Mess With My Stepbrother

Chapter 3

I drop the wood in a pile by the firepit and shake my arms out. "Probably sneaked off for a quickie in the woods."

She drops her wood on top of mine and pulls a face. "Ewww. That's disgusting." She wrinkles her nose and looks around, trying to figure out our next steps. Lily loves to have a plan in place. "Should we see if we can find them?" She points towards the lake. "They might be fishing already."

"Nah. Let them have their fun." I start stacking wood for the fire, so it'll be easy to light when it starts getting dark in a few hours.

"You're so gross." I glance up at her as she hovers over me. Hands on her hips, full lips pursed, and all I can think of is how damned cute she is when she's irritated. I live to irritate her, but only up to a point. It's messed up, but I get off on the way her eyes glitter right before she explodes. I'm pretty sure they'll do the same when she comes.

She doesn't know the filthy things running through my head, even as she gathers our supplies and sets them aside for dinner. No one does, besides me. And maybe Mom. If she finds out, she'll be devastated. I could lose my best friend, my sister, and maybe even my family. Is it worth it? For just one night with Lily? No. I could never be satisfied with just one night. Not even a lifetime would be enough.

She watches me closely as I work to set the fire up. If I happen to bend a little farther or flex a little to give her a show, well, it happens. Gotta work with what I've got.

I'm not vain, but I'm not stupid, either. Women love me. Too bad the only one I want is the one I can't have.

"Can you show me how to do that," she asks, pointing towards the firepit. I raise an eyebrow at her, amused. "You want to learn how to set up a fire?"

She nods seriously. "Yep. It might come in handy someday. You know, if I'm ever in the woods alone." Like I'd ever let that happen.

"Alright, Bookworm. Come here."

I gesture for her to come sit beside me. She obeys, her eyes wide with anticipation. I take my time, showing her how to pick the best pieces of kindling. It's totally unnecessary to touch her, but an opportunity has presented itself and I'm taking it. Just little touches; a hand on her shoulder, a nudge with my arm... She

doesn't move away. I can see tiny goose bumps forming on that gorgeous skin. Her hips shift restlessly, and I wonder if her panties are getting damp. God knows my shorts are way too tight at this point.

"First, you need to start with small pieces, like these twigs. Dried bark works too." I demonstrate, placing a bundle of twigs in the center of the fire pit. "Next, you add some larger pieces, like these smaller branches." I carefully arrange the branches around the twigs, creating a tepee shape. "Once that all starts burning well, you layer on the bigger pieces, like these logs." I place the logs strategically around the tepee, making sure there's enough space for airflow. "Don't smother the smaller pieces with the big ones."

Lily watches intently, absorbing every detail. Her cheeks flush as she follows my instructions, her fingers brushing against mine. The connection sends a surge of desire coursing through me. I wonder what she'd do if I kissed her but stop myself just in time. This can't end well, but I find that I don't mind so much as long as it ends with her in my arms.

We finish setting up the fire, and I show her how to tend to it properly once we light it later. "Always remember to keep the fire under control," I instruct her. "It can be dangerous if you don't."

She nods solemnly, her eyes sparkling with determination to learn. She's so goddamn earnest, and it makes me want to protect her even more. It also makes me want to bend her over the biggest log and fuck her stupid.

My body aches for her touch, and my heart longs for her company. I've always been protective of Lily, and that'll never change, but this is different. It's raw and primal, and it scares the shit out of me. The urgency to claim her grows stronger by the day.

Before I can do anything I might not regret later, there's a muffled yelp down by the lake, followed by a little scream from my mom. Lily's on her feet and running before I am, but I'm bigger and catch up to her easily. I'd pace her if I wasn't so worried about my mom. Instead, I pass her and race ahead with my heart in my throat.

Lily catches up as we reach the path leading to the lake. We find our parents swaying like a pair of drunks as they stumble up the path hanging off one another. "What happened?"

"Sarah's injured her ankle. She went wading into the water and slipped on a rock or something. I can't tell if it's broken or just sprained." Daniel is red in the face, huffing and puffing because he's spent way too much time behind his desk these last few years, and no time in the gym.

"Here. Let me take her."

"I'm alright," my mom insists. Her face is red with pain, and her eyes are filled with tears.

"Of course, you are." I reach to help her, but she waves me off, trying to maintain her dignity.

"Just give me a minute." She's breathing hard and tiny beads of sweat dot her forehead. Even though she's hurt, she manages a weak smile, reassuring us that she's okay. My mom is a terrible actress. Whatever she's done to herself hurts like hell.

Lily's at my elbow, biting her lip and looking anxious. "Can you put any weight on it," she asks.

Mom shakes her head, but I'm not sure if that's a 'yes' or 'no'. "It's just a sprained ankle. We'll rest here for a bit, and then continue to the campsite."

In the very least she's going to need an x-ray, but I'm not going to point it out just yet. She's looking pretty miserable already.