Page 15 of My Shining Stepbrother

I sigh and nod. “Yeah, but only one night. I'll be gone tomorrow, I promise.”

“You don't have to leave; stay as long as you need, Rose.” He looks down at my bag, taking it in.

“Thank you. I don't want to put you out more than I already have.” I looked down at my fidgeting hands.

He takes another step forward, but I don't move. I keep looking down, feeling a burning need filling my insides—Goosebumps rise on my skin, causing the hairs to stand on end. I look up to see him standing closer to me than before. His hands slide onto my waist, pulling me slightly closer.

“I like you being here, Rose.” He whispers against my lips as he stares into my eyes.

He looks down at my lips before returning to my eyes. One inch forward, and we will be changing everything. Would we be able to go back? Would I want it to go back?

“Reese….” his name comes out of my mouth as a breathless whisper.

“Rose…. Either stop me, or this is happening.” His eyes pleaded with me not to pull away. “You are so damn beautiful I can't stop myself. Something about you calls my name.”

Instead of telling him to stop or pulling away, I choose to close the small gap the rest of the way. I press my body against his and lift my hands to his neck. I want this, and I'm not going to fight it. I want him.

Within seconds his mouth crashes down on mine. I open my lips instantly, inviting his tongue inside. I run my hands to the back of his head and tangle them in his hair. I pull him closer as he wraps his arms around me, grabbing the small of my back and pulling me closer.

We begin devouring each other as if it is our only chance of survival. We are wild animals now, and I don't want it to end. I'm risking everything for this one kiss, but I know it's worth it. Fireworks explode, and stars shine in my eyes. This man was made for me.

We break apart breathlessly and stare into each other. No words could explain this moment between us. He rests his forehead against mine as we both close our eyes, taking in this moment.

“Rose….” his voice sounds full of regret bringing me back to the moment. Maybe I was the only one lost in our moment after all.

I pull away instantly and untangle us from one another. My heart feels as though it's shattering into thousands of shards. I look down and see my bag. “I'm sorry… I shouldn't have… fuck I need to go! I'm so sorry!”

“No! Rose! Please don't leave!” He reaches out to grab my hand, but I dodge him as I grab my bag. I run past him and out of the room. The tears fall like rain from a dark cloud. I sprint out as he yells for me, but I don't look back. Instead, I bolt out of the front door and get into my car.

I have no idea where I will go, but I know I can't stay with him. I proved that my mom was correct. I'm a disgusting person...

Chapter 8

- Reese -

I'm a fucking idiot! That kiss was more than I could have ever dreamed of. Her lips were so sweet and soft as they pressed against mine. Why did I have to say her name as if I regretted everything? Fuck!

I dropped to my knees as soon as she sped out of my driveway. She ran away from me… I caused her to run when I wanted her to stay.

I began calling her, but it was no use. She ignored my calls, and then they went straight to voicemail. I grabbed my keys and went straight for my car. I was going to find her tonight if it was the last thing I did.

After 40 minutes of driving around, I look at my phone. Fuck! It's already 3 am, and she is alone. I grab my phone and decide it's time to call my dad. He might know more about where she would be, and I need the help. I know I have to tell him what happened, but that's not what I'm worried about. Anita can not find out, especially this way.

“Hey, is everything okay? You don't usually call this late.” I can hear the worry in his tone as he whispers to me.

“No… Something happened between Rose and I… she ran off, and now I can't find her anywhere. I've tried calling her multiple times, but she won't answer, and now her phone is off.” The words come out breathless and full of worry in my shaky tone.

He lets out a deep and broken breath. “Anita has said that when Rose feels trapped or nervous, she goes to the park or the bridge.” I hear shuffling in the background on his end. “I guess this happens a lot with Rose. Tonight is the first time she didn't find her at the park.”

“If you heard the things I heard tonight, you would run too.” The memory of Anita’s words ran through my head. The vulgar tone and words filled with poison towards her daughter.

“What do you mean by that?” He asks curiously.

I sigh while trying to think of the best way to phrase this. “Anita is not the best mom or even person to Rose.”

He lets out a long, low, deep breath. “I saw a little bit of that tonight, but I think it was the heat of the moment. She worries that you two will become more and our relationship will be ruined. I explained that it wouldn’t change anything, but she wouldn’t listen.”

I decide to tell him everything Anita said to Rose, and he gasps. “I have never seen or heard her talk like that. I wish I had heard. Maybe I could have stopped her.” Remorse laces his words.

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