Consumed by My Biker Step Brother

Unfamiliar

The following day, I wake up to the faint hum of voices downstairs. When I open my eyes, everything seems too unfamiliar.

The ceiling above me is too high, too white and the air smells different.

Then it all comes rushing back.

Yesterday, my mom dragged me to ‘our new home’.

I sit up, rubbing my eyes. I spot my suitcase lying half-unpacked at the foot of the bed.

I didn’t have the energy to finish that task last night. I still don’t. Everything feels surreal. Living here feels like betraying my father, especially after what Richard said yesterday.

He expects me to call him father? I don't have daddy issues and even though he is married to my mother, that doesn't earn him the title of a father.

I am pretty sure my mother isn't with him because he loves him but the money. Knowing that woman, she would do anything to live a fancy life even if it means remarrying barely weeks after her husband's death.

I can't help but feel like she was waiting for him to die. Has she ever loved him? That I don't know anymore.

After my morning routine, I change into my uniform and make my way downstairs.

The first thing that greets me is my mother's laughter. It's high and practiced followed by Richard’s deep voice.

“Good morning, sweetheart,” Richard says the second I appear in the staircase.

His smile is wide enough to make my cheeks ache just looking at it. “Did you sleep well?” He asks and I spot it again, that fake concern.

It's the same fakeness my mother wears, concealing who she really is.

I can't help but marvel at how perfect they are for each other.

I nod slowly. “Uh… yeah, thanks.”

My eyes travel to Jeremy who is sitting at the table with his head bent over his phone.

He doesn't lift his head to acknowledge my presence, not like I wanted him to.

He is wearing a plain black T-shirt and a leather jacket to complete his looks.

His hair is a mess and I spot a shadow of irritation already creasing his brow. It's like my presence ticks him off.

“Come, sit,” my mother says quickly, gesturing to the empty chair beside Jeremy.

Her tone is light, but the look she gives me doesn't match her voice.

I nod and take my seat, trying to make my presence as small as possible.

Richard pours me a glass of orange juice himself. “I hope you’ll get used to this place soon. It’s your home now.”

“Thank you,” I say automatically.

The word home though scrapes against my throat.

Jeremy huffs under his breath, just loud enough for me to hear. I shoot him a glare, but he doesn’t even look up. It's like he is sending a message that I am not worth his attention.

Richard cuts his toast as his gaze looks between me and Jeremy.

“Now that you are both under one roof, I expect you two to start acting like family. Jeremy, you’ll drive Mia to school today, won’t you?”

That makes Jeremy finally lift his head. “What? Why do I have to? She can have the chauffeur drop her off or walk!” He protests, glaring at me.

I can't help but wonder why he is taking out his frustration at me. It's not like I suggested it.

I'd rather walk than have anything to do with his reckless ass and killer bike.

“Because I said so,” Richard replies smoothly. His tone is soft but it carries that subtle weight of command that makes even my mother sit a little straighter.

Jeremy’s jaw tightens. “She can use Google Maps. She doesn't look dumb to me.”

“Jeremy.” Richard warns.

“That is no way to talk about your sister.”

“Step,” Jeremy mutters.

The room goes dead quiet. My fork freezes halfway to my mouth.

Richard places his knife down carefully, like a man controlling his temper. “Blood or not, she is part of this family now. And you are going to treat her as such. Do I make myself clear?”

Jeremy doesn’t look at him but I note a subtle flinch. “Yes,father.”

At that moment, I am inclined to think that the arrogant jerk from yesterday is different from the sudden meek Jeremy before me.

The tension lingers long after the conversation dies.

When breakfast finally ends, Jeremy stands abruptly, chair scraping against the floor. “Guess I have no choice but to play tour guide then.”

Richard smiles in satisfaction.

Without another word or sparing me a glance, he walks off.

We walk in silence toward the garage. Or rather, Jeremy walks, I trail behind him, clutching my bag and trying to ignore the heavy stomp of his boots echoing through the marble pathway.

Amidst the sleek cars in the garage, I spot the black motorcycle, the same one that nearly sent me flying yesterday.

Jeremy grabs a helmet and tosses it at me without looking. I barely catch it before it hits the floor.

“Put that on. We wouldn’t want you to ruin your pretty little head before you enjoy your little paradise,” he says, his voice dripping with mockery.

I grit my teeth in anger.

Why does he think the worst of me? Haven't he considered the fact that I was dragged into this mess like he is now?

“You don’t have to be such a jerk, you know.”

Jeremy smirks and turns to face me.

“ That's my specialty and besides, someone needs to remind you where you stand.”

I blink, confused. “And where is that exactly?”

“That you don't belong here.” he says, his eyes sharp and cold.

“You really think you nailed it, huh? You think this is some kind of fairytale? It won’t take long before you realize you have just walked into a prison with golden bars.”

The words sound like a concealed warning. I think back to Richard’s practiced smile and how Jeremy flinched at his demand.

I might not have known the man for long but I am not ignorant enough not to notice that what he lets others show is just a mask, concealing the real him.

“You don’t know anything about me.” I retort.

Jeremy leans closer, his dark brooding eyes pinning mine.

“I know enough. You and your mother are gold diggers dressed in innocence. Anyone else might buy your act, but I don’t.”

I feel my face heat up with anger, but before I can respond, he straightens up and slides onto his bike.

“Hop on,” he says flatly. “Unless you would rather walk to school.”

For a second, I actually consider walking, but my mother’s glare from breakfast flashes in my mind.

I put the helmet on, swallow my pride, and climb on behind him.

He revs the engine and shoots out of the driveway. It doesn't take long to arrive at Falcon academy. At the gate, he kills the engine.

“ Get your stinking ass off my bike.” He orders.

I don't wait to be told twice.

I lift my hands to straighten my hair when, “ don't dream about telling anyone that we know each other. Stay out of my business and you might have a smooth time here.”