He hums low, kissing my cheek tenderly before he rises and stretches his arms over his head. We’re both still dressed in our clothes from last night, and his dark t-shirt rides up, showing off the sculpted lower region of his stomach. The deep V that’s etched into him like freshly chipped marble draws my eyes. Utterly unholy thoughts plague me, and I quickly look away as my brother dips into my walk-in closet.
He returns with my pajamas and holds them out to me. “Put these on.”
I take them gingerly, my eyes flickering to him. “Turn around.”
He crosses his arms, his expression obstinate. “I don’t think I will. Strip before I do it for you, Sunny.”
Nerves bite at my gut, a swirling torrent of emotions gripping me in an iron hold as I rise from the bed. I don’t know what it is, but something about his commands makes a deep tug pull taut in my body. I’m hyper aware of his presence standing over me, and it feels sweltering in my room.
My hands tremble as I lift my shirt and bare myself to my brother. My red laced bra is still on, but my stomach and shoulders are showing now. I toss it aside, biting my lip as liquid heat rushes through me.
“Take your bra off,” he instructs darkly.
I shake my head. “No.”
His head tilts in that taunting way of his. “Then take your skirt off.”
My hands move as if he has me on an invisible leash. Every command he gives is something I can’t refuse. I feel like I’m going to burst at the seams, and I don’t knowwhy. I shimmy the skirt down, my hands rubbing over my flushed skin until I’m in just my matching panties and bra.
Kaden’s eyes are soaking everything in, desire and hunger warring with his composure. His hands tighten into fists at his sides. “You’re fucking beautiful, Melody.”
My heart hammers wildly at his compliment. I shouldn’t be preening under his words. This isn’t right. “Can I get dressed?” I whisper.
He nods, but he never takes his eyes off me. Not even when the silk top and bottom slide on, and I’m no longer half naked before him. He watches as if he can’t look away, and that makes me feel…powerful.
I’m going to hell.
No amount of penance can wash away the sinful thoughts I’m having of my brother. No amount of confessions or prayers can purify what we’re doing.
Kaden opens my bedroom door, motioning for me to go first. Before I can step over the threshold, he lightly grips my cheeks, turning me to face him. “I’ll be down in a minute. Be good, or our parents will know what my little sister is like when she kisses her big brother.”
There’s such an imbalance between us at one moment, and then the next, I feel like I’m on top of the world. He’s toying with me, and I can’t stand that I’m secretly enjoying it.
I’m disgusting.
Vile.
Repugnant.
Everything.
He releases me with a chaste kiss to my temple, watching with those haunting eyes as I robotically climb down the stairs. Every step feels hollow and empty. The further I get from him, the more the coldness settles in and the more I can fathom that what we’re doing is horrid. It’s a conundrum that’s battling in my psyche.
The kitchen’s overhead lights are soft, but they feel piercing and bright. My eyes squint as Mom moves a plate loaded high with bacon, eggs, and pancakes to the table. Dad stands at the sink, hand washing the dishes she dirtied as they chat about work and their next date night on Saturday. They’re completely unaware of what their kids are up to, and that makes something forbidden unfold in my chest as I ease down onto a chair at the dining room table.
“Good morning, Jellybean,” Mom beams when she notices me.
Be good, or our parents will know what my little sister is like when she kisses her big brother.
Kaden’s warning plays on a broken loop inside my head, haunting me with its echo. If I don’t put on a smile andsay something, they’re going to get suspicious.
I roll my shoulders back, lifting my chin before a fake smile tugs at my lips. “Good morning, Mom. Dad.”
Dad shoots me an easy grin. “Have you thought anymore about which college you’re going to? Cornell is a great university, but I could be a little biased, considering it’s my Alma mater.”
I shift into my seat, feeling as I gently enter the conversation. “I’m still deciding. Cornell is ahead, though.”
Dad chuckles. “You’re going to do amazing, sweetheart. No matter which one you choose.” He sighs as he slides a plate onto the dish rack. “I wish your brother had his head screwed on straight like you. He’s been trying to pick a college since he was accepted two years ago. I think he’s just buying time—”
