Chapter 4

SCARLET

After the numerous heartaches in the past, I’d learned to divide the men I was attracted to into two categories.

The first category could be described as ‘the dangerous ones.’ They were men that would leave you when they were done. Jax landed into that category. Then, there were ‘the safe ones.’ They were the type of men who wouldn’t expect anything from you and the kind that you wouldn’t get too attached to.

However, I didn’t want to put Luke in either of those categories. He was my stepbrother—he was supposed to be out of the picture. He was precisely the man I should avoid.

I’d already had a crush on him in the past, but now I wanted him. If he were mine, I’d move my hands all over him—pleasure him, and whisper goodness in his ears. His presence made my skin itch as if I were yearning to feel him against my body, against my inner thighs. I imagined running my fingers along that strong jaw and kissing him senselessly. I would inhale his musk wood cologne and aftershave. His exquisite display of male beauty had me burning between my thighs. But from the moment our eyes met, I knew I should be running.

Damn. The thoughts scared me instantly. Every hair on my skin stood as a witness to my fear. I’d almost forgotten that he was my stepbrother. I thought of calling Jax to relieve the sexual tension.

Maybe later at home.

“Are you going to stay here for the week?” he suddenly spoke.

“Yes, Thomas asked me.”

He glanced at me. “Are you staying with them?”

“Yes.” I tried to divert my mind by looking through the window, filling my eyes with the beauty of New York City night lights. “Actually, I’d like to move up here.”

To my surprise, he nodded, and his eyes glimmered. “It makes you feel alive.”

I smiled. “How so?”

He didn’t answer but smirked.

“I heard you were in Cambridge,” I went on, trying to start a proper conversation. “I’m sorry, I didn’t get your number to call you while you were there.”

“It’s alright. I’m busy anyway. I won’t be able to meet you.”

I cleared my throat. “That’s what I heard.”

“I wouldn’t mind giving you my number, though.” He flashed a sexy smile. “You’re my new little sister.” He abruptly stopped the car.

“Are we home?” I looked outside, but it didn’t look like Thomas’ house.

We stopped in front of the posh entrance of Hotel B. A five-star hotel Luke alone owned. A giant letter B was embossed just right above the opulent entrance. I’d heard from Mom that the B stood for “Bella.”

“Why are we here?” I asked.

“Because Dad has a plan.” He first stepped out of the car and turned around to open the door for me. “And you need to get dressed.”

I stepped out of the car. “For what?”

“Dad didn’t tell you?”

“He didn’t say anything urgent. No.”

He studied me from head to toe. “Do you happen to have a dress?”

I looked down at my casual shirt, ripped jeans, and sneakers. “I… I guess so. I think I brought one in my suitcase.”

“Good. You need to change.” Luke plucked my suitcase out of his car and dragged it with him. I tried to catch up with him.

“Hey, what’s the occasion? It’s already nine and—” I paused. “Wait.  Mom’s birthday party is tonight. I remembered her mentioning it over the phone.”

He stopped by the lobby. “You don’t know a single thing, do you? The party starts at eleven.”

I frowned. “But I thought it was tomorrow. Thomas said—”

“Stop talking. This is the plan.” He rolled his eyes, then he dropped my suitcase on the floor.

I gasped. “Hey! Did you just toss my—” I lowered and picked up my luggage, but when I got up, he was already gone, “bag…”

Did he just leave me?