Luring My Alpha Stepbrother

Surprise Me

Alissa's POV

The next day was a weekend, but I still woke up early. The faint light of dawn filtered through the curtains as I turned on the desk lamp and began reviewing the students’ test papers from the night before.

By the time the golden hues of sunrise painted the horizon, I stretched lazily, setting down my pen. My morning review was complete.

Stepping out of my room, I almost collided with Ethan, who had just exited his. His hair was slightly disheveled, and his eyes still carried the haze of sleep. He had swapped out the plaid pajama pants from last night.

My cheeks warmed as I lowered my gaze, remembering the spilled juice incident when I helped him yesterday.

"Good morning, Alissa" Ethan greeted casually, his voice warm, as though nothing had happened between us.

"Good morning, Ethan" I murmured, keeping my eyes averted as I brushed past him toward the kitchen.

I couldn’t face him directly—not after last night. The determination to claim him as mine seemed absurd in the light of day.

I am aware that what’s being done is done. It’s not like I could undo the fact that I had helped my stepbrother to jerk off. Not to mention that last night’s impulsive kiss and intimate touch had already shattered any semblance of normalcy between us.

But still, it felt kinda awkward to just bump into him after his 'love confession' last night.

Ethan followed me quietly into the kitchen, the faint sound of his steps making my heart race. I busied myself with filling the kettle, pretending not to notice the weight of his gaze on my back.

“You’re up early today,” he remarked, leaning against the counter, his casual tone betraying none of the tension I felt. “Didn’t get enough sleep?”

I kept my hands busy, setting the kettle on the stove and reaching for the tea canister. “I had work to do,” I replied, keeping my voice steady. “The students’ papers won’t grade themselves.”

He chuckled softly, the sound light but carrying a warmth that made me falter. “You work too hard,” he said, stepping closer. “Do you ever take a break?”

I froze, clutching the canister tightly.

His proximity was unnerving, and I could feel the heat radiating from him. I finally turned to face him, seeing his eyes for the first time since stepping out of my room.

“It’s not like I have much else to do,” I said, trying to sound indifferent, but my voice betrayed a hint of defensiveness. “Besides, I enjoy it.”

Ethan’s expression softened. “That’s not what I meant,” he said, his voice quieter now. “I just think you deserve to take it easy once in a while. Let yourself breathe.”

I hesitated, unsure how to respond. The sincerity in his voice caught me off guard. The tension between us from the night before still lingered, but his words felt genuine, untainted by the awkwardness I’d expected.

“I’ll try,” I said finally, my tone softer.

As I cracked an egg into a bowl, I felt Ethan’s strong hands wrapped around my waist, his warm breath brushing against the back of my neck.

"What are you doing? They're still at home," I hissed, twisting to free myself from Ethan's hold.

"Relax. They won’t wake up this early. I just want to hold you for a sec,” he murmured, his arms tightening around me, turning a tentative hug into a firm embrace.

“You don’t hate me, do you?” he whispered into my ear. “You didn’t push me away last night, and you’re not pushing me away now. Remember? You used to snap at me for the smallest things.”

My hands stilled, setting the egg aside as I leaned back into him.

Ethan had always responded better to kindness than to confrontation. I could use that to my advantage, couldn’t I?

Turning slightly, I brushed a light kiss against the corner of his lips.

The soft contact seemed to freeze him. His eyes widened, a mixture of surprise, desire, and hesitation swirling in their depths.

"Well," I said, stepping away and leaning casually against the counter. "I don’t feel like making breakfast today. Could you handle it for me?"

Ethan blinked, clearly caught off guard. "What do you want to eat? I’ll get it right away."

"Surprise me," I replied with a faint smile.

True to his word, twenty minutes later, Ethan returned, balancing two large bags filled with food. The aroma was heavenly.

“I got pastries, coffee, and your favorite takeout," he said, unpacking the bags. “Thought you’d like options.”

Opening the boxes, I found grilled salmon, scrambled eggs, snacks, and even a box of crawfish. My eyes flicked to the receipt. One hundred and twenty dollars—for breakfast!

"Ethan," I said, holding up the receipt with a raised brow. "You are quite a spender."

He shrugged, unbothered. "I wanted to make sure you had everything you might like. Besides," he added, a teasing grin tugging at his lips, "it’s not every day you ask me to handle breakfast. I thought I’d make it special."

"The rest is yours," he said, taking a small box out and pushing the bag toward me.

"You didn’t get anything for them?" I asked, glancing at the closed bedroom door.

“Nope.” His response was nonchalant.

I resumed unpacking, though inwardly, I was puzzled. Was this Ethan’s way of showing loyalty? Had last night changed him so completely?

As I studied him, my emotions wavered. Was I manipulating an innocent boy who had set his heart on me? No, this was Ethan—the once arrogant, mischievous, and distant stepbrother.

He wasn’t doing this selflessly.

He couldn’t be doing this selflessly.

"You’re staring," Ethan said, poking my cheek.

"Nothing," I lied smoothly, "just thinking about tomorrow’s math lecture. I’m nervous about filling in for my professor."

"I can help. Have you forgotten? I majored in mathematics."

Ethan’s unexpected offer left me momentarily speechless. Despite his flaws, his academic brilliance was undeniable.

I considered his words carefully, debating whether to let him help. Accepting his offer would mean spending more time with him. Maybe, just maybe, I could take advantage of this chance and achieve further my plan of luring him.

“Alright," I said after a pause. "Look over it with me after breakfast.”

...

Later, in my room, as I closed the door, I felt his gaze, predatory and intense. I knew Ethan well enough to understand that he’d want something in return.

Turning to him, I offered a sweet, playful smile, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

"Do you want to do something else first?" I asked, trailing a finger lightly along his arm.

"What do you mean?" His voice was tentative yet filled with anticipation. "I thought you wanted to forget what had happened in that bathroom." As he said, he lowered his head as if feeling sad.

"Last night, I held back because I wanted things to happen on my terms," I said, wrapping my arms around him and looking up with feigned innocence. "Now, I don't feel like I want to forget. So do you want to do something else first?"

His restraint snapped. In an instant, he had me on the bed, his lips descending in a fervent kiss.

His touch ignited a fire within me, every stroke and caress drawing me deeper into a haze of sensation. My thoughts blurred, reduced to the point where his hands and lips moved.

As the intensity built, Ethan shed his clothing, revealing a body honed and strong. Every line, every contour, spoke of maturity and strength—a stark contrast to the boy I once knew.