My Hateful Stepbrother

"I can't believe she's making me do this," I whispered to myself, looking wistfully at my room. The purple tone of the walls was faded, and the curtains that had originally been white were now yellowish, but I loved everything about the place. I sighed and closed my suitcase, trying not to cry. I was feeling quite sensitive, but I had lived too long in this house. I had memories of my late father here, and I didn't want to stop remembering him. Everything would have been easier if my mother hadn't married a wealthy man, but I couldn't be so selfish. She also had the right to be happy. Who was I to ruin it? The fact that I thought she had rushed into marriage didn't mean it was wrong. My mother had spent enough time alone. Maybe she just needed a bit of companionship. My father had died of leukemia when I was twelve. My mother and he were madly in love. I swear to God they were the most beautiful and simple couple I had ever seen in my life. So when he died, she was devastated, so much so that she stayed away from men for five years. Until four months ago, when she met Arthur Johnson. He walked into her café and ordered a latte. They flirted for a moment, and since then, they had been smitten with each other. They dated for three months before he finally proposed, saying that, apart from the late mother of his son, she was the most incredible woman he had ever met and wanted to spend the rest of his life by her side. Being the woman in love that she was, my mom said yes. And I could even understand why she had fallen for Arthur. He was physically very similar to my father. His short black hair had some gray strands, his eyes were green and deep, and he had a charming smile; he was attractive even in his forties, any woman would notice him. I put my suitcase on the floor and left my room, closing the door behind me. The house was empty and silent, it was almost unsettling. I had grown up here. My parents had moved in when I was just two years old. So yes, I had spent fifteen years of my life here, and I couldn't believe we were leaving now. I heard the honking of Arthur's car and hurried down the stairs. They were waiting for me outside, they had gotten married yesterday and were heading to Italy for their honeymoon. I asked my mother to let me stay home until she returned, but she wasn't comfortable with me staying alone and preferred to leave me with my new stepbrother in our new house. It was a real drag, I know. When I got downstairs, I quickly went to the car. Arthur, like a perfect gentleman, got out and helped me put my suitcase in the trunk, smiling cheerfully the whole time. He was nice and always seemed willing to help everyone. He could have very well been a politician, he had the charisma. I got into the car and looked at my mother, who was also smiling at me with happiness. I felt bad for having doubts about her marriage. I had to be a good daughter. If he made her happy, I also had to be. I crossed my arms over my chest and smiled back at her, letting her know I was happy for her and her new life. My stepfather got in seconds later, his expensive perfume immediately filled my nostrils. "Do you have everything you need?" he asked as the car started moving. "My son can help you retrieve anything you might have forgotten while we're away, you just have to ask him." “Don’t worry, Arthur,” I sighed. “Everything important is already on the moving truck. It’s probably waiting at your house by now.” "Our house, remember, it's our new home; you're my wife's daughter, so my things are yours as well." I smiled at him and took off my glasses. I didn't really believe that, but I didn't say anything either. Most of my belongings consisted of photos of my father, the stuffed animals my grandparents always send me on my birthday, and my books. Everything else was clothes I could buy again, so I wasn't too worried about that. At least now I would have enough money to buy what I needed, as Arthur owned a chain of restaurants and apparently was doing very well, so money wouldn't be lacking at home. *** Half an hour later, the car stopped in front of a huge two-story house. The facade was beautiful, with its white walls and expensive windows. My mother also looked at it like a fool. She had already been here, but surely I would be the same every time I saw it. It was one of those houses you saw on TV owned by rich people. I bet it had a pool in the back. The neighborhood was filled with similar houses, and everything looked perfect, just as I imagined where someone like Arthur would live. My mother and I got out of the car, my stepfather went to the trunk and took out my suitcase. There were two more there, but those were his and my mother's. That was a reminder that she would be leaving soon, leaving me in a strange house, with a stranger. My best friend said it was perfect, but I wasn't so sure about that. I hated feeling uncomfortable, and I knew I would feel that way as soon as I entered my new home. It would take me time to get used to it. "Isn't it beautiful, Dakota?" my mother asked with a smile. "You'll love living here." My stepfather led us to the entrance, still holding onto my suitcase. "I'm sure of it," he murmured, opening the door. "Welcome to your new home, dear." When I entered the house, my jaw dropped. If it was beautiful outside, inside it was magical. The walls were a creamy white, and the color contrasted perfectly with the two light brown armchairs. Next to them were two beige sofas with colorful cushions, two windows behind with gray curtains. And I could see a large pool behind them. There was a staircase leading somewhere upstairs and a hallway; I couldn't see anything else. The house was luxury everywhere, it was clear Arthur didn't mind spending. My mother walked inside, as if the house was hers, and now it really was. Arthur left the suitcase in the living room while I continued observing everything. I had never been in a place as luxurious and expensive