The Step Brother I Hate to Want

The chocolate fountain fell forward and crashed to to the floor in a spectacular explosion of brown and sweetness. Mira watched horrified as chaos erupted. The grand floors of the pristine hall covered in a puddle of brown melted chocolate that was actively soreading. Guests were shrieking and jumping back from the spreading puddle. Her mother's carefully planned wedding reception was officially ruined. And of course, it was all his fault. Of course it was his fault. Kyle white. He stood amidst the catastrophe, not even bothering to look apologetic. His fiance a blonde who Mira was certain was a stripper in her last life, was dressed in clothes that shouldn't even qualify as clothes. She clung to him giggling like a fool as if this was the most entertaining thing she'd ever seen. *Imbecile* Mira sneered at her in her mind. Strangely enough, Kyle who had knocked over the fountain didn't have a drop of chocolate on him. "Oh my God baby are you okay" her mother's voice cut through the commotion as She half ran towards Mira. Her elegant wedding dress sweeping the polished floor. Even with the disaster, she still looked bright. Brighter than Mira had seen her in a long time. She was truly Happy. That's the only reason Mira bit back all the courses she could have hurled at Kyle. "Sweetheart, it's okay. These things happen." Her mother said softly. "No they don't Mom. Some people are unfortunately just trouble magnets" she glared at Kyle who finally prided her with a glance. Their eyes met. While hers burnt with anger, his held infuriating indifference that fueled her dispise for him. He smirked. He actually freaking smirked and Mira was tempted to rip it off his face and step on it. "Mira baby it's okay. Really" her mum said, voice still soft and understanding. She wanted to say more when Ezra, her new husband, appeared beside her. Kyle was all sharp edges and dangerous energy, Ezra was refined, distinguished, with silver threading through his dark hair. Mira was confused. How could such a composed man have such a disaster as a son. "Kyle, Elena, please step outside for sometime." Ezra said keeping his tone neutral but firm. "Was Already heading out." Kyle's voice was smooth, deep, and arrogant. He guided the girl whom Mira now knew as Elena toward the exit, then paused just long enough to look back at her. "Welcome to the family....... little sister" he smirked. The way he said "little sister" it annoyed her. So damn much. She felt my face flush hot from anger. "I am not your—" But he had already walked out, leaving nothing but the lingering scent of his expensive cologne and infuriating presence. Some hours later, Mira stood in front of the White manor. She wondered if it was too late to run away and and open a farm. The building loomed before her, all modern glass and polished steel with dramatic lighting that made it look like something from a luxury magazine spread. The image of her childhood home flashed through her mind. A small place. Probably not bigger than a garage. But it's where she had called home. "It's a lot, to take in. I know" Her mom squeezed her shoulder, understanding her feelings and the change immediately. "But everything will be fine. I promise. it'll be good for us, sweetheart. A fresh start." Her mum said trying to cheer her up. Fresh start. Right. After all her mum's failed relationships and boyfriends, after her dad had divorced her mum for his side chick four years ago and left them with absolutely nothing but the clothes on their back. Her Mom deserved happiness. She supported that. She understood that and she'd endure that. Even if it came with the world's most devilish human as a big brother. Ezra opened the massive front door himself, welcoming them inside. "Mira, let me show you to your room. I had it prepared specially." The interior was even more intimidating—high ceilings, marble floors, abstract art that probably cost more than all she and her mum owned out together. A curved staircase swept upward to the second floor, dramatic and imposing. "Kyle's room is in on the left of the second floor" Ezra spoke as he led the way. "Yours is on the right. Figured you'd appreciate the privacy. And peace." He smiled. *Thank God* she thought inward. Her new room was stunning—easily three times the size of her old home, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the gardens. The bed looked like something a goddess would sleep in, and the attached bathroom featured a tub she had only ever imagined in her wildest dreams. "I'll let you settle in," Ezra said kindly with a knowing look. "Dinner is at seven. Nothing fancy, just family. All four of us getting to know each other better." *Just family. Family that included that insufferable imbecile.* She thought. After he left, she shut the door carefully like it was made of glass and collapsed onto the bed, staring at the ceiling. She began to recall. Six months ago, her Mom had excitedly mentioned meeting someone. Two months ago, she'd introduced her to Ezra. And now, they were living in a mansion with a man she had only met twice before today who's now her supposed step father and his demon of a son Kyle. She laid there for a while, then decided to talk to the one person who always knew how to lift her mood. She grabbed her phone to text her best friend Sia. *b***h get a f*****g escape plan ready 😩* Her response was immediate: *oh s**t* *Girrrllll I'm living with Satan incarnate. Literally.* *You mean your super hot stepbrother?* She groaned. *f**k you don't call him that.* *Technically in your description you said he was hot* Sia countered *Noooooooooooooooooo. I said attractive. Objectively. Unfortunately. There's a difference. The point is I hate him. So damn much babe 😤* *Yh right 😂* Sia responded. *Anyway send pics of your pool, if it's cool I'm totally coming over to swim with you* Before she could respond, her door slammed open so hard she was worried the hinges broke. And there he was. Kyle stood in the doorway, he'd changed cause he was now dressed in sweatpants and a black tee that clung to his frame in ways that should have been illegal. His hair was slightly damp, like he'd just showered. Mira tried not to notice those details. "What the hell?" She sat up, clutching my phone. "Anyone ever taught you to knock?" He leaned against the doorframe, his eyes dark, unreadable scanning her room "Welcome home, little sister." The way he said it name sent an unwelcome shiver down her spine. "Don't call me that" I shot back. "And you can't just barge into my room." "My house. My floor, I make the rules." He pushed off the frame, taking a single step inside. " dinner is at seven sharp. Don't be late." "He already told me." "Good. Second." His gaze traveled over her slowly in a way that made her want to scream. "Always Lock your door. Especially at night." He smirks. Her heart hammers hard "Why? What does that even mean?" Kyle's smirk deepened. "It means I don't knock little sister. Never had to. Won't start now..... And you never know what or who might wonder in" he whispers in a way that made her skin prick and a shiver run down her spine. Then he left without another word. Leaving her standing there with a distinct feeling that she'd been warned and he wasn't kidding. She didn't know if that scared her, or excited her.