CHAPTER 40

**ZION**

“When the fuck did you ask her?” I snap, my voice cutting through the tension. My gaze shifts to Winter, my eyes narrowing as I take in her presence.



“And you,” I point an accusatory finger at her, “You never mentioned anything about this earlier.”


Winter stammers, glancing nervously at Clark. “I… I… um…”


Clark cuts in with a chuckle, clearly savoring the discomfort he's causing.


“Lighten up, man. You’re wound up tight today. To answer your question, I swung by earlier hoping to catch you, but you were out. Winter here was kind enough to offer me coffee—by the way, she makes a mean cup. So, I thought I’d bring her along to the party. Figured it’d be a good chance for her to meet some people before college kicks off.”



His nonchalant tone only fuels my rising anger and jealousy. The image of Winter as his date, mingling with my friends, tightens my fists and sets my jaw. Why am I letting this get to me so much?



I glare at Clark, my hands itching to wipe that smug grin off his face. I did say he could do what he wanted with Winter, but I never expected him to actually go through with it. He knows how deeply unsettled I am by her, how intense my hatred for her is.


Traitor!


"Why didn't you tell me?"


Clark’s grin widens as he snatches the keys from my hand. “Why don’t you head to the car, Winter?” he says with an exaggerated charm, handing her the keys. “I’ll grab a few bottles from the bar, and we’ll be ready to roll.”


Winter takes the keys with a nod, her expression a mix of apprehension and curiosity. She walks away, her heels clicking on the pavement as she heads toward the car.


As Winter moves away, her hips sway with a seductive grace that draws my gaze. I can't tear my eyes away from the curve of her sexy ass, the same ass I’d seen naked only a while ago.



"Fuck! Get a grip, Zion," I scold myself silently, but when I look over, I see Clark's eyes fixed on her with just as much interest. His gaze lingers on her form, a smirk stretching across his face. The sight only heightens my frustration, intensifying the already palpable tension between us.


“Clark, you should’ve told me she was your date!” I growl, frustration seething in my voice.


"Look," Clark said, looking at me.


"You're my best mate. I get that you've got beef with her, and I was all in for helping you get your revenge-until I met her. She's fucking gorgeous, man. And yeah, you did say I could go for it, so here I am, taking my shot. I'll keep an eye on her if you still want, but I'm not down for making her life a living hell. That's your gig. I'm just here to enjoy myself. When I get bored, sure, I'll help you with your revenge then, but until that happens, I'm going to have some fun."


"Well I don't like it!" I reply


Clark gives me a casual shrug. Clark turns to face me. "It's not like I'm asking permission to marry her. I'm just going to have my fun and then dump her, like I always do. You should take it easy tonight and enjoy yourself—Cindy’s coming, right? The one you’ve had your eye on? Maybe tonight’s your chance to eventually fuck her. As for Winter, I’ll make sure she stays away from everyone, especially that asshole Ethan Wilde.”



I shift my gaze to Winter, who’s standing by the car, anxiously fidgeting. The thought of Ethan makes my jaw tighten. I lean in and say, “Alright, but don’t get too attached, Clark. She’s nothing but trouble.”



We grab the drinks quickly and head back to my car, only to find Winter still standing by the door.


What the hell? Is she really waiting for us to open the door for her?



Seriously?



She must knows we’re not exactly the chivalrous type. We’re bad boys, who love to fuck and move on. Opening doors and pulling out chairs and shit aint in our blood.



But before I can fully finish my thought, Clark strides over, juggling the beer crate in one hand while he opens the car door for her.


What the fuck?


My fists tighten at my sides as I watch Clark’s gaze linger on Winter. She smiles as she slips into the car, and I can feel a surge of jealousy and possessiveness building up inside me. I force a smirk, trying to hide my irritation.


I toss the beer crates into the back and slide into the driver’s seat.


“Clark, I’ll overlook the fact that you didn’t give me a heads-up about bringing Winter,” I say, frustration seeping into my voice.


“But make sure she doesn’t ruin my night. Cindy’s coming, and I plan to enjoy myself with her without worrying about what Winter’s up to. After all, my mom asked me to keep an eye on her while she’s away.”


Winter glares at me through the rearview mirror, her arms crossed tightly over her chest.


“Why would I want to ruin your night?” Winter snaps, her voice tight with irritation.


“I’m not a child—I don’t need to be babysat. I can handle myself just fine. You go have your fun, and I’ll have mine.”










.















Stepbrother's Dark Desire
Detail
Share
Font Size
40
Bgcolor