Deadly desire; Falling for my stepson

CARISSA PERRY'S POV I wrung out the water from the towel, carefully wiping my little brother, Rey's body with the tepid water. He was diagnosed with leukemia two years ago when he was just ten. At first, we thought his illness was triggered by depression from our mom's demise, but to our greatest dismay, we were told that he was anemic. “Sister, you're biting your lips too hard, what are you thinking about?” Rey asked, holding my hands with his pale, bony fingers. “Nothing dear, I was just thinking about how strong you are. You're a brave and very handsome boy,” I whispered, caressing his face. He smiled and shook his head. “Are you sure that's what you're thinking about? I can swear you're thinking of how to raise the money for my treatment. You're wondering if that grouchy old man, Calvin Jones, will lend Dad the money for my treatment, right?” He asked, looking at me. I giggled at getting caught red-handed. “I told you I'm no longer a baby, so quit the flattery. It will be quite hard for you to deceive me,” he said cheekily, making me smile. “I was not flattering you, I'm just stating the facts. You're a very brave and handsome boy, and I love you very much, more than anything,” I whispered and kissed his forehead. He smiled warmly at me, making my eyes water. “I love you too, sis,” he whispered, as I pulled him in for a hug. The tears that I was holding back finally managed to escape my eyes, cascading down in a thick current. He tried to disengage himself, but I tightened my arms around him, pushing him to my bosom. I don't want him to see me cry, it would break his heart. But I can't help it. He's just twelve years old, a productive age when all kids his age should be running around in the playground and studying to pass their grade school examinations. But my poor brother has been indoors for nearly two years, only stepping out when it's time to go to the hospital. Why must he have to suffer from leukemia at such a young age? Why didn't God choose an older person to bear such a heavy burden? God, why must it be an innocent little child, thereby robbing him of the joys of childhood? Just tell me what the hell you were thinking. Tell me why my dad's company also had to go bankrupt at this point, making us unable to continue the treatment while keeping the company afloat. Tell me why the hell, our happy lives deteriorated to the point that we had to beg someone else for money, just to secure a fighting chance for my brother. God, just tell me, because I don't understand it one bit. “Sis, what are you doing? Let me go, don't tell me you're crying,” Rey whispered sadly, pulling me out of my thoughts. I bit my lips to hold back my silent tears and quickly wiped my face with the wet towel in my hand. “Silly boy, what the hell are you talking about?” I whispered with a smile. “Don't cry because of me, I won't die. You should live your life, happily, without me, even if God decides it's time for me to leave. Besides, dying is not all that bad, at least I get to see Mom, right?” He whispered with a bright smile. “Shut up, you crazy boy. Nothing will happen to you. I would rather die than let anything happen to you. You have to stay with me forever. How do you expect Dad and I to live on without you? I'm older, if anyone should die, I should go first. I'm sure Dad thinks the same. So OK for that reason, you will recover, go to high school, graduate college with a good result, become a big and wealthy CEO, and get married to a beautiful woman who will accompany you forever, OK? You have to wait until I die first. You must grow old and enjoy your life. And just so you know, I don't plan to die anytime soon.” I said firmly, smiling at him. He immediately nodded. “I won't die, I will recover, even if doctors think it's nearly impossible. Miracles do happen, right? Jesus even raised the dead. So, stop crying. I'm going nowhere, I will always stay beside you,” he said optimistically, making me smile in satisfaction. The door opened, making us simultaneously turn to the door. Dad walked in with a tired smile, making Rey scream happily. “Daddy!” “My little, handsome angel. How have you been? Here, I got some chicken from KFC. You love it, right? I also bought you meat pies from your favorite bakery, and salad from Nikki's place,” Dad whispered, pulling Rey into his arms. I smiled as I watched them bond. Dad had always loved Rey the most. He collapsed the day the doctor announced Rey's condition to us. Since then, he has been desperately doing his best to make sure Rey pulls through this challenge. The fear in his eyes whenever the doctor implied that the chances of Rey recovering was minimal, always makes me depressed. His love for Rey has multiplied since then, making Dad stay beside him as much as possible, trying to make sure he's happy. He cuddled Rey, kissing his temples with his eyes shut. “My baby, don't mind the doctor. You will recover, okay? I have already booked a session with the miracle doctor,” Dad whispered. “Uncle Calvin agreed to lend you the money? Just like that?” Rey asked in surprise. “Of course, even if our friendship turned sour along the line, the fact remains that we go way back,” Dad said smugly, trying to hide the worry on his face. “Here baby, enjoy your treat while I talk to your sister,” he whispered, setting the package he brought home before Rey. He opened a can of fruit juice, adding it to the rest of the treats arranged on Rey's bed. “Sis, come, let's eat,” he said happily, waving his chicken drumstick at me. I smiled back at his optimistic nature, going closer to him to rub his hair. “Sis is not hungry, I just ate. Enjoy yourself, okay? Make sure you finish all the salad and chicken, you need all the vegetables and proteins you can get,” I whispered dotingly, looking down at him. “But I can't finish it all. Here, have a bite,” he whispered, shoving a drumstick into my mouth. I obediently took a bite and put the rest back in the box. “It's indeed delicious, but I'm not hungry. Just eat as much as you can,” I whispered, looking at him. “Clarissa, follow me to the study, time is of the essence,” Dad said impatiently, walking out of the room. I nodded and quickly turned on the Disney Channel for Rey before rushing after him.