Lust Behind The Mansion Walls

CLOSE ENOUGH TO SIN

Dominic

Ice flooded my veins the moment I saw her. The girl I’d just spent the night with—the one whose body I couldn’t forget—was sitting at my family’s dinner table, introduced as my soon-to-be stepsister.

This is going to be very interesting.

I forced myself to walk calmly to the empty seat across from her, though my chest felt tight. Every step made the memory of last night crash harder in my head. Particularly the way her lips tasted.

I kept my gaze anywhere but hers—the silverware, the tablecloth, the wine glass—anything to keep from meeting those eyes.

“So, Damien, this is Aria, your soon-to-be step-sister,” my father said, voice light with excitement. “I know you two are going to get along.”

We already did. In bed.

I forced a smile, the muscles in my jaw tight. The last thing I wanted was to ruin this dinner, especially when the woman sitting across from me had already imprinted herself on my memory—and my sheets.

“We’re going to be one big happy family,” Aria’s mother added.

“Big doesn’t always mean better,” I said, sharper than I intended. The words landed heavy, but I didn’t take them back.

The old ache stirred again, the one that started the day my own mother walked out when I was barely two. She hadn’t loved my father; she loved his money, and once she had her share, she disappeared.

My eyes betrayed me and slid toward Aria. Her head was bowed, and her hands trembled slightly in her lap. Guilt? Shock? Or maybe she felt the same storm twisting in my chest.

“Give him time,” my father said to Aria’s mother. I didn't care how deep my words might have cut, they all have the same agenda—gold digging.

My father’s problem is simple—he’s weak when it comes to love. He’s spent his whole life chasing it, falling for every smile, every soft voice, only to end up played over and over. And now? I can’t shake the feeling that Aria’s mother will be no different. Another pretty face and another heartbreak waiting to happen.

“I need some fresh air,” Aria said flatly leaving the room.

I could already guess what was running through her head, so I followed without thinking. Outside, I found her standing with her arms folded, lost somewhere far away in her thoughts.

My gaze lingered on the bare line of her spine. Every instinct screamed to close the distance, to touch. Instead, I dug my nails into the railing, holding myself back. Wanting her was easy. Not wanting her was impossible.

But then, I couldn't let her win over me.

“Fate has a twisted sense of humour, doesn’t it?” My voice cut through the silence.

“Don’t you dare breathe a word about the other night,” she snapped, fire in her tone.

“You knew, didn’t you?”

Her head whipped toward me, eyes flashing. “Knew what?”

“That your mother was about to marry my father, yet you still kissed me like you craved me.”

She let out a short, sharp laugh. “You really are delusional, Dominic.”

“Easy, tiger,” I murmured, stepping closer. My hand brushed her waist, pulling her in just enough to make her breath falter. My lips hovered near hers, close enough to tempt, never close enough to claim. “Let’s see how long you can resist me… sister.”

Her eyes burned into mine, but the tremor in her voice betrayed her. “Don’t flatter yourself… brother.”

She shoved my hand off her waist, the warmth of her touch vanishing as quickly as it came. With a sharp turn, she stalked off, every step fueled by anger. But it wasn’t just rage burning in her eyes—it was defiance, bold and unyielding.

And damn if it didn’t make her even more intriguing.

My life had been boring for too long, every day predictable, every face forgettable. But her? She was fire in human form. A little chaos from her might be exactly what I needed to feel alive again.

My phone buzzed–Henry: “Dude, where are you? The whole gang is waiting.”

Me: “I’ll be there. It's just some boring family dinner.”

Henry: “Yo, bring your new sister if she's hot.”

A grin tugged at my lips before I could stop it. Henry always had that effect on me—somehow cutting through the storm I kept bottled up inside. No matter how much rage simmered in my chest, he could drag out a smile.

The clock had just struck nine. The city streets were already alive with the roar of engines, headlights slicing through the dark. It was time—the night’s underground racing was about to begin.

A moment of chaos to make my life worth living.

