Forbidden Steps: A Stepbrother Romance (6 page)

“God yes.” Colin pulled almost all the way out and then slid back in. He moved his free hand to her hip. “I want to fuck you so bad.”

“Then fuck me.” Stephanie clenched down on him. “But when you’re done I want you to tell me honestly if I was the only one on your mind.”

Colin made a gruff sound through his teeth, gripped down tight on her hip, and started moving in and out, faster and faster, until they both came hard, collapsing onto the bed, worn out by the power of their orgasms. When he had the strength, Colin rolled onto the bed and pulled her into his arms.

Pressing a soft kiss on the top of her head, he laughed. “You, my dear, are very sneaky. It’s not fair to bring up stuff like that when I’m too into it to pull back.”

“You had no trouble doing it last time.” Stephanie’s sleepy mutter was hard to make out, but she knew Colin heard her.

For a long time he said nothing. Finally he pushed up on his elbow and looked down at her. “Don’t pretend that you don’t know this time was a little different. This was a first. I wasn’t about to chance what could possibly be my only opportunity.”

Stephanie sighed and slit her eyes open, too worn out to put any effort in doing more. “Won’t be the only opportunity. That was…interesting.” She shrugged and snuggled against his side. “We’re usually more honest than you’re being, that’s all.”

“No.” Colin sat up now, agitation making him wide awake. “You’re just used to getting your own way with me. You’ve got this whole thing with me and Ashley stuck in your head, and you won’t stop until I do what you want.”

Stephanie forced her eyes open and frowned. “It’s not like that.”

Colin shook his head, rubbed his hand over his face and turned towards the bathroom. “It’s exactly like that. And just so you know, Steph, if me and Ashley ever decide to do anything it will be between the two of us. It has nothing to do with you.” He opened the bathroom door, head down, his words now spoken mostly to himself. “See how you feel about that.”

With that Colin disappeared into the bathroom. Stephanie heard the shower start and buried her face in the pillow, smiling, content. Colin might not realize it, but he’d just sort of guaranteed everything would work out exactly as she wanted it to. He wasn’t telling her no anymore. He was taking things in his own hands.

* * * *

The shower made Colin feel a little better, but still, deep inside him, was bitterness. A bitterness that had him standing at the foot of the bed, tempted to wake Steph up and ask her to leave.

Damn it, she was right about everything. He did love her and want her. He also loved Ashley, and if he was honest, at least to himself, he’d admit he wanted her too. But the situation with Ashley was too complicated for Stephanie’s manipulations to work. For either of them.

If she’d just stay out of it, the relationship between Colin and Ashley would develop into what it was meant to be on its own. Most likely platonic, but what was wrong with that? Colin and Steph had a mutual attraction for as long as he’d remembered. Not acted on for the longest of times, but it had always been there. He’d been sixteen when Steph’s father, Joseph, had married his mother. Steph was just over a year younger than him, and even though they’d both been pissed off about the wedding, they’d gotten along from the start. Colin’s father died when he was just a baby, and he didn’t have much family, so when his mother got sick she’d made Colin’s stepfather promise to take care of him.

The man had kept a roof over Colin’s head, kept him clothed and fed, so he’d kept his promise, but until Joseph had married Grace, Colin hadn’t really felt like he had a family. Living in the same house as Steph hadn’t suddenly made them siblings, no matter what the paperwork said.

Grace had changed everything. She’d wanted a nice, stable home for Ashley, so she’d insisted on ‘proper’ behavior. No more walking around in boxers for him and Steph got an earful about ‘strutting around in a towel in front of her brother.’

By making their underlying feelings for one another forbidden, she’d intensified them. Steph in a towel had been nice to see, but not a huge deal. After the new rules, seeing her in a skimpy shirt and skirt made his mouth water. The first time she’d been allowed to wear a bikini, Colin practically broke his neck rushing into an icy cold shower.

Ashley had been an awkward, annoying little kid. Always trailing after him, with dirt on all the nice clothes her mom forced her to wear. She’d even gone through a phase of wearing the clothes Colin had grown out of. When he wasn’t irritated by her, he’d kinda thought of her as the next best thing to having a little brother.

There was no mistaking her for a boy anymore though. Hell, she’d look fucking hot in his shirt. With nothing else. Following him right into his bed…

Enough! Fuck!

