Page 26 of Stepbrothers

“We will.”

She sighed and stood from the bed. Her dress was horribly creased, and she attempted to palm it smooth. Another sigh slipped out.

“What?” he asked, touching the point of her chin.

“We shouldn’t have done this. Any of it. You know that.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t have to explain.”

“So I will.” He set his hands on her shoulders and turned her to face him. “Hugh and I, and Trig, too, if he were here, want the best for everyone in our family. And you are family now. We can see what you need, what you’ve missed out on.”

“A sore butt?”

“Discipline, direction, consequences to actions or in-actions as the case may be.” He paused. “Good behavior will be rewarded.”

“With what?”

He smiled. “Let’s just say you won’t be disappointed.” He skimmed his lips over hers. “Now go and straighten yourself out in the bathroom, brush your hair, lose the just-fucked look, and then meet me downstairs. It’s best we don’t reappear together. It’s also best we don’t appear too…cozy in front of others. At least not yet.”

“Cozy? Really? I’m not getting cozy with you.”

He didn’t reply.

“You’ve got it all figured out, huh.” A cough caught in her throat then rattled her ribs as she hacked away.

“You all right?” He set his hand on her back. Concern creased his brow.

She nodded. Got control. “Yes. Fine.”

He was quiet for a moment, then, “You’ve got ten minutes, otherwise I’ll send Hugh to find you. And, unlike me, he’s still got all of his frustrations with you pent up inside. And I’m not sure you could handle him right now, or at least your pretty pink behind couldn’t.”

He left the room, and the silence was deafening. She reached for a bottle of water, drank from it, then went into the bathroom. After using the loo, she ran her wrists under the cold tap, hoping it would cool her system. But her reflection told the tale of what had just happened. Her cheeks were flushed. Her chin glowed where his stubbled chin had scratched her flesh. The mascara on her right eye had more damage to it than the left, but neither were great. And her lips were puffy with no sign of the pink gloss she’d worn all day. What was worse was she didn’t have her purse to do any kind of repair job.

So she did the best she could with a flannel and a complimentary kit containing cotton buds and lip balm. Then she rubbed the hotel’s body lotion on her arms, hoping it would disguise any sex smell. She did the best she could with her knotted hair. Perhaps she could quickly grab her clutch from the top table and fix herself up better.

Glancing at the clock, she realized she’d overstepped her ten-minute window. So she slipped from the room and took the elevator back downstairs. The party was in full swing, the disco blaring out Shakira and the dance floor packed. Her mother and Benjamin were right in the center, arms in the air, singing the lyrics.

She scooted past the bar, glancing around for Parker or Hugh. But her line of sight settled on Wayne. He was sipping a pint and chatting to Emily. Clarice’s second cousin, newly single, pretty. He’d probably get lucky.

Strangely, Clarice didn’t feel in the slightest bit put out. Perhaps it was because she was still basking in her climax afterglow, or maybe it was because there was no way Wayne would have fucked her as well as Parker had. What she’d just experienced was amazing. She couldn’t remember when she’d last come so hard and fast…oh wait, that guy from the week before. He’d been good. Damn shame he’d left town and hadn’t bothered to give her his number.

His loss.

She found her bag and hunted for her lipstick. Gave her lips a quick refresh, then powdered her nose.

“Clarice.”

“Mmm…” She peered over her compact.

Hugh.

“You okay?” he asked.

“I’ve got a sore ass.” She frowned at him then spotted Parker over his shoulder. He was staring straight at her. “Thanks to your spank-happy brother.”

“The consequence of bad behavior,” he said.

---