to flirt a little, but it’s still nerve wracking. I don’t think I’ll meet the one, but a little bit of flirting never hurt anyone.

“You need to back out,” a deep voice growls in my ear, making me jump. I wasn’t paying attention to my surroundings, so I didn’t notice him sneaking up on me.

“I can’t. It’s too late for that now. I can’t leave Shelly hanging like that!” I gasp, and Slater gives me a dark look in reply.

“You just love to play with fire, don’t you? Are you trying to get a rise out of me, Cora?”

“No. I’m just doing my boss a favor. It’s not that serious, Slater,” I hiss, walking away from him and his brooding stares.

It doesn’t take long for everyone to arrive and take their seats. The men rotate, while the women get to remain seated, and if you like someone you exchange tickets. At the end, you can get each person’s number with the ticket. If you didn’t vibe, or only one of you vibed, only one of you gets the number.

I’m seated next to Steph, and as the first round starts, my nerves increase, but there’s excitement too.

Five guys later, I’ve gotten three tickets, but haven’t given any out.

When Slater takes the seat next to the guy I’m talking to, right in front of Steph, I lose my shit a little.

“Hi, I’m Matt,” the guy in front of me says, as Steph talks to Slater.

Slater, who is staring me the fuck down.

“Hi, I’m Cora,” I introduce myself back, but I’m only focused on Slater.

“What do you like to do for fun, Cora?” the guy asks, and I don”t answer. I don’t even fully process that he even asked a question, as Steph stares between the two of us with wide eyes.

Matt clears his throat, and I blink.

“Sorry, uh. I like to dance, what about you?” I ask, giving him my attention once again.

“Don’t worry about what he likes doing,” Slater growls, making my eyes go wide.

“Slater, don’t be rude,” I whisper hiss at him.

“That wasn’t rude, Cora. Rude would be telling him to fuck off.”

“Oh hell. I’m so sorry, my stepbrother is just really protective,” I apologize, and Matt nods, but it’s clear he’s no longer interested in trying to talk to me. The buzzer to indicate the end of the round sounds, and Slater takes Matt’s place, looking like he’s ready to drag me out of here.

“So, what do you like to do for fun?” I ask him, lifting a brow and smirking at him. “Other than cock blocking me?”

Slater scoffs at my question, and I cross my arms over my chest.

“Well, I like to kickbox... But I also enjoy making sure my little stepsister doesn’t end up on an episode of Dateline.”

“At this rate, I’m more likely to be on a show called the fifty-year-old virgin with all this obsessive, older stepbrother crap you keep pulling,” I snark back.

Slater leans in, speaking low so that only I can hear him. “You’re lucky older brothers aren’t the ones who dish out punishments for naughty younger sisters, or I’d bend you over my knee right here.”

His threat has the opposite effect on me, as my body heats up and my heart races.

Oh, hell. I’m so turned on right now…

“If you’re that determined to keep me innocent, you should know it’s pointless. I’m not the sweet little girl you think I am.”

“No part of me thinks you’re a little girl, Cora. Fucking far from it.”

The alarm goes off once again, and for a moment Slater doesn’t move. He stares me down like he has something more to say, but eventually gets up and takes the next seat.

When we’re all done, I help clean up the chairs, and set up so the people who hang around can order drinks if they want.

I’m serving a table when Slater stomps over.

“Wait for me after your shift.” It’s not a question or a request. It’s a command. “I’ll come find you.” He doesn’t wait for me to respond, he just assumes I’ll wait.

I mean, I will, but that’s hardly the point.

After my shift is over, I wait for Slater outside the bar, pacing the alleyway until he comes stomping out the front door. The second our eyes meet, he’s making his way over to me.

“Next time I tell you to do something, I expect you to do it.”

“I’m not going to do what you say if you’re being unreasonable.” I prop a hand on my hip, and stare him down.

“How many numbers did you get today? Give me your phone.” Slater holds his hand out, and I give him the phone, but shrug.

“None. I didn’t want anyone’s number.” This makes him pause. “What about you? How many girls are you planning on calling after today?” I ask, trying to hide the…jealousy in my tone?

Holy shit.

I’m not jealous.

“Just one.”

Okay. I’m fucking jealous.

“Oh.”

Why does the idea of my stepbrother calling other girls - or even just one girl - make me green with envy?

“Why, you jealous?”

Yes.

“No. Of course not.”

Lie.

“Because I was. It took everything in me not to drag you out of there,” he admits. I frown at his words.

“But you got some girl’s number.”

“No, you asked how many girls I’d be calling. I said just one. But I’ve already got your number, Cora. You know what I’ve been wondering?” he asks, stepping into me. My mind is still reeling from his confession. “I’ve been wondering what your lips taste like.”

And then he’s pulling me in for a kiss. His lips press against mine, gently at first, but then harder, until he’s stealing the very air from my lungs.

I pull away from the kiss, eyes wide. Slater kissed me.

“I don’t understand,” I whisper, and Slater chuckles.

“I think you understand perfectly. I’m not going to pretend I’m just your big brother anymore. I’m not going to hide from the fact that I want you. Because I do, Cora.”

“You do?”

“Isn’t it obvious? You think all guys get this fucking jealous over their stepsisters? They don’t. I don’t. I don’t give a fuck about any other girls but you, Cora.”

I don’t know what to say, but Slater doesn’t need me to say anything. I do the thing I’ve been obsessing about for years, if I’m honest.

I wrap my arms around his neck, rise up onto my tiptoes, and kiss him. Every moment I’ve spent with Slater, filled with tension and forbidden desire, feels like it was all worth something. I wasn’t pining over a guy who will never want me. Slater kisses me like he’s just as desperate as I am.

“Let me walk you home,” Slater whispers as he pulls away from the kiss, and I nod. He steps away from me, but doesn’t release me entirely. He holds his hand out for me to take, and I do, lacing my fingers with his.

Even though this moment feels perfect, like every wish I’ve ever had is being granted, there’s one little thing missing, and I find my mind wandering to the masked man, like it often does.