Restless now, Colin dressed in fresh clothes and decided to go out. Maybe some fresh air would clear his head. Steps from the door he stopped, catching sight of a little slip of paper. Picking it up he unfolded it and read the words scrawled on it, expression grim as he stuffed the note in his back pocket. For a second he considered waking Steph but tossed the idea as quickly as it had come.

The last thing Ashley needed was any more of their stepsister’s schemes. More importantly, the words he’d read told him seeing him and Steph together would only make things worse. Ashley had written that she’d stopped by to let them know she was going out but that they sounded…busy. No mistaking it, she knew exactly what they’d been doing. Hell, they’d been loud enough that the whole floor probably knew.

What troubled Colin the most was where Ashley had gone. Maybe he was reading too much into it, but he didn’t think he was. Something about the tone of the note told him that Ashley was hurting. Why? The only thing he could figure was that his relationship with Steph made her feel like an outsider. He hated the idea, but it made sense.

If he hadn’t been mad at Steph before, he was now. None of this would have happened if she hadn’t started with her stupid little head games. If anything happened to Ashley because of this, he was done with it all. Steph could find someone else to mess with and leave him alone.

The very thought of another man claiming Steph made Colin’s guts twist in rage. Not enough to outweigh the desire to keep Ashley from further harm, but enough to make him wonder if he could ever push Steph away. He really didn’t know.

In the jeep, trying not to go over the speed limit, Colin forced himself to push all misgivings to the back of his mind. None of it mattered. All that mattered was getting to Ashley before it was too late. Short of that was figuring out what to do with the bodies if he didn’t make it in time.

“You’re eighteen, Ashley. Don’t tell me you don’t drink.” Danny leaned over the round bar, built by his father in the largest section of the basement. Several of his friends were sitting on either side of Ashley, drinks already served. Danny had been trying to cajole Ashley into joining them for a shot for a while.

Ashley’s stance was starting to waver. She’d come here knowing Steph’s cousin would welcome her, recalling his frequent invitations both before and after the accident. Acceptance was guaranteed, but that didn’t mean Danny wouldn’t resent her making him look like an ass in front of his friends.

So how could she let him down gently?

“I can have fun without drinking, Danny. Don’t worry about me.” Ashley smiled, a forced smile, one only someone who knew her well could see.

Danny didn’t know her that well. Which didn’t mean he was giving up. “I’m just worried you’ll let your dead boyfriend rule your life. He was a stupid drunk. So what? That doesn’t mean everyone who drinks is.”

“Bobby wasn’t a drunk. He just got drunk and was stupid enough to drive.” Ashley crossed her arms over her belly and leaned back. “Why are you bringing him up?”

Danny ignored her question. “No, but your stepdad’s definitely a drunk.”

Ashley stood. “I shouldn’t have come.”

Something slammed down on the bar beside her. Ashley met Danny’s eyes as he filled the shot glass to the rim. He pushed the glass towards her. “You’re not like him, Ashley.”

The glass looked so much bigger than it should. The dark, amber liquid, gleamed like a jewel, some of it resting in a still pool around the bottom of the glass. It was one glass. One small glass.

A mountain would have been easier to face.

Ashley’s mouth had gone dry. “I promised I wouldn’t.”

Danny walked around the bar until he was facing her, his socked feet on the cement making little more than a muffled sound. With the boys around the bar and the fluorescent lights overhead, the fact that he was walking around in socks made the whole thing seem surreal. They weren’t in a real bar. It was just a basement.

Which would have made a difference if the accident hadn’t happened after a house party.

Danny snapped his fingers in front of Ashley’s face. Ashley blinked and gazed up at him. “Sorry. What?”

“Who did you promise?” Danny was the picture of patience. It was obvious he thought he had a point to make.

Not sure what it was Ashley simply told him the truth. “Myself.”

Leaning over, Danny picked up the shot glass and held it up between them. Then he patted her shoulder. “All right, that’s it then. I was just worried that you were letting someone else make your decisions for you. Glad to know you aren’t. Forget drinking…leave it to us little people who don’t know any better.”

Glass tilted against his lips, Danny opened his mouth to take the shot. Ashley blocked his arm, spilling the alcohol over both of them. Giggling nervously, she grabbed a handful of napkins, dabbed at the wet spot on his shirt. She swallowed when he caught her hand and held it against his chest.

“I don’t think I’m better than you, Danny.” Ashley tipped her head back. It was hard to believe Danny was only a year older than her. He was so much bigger. Seemed like big guys ran in Steph’s family.

