Page 17 of Claimed By my Stepbrother
I look in the mirror and hardly recognize the girl staring back at me. The strapless gown hugs my curves perfectly, the high slit accentuating my legs, making them appear longer than my short frame would suggest.
I could never pay for this dress, but a little voice in the back of my mind reminds me that I know someone who can. Ivy steps out of the dressing room, and she looks so glamorous. It feels wrong to get what I want this way—it feels like I’m proving Knox’s initial assessment of my motives right, and I just can’t do it.
Taking off the dresses, we hang them back up, and I can’t help but stroke a finger lovingly over the shimmering sequins as we walk away. Erring on the side of practicality, we head to Macy’s.
After rummaging around for some time, I find a knee-length ivory sheath with sheer lace sleeves. It’s not the stunning look I fell in love with earlier, but it’s timeless and romantic, perfect for graduation. After we pay for our dresses, I ask about having mine delivered to the casino. The associate assures me that it will be delivered tomorrow afternoon. Paying the extra fee, I see Ivy waiting for me by the exit, a quizzical look on her face.
“I had to sneak out. There’s no way I’m going back before dinner. I’ll never make it out again. And, there’s no way in hell am I missing your birthday dinner!” She giggles, assuming I’m exaggerating.If you only knew.
Ivy takes her dress and heads home to get ready. I still need to get Ivy a gift, so I window shop until my feet ache. I return to the food court for a snack. Sitting down and enjoying my soft pretzel, I spot a lingerie store across the court and inspiration strikes.
I browse for a while until I find the perfect thing. While Knox was correct that Mom and I are not wealthy, I do have a small fortune—what would likely be considered pocket change to his family—set aside from my dad’s life insurance. I may not be willing to buy myself fancy gowns, but I’m willing to dip into my savings to splurge on expensive lingerie for my best friend’s birthday. A wicked grin spreads across my face as I take my selections to the counter—especially if it helps her seduce her dad’s boss.
The girl working the counter looks familiar, and I realize she’s in some of my classes. We chat for a few minutes while she gift wraps the icy blue bra and panty set that Ivy will love.
With a small wave, I leave the store, pink and black bag in hand. I duck into a shoe store, needing to find something to go with my new dress. Despite being well out of my price range, I try on several pairs of strappy sandals but can’t justify spending that kind of money on shoes, so I decide to look online later.
The alarm on my phone rings, and I rush to silence it, realizing that I need to head toward the restaurant if I’m going to make it in time for our reservation. As I’m about to step outside to hail a cab, the hairs on the back of my neck stand up, and not for the first time today, I feel like someone is watching me. But, this time, from much closer.
I arrive at the restaurant and have a great time with my friends—until it’s interrupted by Ivy’s hot asfuckcrush, Mr. Slater. She leaves with him, and we all just stare after them, wide-eyed. Ivy was being modest when she said that he was gorgeous. He may be older, but he’s drool-worthy. And, secretly, I can’t help but wonder what he has planned for my best friend. I saw the look on his face when he caught sight of her—it’s the same one Knox wears when he looks at me. That’s a man on the hunt.
We talk about upcoming graduation and plans for the future until Ivy returns on Mr. Slater’s arm, looking flushed, a little while later. He settles her into her chair, kisses her hand, and walks out of the restaurant like nothing happened.
Ivy’s cheeks are flame red, and she’s looking anywhere but at us. To break the tension, I toss the gift bag at her, and she peers inside, hissing in embarrassment. “You’ll thank me later,” I tease, knowing she’ll enjoy it.
“So, that was him, huh?” One of our friends ribs Ivy about Mr. Slater. She nods but refuses to make eye contact, instead playing with her Tiramisu. A chill comes over me, and I look around the restaurant, but nothing seems suspicious. Shrugging it off, I turn back to my friends.
When the waiter comes, I grab Ivy’s check as well as my own. Shrugging off her protests, I just wave the black credit card Rowan gave me in front of her. I’ve had a change of heart about using it. I want to rile Knox up. “We’ll let dear old stepdaddy pay for it.” She shakes her head but eventually concedes. “Plus, it’ll really piss off my new brother.” She chuckles, and I roll my eyes for dramatic effect.
While we wait for the waiter to bring our cards back, I order an Uber to take me home. Sitting in the back seat while the driver sings off-key in a language I don’t understand, I wonder how Knox is going to react when he gets home, and I’m not there. Despite the fact that Nutso is a criminal, I hope my antics don’t land him in hot water. Hewassupposed to be watching me, after all. He couldn’t have anticipated me drugging him.
Taking the elevator up to the penthouse, I feel like I’m sneaking back home after curfew, about to get grounded. I dig around in my purse for Nutso’s watch to let myself in quietly, but the door opens, and Knox stands there, glaring at me, his hand outstretched, waiting for me to hand over the device that could grant me freedom in the future.
I place it in his palm, and he steps aside, allowing me to enter. “I underestimated you,” he growls from behind me as I take the stairs to get to the guest room. “I assure you, it won’t happen again.”
“Oh, don’t act like you’re not impressed,” I joke, my chuckle dying on my lips as I walk into the room and see the fuschia dress draped across the bed. “I, I tried this on earlier. H-how did you know? Did you follow me?”
“I was only there for your safety,” he responds casually.
“You know,” I say, pinning him with a curious stare. “Some people may consider that stalking.”
“I prefer to call it protecting what belongs to me.” He shrugs dismissively, sparking a fight deep inside of me.
“You’re completely crazy! You can’t own a person,” I shout, throwing my hands up in frustration.
Knox moves closer until our bodies are only a hair’s breadth apart. He bends down, his warm breath tickling my ear. “Don’t be so sure of that. You’re mine. You agreed to it last night, and that means we will never be apart. Not for long,” he whispers, caressing my ear ever so slightly with his lips.
I back up, putting my arms on his shoulders, giving myself some space to think clearly. “I don’t understand. Why are you saying these things?”
Chapter nine
Honey
Knox
ShortlyafterIgetto work, my phone pings. I’m surprised to see a notification from the security system that the front door was opened for a second time. After Nutso’s arrival, it should’ve remained closed. His instructions were to keep her safe in the penthouse.
Cursing under my breath, I open the camera feed on my computer and see Nutso sacked out on the couch. A stream of threats pours from my lips as I scan each room for any sign of Sirena.
