FORBIDDEN STEP

Chapter two

As I entered the dining room, my eyes locked onto him. Liam. Lucas's son. My soon-to-be stepbrother.

My heart stuttered in my chest as I took in the sight of him. His dark brown hair was messy, like he'd just rolled out of bed, and his oceanic blue eyes sparkled with amusement. His face was perfect – chiseled features, sharp jawline, and full lips that curled into a captivating smile.

But it wasn't just his face that left me breathless. His body was toned, with muscles that rippled beneath his skin as he moved. I felt a shiver dance down my spine as my eyes lingered on his broad shoulders, his powerful arms, and his lean torso.

My entire world narrowed to the space between us, the air thickening with an almost palpable tension. It was as if time itself had slowed, leaving only the two of us, suspended in a sea of awareness. Every cell in my body hummed with awareness, my skin prickling with goosebumps as I drank in the sight of him.

Liam's eyes met mine, and I felt the jolt of a live wire, a spark of electricity that ignited a fire within me. He smiled, and I felt my heart stumble, my pulse racing with a newfound excitement.

I felt like I was pulled out of a trance when I heard my mother's constant calling, "Ava, are you okay? Ava, Ava...Ava...are you okay?" Then I realized where I was. For a moment there, I thought everything else had disappeared, and it was only Liam and I, staring at each other.

My mom and Lucas had decided it was time both families met, since they'd be getting married soon and it would do everyone good if we could all bond well. They suggested we get together over dinner, and I'd been dreading this moment for weeks. My mom had told me a little about Liam - that he was a few years older and Lucas's only child - but nothing could have prepared me for the reality of meeting him.

"This is Liam," my mom said, beaming with happiness.

"Hey, it's nice to finally meet you," Liam said, his smile warm and effortless.

Lucas smiled warmly and added, "Michelle, you've raised an incredible young woman." My mom blushed at the compliments as we sat down to eat.

Liam charmed us all with his easy smile and quick wit. He was effortless, like he'd been born to make people laugh. But beneath his charming facade, I sensed a hint of something more - a spark of mischief, a glint of danger.

As the dinner drew to a close, I found myself wondering why I felt this way. Why a mere sight of him made me tremble?

As we said our goodbyes, Liam's eyes met mine, and I felt that jolt again. I smiled back at him, feeling like I was stepping off a cliff into unknown territory.

As I watched them leave, my mind began to wander back to the conversation I'd had with my mom earlier. She'd told me a little bit about Lucas and his son, Liam.

"Lucas is an architect," she said. "He's traveled all over the world for work. He's a great guy, Ava. You'll really like him."

I'd nodded, curious about Lucas's son. "What about Liam?" I'd asked.

My mom smiled. "Liam is a few years older than you. He's a good kid, but... well, he's had a tough time. His mom passed away when he was younger."

I'd felt a pang of sympathy at that. Losing a parent was never easy.

My mom continued, "Lucas has done an amazing job raising Liam on his own. He's a very successful architect, you know. He's designed some incredible buildings all over the world."

I'd been impressed. "That's amazing," I'd said.

"Yes, it is," my mom agreed.And Liam is following in his footsteps, in a way. He's entering his second year at Yale University."

I'd raised an eyebrow. Yale was a prestigious school, and I was impressed that Liam had gotten in.

Now, as I thought back on that conversation, I wondered what Liam was like. What was it like to grow up without a mom? And how had Lucas balanced his demanding job with raising a son on his own?

I pushed the thoughts aside, focusing instead on the present moment. But I couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity about Liam, and a desire to get to know him better.

The thought of him sent blood rushing through my veins. My heart skipped a beat, and my cheeks flushed a deep crimson, betraying the emotions I couldn't quite understand.

I had so many questions, and I couldn't wait to get to know Lucas and Liam better.I couldn't shake the feeling that my life was about to get a lot complicated.

Michelle pushed open the door to Ava's room, a soft smile on her face as she took in the sight of her daughter sitting on the bed, lost in thought. She stepped inside, closing the door behind her, and walked over to sit down beside Ava.

"Hey, my love, I know this is a lot to take in," Michelle said softly, putting a gentle hand on Ava's shoulder. "But I want you to know that I'm here for you, and we're going to get through this together."

Ava looked up at her mom, searching for reassurance. Michelle's calm and gentle demeanor was soothing, and Ava felt her anxiety begin to ease.

"I know it's a huge change, but sometimes change can be a good thing," Mom continued. This is an opportunity for us to grow and learn together as a family. And I truly believe that it will only strengthen our bond in the end."

Ava nodded slowly, taking in her mom's words. She wanted to believe that everything would work out okay, that this new chapter in their lives would bring them closer together.

"Thanks, Mom," Ava said, feeling a small sense of comfort. "Just knowing that you're here for me makes me feel better."

Michelle smiled and pulled Ava into a warm hug. "I'll always be here for you, sweetie," she whispered. "No matter what."