Chapter 8

**SCARLET**

Luke slid an arm around my waist and pulled me close to him as soon as his friend left. And unlike Aries, who gave me space, Luke sandwiched me between his arms, possessively pressing me against his rock-hard body. His overall physique dwarfed my small frame, making me feel vulnerable, and it was bad news. I hated this effect on me; he made me feel like squirming. I clung to his shoulders but kept my eyes away and tried not to drink him in. He smelled so divine.
I could feel Luke’s gaze on me as he began swaying our hips. His long fingers at my back compelled me to move in accord with his body. His thumb pressed firmly on my palm. I tried to bear it, but I couldn’t. I couldn’t breathe. He was driving me crazy.
“Wait,” I whispered.
I stopped and pushed his chest with my free hand, but he didn’t let me escape. He brought me back into his arms with aggression. A quiet groan of frustration vibrated in his chest. What the heck was wrong with him?
“Stop struggling,” he hissed harshly.
“Luke…” I resisted. “Please… this isn’t dancing.”
“Then what do you think we’re doing?” he whispered, and even how he said the simple words were so damned hot.
“Ah, please don’t.” His grasp on my wrist tightened.
I looked up at him, and he watched me with need. As if he was stripping me with his gaze. Luke’s hand moved to my neck, and his thumb brushed my cheek. A muscle in his jaw twitched.
“Is this what you normally do, witch?”
I tried to wriggle out of his grasp subtly. “What did I do?”
“I think you’ve bewitched every man in here.”
I tried again to push him away, but I still seemed to have no strength. My body was failing me. As his long fingers slowly trailed over my lower back, I wondered what else his hands could do.
I shook off the thought immediately.
I decided to remain interested in his sudden attention. “If I bewitched every man here, just like you said, that should include you.”
He smirked. “Good point, but I’m not like those men. Did you not see how they look at you?” His eyes remained deep and piercing.
They looked at me how? I scowled. “Then maybe you’re not a man,” I mocked. He was playing games with me, so why not play along?
I was expecting him to get mad, but instead, he laughed. He freaking laughed, and the warm, masculine sound he made traced down to my deepest core.
“Am I not?” He grinned playfully, closing the gap between us.
My eyes widened in surprise.
“Am I not?” he asked again. His breath smelled of mint and wine. I’d kissed drunk men before, but they did not smell like this. Usually, when they drank, they’d stink of vomit.
His free hand went up to cup my neck as if he were to kiss me, and his nose teased mine. A pair of gray eyes with a hint of blue stared back at me when I opened my eyes. He inclined his face to the side, getting ready for a kiss.
One single kiss would do.
I would like to taste him. I closed my eyes and counted.
One
Two
Three
Three and a half... four
No lip-locking happened. Luke was grinning at me devilishly when I opened my eyes, and his face was already inches away.
I gasped at my sudden fantasy. I didn’t know what I was doing anymore. I wanted him to kiss me so bad. I moved my hands to his chest, itching to touch him. I knew what to do, but he caught my wrist.
“Hmm… You can’t do that, little sister.” He stepped away, brushing his fingers on his scalp harshly.
The colors drained from my face, snapping back to reality. “I’m… I’m sorry.”
“You didn’t have to—”
“Excuse me.”
Embarrassed and unable to look at him, I turned away, moved back to the bar, and grabbed a drink. It felt like someone had poured cold water on me.
What the hell did I just do? I would never touch Luke again. Ever. He was off-limits. He was my stepbrother. I should start to swallow the truth and never lose myself. I was so foolish.
Nonetheless, I could never live under the same roof as one big happy family with him. Fortunately, I only had a week to stay with the family. I’d be away again for another two months until my graduation.
But I was more worried about what would happen after.

***

I had a massive headache the next morning, still exhausted from last night. I didn’t even notice how big my room was until the sunlight from the window hit my face.
I couldn’t help but admire Thomas for having such a lovely home. What else should I expect from a billionaire, right? Mom and I used to dream of having this kind of life before. I was even happier now that she was finally living the dream. She deserved it for being the best mom in the world.
I stepped out of bed and opened the windows, amused to find a stunning view.
Thomas’ house exterior consisted of a spacious and luminous extensive lounge area and an outdoor living area. The front porch extended directly to the terrace patio in front of the infinity pool with direct access to the oceanfront.
An oceanfront! I had almost forgotten that we were in the Hamptons. I took a deep breath, inhaling the ocean breeze. I lifted my hands in the air and let the wind blow in my face. Thomas was right. Living here with them would give me the best comfort.
And my bedroom was too good to be true. It was so spacious, with panoramic windows boasting an ocean view. There was a queen-sized bed with baby pink sheets, a decorative closet, a television, air conditioning, and a heater. I also had a bookshelf and a makeup desk. Mom must’ve told Thomas that I loved books.
I couldn’t miss that they had set up an upright piano in the corner and an acoustic guitar I could play. Everything was provided, and it was all I’d ever dreamed of. I was surprised that Mom remembered all the descriptions I’d told her. And my stepfather was actually serious about making me stay in this house.
What made me stop again for a moment was Luke rising out of the swimming pool. He was bare on top, revealing his rock-hard chest, defined biceps, and abs, glistening as the water dripped down his body like crystals. He wore nothing but a pair of black swimming trunks. I watched him rinse the water from his hair, brushing his fingers over his scalp.
My throat dried up at the sight of him. I felt like jumping into the blue water to ease my sudden warmth. My skin felt scorching hot.
My stepbrother was sexy as hell.
I was tempted to look down at his swimming trunks, but Luke gazed up and caught my eye. He flashed a sexy smirk and winked at me until he wrapped a towel around his waist.
I stepped back and hurriedly hid behind the walls of my room. I held my chest and felt the swiftness of my heartbeat.