I Seduced My Stepbrother

I was the baggage Mom had brought into this family. After she died, my place in the house became painfully awkward. My stepfather didn't like me. To him, I was nothing but a burden. Only Edward, my stepbrother, continued to watch over me in quiet ways. Somewhere along the way, I fell in love with him. Before I could do anything about it, though, my stepfather chose a fiancé for me. I didn't want to marry that playboy. I only wanted Edward. I was done hesitating. For once, I was going to fight for what I wanted. Once the idea took root, I began waiting for the perfect opportunity. It finally came one night, when lightning split the sky and thunder shook the house. I could barely contain my delight. This was my chance. It reminded me of when we were children. Whenever thunder frightened me, I would run to Edward's room, and he would stay by my side until I fell asleep. I went into the bathroom, dampened my hair, and changed into black lace lingerie. Then I slipped a robe over it. I hurried to Edward's room and knocked. The moment he opened the door, I threw myself into his arms with a tremble in my voice. "Edward, you know how terrified I am of thunder." He patted my back gently, trying to comfort me. "You're all grown up, but you're still exactly the same. It's okay. Don't be scared. I'm here." I deliberately pressed my thigh against his leg. My robe hung open just enough to reveal the swell of my breasts. When Edward eased me away, the robe slipped from my shoulders and fell to the floor. The lingerie barely covered the most intimate parts of me, and the black lace looked downright indecent against my skin. His breathing immediately grew heavier. Heat flared in his deep-set eyes, and a faint flush crept over his usually stern face. "Put your robe back on." He tried to look calm and composed, but his ragged breathing had already betrayed him. I didn't care. I launched myself at him, wrapped my arms around his shoulders, and locked my legs around his waist. He had no choice but to support me by the hips so I wouldn't fall. The warmth of his palms seeped into my skin. I looked up at him and whispered, "Edward, I love you." His Adam's apple bobbed, and his long lashes trembled. "Stop fooling around. You need to calm down." As soon as the words left his mouth, he set me on the bed and strode out of the room, his composure in tatters. Moments later, the sound of the shower reached me from the bathroom. His body reacted to me, even if he refused to admit it. Delight bubbled up inside me. 'You can't run from me, Edward.' Satisfied that I had tested his feelings, I left his room. But not before leaving a pair of my panties behind.