My Arrogant Stepbrother

18: Blackmail

The third message came on a Friday evening, just as the house grew quiet. Mom and Jason’s dad had gone out again, leaving us alone.

I was in my room, staring blankly at homework I couldn’t concentrate on, when my phone buzzed.

This time, there was no vague warning.

Meet me behind the gym tomorrow after the game. Or everyone hears the truth.

My stomach dropped.

⸻

The next day felt endless. The football game was a blur of cheers and stomping bleachers, but I couldn’t hear any of it. My mind replayed the message on a loop.

Jason noticed, of course. “You’re jumpy,” he muttered when we crossed paths near the concession stand.

“I’m fine,” I lied, biting my lip.

He studied me for a moment, suspicion flickering in his eyes, but before he could press, a group of his friends pulled him away.

I exhaled shakily, clutching my phone. Tomorrow. Behind the gym. Whoever it was—they wanted me alone.

⸻

The next afternoon, I slipped out quietly, my heart pounding against my ribs. The school grounds were mostly empty, the air heavy with silence.

I rounded the corner of the gym and froze.

Chelsea.

Of course.

She leaned against the wall, her arms crossed, her phone dangling casually in her hand. “Took you long enough.”

I forced my voice steady. “What do you want, Chelsea?”

Her smile was sharp. “Straight to the point. Good. Saves us time.” She held up her phone, the screen glowing with something that made my blood run cold.

A photo.

Of Jason and me on the porch. His hand brushing mine, the closeness undeniable.

It wasn’t the kiss, but it was enough to destroy us.

My throat tightened. “You’ve been spying on me?”

She laughed. “Please. You two make it too easy. The looks, the little moments—everyone sees it. I just happened to catch proof.”

I clenched my fists. “So what, you’ll spread it around? Ruin both our lives?”

“Not if you cooperate.” Her eyes glinted with triumph. “Here’s the deal, Princess. You back off Jason. Completely. No more late-night chats, no more stolen glances, no more… whatever disgusting thing you two have going on. You stay away from him, and I keep this little secret safe.”

The words hit like a slap.

“And if I don’t?” I asked, though I already knew the answer.

Her smile widened. “Then Monday morning, the whole school gets a new screensaver. And trust me, stepbrother or not, once they see it? You’ll never live it down.”

⸻

That night, I couldn’t breathe. I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, replaying her threat. Back off Jason, or lose everything.

It should’ve been an easy choice. Step away, protect myself, end this before it spiraled further.

But my chest ached with the thought of letting him go.

Because despite everything, despite the fear, despite the danger… Jason wasn’t just my arrogant stepbrother anymore.

He was the one person who made me feel seen.

And now, Chelsea held that against me.