STEP-DAD'S SECRET

10|

✯𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐏~𝐃𝐀𝐃'𝐒 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐓 ✯

(𝒕𝒐𝒐 𝒘𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒈 ✿ 𝒕𝒐 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒔𝒕)

𝑊𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑛 𝑏𝑦 𝐵𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑎𝑗𝑏14

©2025© 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑎𝑗𝑏14

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⁠ CHAPTER (10) TEN

MAI'S POV

The room was quiet, far too quiet. The room was calm that quietness screamed louder than ever. Roman’s words still echoed in my head.

“Strip,” he had said, his tone calm but unmistakably firm. Why would he want that from his step daughter? Wasn't that against the law? Or something?

My heart raced. “No, thank you… is there another way?” I asked, my voice wavering as I tried to hold on to some control.

He didn’t raise his voice. He didn’t need to. “Then bathe me.”

That made my stomach twist. “That’s worse.”

He stepped closer, eyes dark. “You have ten minutes to think,” he said, then turned and climbed the stairs, disappearing into the shadows of the hallway.

I stood frozen in place, staring at the floor as silence settled around me again. My thoughts spiraled—what was happening between us? Why did I feel fear and desire twisted together like thorns and silk?

Could I walk away? Would I want to?

The timer in my head had already started ticking. The weight of Roman’s words hung heavy in the air. Ten minutes to decide. My mind was a storm—every instinct screaming no, but a part of me, darker and curious, wondering what this game really meant. Stripping felt like surrender. Bathing him? That was worse—intimate, humiliating. Yet, here I was, trapped between fear and a strange pull I couldn’t name. Strip and lose my dignity like a slut or bathe him and surrender to him like a maid.

I paced, trying to steady my racing heart. Am I about to lose myself completely? Or is this the moment I take control, even if it’s in his twisted world?

The house was silent except for the distant sound of his footsteps upstairs. Time was slipping away. I closed my eyes, swallowed hard, and whispered, “I’m not just a victim. But can I really win?”

When the seconds ticked down, I knew whatever choice I made would change everything. I had to be ready. The clock on the wall mocked me, each tick louder than the last. Ten minutes felt like an eternity, but also like nothing at all. My fingers trembled as I debated—could I really do this? Give in to Roman’s demand, or hold my ground and face whatever consequences came after? I thought about all the times I told myself I was stronger than this—that I wouldn’t be broken. But Roman wasn’t just anyone. He had a way of twisting the air around us, of making me question everything I thought I knew.

Finally, I made my decision. I would do it—not because I was weak, but because sometimes survival meant playing the game on his terms. I wouldn’t give him all of me. Not yet.

With a deep breath, I called out, “I’ll take the bath.” My voice was steady, but inside, a fire ignited. This wasn’t surrender—it was the start of something else. Something dangerous, but maybe, just maybe, mine to control. I climbed the stairs slowly, each step heavier than the last. The house was quiet except for the soft sound of Roman’s breathing. When I reached the landing, there he was—leaning against the doorway, his robe hanging loosely, skin glinting under the dim light.

His eyes locked onto me, dark and unreadable. For a moment, the tension cracked, and I caught a flicker of something—approval? Challenge? I wasn’t sure. But I knew one thing: this was far from over.

He stepped aside without a word, letting me pass. The bath was ready downstairs, but the way he looked at me made it clear—he was waiting for more than just water to wash away tonight. I hesitated at the doorway, heart pounding. Roman’s eyes bore into me as I swallowed hard.

“So,” he said quietly, voice low and steady, “did you decide?”

I looked away, the silence stretching. Finally, I whispered, “I don’t know if I can do this.”

He stepped closer, the scent of him intoxicating. “It’s not about what you think you can do,” he said, his hand brushing a stray lock of hair from my face. “It’s about what you want. Not what you’re afraid of.”

My breath hitched. “And what if I’m scared?”

Roman smiled—a dark, dangerous smile. “Then I’ll be here. But you have to take the step, I guess you decide the option two?”

I froze. How did he know? "How did you know?" I asked, wanting to clear my thoughts.

Roman stared, his eyes searching for something. "I just know anyways," he began. "What should I do, I've never had a female bathe me before."

"And you expect me to bathe you in that tub like pool." I said, pointing to the tub-like-pool.

"I suppose. Less talking, more bathing." Roman said, still staring at me.

I felt like throwing up. I couldn't believe what I was going to do. I was gonna bathe this little brat. I signed. "Get in that," I said pointing at the tub-like-pool. "Although it looks like a small pool, don't you have a bath in your room." I added.

