Getting Mine: A Stepbrother Romance by Adair Rymer Read Free Book Online Page A

any of this, but probably saw it as just another part of her job. She was only here because she felt like she had to be, not because she wanted to be.
    At first glance it looked like super wealthy and famous Val had it all, but the more time I spent around her I could tell that that wasn't the case. She was missing something... Happiness.
    “What can I get you?” The bartender finally made his way over to me.
    “Two beers,” I replied. “Whatever you got on tap.”
    In a room full of celebrities, I didn't expect more than a passing glance from anyone. That's why it struck me by surprise when the bartender eyed me for a long moment, before rushing off.
    What, was he going to card me at a house party?
    In the few minutes that he was gone, Val materialized beside me. “You having fun, yet?”
    “I think I've outgrown the whole party vibe.”
    “The Arsen I remember would've been right at home in one of these. You'd probably be walking out of the bathroom with a model by now.”
    “Just one?” I asked with feigned being hurt.
    Val rolled her eyes at me. She tried to hide it, but I could see some something in her expression. Was that a degree of jealousy?
    The bartender returned with two foamy, glass mugs.
    “What'd you get me?” Val changed the subject as quickly as she could.
    “You thought one of these was for you?” I pulled them both toward me. “How else do you think I'm going to get through a night trapped in a building with people named 'Jeter' and 'Persephone'?”
    Val paid and thanked the bartender before I could get my wallet out. “You're driving, Arsen.” She raised an eyebrow at me and took one of the beers.
    “Shit, man.” The bartender's face lit up. “You are Arsenal, I fucking knew it! I saw your last fight on Bleecher St, that shit was crazy. You're fucking legend!”
    Dammit. Of all the places and times to get recognized...
    “Arsenal?” I heard Val ask distantly, more to herself than to me. It sounded like she was putting together clues in her head. Who knows what my mother whispered to her at Hugh's place.
    “Don't know what you're talking about, Pal.” I grabbed my mug and left the bar.
    I didn't have anywhere particular to go, just away from there. Val had enough shit to worry about, without all of my baggage.
    There was a dirty, violent and remorseless world far beneath Valentine's deluxe condos and exclusive parties. When I abandoned Val, I lived and died each night in the underground rings of illegal of bare-knuckle fighting.

Chapter 7
    Valentine
    Past
     
     
    “Valentine... Who the fuck invited you?” Stacy said. She was surrounded by two girls, who bullied me all through middle school and ignored me all through high school. They stood several feet into the large entrance hall, blocking my way into the rest of the party.
    “I did.” I walked into Stacy's house, stopped and addressed her as the whining toddler, that she was. I imagined an audience behind me hanging on my every word, and the confidence flowed through me.
    “Excuse me?” Stacy scoffed, putting a hand on her hip. She glanced at her friends for more support. “You best turn your nerdy little ass around, freak.”
    “And who are you, exactly? The daughter of some slimy politician, right? I think your dad begged my father for an endorsement this past election. Maybe if the Dawson family backed him, he wouldn't have lost so badly.”
    At first it felt super weird tossing around these insults, but I'd practiced them like I did every other play. My costume, this designer preppy sweater-over-plaid look, was flawless. I owned the entitled, princess role and flaunted it.
    Stacy and her friends were stunned speechless, and made no move to stop me from entering.
    “Nice house by the way,” I gave her another disdainful look when I brushed past her and went into the party. “It's almost as big as our summer home.”
    When I rounded the first corner, I fell into the nearest wall. Holyshitholyshitholyshit! Did I just