I was about to head back inside when I caught sight of them—my father, Cassandra, and Aria—talking and laughing like some perfect little family portrait. The sound of their giggles grated on me, but it was her eyes that froze me in place. When Aria’s gaze locked with mine, the laughter in the air thinned. Something cold, sharp, passed between us. She felt it too.

I kept walking, brushing past them toward my car, fingers closing around the handle. Henry’s words from earlier echoed in my head, and before I could stop myself, I turned back.

“Hey, Dad.” My voice was casual, hands shoved deep in my pockets. “Mind if I steal Aria for a bit? Show her the city, and bring her back later.”

The table went quiet. Aria’s eyes widened, shock flashing across her face. A few minutes ago, we were at each other’s throats—and now I wanted to play tour guide?

“Erm—sure,” Cassandra said after a beat, her tone bright, almost too quick. “That sounds lovely. Just be careful.”

Dad tilted his head, looking between us. “Are you sure, honey?”

“Yes, baby,” Cassandra reassured, looping her arm through his.

“That’s it, Damien,” my father said firmly. “Don’t take her anywhere dangerous, and I want you both home by twelve.”

“Relax, Dad.” I flashed him a convincing grin. “It’s just a little sibling bonding. We’ll be fine. Right, Aria?”

I turned to her, watching closely.

Her lips curved into a smile, sweet on the surface—but I saw the truth in her eyes. It was fake. Forced. Only for their benefit.

“Yes,” she said softly. “We’ll be careful.”

I reached out, my hand brushing against hers as I tugged her closer—gentle, almost protective, like a brother should be.

“Can’t remember you ever being this nice,” she whispered, suspicion lacing her voice.

I leaned in, my smirk dangerous. “Relax. We wouldn’t want to remind our parents we… f****d, would we?”

Her jaw tightened, eyes flashing. “You’re such a son of a bitch.”

“Get in,” I ordered, pulling the car door open for her. My tone left no room for argument. “You like chaos? Good. Because I’m racing tonight—and you’re coming with me.”

She folded her arms, glaring. “And why the hell am I coming?”

I bit my lower lip, letting my gaze drag over her just long enough to make her squirm. “Because my buddy told me to bring my hot sister…” My voice dipped lower, rougher. “And he’s right. You are hot.”

By the time we reached the underground pit, the city was miles behind us. The thump of bass shook the walls, oil fumes clung to the air, and neon lights bounced off chrome hoods. It wasn’t just hidden from the cops—it was a kingdom of speed and sin.

“Wait here,” I told her as I stepped out of the car. Without looking back, I headed straight toward Henry. We caught up for a while, laughter mixing with the roar of engines and pounding bass.

But something gnawed at me. Instinct. I glanced back to where I’d left her. Empty.

My chest tightened. Down here, the underground wasn’t a playground—it was a pit. If she’d wandered off, she could’ve easily ended up in the wrong hands.

“Excuse me,” I muttered to Henry, already moving fast, scanning through the smoke, bodies, and chaos.

Then I saw her. At the far end, by a table littered with drinks. A guy leaned in too close, his hand brushing hers, his grin all teeth and liquor. She was tense, her body stiff, her eyes darting like she was trapped.

I was at her side in seconds. “Got a problem with her?” I asked, my voice low, sharp.

The guy smirked, his breath thick with alcohol. “Yeah. Problem is, I want this little chick for myself tonight.”

I didn’t even give him the chance to touch her. One swing, one hard punch—his body crashed to the floor. The music faltered, the crowd hushed, eyes snapping toward us.

I grabbed her hand. Dragged her out of the circle of stares. Away from the noise. She stumbled, resisting, words spilling in a furious whisper.”

“Why would you cause such a scene?” she hissed.

I couldn’t hold it in. Fury, adrenaline, something darker. I snapped, pinning her gently but firmly against the wall. My palm pressed flat beside her head, trapping her in.

Her chest rose and fell fast, her lips parted but she didn’t answer. And damn it, the defiance in her eyes only pulled me in deeper.

The bass thudded around us, but here it was just the two of us, and our breaths colliding.

Her breath was mine. One tilt forward and I’d kiss her again—stepsister or not.