"It is and I do but tonight is a very special night because you're going to bathe me."

I rolled my eyes as an insult. "Well then take off your robe and get in, I'll preparing the bathe." I told him, heading to the tub-like-pool. I poured in some soap and switched on some lighting. Although I didn't want to see a naked roman. I was already annoyed and when I turned to see roman still in his robe, I got more annoyed. "Why the hell are you still covered!?" I roared at him.

Roman smirked. For the first time. He f•cking smirked. I almost fainted, still and shocked. "I can't. Why don't you take it yourself."

"What do you mean you can't!?" I snapped. "Just take it off and enter the fuckin..."

"Language Mai." He corrected. "You could strip and you won't have to.."

"No don't worry I'll do it." I said, giving in.

But as I was about to untie his robe, his breathe fanning my skin, he caught my wrists, putting me to a stop. I looked at him, confused.

"What the-"

"I'll take it myself." He said releasing my wrist.

He turned, around heading to the tub-like-pool and he started the process of taking off his robe. I closed my eyes, looking away as I waited until, I heard the sound of water splashing. I opened my eyes to see roman already in the tub-like-pool. I stood at the edge of the tub, heart thudding so loudly I was sure he could hear it. Roman leaned back in the water like a king in his throne, his dark eyes never leaving mine.

"Well," he said, voice low and sharp, "scrub me."

My fingers tightened around the sponge. This wasn’t about bathing. It was about control — his control.

I stepped forward, the heat from the water meeting the chill on my skin. My knees trembled, but I crouched beside him, dipping the sponge into the water and bringing it to his shoulder.

He didn’t move. Just watched me.

I swallowed, wiping gently across his collarbone. Every motion felt loaded, like a test I didn’t know how to pass. Roman closed his eyes for a moment, not in peace — in power. He knew I was shaking.

“You’re nervous,” he said flatly.

“No,” I whispered. But we both knew that was a lie.

“Then stop trembling.”

I froze. The sponge hovered mid-air.

His eyes opened, locking with mine. “You’re my woman, Mai. You said you were ready for everything that comes with me. Were you lying?”

I paused, eyes meeting his. “ I'm fine and I'm not your woman."

Roman leaned in just enough for the heat of his breath to brush my cheek. “Anything you say mai," he paused as he moved even closer. "Good also. That means I still have time to make you feel something stronger.”

I looked away, trying to process the flutter in my chest. Before I could react, Roman's voice cut through the air, "Join me."

My heart skipped a beat as Roman's hand wrapped around my wrist, pulling me towards the pool. I stumbled, my feet sliding across the floor. Roman's hands grasped my waist, holding me steady as I found myself being pulled into the warm water.

The pool's warmth enveloped me, and I felt Roman's hands still grasping my waist. I looked up, meeting his gaze, and my breath caught in my throat. What was happening?

The cold water shocked me as Roman suddenly pulled me into the tub-like pool, his arms wrapping tightly around me. His embrace was firm, unyielding, and I was caught completely off guard. My breath hitched, heart pounding in a confusing rhythm between fear and something deeper I couldn’t name. I stared into his eyes, searching for answers but finding only that fierce intensity that always made me lose myself. I felt lost, torn—unsure whether to push away or surrender.

Then, without warning, Roman tilted my head up. His lips brushed against mine, slow and deliberate, igniting a fire that clashed with the chill of the water around us. The kiss was unthinkable, yet it sent every part of me spiraling—caught between resistance and the pull of something dangerously magnetic. Roman’s kiss was addictive, possessive—like he was marking me as his own. The warm water surrounding us only made his bare chest feel more alive against my skin, his strong arms holding me closer.

I was intoxicated, lost in the heat of the moment, my lips moving against his with a desperate hunger I hadn’t expected. Everything else—the cold, the confusion, the questions swirling in my mind—faded away until all that existed was his mouth on mine.

I didn’t know what this was turning into, but the kiss was all I could think about. It consumed me. His hands roamed over my back, tracing every curve with an urgency that sent shivers down my spine. The way he pulled me closer made my heart race, the water around us forgotten as his touch ignited something wild inside me. I melted into him, caught between fear and desire, unsure where this dark tide would carry us next. Although I felt as if something was released, I didn't know it was actually important. Roman had removed my bra without me know.

And then it hit me.

