Page 77 of Whispers of Obsession

Slater leans in, speaking low so that only I can hear him. “You’re lucky older brothers aren’t the ones who dish out punishments for naughty younger sisters, or I’d bend you over my knee right here.”

His threat has the opposite effect on me, as my body heats up and my heart races.

Oh, hell. I’m so turned on right now…

“If you’re that determined to keep me innocent, you should know it’s pointless. I’m not the sweet little girl you think I am.”

“No part of me thinks you’re a little girl, Cora. Fucking far from it.”

The alarm goes off once again, and for a moment Slater doesn’t move. He stares me down like he has something more to say, but eventually gets up and takes the next seat.

When we’re all done, I help clean up the chairs, and set up so the people who hang around can order drinks if they want.

I’m serving a table when Slater stomps over.

“Wait for me after your shift.” It’s not a question or a request. It’s a command. “I’ll come find you.” He doesn’t wait for me to respond, he just assumes I’ll wait.

I mean, I will, but that’s hardly the point.

After my shift is over, I wait for Slater outside the bar, pacing the alleyway until he comes stomping out the front door. The second our eyes meet, he’s making his way over to me.

“Next time I tell you to do something, I expect you to do it.”

“I’m not going to do what you say if you’re being unreasonable.” I prop a hand on my hip, and stare him down.

“How many numbers did you get today? Give me your phone.” Slater holds his hand out, and I give him the phone, but shrug.

“None. I didn’t want anyone’s number.” This makes him pause. “What about you? How many girls are you planning on calling after today?” I ask, trying to hide the…jealousy in my tone?

Holy shit.

I’m not jealous.

“Just one.”

Okay. I’m fucking jealous.

“Oh.”

Why does the idea of my stepbrother calling other girls - or even just one girl - make me green with envy?

“Why, you jealous?”

Yes.

“No. Of course not.”

Lie.

“Because I was. It took everything in me not to drag you out of there,” he admits. I frown at his words.

“But you got some girl’s number.”

“No, you asked how many girls I’d be calling. I said just one. But I’ve already got your number, Cora. You know what I’ve been wondering?” he asks, stepping into me. My mind is still reeling from his confession. “I’ve been wondering what your lips taste like.”

And then he’s pulling me in for a kiss. His lips press against mine, gently at first, but then harder, until he’s stealing the very air from my lungs.

I pull away from the kiss, eyes wide. Slater kissed me.

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