Page 95 of Stepbrothers

“Hugh and Parker encouraged me.” She took a deep breath, dreading that she might say more about how they’d encouraged her with spankings and delicious sexual rewards. “And I can’t stand my job.”

“What do you do?” Trig spoke with the same authority she remembered from their night together. No nonsense. Straight to the point.

“I work in a café, a barista. Not my dream job.”

“No?”

“No. I’ve always wanted to work with kids.”

“And my brothers encouraged you to follow that dream?”

“Yes.”

Trig was quiet. He picked up his fork, stabbed a piece of salmon, and shoved it into his mouth. Chewed as though his teeth might break.

“Clarice has been staying here,” Hugh said. “Her flat was damp and home to a few mice. The landlord should be struck off.”

Her mother shuddered. “Oh, Clarice, did you actually see one? ”

“Yes. But I didn’t say anything because it’s not a problem anymore. I’ve moved out. The landlord will either fix the problem or I can end my tenancy contract early.”

“And where will you go?” Jenny asked.

“She can stay here as long as she wants,” Hugh said. He gestured to Trig. “Usually there’s a spare room.”

Everyone was quiet, then Trig spoke. “She’s been staying in my room?”

“It’s not like you use it much.” Parker shrugged.

“Obviously I won’t stay in there tonight,” Clarice said quickly. “I’ll crash on the sofa.” She paused. “Or I’ll go and stay with friends while you’re home.”

“That won’t be necessary,” Parker said.

She tipped her chin and stared at Trig. “I think it would be for the best.” It was clear they were not going to get along.

He opened his mouth, but at that moment the timer in the kitchen went off.

“Ah good.” Clarice jumped up, suddenly very glad of an escape route. God only knew what he was going to say next. “That’s the dinner ready to serve.”

She rushed into the kitchen area and swiped up an oven glove.

Parker was right behind her. “What’s going on?” he asked unsmilingly.

“Nothing.”

“You’re acting strange.” He frowned and turned off the vegetables.

“No, I’m not.” She glanced at Trig.

Parker’s features hardened. “You are. And there’s something you’re not telling me.”

Her buttocks practically tingled at the hard look he gave her. A spanking would be in her future if she didn’t confess to already knowing Trig. And the sooner the better. But how could she with her mother and Benjamin there? Questions would be asked about where they’d met. How they’d met. Clarice didn’t trust herself not to blurt out the truth. And the truth was sordid, kinky, and downright dirty.

“What’s going on?” Hugh said, dropping an empty beer bottle into the recycling.

“Nothing. We have to serve.” She reached the plates from the warmer.

“Something is going on,” Parker said. “And we’ll find out what.”

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