The stepdaddy’s secret

Chapter 2

Vaelora’s POV

With Marcus gone, I took my phone to see it was a text from Jace, my classmate who had been chasing me around without backing down.

“Are we still on for tonight? I’d love to celebrate our official status properly.”

My stomach twisted with a feeling I couldn’t place my hands on. Earlier that morning, in a moment of sheer desperation to dim the feelings I had for my hot stepfather, I had accepted to be Jace’s girlfriend, but I didn’t feel anything for him. I just needed to use him as a distraction while I tried to figure things out.

I wanted to see how far Marcus would hold back when he sees me in the arms of another man. I wanted to be sure if what I felt for him was merely a crush or if it was more.

"Yes,” I typed back, my body still humming with the contact with Marcus. “Pick me up in an hour.”

I spent the next hour in a rush to finish my painting before going to prepare for our little date or whatever it was. Marcus was back in his room, so I had all the space I needed to work.

When choosing a dress, I decided to be more bold. I chose an emerald green dress that was a little too tight and a little too short. I curled my hair and glossed up my lips before applying mascara. Satisfied with my look, I grabbed my bag and phone before taking one last look in the mirror.

When I stepped out of my room with my bag slung over my shoulder, I found Marcus in the library. His attention was on a book he was reading and he didn’t seem to notice my presence immediately. I selfishly took the opportunity to run my hungry eyes over him, but then he looked up and saw me.

"Where are you going?" he asked as he ran his eyes over my exposed body.

"Out," I said, adjusting the strap of my heels. I made sure to let my hair fall over my shoulder, just the way I knew he liked it. "I have a date."

Marcus’s expression hardened immediately as his back straightened. He stared me over again as a dark look crossed his face.

"A date," he repeated, the words sounding bitter in his mouth. "With the boy who keeps leaving his tire marks on my driveway?"

"His name is Jace and he’s my boyfriend now," I said, tilting my chin up defiantly. I wanted so bad to see his reaction to me having a boyfriend. I wanted to see just how well he would handle the news. "Don't wait up for me."

For a heartbeat, I thought he was going to stand up. I thought he was going to cross the room, grab me by the waist, and demand I stay, but he just stared at me with an unreadable expression. His cold eyes raked over my exposed legs and the curve of my neck and for a moment, I thought I saw hunger in his eyes.

But then, it all went away.

"You’re an adult, Vaelora," he finally said as he returned his gaze to his book. "Do what you want, but don’t go out of control.”

"I’m not losing control, Marcus," I shot back, though my heart was screaming the opposite. "I’m planning on having fun."

I turned and walked away before he could see the tears of frustration in my eyes. As I reached the front door and saw Jace’s car approaching the house, I took deep breaths and assured myself I was going to have fun and nothing else.

Marcus has spent years maintaining a respectful distance even when the air charges with electricity when we are close. He only performed his fatherly duties and ignored the attraction that had always been there, but how long would he do this for? What would happen if I dropped being the good girl and pushed him beyond his limits?

When I got to the car, Jace greeted me with an eager smile and a kiss on the cheek that felt like nothing compared to the brush of Marcus’s hand. He smelled like cheap cologne and excitement, which was a sick comparison when it comes to Marcus.

"You look incredible, Vae," Jace said as he pulled out of the driveway. "Ready for the club?"

"More than ready," I muttered, staring back at the library window. The light was still on, so I knew Marcus was still in there.

By the time we arrived at the club, the rebellion in my blood had become full-blown. The music filled me instantly and I loosened up. I didn’t want to talk to Jace or hear him talk about his boring classes. I was here mainly for the fun and nothing else. I bobbed my head to the music as we walked inside the club that was already filled with people.

"Let’s get drinks," I told Jace. I didn’t wait for him to agree before taking long strides towards the bar.

I wasn't here to dance or to be a girlfriend. I was here to see how far I could go before the string snapped. When I got to the bar, I ordered a double of a drink I haven’t had before, but I wanted to try it out. I wanted to be drunk and reckless to see to what extent Marcus would hold back.

Jace, surprised but happy by my mood, ordered his drink as well, while he stuck to my side like I was some prize he couldn’t wait to claim. After downing three shots at a go, only then did my body start to slowly hum with the alcohol.

“Wanna dance?” I heard Jace say as his arms went around my waist, pulling me flush against him. My skin crawled at his touch and I wanted to push him away, but after a second thought, I let him be.

Swallowing my protest, I downed another shot before following him to the dance floor.