Craving my sister’s fiancé

Chapter 22

Daphne’s pov

“I love you!” I spat the words out, my face twisting as if I’d just sucked on a lemon.

Adrian doubled over, his laughter echoing through the room. I tossed the script onto the coffee table. “I can’t do this. Find someone else to help you rehearse.”

“I don’t want someone else,” Adrian said, pushing his bottom lip out in a pout. “I want my girlfriend to help me.”

I groaned, leaning back into the sofa. “I’m not your girlfriend once the cameras are off, remember? This dialogue is so cheesy. It’s… ew.”

“That’s because you’re reading it like a grocery list,” he countered, tugging at my sleeve. “Give me some real emotion so I can actually get into character.”

I checked my watch. “Fine. If I do this properly, can I finally go home? It’s late.”

“Deal. Get up.” He grabbed my wrist and pulled me to my feet. I let out a long, dramatic whine but stood my ground, facing him.

“Starting in three, two… cue!” Adrian whispered.

I took a deep breath, trying to scrub the sarcasm from my voice. “I love you,” I said, softening my gaze. “I’ve loved you since I first learned what the word meant. It’s always been you.”

Internal scream. I am going to puke, I thought.

But Adrian didn't laugh this time. He stepped closer, and the playful spark in his eyes vanished. It was like a mask had slipped into place. He reached out, his palms warm as he cupped my face. He didn't blink. The sudden heat in his stare made my stomach flip, and not in a good way.

I cleared my throat, my voice a little shakier now. “You are special to me, David. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.” I kept my eyes glued to the paper. Who wrote this junk?

Adrian’s finger hooked under my chin, forcing my gaze up to his.

“I want you to run away with me,” I whispered. My skin felt like it was buzzing.

“I will do anything,” Adrian said. His voice was thick with an emotion that felt way too real. “As long as I’m with you, Sarah.” He leaned in, his shadow falling over me. “You are my life.”

He didn't wait for the next line. He tilted his head and pressed his lips firmly against mine. My eyes flew wide, my heart thudding against my ribs.

That definitely wasn’t in the script.

"What the hell are you doing?" I shoved him back, the force of it making him stumble. I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand, the skin stinging. "That wasn't in the script."

Adrian leaned against the wall, a lazy grin spreading across his face.

"This isn't funny," I snapped.

His smile vanished instantly. The room went quiet. "I’m sorry," he said, though his voice lacked any real regret. "It just felt right in the moment. I might have... thought about doing that once or twice."

I rolled my eyes, grabbing my bag. "Do you just go around kissing all your co-stars like this?"

"If the mood is right, I go for it," he said, his tone turning playful again. "It’s called improvisation, Daphne. Actors do it all the time."

"Forget it. I'm done with this bullshit. I'm going home." I turned for the door, but his voice stopped me cold.

"Wait."

I paused, hand on the knob.

"It’s not a big deal," he teased, a smirk playing on his lips. "I kiss people all the time. Unless... you're actually falling for me?"

"You're sick, Adrian. You seriously need help."

"I do," he said, his voice dropping to a low, serious growl. "And maybe you're the one who can help me." He stepped closer, his shadow stretching over me. "I’ll be honest, Daphne. I want you. I've dreamt about it. You make me feel things I shouldn't be feeling."

A short, sharp laugh escaped my throat. I looked at the "pain" in his eyes and found it ridiculous. "Cut the crap, Adrian."

He pressed a hand to his chest, looking wounded. "You think I’m lying?"

"I know you aren't lying about wanting to get me into bed," I said, looking him up and down. "You’re Adrian. You’d sleep with a shadow if it looked at you twice. But the part about feeling something for me? I’m not buying it. Besides, you know I love someone else, you psycho."

The playfulness died in his eyes, replaced by something jagged and mean.

"I know," he said, his voice like ice. "In fact, he might be f*****g your sister as we speak."

The air left my lungs. The smile slid off my face, replaced by a dull, throbbing ache in my chest. I stared at him, but he didn't blink. He just watched the color drain from my cheeks.

"I have to go," I whispered. I didn't wait for him to respond before I bolted through the door.

“Daphne, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that...” Adrian’s voice trailed off behind me.

“Forget it. I’ll see you when I’m needed.” I didn't look back. I grabbed my bag and walked out, my heels clicking sharply against the floor.

Outside, the camera flashes blinded me for a second. The paparazzi moved in, then groaned with disappointment when they realized it was just me. To them, I was just the assistant, not the famous girl they were hoping to catch. I didn't care. I flagged down a cab and stared out the window as the city blurred by.

Adrian’s words stung because they were true. I didn’t own Stefan. He belonged to my sister. The few times we’d been together behind closed doors hadn't changed a thing. My heart was a traitor for still wanting him.

When I reached my house, I reached into my bag for my keys. My fingers met empty fabric. Gone. Bella would have the spare. I walked to her room, my hand hovering over the wood to knock, but I stopped. I pushed the door open instead.

The air in the room felt heavy and warm. Stefan stood by the window, shirtless, his hair a mess. He froze when he saw me, his eyes wide with shock. I looked past him to the bed—the sheets were a tangled wreck, and Bella’s dress lay discarded on the floor like a dead skin.

My chest tightened so hard I could barely breathe.

“Daphne...” Stefan started.

“I’m sorry,” I said, my voice sounding like it belonged to someone else. I forced a polite, empty smile. “Pardon my manners. I should have knocked. I hope I didn't interrupt anything.”

Bella stepped out of the bathroom, wrapped in a towel. She beamed when she saw me. “Daphne! I didn’t know you were back.”

“I just got here,” I said, keeping my tone flat and calm. “I lost my keys again. I think you have my extra set.”

“You’re always forgetting those things,” she chuckled, reaching into her nightstand.

Stefan didn't say a word. He just watched me, looking like a man who had been caught in a crime. Bella handed me the keys, her face glowing.

“Sorry for interrupting,” I repeated.

“No, Daphne, it’s not what it looks like!” she teased, her voice full of hidden meaning.

I gave a stiff nod and turned away. My legs felt like lead as I walked to my own door. My hands were shaking so violently that I dropped the keys twice before I finally got the lock to turn.

Once inside, I slammed the door and bolted it. I slid down the wood until my knees hit the floor. I let out a sob, hitting my chest with my fist to try and dull the ache inside. It was too much. I was done being the one who got hurt.

I grabbed my phone, my vision blurry with tears, and found Adrian’s name.

Daphne: Are you up?

The reply came almost instantly.

Adrian: Yes. Why?

I didn't hesitate. I didn't think. I just typed.

Daphne: Let’s have s*x.