“I love you, Avery,” I said once I pulled away, leaving us both panting. “I love you so fucking much, it physically hurts.”
She started to open her mouth then closed it, and I would’ve been lying if I said it didn’t kill me that she wouldn’t say those words back.
But that was fine.
I’d loved Avery foryears. I had time to accept that my heart belonged to my stepsister. She still needed to get used to the idea of us.
Patience wasn’t something I possessed, but I’d wait a whole fucking lifetime to hear her say those three little words.
So, I’d wait until she was ready to tell me how she felt about me, and I already knew it would be worth every agonizing second.
Rowen was still sleeping when I woke up. He looked peaceful, his eyelids fluttering, lips parted on a soft breath. I wanted to kiss him, but I held myself back, not wanting to wake him yet.
The lights came in through the windows, filling the space with a warm glow that countered the deep blues he’d painted on the walls.
I was almost certain the room had been decorated with hired help. There was no way Rowen picked out the art and decor, but the blue…that was definitely his choice. It reminded me of waking up next to him back home.
My chest flared with pain at the thought of home, of my mom. It felt like forever ago, but it was just the night before. I could still see the look on her face, the way her lips curled with disgust, her eyes lighting up with rage.
I wasn’t sure what I’d expected to happen when they found out about us, but I didn’t think she’d feel so cold, so done with me,when I left. My heart was broken, thinking she was okay without me, fine with me leaving and never coming back.
“Av…” Rowen’s voice dragged as his eyes blinked open. “Whoa,” he said when he noticed my tears. He pulled me to his chest. “What’s wrong?”
I wiped my wet cheeks. “Nothing. I’m okay. I just…I wasn’t expecting her to besoangry.”
He hugged me tighter, pulling me on top of him. “I’m so sorry, baby. This is all my fault.”
I shook my head. “No, it’s not. I made my choice.” I offered him a smile, and relief flooded me when he smiled too. “And I’m happy with it.”
“Promise?” he asked, a slight hint of hesitation in his eyes.
“I promise,” I said before kissing him to seal the deal.
His hands cupped my ass, and he moved his hips against me. His cock was already hard, rubbing against my pussy. I found myself moving faster, wanting more.
“If you don’t stop, I’ll have no choice but to give you another round of last night.”
I halted, lying still against him. “So, how did you even afford this place?” I realized how rude I sounded and quickly added, “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean anything by that; I was just curious. You don’t have to tell me.”
He laughed. “I like that you’re curious about me. It’s about time the tables turned. I created an app in college for a project. I developed an algorithm that optimized hospital shift allocation based on available staff and patient needs. After schedules were uploaded, along with patient records and their schedules, staff would have an easier time ensuring everyone’s needs were met. It wasn’t perfect, but I had multiple offers for it by the time I graduated. Sold it for a few million dollars. Turned around and invested that, and I had some really good luck pretty quickly.Now, I analyze and consult other app developers on their projects.”
I was shocked at all he’d accomplished already. I sat up and looked him in the eyes. “You’ve done so much with so little. Do you realize how crazy that is? Do you know you’re probably the only one your age whoearnedthe penthouse he bought? How are you not being called up for interviews and biographies and shit?”
He beamed as he listened to me. “I did it all under a pseudonym.”
“Why would you do that?”
“I guess I didn’t want to make a big deal out of it.” He rolled over to be on top of me, trying to change the subject by kissing me, but I avoided his attacks.
“Did you ever tell your dad?”
His eyes dimmed. “He didn’t give a shit about me after I left.”
“Because of me…” My chest was heavy, guilt-ridden.
“No,” he spoke, softly but sternly. “It wasn’t you, baby. I was an idiot for watching you like that, leaving myself all exposed. I was bound to get caught.”
“Do you regret it?” I chewed my bottom lip.