“I never said that you did.” He grinned and bent down, resting his forehead against hers. “Are you scared of what would happen if you drank with me, Ashley? You know I won’t let you drive, right?”

“But…”

Danny pressed his fingers to her lips. “You came here because you were upset. You needed to forget about everything and you know I can help you do that.” His voice turned to a whisper. “You know that right? You trust me, don’t you?”

“One drink?” The question was silly. Ashley asked it anyway. It would make her feel so much better to focus on one.

“Start with one.” Danny smiled, his advice right along her own thoughts. “Have one drink with me, we’ll chill for a bit, listen to some music, and we’ll see where it goes from there.”

Another drink was poured. Danny and Ashley clinked their glasses together in cheers. Eyes closed Ashley downed the shot.

The next few shots went down easy. With Danny at her side, making the whole thing seem of little consequence, Ashley was able to enjoy herself. This was the kind of oblivion she’d missed. She was able to dance, to laugh, and to play, all while forgetting she’d ever had a care in the world.

And why shouldn’t she? Joseph and her mom did their own things. Colin and Steph had each other. Ashley wanted something of her own, and she would start with claiming her own life.

After a while Ashley got tired of playing around and just wanted to rest. Her head was spinning and the harsh liquor was sitting uncomfortably in her stomach. Noticing this, Danny and one of his friends brought her to Danny’s room and suggested she lie down for a bit.

Grateful for the offer, Ashley reclined on the bed, smiling at Danny when he lowered the light. She expected him and his friend to leave, but instead the other boy simply shut the door while Danny took a seat at the edge of the bed.

“You okay?” Danny reached out and smoothed back her hair.

Ashley nodded. “I guess I lost my high tolerance for alcohol.” The thought made her giggle. “I won’t be driving anywhere tonight.”

“Stay here tonight. I don’t mind.” Danny shifted over and rested down at her side. Setting his hand on her waist he began running his fingers softly over her stomach.

The gentle touch was nice, so Ashley didn’t protest. When his friend, whose name she just couldn’t remember, stretched out on her other side, it was a little harder to relax. “Danny…”

Danny pulled her closer and kissed her cheek, then moved his lips to cover hers, whispering. “Just relax Ashley. It’ll be fine. Me and Pete will take care of you. Right, Pete?”

“Danny, we can’t.” Ashley tried to move back, but it only put her closer to Peter. “You’re Steph’s cousin and we’re family and—”

Peter untied her halter top, slid his arms around her, and helped Danny ease up her shirt. Danny smiled at her when her eyes opened wide and she tried too late to pull her shirt back down. Her efforts only served to make it easier for him to take it.

“You weren’t worried about me being family when you dressed like this were you?” His hand covered her breast, only covered by her bra, and he tried to kiss her again. “It’s okay, I understand. We don’t have to tell anyone…”

Ashley pushed at his hand, clenching her thighs when a hand moved between them. Her little skirt wasn’t much of a barrier and soon she felt fingers, gliding over her panties, pushing them aside and slipping inside her.

The feeling sobered her at once. Shoving Danny, she struggled to get away from the probing fingers. Danny grabbed her hands and held them against her chest.

“Doesn’t seem like she’s having much fun, Danny.” Peter sounded observant. Not that he cared, just that he’d noticed.

“She’ll get into it. Just hold her for a minute.” While Peter wrapped his arms around her Danny undid his pants.

With that Ashley began to fight in earnest. Talking her way out of this wasn’t going to happen. It was too late. She’d been stupid and now she was trapped. All she could do was fight. Fight and scream. Realizing, she hadn’t yet, Ashley opened her mouth.

Danny slammed his big hand over it and laughed, shaking his head. “Unless you want the guest list for our little party to get a bit bigger, I suggest you keep quiet.”

Tears filled Ashley’s eyes. She wanted to beg him to stop. Instead instinct took over and she bit into his hand.

Cursing, Danny tried to shake her lose. When she wouldn’t let go, he backhanded her. Ashley let him go and threw herself off the bed when Danny sat up to look at his bloody palm.

Both boys came after her. Ashley grabbed a lamp and jerked the cord from the wall before heaving it at them. Without waiting to see if it had slowed them down, Ashley lunged for the door and yanked it open.

“Colin!”

The shock at seeing him was nothing compared to her relief. Ashley didn’t protest when Colin pulled her behind him. If he wanted to take it from here, that was fine with her.