My breath was ragged, my heart hammering against my ribs as reality hit me like a slap—before I even delivered one to Roman. I shoved him away, my palms trembling from the tension that surged through me.

“What the hell, Roman?” I whispered, voice shaking. I couldn't believe what was happening. What we were doing. I was kissing my stepdad.

His stunned silence only made it worse. And then—smack. My palm collided with his cheek before I could second-guess it.

I didn’t wait for a reaction. I climbed out of the tub-like pool, water soaking through my clothes, clinging to me like regret. I didn’t even go to my room. I just… left.

The halls were mostly quiet, save for a few weary guards shifting in place, their eyes blinking slow and heavy. They didn’t stop me. Maybe they knew better. Maybe they didn’t care. I walked. Barefoot. Through gravel, cold concrete, and silence. I didn’t even know where I was headed until I saw the street signs that led to Zoey’s neighborhood.

By the time I got to her door, my feet were raw, my dress stuck to my skin, and my body trembling from cold—and something else I didn’t want to name.

I knocked.

The door opened within seconds.

Zoey stood there, wide-eyed, holding a mug of coffee. “Mai?” she whispered. “What—oh my God—get in here!”

I stepped in, and only then did I let myself fall apart. Tears streamed down my face, and I couldn't hold back the sobs. I was miserable, and it all came pouring out. Zoey's expression changed from calm to shocked - she knew something was wrong. She'd rarely seen me cry.

"Mai, what's going on?" Zoey asked, concern etched on her face.

I couldn't answer, my body shaking with each sob. Zoey quickly took me in, wrapping her arms around me. She guided me to her bedroom, not after she closed the door , and I collapsed onto the bed, still crying uncontrollably.

Zoey sat beside me, her gentle voice soothing me. "It's okay, Mai. You're safe now. Just let it out." Her calm demeanor slowly calmed me down, and I felt my sobs subside. Zoey held me, offering comfort until I was ready to talk. I managed to calm down enough to speak, my voice barely above a whisper. "He kissed me... I kissed him... we kissed." I trailed off, feeling a mix of emotions.

Zoey's eyes widened in surprise. "Kissed who? Caleb? You've kissed him many t-"

My heart sank, and I felt a wave of embarrassment wash over me. "No Zoey, I kissed roman."

Zoey's expression turned stern. "Wait what..as in your step—"

"Yes I know stepdad to you," I interrupted, feeling a deep sense of shame. "And it was in his tub. I feel so ashamed."

Zoey's mouth hung open, and she was speechless. She stared at me, her eyes searching for words, but none came. The silence between us was thick with unspoken questions and concerns.

"And I was kidnapped but roman saved me." I added.

Zoey's eyes widened in shock. "You were kidnapped? And Roman saved you?"

I nodded, feeling a mix of emotions. "Yes, I sneaked out to meet you and Caleb, but... things went wrong. Roman saved me, and then he said I owed him a repayment."

Zoey's expression turned incredulous. "A repayment? What did he mean by that?"

I hesitated, feeling a wave of shame. "He said I could choose how to repay him. I chose to... bathe him."

Zoey's face paled. "Mai, what were you thinking? You know Roman's reputation, and you still—"

"I wasn't thinking, okay?" I interrupted, feeling defensive. "I just wanted to get out of the situation without any more trouble. But... things happened. We kissed, and... I don't know, Zoey. It feels wrong, but at the same time, it didn't feel wrong in the moment."

Zoey sighed, looking concerned. "Mai, you need to be careful around Roman. He's not someone to be trifled with." Zoey's expression turned determined. "We could call the police, Mai. They can help you get out of this situation."

I laughed bitterly. "Are you serious? He'll—"

"He'll what?" Zoey's voice was firm, but her eyes showed a flicker of concern.

I hesitated, my voice barely above a whisper. "He'll kill you... or make me suffer... or make you suffer. Roman doesn't make threats, Zoey. He makes promises. And I know he will follow through."

Zoey's face paled, and she looked like she'd been punched in the gut. For a moment, she was silent, processing my words. Then her jaw set in determination. "We can't let him bully you, Mai. There has to be a way to get out of this."

Zoey's eyes locked onto mine, filled with a mix of concern and determination. "We need to figure out what Roman wants from you, Mai. Is it just a game to him, or is there something more?"

I shook my head, feeling overwhelmed. "I don't know, Zoey. I really don't know. But I do know that Roman doesn't do things without a reason. There's always an angle, an ulterior motive."

Zoey's expression turned thoughtful. "Maybe we can use that to our advantage. Let's try to find out what he wants, and then we can work from there."

