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

is so unpredictable. That much I have already learned in the hours we have been here.
    “Well isn’t that a great story to tell the kids,” he says. I raise my eyebrows and shoot him a pointed look.
    My grandmother joins in the conversation, “That is indeed a funny story. Alice, dear, last we spoke, you started a new job. How is that going?”
    “It’s great, Grams. I absolutely love it. I’m enjoying my independence too. I’m a working girl with her own apartment and everything,” I gush happily. Grams has always been capable of getting me to share. Where I am usually reserved around everyone else, I chat nonstop as soon as she asks me a question. “And pretty soon I will be married,” I beam.
    I ignore the irritated glance that Damon throws my way.
    I refuse to let him put a damper on my happiness.
    My grandmother smiles. “I’m so proud of you, my love. Your father would be proud as well.”
    I smile sadly. “Thanks, Grams. I think so, too.”
    “I can’t believe it’s been so long since I have seen you, Alice. You graduated college and have already started working. What kind of work do you do?” Damon asks.
    I manage not to roll my eyes and ask him why he is suddenly so interested in my life. Instead I smile sweetly, “I’m an analytical chemist for a pharmaceutical company.”
    He smiles. “You always were a smart girl. I’m proud of you too.”
    I glance at him. I become a bit uncomfortable because I see that he is being genuine.
    “Thank you, Damon.” I say softly.
    I catch my mom smiling at Jared. They are probably just glad that Damon and I are in the same room and we seem to be getting along.
    “How is your job going by the way? You are still working in Michigan I assume?” I ask.
    He nods. “I am and it’s alright.”
    “Oh you are way too modest, son.” Jared says. He turns to me, “He is already the CEO of the company he works for. Can you believe that? In just three years. He is a wolf in the boardroom.”
    He’s a wolf outside of it too .
    I smile at the pride shining in Jared’s eyes. “Your dad is right, Damon, you are being too modest. That is pretty impressive. You must be really great at what you do.”
    His lips curve slightly and he shrugs. My eyes move to his left hand. The presence of the very expensive Rolex gripping his wrist has been explained.
    I remain silent for the rest of dinner. Chatter bounces around the room, but I am only half paying attention. My mind is caught up with thoughts of Damon and his words.
    I will have you before the night ends.
    The words echo in my head.
    I am pissed that he so confidently uttered those words and I am afraid that he had every right to be confident.
    I am ashamed to admit, even to myself, that I still want him just as much as I did before he shattered my world and broke my young, fragile heart.
    I sneak a glance at the man occupying my thoughts but my gaze collides with his.
    He smirks over his wine glass and I quickly look away, reaching for my own glass. I need to drink down some liquid courage—or thought silencer—rather than drink in the man who can overtake my body when I only think of him.
    He says that he'll have me by the end of the night? He has me now.

Chapter Six
     
    “Are you sure you don’t want to stay a little while longer?” I ask, leaning against the door of my room. “I can go downstairs for a bottle of wine.”
    He exits the room to stand in the hallway. “I can’t, babe. I’m a bit jetlagged. Plus, do you know how hard it is for me to be in your room and not be able to touch you?”
    I move closer to throw my arms around his neck. “But you can touch me,” I pout.
    He sighs and gently pulls himself from my embrace, “You know what I mean, Aly.”
    I look down to study the blue carpet. “I’m sorry, Rich.”
    He lifts my chin with gentle fingers. “No need to apologize babe. I respect you and your wishes.”
    I smile. “I love you Rich, you are so amazing. Alright go and get some rest.