Puck Me, Stepbrother Dearest

2

[SELENA]

I rolled my eyes. “Flatmates.”

I still can’t believe I’m stuck living with Axel. But honestly? I don’t care.

Folding my arms, I shot him a glare. “If we’re doing this, there have to be rules. Number one, no walking around half-naked. Especially not in the living room. Got it?”

He snorted. “You're the one giving rules now?”

I lifted my chin. “It’s called courtesy. Something people with manners have. You should try it. Especially after ruining my date.”

His smile dropped. “Look, baby sister, I couldn’t care less who you screw. Just stay out of my way.”

I scoffed. “And look who’s talking. You’re the one who barged in and messed everything up.”

“He’s a douche,” Axel said flatly. “You should make better choices. And you’re welcome, by the way.”

Then he walked off like the conversation meant nothing.

“Hey! I'm still talking to you!”

He didn’t even turn back. Just flipped me a middle finger and slammed his door.

I drew in a sharp breath.

Relax, Selena. You’re doing this for Jasper.

—--

It’s only been a month since Axel moved in, and it’s already a disaster.

The soft scent of the roses in the backyard has been replaced with cigarette smoke. And the endless parade of girls he brings home almost every night? Disgusting.

And the worst part? The disgusting sounds coming from his room whenever I try to study.

This morning, when Axel left for his usual run, I finally saw my chance. I wasn’t going to sit around while he filled the house with that smell.

I slipped into his room quietly, but I didn’t expect it to be this clean. The air smelled like him, sharp cologne mixed with something warm

A pair of hockey sticks leaned against the wall, and a huge poster of a player ready to strike covered half the room.

I searched through his closet and drawers, until I finally found them. I couldn’t believe it.

Two full packs. Doesn't he know he's killing himself?

“What the hell are you doing in my room?”

I jumped.

How did he get back so fast? Without thinking, I shoved the packs into the back of my shorts.

“I was just... looking for something,” I said, forcing a smile. “But it’s not here.”

Axel crossed his arms, eyes narrowing. “Bullshit. Drop it.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

I tried to walk past him, but he grabbed me by the arm.

“Put it back. Now.”

“I didn’t take anything,” I said, struggling from his grip.

His grey eyes locked onto mine. They were cold and unforgiving. “Don’t make me repeat myself. Drop it, or I'll shove my hand down your ass and get it myself.”

I swallowed hard. “You…you wouldn’t dare.”

He tilted his head. “You’re really going to make me do this, huh?” He stepped closer, and I instinctively backed up. “Last chance, Selena. Take it out, or I will do it myself.”

I yanked free and bolted for the door, but he caught me again, fisting my shirt and spinning me back.

“Axel, no!” I fought, but it was useless. He was stronger.

His hand dipped into the back of my shorts, his fingers brushing against my skin. I wanted to scream, but my voice got stuck. My body shuddered as his hand dipped lower.

"Stop," I whispered. “Put me down, Axel. I’ll take it out myself.”

“Too late.”

When he pulled out the cigarette packs, my entire body flushed with embarrassment. No guy had ever done anything like that to me.

The second he let go. I stumbled back, my hands flying to my mouth in shock.

"You're disgusting!"

I didn’t wait for a response. I bolted out of his room and swore from that day on, I’d stay out of his way.

—

Mum eventually told me why Axel got expelled from Baldwin College. A s****l assault charge. The judge declared him innocent, but something about it doesn’t sit right with me.

Every time she calls, I lie and say everything’s fine. The last thing I need is Jasper getting involved. But Axel and his dad have always been at each other’s throats. I never understood why.

And Mum? She stays out of it. Maybe it’s because she’s scared of him. I always did, too.

—----

“Oh my God. This is harder than I thought,” Ingrid groaned, shutting her textbook.

I laughed. Honestly, I don’t get why everyone struggles with ABN201. But for me? I’m the top student. I even signed up as a tutor since the pay’s good.

“You can't quit now, girl. If you're transferring to health sciences, then you need this.”

She dropped her head on the table. “How are you always topping this course? I’m barely surviving.”

I was about to respond when the door opened and Axel walked in. He's sweaty, and all geared up in his hockey jersey, with stick and helmet in hand.