as this. My old home had been humble; it only had two bedrooms, a small kitchen, and a tiny bathroom. It didn't even have a yard. But still, my parents and I had been happy. That little house was like a sanctuary to me, because despite not having luxuries, it was homey and warm. Which I definitely couldn't say about this one. It was beautiful, yes, but it lacked something, it was like a beautiful girl, but empty inside. "Do you like it?" my stepfather asked with a smile. I returned it cheerfully. "It's beautiful; whoever decorated it has great taste." "Why don't you go and choose a room?" my mother interjected before Arthur could answer. "We have to leave now, and it would be better if we leave you already settled." I nodded silently. "Go up the stairs and you'll find three available rooms. The other is my son's and another one is for your mother and me." I followed my stepfather's advice and went up the stairs, which led directly to a hallway with several doors. I assumed they were the bedrooms, so I kept walking. The lighting here was darker, but it couldn't hide how beautiful it was. Feeling like Cinderella in a palace, I went to the nearest door, but it had my parents' name on it. I sighed and moved to the second door. I wasn't really concerned about which room I chose. I was sure even the servants' quarters were bigger than my entire house. When I was about to turn the knob of the second room, I heard a female scream. I froze in place as a shiver ran through my entire body. Had someone screamed? Who on earth could have screamed here? It was supposed to be just Arthur, my mother, and me, and it sure as hell wasn't my mother who screamed. "Oh, my God!" a woman screamed again. "You're bad, very bad!" The sound came from the last room down the hall. Could she be in trouble? I should go down and tell Arthur what was happening, but that woman could be in danger. I nervously moved my legs and quickly walked to the last room, my feet moving as quickly as possible. Something told me it was a bad idea, but I couldn't ignore that there was a woman screaming in this house. "Please!" she moaned now, her voice sounding clearer. "Ahhhh!" This time, I almost ran to the end of the hallway. When I got there, I didn't stop, I opened the door quickly. And I wished I hadn't. I had expected to see something, maybe a woman being attacked by someone, or tied up like in that movie about b**m I had seen once. But not what my eyes were seeing. There was a man with his back to me, completely n***d, as God made him. I covered my mouth, stifling a gasp of surprise. The woman's moans were now unmistakable, but I didn't think she was moaning in pain, as the guy was thrusting into her rapidly, with animalistic fervor. Sweat dripped down his back, disappearing between his large buttocks, his muscles contracted as he moved, and for a moment I forgot the whole scene, focusing on his muscular and well-toned body. He looked better than an underwear model. The woman's scream brought me back to reality, but this time it wasn't a scream of pleasure. When I looked at her, her horrified eyes were on me, she had caught me watching them like a p*****t. I screamed too, feeling my face turn completely red. This wasn't right; I should have closed the door and left. What the hell was I thinking? If I wanted to watch people having s*x, I could just use my laptop to watch p**n. The guy quickly separated from the woman and turned to look at me. When his striking green eyes locked onto mine, I froze again. I reflexively looked down and saw his erect, glistening p***s. My face turned red, but he did nothing to cover himself, he just stood there, looking at me. "Are you here to join us?" he asked softly, his serious eyes looking into mine. Was he insane? Of course, I wasn't going to join! "No!" He showed no expression. "Then I suggest you turn around and don't interrupt us again." "I... I'm really sorry," I murmured nervously, "I thought she was in trouble and came to see what was happening." "Believe me, sweetheart, she's not feeling anything but pure pleasure." "You f*****g b***h!" the girl interrupted, addressing me, her blonde hair falling to one side as she leaned over. Just then, I heard my stepfather's voice. I looked at the guy. I was scared, but he seemed calm, as if he wasn't n***d in front of me, with a girl in his bed. This is nuts! I gave them an apologetic look again, but then Arthur appeared, surely alarmed by my scream. My mother was behind him. When he saw me, he sighed in relief. When Arthur saw the situation the guy was in, he immediately tensed, his face becoming a cold mask. "I told you I didn't want those girls here!" he scolded severely. "For heaven's sake, put something on! What do you think your stepsister is going to say?" "She doesn't have to say anything," the guy murmured, his girlfriend took the sheet and covered herself, embarrassed. "Lucke, get dressed now!" Arthur's shout startled me, and my mother too. "I want you downstairs in five minutes! And get that girl out of here!" Without saying anything else, he closed the door in my face. He was really angry. I had never seen him like that. My mother didn't seem very happy either, but she didn't say anything, knowing she shouldn't get involved. The only thing I regretted was having met my stepbrother in that way. I wanted to have a good relationship with my new family, but surely after this, Lucke would hate me for life. I interrupted him while he was with his girlfriend! That had been rude. "I'm sorry you had to see that, Dakota, I'm really sorry," Arthur murmured, running a hand through his hair, suddenly looking exhausted. "I don't know how to tell that boy to stop bringing those girls." My mother put a hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry, Arthur, it was my fault, I went in without knocking, I thought the girl was in trouble." Arthur gave me a caring smile. "Well, that doesn't matter. Do you want to take the front room? It has a nice view."