Unholy Craving For My Hockey Stepbrother

Chapter 3: FAMILY DINNER

CASSIE'S POV

I sat at Sandra's vanity dreading the night already. After the news I left the school unable to focus anymore. Our parents; Mr. and Mrs. Slate had decided to have dinner with us.

I refused to believe they had gone across the country just because they missed their kids. "You look so pretty,” Sandra squealed as she admired her work. Heat fanned my neck and cheek and I lowered my head.

"No. No more of that you're pretty let people see it," if i was blushing before i was redder than a tomato now.

I got off the leather stool admiring my reflection. I was clad in an off the shoulder white dress with brown pumps. That might have sounded overdressed but my mother was still going to nit pick.

She always did; ever since she got married to Daelan's father. She slowly grew insecure and tried to look as wealthy and polished as possible. My smile dimmed at the memories but I shook it off picking up my clutch.

Just then, a knock landed on the door and Sandra ran to get it. "Where's Axel," she asked, trying to look past Daelan and he watched her with boredom.

"Axel isn't part of the family. You know where to find him," placing his hand by the side of her head he moved her away. Air left my lungs as I stared at him.

"What the f**k is your suit?" The words left my lips before I could control them and I watched his eyes darken. "Cassandra what did we say about language?"

I refused to shrink under his stare, "why aren't you wearing your suit?" I asked again, I could already imagine the questions and a chill ran down my spine.

"I never agree to put it on. We are having dinner, not a charity ball."

Before I could reply he walked out of the room. Sandra gave me a sympathetic look and I cursed under my breath, rushing to hum. This was going to be a long night.

The drive to the restaurant was quiet and I was slowly suffocated by tension. Daelan whistled a tone refusing to turn on the radio. That gave him migraines, he said.

We pulled over at the large building and Daelan threw the keys to the valet. I took a deep breath, readying myself for what lay ahead.

The sound of a lighter drew my attention and I turned to find a cigarette between Daelan lips. My eyes grew to the size of baseball. I yanked it out his lips and he let out a low growl.

"Give it back," he whispered, putting pressure on every word. I shook my head, placing it in my clutch. His jaw ticked and I braced myself for an outburst but the elevator pushed open and I walked out in a hurry.

My parents' faces lit up and so did mine as I took my seat. "Cassandra, how are you doing? God, you look good." I smiled nervously avoiding their gaze. So far so good.

"Did you gain weight?" my mother asked with a disappointed tone and my shoulders fell. I tried to think of an excuse but the change of expression brought a smile to my face. He was the perfect distraction. Daelan fell to the chair with a bored expression.

"Daelan!" My step father yelled and he only replied with a grin. "Why are you dressed like that?" He asked and Daelan stared at him with mock ignorance.

"What's wrong with what I'm wearing," he questioned gesturing to his clothes. He wore a pair of dark jeans, white shirt and a leather jacket. It complimented him and he looked like a supermodel but that didn't fit it for them and he knew that.

My step-father looked like he was going to snap and Daelan's eyes glinted with mischief. "Wasn't feeling it," he answered, scanning the menu.

My father looked like he might snap but my mother grazed his arm and he took a deep breath. They might have not been the best parents but I did admire their love for each other. The waiter came over and we all have our orders. Although mine had been tuned to my mother's liking.

The food came and we all dug in, until our father decided to break the silence. "You have to get used to putting on a suit. You'll take over the company soon."

I toyed with my food, my appetite had vanished once he cleared his throat and there was no doubt it was going to end in a fight.

"I have no plans of taking over," Daelan shot back, taking a sip of his drink and I resisted the urge to plug in my headphones. The meal tasted so good, why couldn't we enjoy it like a normal family.

"You will take over. I only let you take hockey as a hobby. It's not a real job,"

Daelan dropped the cutlery and I watched him leave the table in shock. He just walked out on them. I glanced at my parents awkwardly. With hopes of avoiding my own lecture I pulled myself off the table.

"No smoking," I muttered, pulling another cigarette out of his mouth. Daelan pulled the packet out of his pocket and I took it away with wide eyes. "Are you trying to get us kicked out?"

"Hopefully, it's better than that trash of a dinner," he grumbled, his face void of any emotion.

“Can't you just suck it up?" I asked, losing my patience. Daelan leaned in so close I could feel his breath on my nose.

"We already have one actor. Don't plan on doing that." His hazel eyes dropped to my lips and I felt hot all over. Without thinking I licked my bottom lips and his eyes darkened.

"Goodbye," he muttered, walking past me. I blinked repeatedly trying to put myself together. My brother shouldn't get such a reaction but he did.

"Where are you going? How do I get back?" I yelled but he only waved back, not giving me another look.