TASTE: A Stepbrother Romance by Stephanie Brother Read Free Book Online Page A

at him and force him to release me, but my body betrays me. I can’t believe nor can I explain my own physical reaction to the man I’m supposed to hate. I suddenly melt, just like he predicted. My body becomes pliant against his. He lifts a hand to tilt my head back so that he can deepen the kiss. My lips part slightly, allowing his tongue to slide into the warmth of my mouth. I whimper in response.
    I yank my lips away from him when I hear Richard’s voice from the hallway.
    Damon releases me abruptly and I stumble back. I stare at him horror. I nearly growl when I see the satisfied look on his face. “Aly, where are you?” Richard calls.
    I wipe the back of my hands over my lips and straighten my clothes, on the verge of panic. I can’t believe I allowed Damon to kiss me like that with my fiancé just two doors down.
    Damon grins and walks toward the door to pull it open. “She’s in here, Richard.”
    I watch in amazement as he leans casually against the open door to address him. “I’m afraid I’m being a bit selfish with our little Aly . We haven’t seen each other in years, you see. We have so much catching up to do. I was just about to grill her about you when we heard you call.”
    Richard laughs, “Ah, the protective big brother. I know how it is, I have two younger sisters. I’m sorry for interrupting, man. I just missed her. You know how it is.”
    Damon smiles coolly, “Yeah I know how it is,” he says softly.
    I quickly step toward the door. “Richard, why don’t you go to my room and wait for me? I’ll be there in a minute. I’m getting tired of Damon’s big brother questions anyway.”
    Richard chuckles and heads to my room.
    I step back into Damon’s room. “Are you insane? How dare you kiss me like that?”
    He grins, “Based on your reaction, I would say that you enjoyed it, Aly .”
    “Don’t call me that,” I hiss. “What we just did can never happen again. It will not happen again.”
    He lifts his hand to caress my cheek, “That’s where you’re wrong sweetness. I will have you before the night ends.”
    My mouth opens and closes several times. My chest is heaving; I can’t even speak. I let out a growl and wheel around, dashing out the door and marching to my room. I hear his low mocking laughter carry down the hallway. It dawns on me that I might not be able to resist him. All he did was kiss me and every sane thought I had evaporated. I drop my head in my hands. Holy shit, I’m in trouble.
    I have to be stronger than this. I can’t allow anything else to happen with Damon.
    Not with my fiancé under the same roof... or ever .
    Plus, our parents are married to each other. Talk about inappropriate.
    I let out a groan before I enter my room to face Richard. I try my best to act normal.
    ** *
 
    “So, Richard, tell me, how did you meet Alice?”
    My head snaps up when Damon asks the question.
    We are all seated at the massive dining table in the impressive dining room.
    My grandparents’ heads turn towards Richard.
    Mom and Jared continue to eat as they already know the story.
    Richard smiles and lowers his fork. “Well, I had seen her on campus and in several classes for a while. But she always ignored my existence. We officially met one morning in class when she turned around and told me to shut up because she was trying to learn something.”
    Everyone laughs loudly.
    I flush. “Goodness Richard, you make me sound like such a… b-word.” My comment causes another roar of laughter.
    “That’s my girl,” Gramps says between laughter. “She’s a pistol, she is.”
    Everyone is completely amused, except for Damon.
    He gives a smile and I can tell that it has been forced.
    I’m sitting right across from him so I’m able to observe him from beneath my lashes.
    He is gripping his fork tightly. I can tell because his knuckles are white. He seems to be shoving down a bitter expression.
    My brows furrow. Wondering what his problem is. I shake my head slightly. He