My Hot Stepbrother

Chapter 5

Pov Clara's

"I-I... um..."

My stuttering voice sounded like a whisper in the wind, barely audible really, but I was sure Leon could hear it clearly.

My body froze, feeling small under Leon's sharp gaze, as if he was peeling my skin. Strangely, my heart was jumping around uncontrollably.

I can't let this happen. Hey, heart, don't you dare rebel against my thoughts.

Leon moved closer, his steps casual yet intimidating. My eyes automatically looked away, unable to keep staring at his wet, muscular body. I could even feel heat creeping up my cheeks, and that made me even more uncomfortable.

What is this? I shouldn't look flustered like this, Leon might get the wrong idea.

I jumped slightly when Leon snapped his fingers in front of my face. Alright, I need to return to factory settings.

"Instead of answering my question, you're daydreaming like a crazy woman," Leon said.

"None of your business, Leon Lucero!" I finally said, intentionally making my voice tone as flat and cold as possible to sound more firm. "You better get out of my way!"

Though I couldn't hide the trembling in my hands, at least I was satisfied enough to act firmly in front of this man.

I tried to stand, but pain immediately shot through my ankle.

"Akh!" I yelped. I sat back down, holding my throbbing ankle.

Without saying anything, Leon was already crouching in front of me. I tried to push away his hand that was about to touch my foot, but he didn't care. He reached for my foot gently, examining it without asking for permission.

"Don't touch–"

"Quiet," he ordered shortly.

"I said don't touch my foot! I can handle it myself!" I protested.

He just glanced at me briefly, then, ignoring my rejection, he picked me up bridal style just like that. Leon carried my light body as I indeed had a tall and slim figure. I let out a small squeal, more from surprise than fear.

"You're too stubborn," he muttered while walking toward the back door. Not caring about his still exposed body.

Oh God, this is a test for my eyes. At least he should remember to put on a bathrobe first. Why am I just realizing that Leon has such a beautiful muscular body?

Marsha, the head housekeeper, came hurrying when she saw us.

"What's happening? Miss Clara, what happened?" she asked with concern.

"I just fell in the backyard," I answered quickly, trying to look like I didn't need help. "But Leon is overreacting, I can still walk by myself."

"Master Leon has always been kind, especially to his own sister," Marsha said with a smile.

What? He's a good man? Hello... How is he good in any way? He's rough, annoying, always controlling my life. It seems Marsha has been enchanted by this man named Leon.

"Why aren't you wearing clothes, Sir? Let me get you something," said Marsha who walked away, then shortly returned with a bathrobe and put it on Leon's body. "At least your back is warm, young master. I'm afraid you'll catch a cold."

I felt like laughing out loud. Leon couldn't possibly get sick. Even illness would be afraid to stick to the body of a cruel and scary human like Leon.

I saw Leon glance at Marsha and smile slightly while nodding slowly. Without saying anything, he continued his steps toward the stairs, without paying any attention to my protests.

"Leon, put me down now!" I hit his hard shoulder, but that didn't make him stop at all.

"Shut your mouth," he replied without looking.

Leon kept walking until we finally reached my room on the second floor. He sat me down on the large sofa, then left without saying anything.

I thought he had given up, but it turned out he came back with a small medicine box.

"I don't need that," I said curtly.

He ignored my warning, then pulled my foot and applied warm anti-ache cream to my ankle. His touch felt comfortable on my sore foot area. I chose to look away, not wanting to appear nervous in front of him.

"Leon, stop. I can do it myself," I hissed, trying to remove his hand.

"You better shut your mouth. Silence is much better than your mouth babbling nonsense," he answered firmly, his eyes looking at me as if challenging me to resist again.

I snorted in annoyance at his attitude. In my heart, I wondered, so far, he's a man who can be so cruel, but also sometimes acts too protective? Is it true, this is the effect of the accident that happened to him?

***

The next day when I woke up, the pain in my foot was completely gone. I went to shower and got ready to go to campus.

You've always been beautiful, Clara. No wonder Leon fell in love with you. Ah, but I only like Nathan.

Suddenly my phone vibrated. I immediately grabbed my phone. A message came in from Nathan.

Nathan: Clara, can you come visit me today? I feel a little lonely in the hospital.

Clara: Sure. I'll come after my classes are done.

Nathan: Thank you, Clara. I'm really looking forward to seeing you.

I smiled widely, imagining meeting the man I've liked for several months now. I hope he wants to make me his girlfriend.

After breakfast, I said goodbye to my father and mother. As I expected, Leon wouldn't be in the dining room and would skip breakfast.

When I arrived at campus, I headed to my classroom. From afar, I saw Leon standing at the end of the hallway. Our gazes met briefly, and I could feel the cold aura from his eyes.

He didn't say anything, just stared at me until I entered the classroom.

After class ended, I rushed out and met Kevin, one of my gang friends. Among my four friends, I was actually closer to Kevin.

"Kevin, are you busy?" I asked.

"No, what's up?" he answered casually.

"I want to visit Nathan in the hospital. Can you accompany me?" I asked.

Kevin nodded in agreement, and I felt relieved. At least I wouldn't be alone when visiting Nathan.

When Kevin and I were walking toward the parking area, my steps suddenly stopped when Leon appeared in front of us.

"Where are you going? Why are you going with this nerdy guy?" Leon asked.

"I'm going with Kevin to meet Nathan, so get out of my way," I snapped.

"You're not going anywhere, Clara," he said flatly, but his tone was full of threat. "Go home right now."

I looked up, staring at his cold face bravely. "I don't care what you want to say, I'm still going to see Nathan," I said.

"You know what I can do?" Leon moved closer, and I stepped back, trying to maintain distance. "So–"

"Leon!"

Suddenly Brandon's voice, the vice president of the student body, was heard calling Leon. He arrived with panting breath from running. "Dr. Alfred is calling you to discuss the arts festival that will be held at our campus."