Page 14 of My Shining Stepbrother

“I can’t do this to her! She will…. It doesn’t matter. I need to leave. I appreciate the help, but I’m leaving.” A single tear falls down my cheek through the words.

He knocks quieter this time, not giving up hope. “You’re not leaving, Rose. Stop, please.”

Hearing his voice's vulnerability and sincerity forces me to look into his eyes. He sees the tears streaking down my face. I don’t want to show him weakness, but I can't help myself. He is my safe place.

“Rose, please don’t cry.” He places his hands on my jaws and wipes the tears away with his thumbs.

“I don’t want to cry, Reese. You don’t understand how she makes me feel, though.” I melt into his touch, sinking my face deeper into his hands.

“Then tell me, please. I want to understand.” He pulls me closer to him so gently I almost didn’t notice.

I finally look into his eyes, showing him the hurt and pain she has caused me. “Why are you being so nice? You barely even know me. Maybe what she said is true.”

He smiles, showing me hope in his eyes. All I see is hope that I will believe him. “I honestly can’t tell you why I’m being so nice because I don’t even know.” He looks deeper into my eyes, searching for something. “I know you are not a slut, and you don’t deserve to be spoken to like that.”

“She has always said I remind her of my father, and I see what she means after tonight.” The realization hits me like a ton of bricks.

His hands never leave my face, and my eyes never leave his. His brows furrow in confusion before he questions the statement. “What do you mean?”

I take a deep breath to relax. “My father left when I was younger and never came back. I barely remember him, but from what I remember, I was a daddy’s girl. Even back then, she and I were not close.”

“That’s rough. I’m sorry.” His soft voice soothes my emotions.

“I haven’t seen him since I was six years old. She always said he couldn’t handle me, that I was too tough of a child. Maybe she was right. Maybe I’m the reason everyone leaves. She thinks I’m sleeping with you, and that will make your dad leave her.” There is no reason to leave things out or conceal the truth any longer.

“Alright, you were six, so he didn’t leave because of you. That’s actual insanity for her to think that. If I had to guess, he left because of your mother.” honesty laces his words. “Now, my dad would not leave her even if we were sleeping together. He might if he saw her true colors with how she treats you, though. Our relationship would not bother him or be any of their business.”

“I can’t do that to her. I don’t think you fully understand….” He cuts me off with wide eyes.

“Wait?! Rose, have you ever had any relationship with a man?” The shock shows in his wide eyed, mouth dropped expression.

I laugh just a little bit at his face and tone. “I have had things that resemble relationships.”

“What does that mean?” His brows pinch tightly together.

“I have had one boyfriend in my life that my mom forced me to date. Her reason was that he made me look better.” Thinking back and saying the words out loud feels like a kick to the shins. “After that, I chose only to date someone if it was my choice. After hearing her practically calling me worthless for years, I never thought anyone would see me for who I am. You are the first person to make me feel human, Reese.”

He raises one of his eyebrows in questioning. “Wait, have you ever had sex?”

Of course, that is the first thing he thinks about. “Seriously? After everything I have said, that's your first question?” I shake my head, laughing a little bit. “Yes, I've had sex, Reese. I've never had that mind-blowing experience that causes your insides to explode. I had sex just to have that feeling of someone appreciating me and the possibility that someone thought I was pretty, but that was never the case.” I take a deep breath and look away from him. “They would always say how it was a good time and then leave to never speak to me again. I haven't had sex for quite some time because it's always disappointing and painful.” I take a step back, making his hands leave my face.

“That's not how every man is, Rose. Some want a relationship or to let a woman feel worshiped in their presence.” He takes a step forward closing the gap between us slightly.

I take a step back looking up into his eyes. “What about you? Are you a relationship kind of man, or is it all about sex?” That burning curiosity rears its ugly head once again.

He smiles and shrugs his shoulders. “I've had relationships, but it's been a while. My businesses tend to make me stay away from the commitment part of life. I won't put anyone around me in danger.” He says it casually as if it doesn't matter.

“So you shut yourself down? Do you have a person you sleep with regularly?” I cover my mouth with my hand and feel my face turn red with embarrassment. “I'm so sorry you don't have to answer that!” I shake my head while internally, berating myself for even saying it.

He starts to laugh before he pulls my hand away from my mouth and places a kiss on my knuckles, calming my nerves. “It's okay. I'll tell you whatever you want to know.” He pauses and lets go of my hand. “I don't have a woman that jumps at my every call. Honestly, I couldn't tell you the last time I even had sex. I usually go to the club and get a dance, and that helps my needs.”

Now I'm the one raising a confused eyebrow. “So you're telling me you just go get a dance, and that solves it?”

“I wouldn't say that. I come home, and well, I'm sure you can use your imagination for what happens next.” he grins wickedly as I turn a darker shade of red.

“Jesus! I was not expecting that!” I start to fan myself. When did this room turn to five thousand degrees?

He tucks an unruly hair behind my ear while staring into my eyes. “Since you are doing better, will you stay?” He asks curiously.

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