Danny had managed to stop well out of harms way. Peter wasn’t so lucky. Before he knew what was happening Colin had swung out his arm and knocked Peter’s head into the doorframe. “I could kill you for this.” Colin stepped forward.

Danny stepped back. “She came here! I thought she wanted…”

Ashley grabbed Colin’s arm before he could go for Danny again. “Let’s just go.”

“Why don’t you go wait in the jeep, Ashley?” Colin tried to shake her off. Ashley held on stubbornly.

“No. Colin you’re a soldier.”

Brow lifted, Colin glanced down at her. “Yes, I know that.”

Ashley’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t be a jerk. You know if you hurt them you’ll be in shit. You won’t be tried as a normal citizen.”

“You watch too many movies.” Colin seemed to have forgotten the boys, both the ones in the room and the ones keeping their heads down near the bar. Grabbing a jacket off the sofa that was pushed against the wall just a few feet away, he draped it over her shoulders. “How ‘bout I get you back to the hotel.” He guided her towards the stairs leading out of the basement, then glanced back over his shoulder with a dangerous smile. “Then I can come back and kill them.”

Grabbing Colin’s hand, Ashley tugged him along with her. “No.” Her voice broke as she struggled to get the words out. “I don’t want my stupidity hurting anyone else.”

* * * *

Ashley’s last vehement statement had Colin dismissing Danny and his friends as irrelevant—for the moment. He could find another way to make them pay. Later. The important thing was making sure she was okay.

This conversation was not one to be had in front of the assholes that had tried to take advantage of her. That in mind, Colin led Ashley out to the jeep, fetched a blanket from the back, and unfolded it before speaking again.

“What exactly did they do?” He took in the sorry state of her clothes, from her rumpled skirt to the absent shirt. Shaking his head he covered her in the serviceable grey blanket, tucking it around her shoulders before doing up her seatbelt. “Besides the obvious that is.”

Ashley freed her arms and reached over to grab a half full bottle of water from the cup holder. Her hands shook as she opened the bottle and poured a little bit into her palm so that she could clean the blood off her face. Scrubbing her palm over her mouth and chin, she glanced in the mirror to see if she’d gotten it all, then used the edge of the blanket to dry off.

Blanket held to her chin, knees drawn to her chest, Ashley turned sideways so she could watch Colin walk around the car and get in the driver’s side. “Not much. I snapped out of my drunken stupor when it all started and managed to get away from them.”

Colin started the car and let it ease out onto the street. “So the blood’s not yours?”

A crease formed in Ashley’s brow as she touched her mouth. Hiding a wince, she nodded. “I bit Danny when he tried to stop me from screaming.”

“You should get tested. Who knows what that bastard’s got.” Colin drew in a slow breath, fighting for control. “I could bring you to the hospital now. If there’s any evidence…”

Ashley stiffened in her seat. “Evidence of what? I told you nothing happened.”

“But they tried.”

Head bowed Ashley gave a little nod. “Yeah. They tried.”

Much too soon they reached the street that led up to the hotel. Still determined to get her to go to the hospital, to do everything necessary to file charges—since Ashley didn’t want him to commit murder—Colin just kept driving. No destination in mind. Nothing but the endless road and Ashley stuck at his side. They were alone and he could get her to talk.

Not something he was looking forward to, Steph was much better at the whole inner emotional crap, but it was something he had to do. That Ashley had to do. There was no way around it. Not unless he trusted someone else to take care of her.

“Why did you go there?” Keeping his eyes on the road, Colin fought to sound neutral. Concerned, but not accusing.

Shifting in her seat, Ashley stared at her knees and shrugged. “Something to do.”

Swerving the car to the side of the road, Colin slammed his fist on the steering wheel, jammed his foot on the brake and stared at her. “Something to do? Damn it, Ashley, why? What in the world possessed you to do something so reckless? There were five guys there. Do you know how much worse that could have gone?”

So much for keeping his cool to get her talking.

Being put on the defensive seemed to loosen Ashley’s tongue. “How the hell would I know someone I considered family would pull something like that?” Eyes flashing she leaned closer to him. “I woke up to a lot of changes. I need time to get used to it.”

“Is this about me and Steph?” There, he’d said it. There was no point in pretending she didn’t know. He could be way off track but he doubted it. If Ashley’s reaction to finding out about his relationship with their stepsister was going to have her acting out like this he needed to address the issue now.