I squinted. “You…play hockey?”

He raked his damp hair back. “Uhuh? What else does it look like?”

“Hellooo?” Ingrid chirped, waving like she’d just seen a celebrity.

I shot her a warning look.

“Yo,” Axel said casually, barely glancing at her.

She still rushed over, smiling like an i***t. I watched, annoyed, but also relieved he didn’t care. His type would only break her heart.

When he disappeared into his room, she practically bounced back.

“OMG!” She squealed. “You didn’t tell me your flatmate is a Greek god.” She leaned in with a mischievous grin. “So, tell me… is he, you know, good in bed?”

I grimaced. “Gross! He's my stepbrother!”

Her eyes widened. “You have a stepbrother this hot? Girl, why the hell have you been hiding him?”

I rolled my eyes again. “Cause it never mattered. Besides, we barely grew up together.” I opened the textbook. “Can we focus now?”

She groaned. “Ugh, FML!”

We barely got through a page before her face lit up again. “Wait! Are you coming to the Halloween party?”

I paused, realizing how dull my college life had been. Buried in books, without really enjoying college frat parties. And yeah, that’s probably why I’m still a virgin in my third year. Freddie cutting me off didn’t help either. He still thinks I lied.

“Well… maybe,” I said with a shrug. “I might go this year.”

“That’s what I’m talking about!” Ingrid grinned. “Time to leave your boring bubble.”

She wiggled her brows. “Who knows? You might finally meet the guy worthy of that V-card.”

My cheeks burned. “Announce it now, shall we?”

She giggled, nudging my arm. “Relax. It’s a masked party. If you hook up with someone, no one will even know.”

I rolled my eyes. “You seriously think I’d hook up with some random guy just to lose my V-card? I’m not that desperate. If I ever do, it’ll be with someone who actually matters.”

She sighed dramatically. “Sometimes I think you’re a grandma in a college girl’s body.”

[AXEL]

I’ve hated a lot of people in my life.

My mum tops the list. A drug addict who dragged me into a life I never asked for.

Then my father. A man who looks at me like I’m a mistake.

And then there’s Emily. The woman who walked into our house and tore whatever was left of my family apart. I still see her as a home wrecker. Always will.

I was eleven when she showed up with her daughter; Selena. The perfect child. The one who was always worthy of my dad’s love.

I learned early not to care. Or at least… I got good at pretending I didn’t.

But the truth? I’ve always resented her for it. I still do. And now, because life’s a sick joke, I’m stuck living under the same roof as her. I can’t even afford another place, so here I am, breathing the same air as the one person I’ve spent years trying to ignore.

But damn, she’s different now.

The last time I saw her, she was a brat with pigtails and braces, clinging to her mum like a lost puppy.

Now…She’s different. Way too f*****g different.

Her curves. Those shorts she keeps wearing. The way my eyes keep drifting…

Fuck.

I shouldn't even be noticing. She’s my stepsister for f**k sake.

After the shitstorm I just crawled out of, this is the last thing I need.

The accusation nearly ruined me. Didn’t matter that the court cleared my name. People still look at me like I’m guilty.

The only thing that’s ever kept me grounded is hockey. Because on the ice, I’m not a screw up. I’m just Axel. And one day, I’ll prove I’m more than what my father thinks.

—--

After a solid win tonight, the guys decided to hit a bar. I went anyway, even though I don't do friends. Learned that the hard way.

But being around people; even temporarily, is easier than being stuck in my own head.

That’s when I saw her.

Selena was sitting at a table with that friend of hers. What was her name again? Can't even remember.

I almost looked away. But then I noticed how different she looked. Hair in a messy bun. Black strapless dress hugging her body in all the right places.

Then two guys joined them. Figures. She's got a double date.

But something about one of them felt off. Then it clicked.

What the actual f**k?

The anger I feel is nothing compared to the fury I have for the guy who nearly ruined my life. How the hell is Jeff in Asheville when he should be behind bars? f**k! That r****t shouldn't be near anyone, and worse, not even around my stepsister.

Before I could think, I was already moving. Selena’s eyes widened when she saw me.

“Axel?”

I ignored her and tapped his shoulder, jaw tight.

“A word,” I demanded, nodding toward the exit.