I nodded, feeling a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, we could find a way out of this situation after all. But the thought of Roman's calculating gaze sent a shiver down my spine. What did he really want from me?Zoey's eyes locked onto mine, filled with a mix of concern and determination. "We need to figure out what Roman wants from you, Mai. Is it just a game to him, or is there something more?"

I shook my head, feeling overwhelmed. "I don't know, Zoey. I really don't know. But I do know that Roman doesn't do things without a reason. There's always an angle, an ulterior motive."

Zoey's expression turned thoughtful. "Maybe we can use that to our advantage. Let's try to find out what he wants, and then we can work from there."

I nodded, feeling a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, we could find a way out of this situation after all. But the thought of Roman's calculating gaze sent a shiver down my spine. What did he really want from me? Zoey's eyes sparkled with determination. "Okay, let's make a plan. First, we need to get more information about Roman's intentions. Can you try to talk to him, find out what he wants from you?"

I nodded, feeling a sense of trepidation. "I'll try. But what if he sees right through me?"

Zoey's expression turned reassuring. "You'll be fine. Just play along, see how he reacts. Meanwhile, I'll dig up some dirt on Roman. There has to be something we can use against him."

I raised an eyebrow. "What kind of dirt?"

Zoey's smile was mischievous. "The kind that can bring him down. Let's see... Roman's business dealings, his connections, his secrets. I'll find something."

I felt a surge of hope. Maybe, just maybe, we could outsmart Roman and take control of our lives back. "Okay, let's do it."

I bit my lip, feeling a wave of uncertainty. "What if it doesn't work, Zoey? What if Roman's too powerful, too calculating?"

Zoey's face lit up with a fierce grin. "Then we move to plan B: destruction." She climbed onto the bed, making a funny face, growling and yelling "Yeahhhhh!" like a wild animal.

I couldn't help but chuckle, laughing at her antics. Zoey's eyes sparkled with amusement. "You're laughing."

As I giggled, I glanced down and realized my top was a bit revealing. Zoey noticed my gaze and raised an eyebrow. "You're braless."

I blushed, suddenly remembering that Roman had indeed removed my strapless bra during our encounter. My face grew hot as I recalled the intimate moment.

Zoey, oblivious to the reason behind my embarrassment, smiled mischievously. "Borrow mine, and you can return it tomorrow after work."

I hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Okay." Little did I know that this small act of borrowing a bra would lead to more shared secrets and laughter between us.

************************************

Roman sat alone in the dimly lit room, the amber glow of the whiskey glass catching the shadows on his face. His fingers traced the delicate lace of Mai’s bra resting on the bedspread, the fabric still warm from her touch. The memory of her lips—soft, trembling, defiant—played over and over in his mind.

Her scent lingered in the air, intoxicating and maddening. He could still feel the way her body had pressed against his, a mix of fire and ice that made his control slip for a moment he’d never forget. The kiss wasn’t just a kiss; it was a promise and a warning.

Roman’s jaw clenched as he whispered into the silence, “Beautiful. ”

Outside, the night held its breath, waiting for what would come next.Roman drained the last drop of whiskey, setting the glass down with a sharp clink that echoed in the quiet room. His eyes stayed fixed on the bra, now a symbol of their tangled fate—power, desire, and something darker lurking beneath it all.

His mind raced with thoughts of Mai—her rebellion, the fire in her eyes, the way she pushed him away even as she craved his control. It was maddening. He wanted to break her, own every piece of her, but somewhere deep inside, something fragile twisted at his chest.

A low growl escaped him as he stood, the weight of his need pulling him toward the door. Tonight wasn’t over. Not yet.

Roman’s voice dropped to a harsh whisper as he spoke into the shadows, “I’ll make you beg, Mai. Then I’ll show you what it means to surrender.”

His words didn't stop there as he continued to drink.

"Those curves. Those b00bs. That p•ssy."

"That heart. That body. That soul."

"That lip. Tender and waiting to be ruined. Wrapped around him. Calling my name roman f•ck me harder. Kiss my harder."

"That flawless skin, beginning him to mark—kiss, nibble, bite, claim, possess, own, feel."

"I want you Mai."

"I want you under me, Mai."

He'd whispered to himself, lust and obsession covered his blue eyes.

The house felt colder, the night darker—as if even the walls knew what was coming. With a final gulp, he relaxed on the chair, letting the alcohol take control — until he was fast asleep.

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