The Stepbully She Craves

Chapter9

Hailey

I turn away and look out the window, my face burning and my heart racing. I

remember so vividly the feel of him in my hand last night, the deep, guttural sound he made when he came, and feeling him again has made my whole body respond. But that doesn't mean it's okay to make me grope him while our parents are in the front seat.

I've been going to these industry events since I was a babe on my mom's hip, and I'm exactly as bored at dinner as I knew I would be. I dutifully smile and nod

through the interminable speeches, as I was raised to do, but inside I'm cringing at the vanity of it all. Actors pay homage to the guest of honour while also, somehow, managing to pay homage to themselves. It's all so insular and self-aggrandizing,

and I wish I could just sit there and scowl and drink wine like Cole does. He

doesn't even try to look interested, except when Greta turns around to us, to make sure we're having as much fun as she is. His big, fake smile satisfies her every

time.

The more wine Cole drinks, though, the more fun the evening becomes for me. I'm not allowed to drink yet, but Cole is taking full advantage of the opportunity, and maybe because it's relaxing him, he's paying more attention to me than usual.

He's leaning in and making inappropriate jokes about the other guests, and it feels like we're sharing something special between us.

"That guy looks like Mr. Potato Head," he quips as a round, bespectacled

producer takes the stage. I have to stifle a laugh. The man has no neck and small round glasses and a moustache. He's a dead ringer.

I look over at Cole, smiling, and he's smiling right back, and for a moment it's just like old times. There's no mean glint in his eye, no hard edge to his mouth.

He's just being cute and he knows it. I know the smile I'm giving back to him is as warm as the one he's giving me.

My mother turns around then, and catches the look we're giving each other, and just beams at us. She's forever wishing we would just get along.

"You two having fun " she asks happily.

"The most," Cole answers, and I nod, too. At the moment, I think, looking over at Cole, it is fun.

He looks at me as Greta turns back around, and I think he's going to comment on the woman beside us with the cackling and distinctive laugh, but to my surprise he actually says something nice.

"You look really pretty tonight."

I pause for a second, wondering if he's making fun of me, but he looks completely sincere. "Thanks."

"It's true." He lowers his voice. "I like the way your tits look in that dress."

" Cole." I roll my eyes, but the truth is that his comment gives me a thrill. The idea of Cole noticing my body makes my blood run a little warmer.

Mr. Potato Head finishes his speech, and applause rings out among the guests. Cole leans in to be heard over the clapping, and drapes an arm around the back of my chair. He's so close his lip brushes against my ear.

"I've been thinking about what to do with you," he whispers, and my heart thuds in my chest. He lowers his voice to a deep growl. "You made me come so hard last night, little sister."

I can't pretend I don't instantly flood with heat at his words, but this isn't the right time or place. I hiss angrily as I respond. "Stop it, Cole."

"That's just it, Hailey. I can't stop it. I've been hard all day thinking about you, just like I showed you in the car. It turns me on that you're a dirty little sex-

obsessed slut."

My mom turns around again, shooting us a quick grin, and I give her a tight smile,trying to disguise my discomfort.

Cole waits until she turns back before finishing. "So I've decided I'm going to do you a favour, little slut, and take your virginity," he breathes in my ear, and I snap my head towards him.

I'm so shocked I can't think of anything to say.

He leans back in his chair, a slow, satisfied grin spreading across his face. "You owe me," he mouths.

After the party, I go directly to my room, not daring to look at Cole. My heart is skipping, and I don't know if I'm scared or excited. Both, maybe.

There wasn't much else for us to say during dinner. I could barely eat, let alone speak, with my heart in my throat. And Cole, I guess, didn't have much else to say once he'd said his piece. He contented himself with giving me meaningful,

predatory glances, satisfied with my evident discomfort.

I don't even know if he meant what he said, or if he was just fucking with me.

But what I've never admitted to anybody is that Cole Smith is the only person I've ever wanted to lose my virginity to.

Well, there was that time Sasha basically tricked me into admitting I found both Cole and Xander attractive during a risque game of Truth or Dare.but even she

only knows the half of it.

The truth is that I've loved Cole since I was eight years old. It's hard to admit, but I've spent the past ten years crushing on my brother.

When we were younger, he seemed so big and strong to me. He always knew what to do and he wasn't afraid of anything. When Jamie Kramitz stole my iPad the day I brought it to school, Cole punched him in the face and made him beg for my forgiveness when he returned it. He always protected me, and I felt safe with Cole.