Page 59 of Forbidden Harvest

“How? When?” Lisa’s voice trembles.

Aria hesitates. “It’s been going on since my birthday. I know it’s wrong, but I can’t help how I feel about him.”

My chest swells hearing her say that. My sweet Aria, defending our forbidden connection.

“Aria, this is so messed up! He’s your brother, for god’s sake. What he’s doing to you is abuse. He’s taking advantage of you!”

A surge of anger hits me at her accusation.

How dare she question my devotion to Aria’s pleasure?

“No, Lisa, you don’t understand.” Aria’s voice shakes. “It’s not like that. I want this. I want him.”

“But Aria, he’s your stepbrother! He’s manipulating you, can’t you see that?”

Lisa’s shrill voice grates on my nerves. The thought of snapping her neck and silencing her forever graces my mind, but I know Aria would never forgive me if I did.

“You’re wrong!” Aria replies. “Jared loves me in a way no one else could. Our relationship is intense and passionate and so very real.”

A twisted smile curves my lips at her defense of our relationship.

“Aria, please.” Lisa’s voice breaks. “Let me help you escape this madness.”

“I can’t, Lisa,” Aria whispers. “I love him.”

At that moment, all thoughts of harming Lisa vanish. My beautiful Aria has chosen me freely and without coercion. She loves me just as I love her.

Lisa sighs heavily. “What are you going to tell your parents?”

“I...” Aria falters before finding her resolve. “I won’t tell them anything. As far as they know, Jared and I are just siblings.”

“Aria, they’re going to find out eventually,” Lisa cautions. “What then?”

“By the time they do, it won’t matter,” Aria states. “I’ll be away at college, somewhere close to Jared. We can be together without anyone knowing, without judgment.”

Her words ignite a possessive blaze within me. The thought of having her all to myself, away from societal constraints, is intoxicating.

“You’re going to go through with this?” Lisa asks. “This is insane!”

“Maybe it is,” Aria concedes. “But it’s the insanity that sets my soul on fire. Jared understands me like no one else does. With him, I can embrace the darkest parts of myself without fear or shame.”

Lisa falls silent, perhaps realizing her protests are futile.

I can’t resist any longer. Abandoning my post at the door, I stride into Aria’s room.

Lisa’s eyes narrow in disgust, but I ignore her. My gaze is locked on Aria, drinking in the sight of her, my perfect obsession.

“Jared...” Aria breathes my name like a prayer, her eyes alight with desire and trepidation.

“Don’t worry, baby,” I murmur, crossing the room to caress her cheek. “I’ve got this.”

Turning to Lisa, I fix her with a cold stare. “You’d do well to keep your nose out of our business.”

Lisa’s eyes blaze with defiance.

“Save your self-righteous lectures,” I snarl before she can speak. “Aria knows what she wants, and it’s me. We’re two consenting adults exploring our desires without the need for your judgment.”

“She’s your stepsister!” Lisa cries. “What you’re doing is sick!”

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