Owned By My Stepbrother

Chapter 1: First Encounter

HERA'S POV

"Could you please cease your actions?" I shouted loudly, putting a halt to his harassment of my classmate.

Inigo gazed at me with amazement, and the surrounding students turned their attention to the commotion. Elsie attempted to restrain me, fully aware of the consequences I might face at Inigo's hands, but I remained undeterred.

"And who might you be?" he inquired arrogantly, raising an eyebrow. All the students observed the unfolding scene but dared not intervene.

"Hera!" Elsie stepped in, holding onto my arms. She implored, "Can you please desist? I understand you're standing up for what's right, but this is not the way."

"And what makes you think you can interfere with my actions?" Inigo sneered, his disdain evident.

"Hera, it's Inigo! Don't you recognize him? He's the son of the school's owner. We have no quarrel with him, so please reconsider," Elsie whispered, making a second attempt to prevent me from going further.

"I DON'T CARE IF YOU'RE THE OWNER'S ONLY SON AT SANFORD UNIVERSITY!" I boldly shouted, undeterred. "You're in the wrong, and that shouldn't be allowed, regardless of your family connections. You should treat everyone here fairly!" I continued to stand my ground, but instead of responding, Inigo burst into laughter.

"You know, I admire your courage. But let's see how far it will take you," he said with a smirk, taking a step closer to me. The onlookers began to distance themselves from the confrontation, afraid to get involved. Even my friend Elsie retreated out of fear.

He let out a heavy sigh, then forcefully pulled me into his arms. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING? LET GO OF MY ARM RIGHT NOW!" I yelled, struggling to break free from his grip, but he only tightened his hold, making my efforts futile.

"HERA!" Elsie called out, her worry obvious.

"Hera? So, that's your name," Inigo remarked as he continued to lead me. He took me to an abandoned building within the school premises.

Inigo forcefully shoved me against the grimy wall, catching me off guard and causing me to sink down, writhing in pain on my back. The impact made it hard to draw a breath, but he showed no concern for my discomfort, wearing a smug grin.

"Hera, you wouldn't find yourself in this situation if you hadn't meddled," he taunted, advancing closer to me. My sore back prevented me from evading him, leaving me helpless.

He lifted me again as he neared, pressing me against the dirty wall once more. Using only one hand, he restrained both of mine, rendering me immobile.

"INIGO!" I anxiously called out his name, my pain evident, but instead of releasing me, he encircled his other arm around my waist, intensifying my unease. Every attempt to push him away only drew him nearer. "WILL YOU PLEASE LET ME GO?" I continued to address him with defiance.

"Well, you see, I'm not typically one to harm a woman," he mused, gradually releasing my hands, though his other arm remained securely around my waist.

I couldn't help but gaze into his eyes, and to my astonishment, I detected no malevolence in those large blue eyes. There was an inexplicable quality in his gaze that sent a peculiar shiver through my heart. What I felt at that moment wasn't fear, but I couldn't quite fathom it.

Suddenly, his gentle touch grazed my face, sending more shivers of discomfort. I was taken aback, unable to move, as his face descended to mine and bestowed a tender kiss on my cheek, then moved slowly towards my ear.

"Now, can you tell me how you feel?" Inigo whispered into my ear, his husky voice sending shivers down my spine. He locked eyes with me once more, and it felt as though my heart had stopped beating. "Say you like it too, Hera," he almost pleaded.

He then took hold of my left hand and delicately placed it over his broad chest, and to my astonishment, I felt his heart racing just as mine was. The sudden shift in the atmosphere left me utterly bewildered, and I struggled to comprehend what was happening.

"Inigo..." His name was the only word that escaped my lips. I couldn't fathom why his touch and the warmth in his gaze had the power to sweep away my rationality.

Now, he began to cradle my face in his hands, fixing his intense gaze on me. I felt completely ensnared in that moment, my focus solely on the rhythm of his heart and the pounding in my chest. He then tenderly and softly kissed me, a kiss filled with warmth and sensuality. I found myself unable to resist, and it drove me to the brink of madness.

Just as I was gradually succumbing to his fiery and passionate kiss, he abruptly pulled away and fixed a serious gaze on me.

"From this day forward, your lips, your gaze—everything about you belongs to me. You are mine, and no one else can lay a hand on you except for me," he declared, looking at my ID for emphasis. His words carried an unwavering authority, and I couldn't help but nod in response.

With that, he released me from his embrace and left me in a state of dumbfounded astonishment. I couldn't resist the urge to touch the lips he had just kissed. It was my first kiss!

I couldn't help but feel a mixture of emotions, including resentment, towards Drake Inigo Sanders for what he had stirred within me.