CHAPTER 17

**ZION**



Frustrated, I stormed away without a second glance. I’m already fed up, and it’s only been two damn days. I rake my fingers through my hair in exasperation and head down the steps to the basement of Clark’s house. I chug the rest of my beer, I grabbed on the way, the bitter liquid burning down my throat, as I scan the crowd.


Everyone around me seems so damn cheerful, lost in their laughter and carefree chatter. It’s like their happiness is a direct affront to my anger.


A group is huddled around a game of beer pong, their cheers and high-fives only adding to my frustration. Others are lounging on the couches, chatting and sipping drinks as if nothing in the world matters. The stark contrast between their carefree joy and my simmering rage makes the whole scene feel like a mockery.


This party was supposed to be my escape, a chance to unwind. But she’s gone and spoiled it. Of all the people here, why did she have to get close to Ethan? And why the hell does it bother me so much?

Weak!


She makes me fuc*ing weak!


Restless, I pace the basement, frustration simmering beneath the surface. Girls cast flirtatious glances my way, but I barely register them. All I can think about is her, up there, laughing with Ethan. How fucking dare she disrespect me like that?


I stood there, my hands clenched into tight fists, knuckles white from the pressure. My mind was a storm of thoughts, each one darker and more infuriating than the last. Winter and Ethan—what could they be doing right now? The thought of them together made my blood boil.


Was he touching her? The idea sent a jolt of rage through me. I could picture his hands on her, tracing the curves that should only be touched by me, even if it was out of anger. My nails bit into my palms, the pain barely registering through the haze of anger.


Was he kissing her? My jaw tightened, the muscles in my face twitching. The image of Ethan’s lips on hers, tasting the sweetness, filled me with venomous jealousy. I couldn’t stand the thought of him stealing those moments, those touches that should have been mine.


Had he taken her to some room? The final thought was like a match to gasoline. My vision blurred with red as I imagined them alone, his hands exploring places only I should have access to. The very idea was enough to make my whole body shake with fury.


I took a deep breath, trying to extinguish the flames of anger burning inside me, but it was pointless. The thought of Winter with someone else, especially Ethan, was excruciating. I had to find them and put an end to this torment. In my twisted way, Winter was mine, and I wouldn’t let anyone take her from me.


She was mine to destroy.



I run a hand through my hair, and before I know it, my decision is made. I head back upstairs, my eyes scanning the crowd with a single focus. It's as if she's a magnetic force I can't resist.


Within seconds, I spot her—her golden blonde curls shimmering amidst the crowd. I stand there, frozen, my anger and helplessness blending into a tight knot in my chest as I stare at her, feeling my frustration boil over.


I took a moment to look at her. Since I went to her room to tell her I was leaving, I hadn't truly seen her. My only focus then was that damn dress Mom had bought her. I had told her it looked trashy, but I was lying. She looks so breathtakingly beautiful it's almost painful.


Why does she have to be so perfect? No, I remind myself—she’s nothing to me. Just trash, garbage, and scum beneath my feet. A liar. She’s the reason my life is a mess, the reason I’ve become this way. I take a few deep breaths, trying to steady myself.


I shake my head, trying to clear the frustration that's clouding my mind. She’s not worth this much energy. I force myself to look away from Winter and spot the redhead who had been eyeing me earlier—a welcome distraction. I struggle to match her name with her face.


Redheads are fiery and wild in bed—maybe that’s exactly what I need to take my mind off her.


The redhead is standing in the opposite corner of the room, well away from Winter. Thank God. I need some distance from her. As I approach, the redhead's eyes brighten with recognition. Her big green eyes meet mine, full of interest. This should be easy.


“Hey, Tracy, right?” I ask as I get closer.

She blinks at me and then smirks. “No, silly, it's Sandra. But you can call me whatever you like,” she replies in a sultry tone, and I can't help but grin.


“You look stunning tonight,” I reply, letting my gaze linger on her.


I turn on the charm, laying it on thick. I know exactly how to flatter and captivate, a skill so honed that the guys used to joke I could charm the panties off a nun if I tried.


Just to clarify, I haven’t tested that theory.


Sandra tucks a strand of her red hair behind her ear, a smile curling her lips. “Oh, thank you. It’s just a bit of makeup and…”


I catch a glimpse of Ethan out of the corner of my eye, his hand sliding up and down Winter’s arm. She’s laughing, her smile wide, completely oblivious to my presence.


Ethan stands too close, leaning in to whisper something into her ear. Her eyes widen, and she nibbles on her plump bottom lip painted a tempting red.


Those lips, that hair, her body—all of it. In my mind, I can see her writhing beneath me, her tight little cunt squeezing my cock. I’ve always wondered what she’d look like as she falls apart, as she clenches around me.


Jesus.


There’s a pounding forming behind my eyes, the onset of a fucking headache.


Fuck Ethan. Fuck her. Let him rip her heart out and break it into a million pieces. Maybe that would be my revenge without lifting a finger.


Inhaling deeply, I try to reason with myself. She doesn’t matter. She’s no one, nothing. She broke your heart; she’s a liar, I remind myself.


Yeah, she destroyed my family.


Our fuc*ing  friendship.


But I can’t stop thinking about her. Being with her, inside her. My hands curl into fists, forgetting about the girl in front of me, the party, the fucking people around me. I can’t erase her.


When Ethan leans in a little closer, his lips almost touching hers, I lose it. I fundamentally lose it and find my body reacting to what’s happening without even thinking of the consequences.


Stepbrother's Dark Desire
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