Claimed by His Stepbrother

"Babe, hurry up!" Paul's voice carried from downstairs, loud enough that I almost messed up my mascara line.

"I'm coming!" I shouted back, leaning closer into the mirror. I quickly touched up my lashes and pressed a bit of nude lip gloss, with a tint of red that made my lips look alive but not too much.

I gave myself one last glance in the mirror, smiled at the reflection like, okay, not bad, then grabbed my purse and hurried out.

Paul was bent over his phone when I came down the stairs. The way his head snapped up when he heard my heels clicking against the marble floor made me giggle. His mouth literally dropped open.

"What?" I tried to hide my laugh, blushing and biting my lip.

"Mi Amor, you're so gorgeous."

Oh my God, he always knows what to say. Every single day, he finds one way or the other to remind me he loves me. And I love him back, more than he even knows.

When I got to the last step, before I could steady myself, he came over and picked me up like I was light as air, spinning me around before putting me down again. He kissed me, deep and sweet, and for a moment I thought we should just stay home.

As if he read my mind, he whispered against my lips, "Should we just skip this whole thing and go back upstairs?"

His mouth was still on mine, making it hard to think. I almost said yes.

I pulled back, even though I didn't want to."No, Paul. You know this event is important. Maybe not for us, but for your brother."

"Stepbrother," he corrected instantly, rolling his eyes "I really don't feel like going, Amor."

"Come on," I teased, leaning into his ear. "We don't have to stay long. Thirty minutes tops, then we sneak back home. And I promise, we'll have our own fun tonight."

That earned me his smile, finally. "Shall we?" he asked and winked at me, all playful again.

I nodded, and just like that we stepped out of the house together.

***

The car pulled up in front of the hall, which looked ridiculously grand. Paul got out first, then reached for me. I took his arm, linking mine through his, and we walked in.

Soft music floated in the air, the buzz of people talking, glasses clinking, cameras flashing bright in our faces as soon as we entered. It was giving a red-carpet, business vibe. Everywhere I turned were faces that either owned something important or controlled someone who did.

"Your stepbrother sure knows how to show off." I whispered, leaning closer to Paul.

I felt his body stiffen beside me, but he didn't reply.

We greeted people as we moved further inside-smiles, handshakes, nods. Some were Paul's business partners, others just familiar faces we saw in circles like this. Eventually, Paul got pulled into some long, boring conversation with a tall man in a dark tailored suit.

I tried to stand it for a bit, but this kind of business talk has never been my thing, I guess. "I'll be right back," I whispered, tapping Paul's arm lightly.

He squeezed my hand quickly before letting me go. "Don't get lost, mi amor," he teased, pressing a kiss against the back of my hand.

I smiled and slipped away through the crowd, heading toward the hallway that led to the restrooms. My heels clicked as I turned the corner-but before I could finish the step, I smacked right into someone. Hard.

The heel wobbled, and I felt myself tipping back, heart in my throat. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the kind of embarrassment that'd come with me sprawling on the floor.

Strong hands caught me before I hit the floor. I opened my eyes, shocked.

"I'm so sorry." We both blurted at the same time.

When I looked up, my words died in my mouth.

Damn.

He wasn't just handsome, he was... something else. The kind of face that made you pause without even realizing. His eyes were clear blue like the ocean you only see in pictures, it pinned me down where I stood.

His smile was easy, confident, almost too confident. And the warmth of his hand at my waist, God-it felt like it belonged there.

I froze. My breathing got shallow, chest rising too fast, like I'd just run. I couldn't move. I also couldn't stop staring.

"I-uhm, thank you." I managed to stammer out, forcing myself to step back a little.

Even with distance, I still felt the echo of his touch, a strange heat curling in my stomach that scared me.

What is wrong with me?

I'm married. I'm happy with Paul. I've never, ever felt this kind of sudden pull toward anybody else. Ever.

"I should...go to the bathroom." I pointed weakly down the hall, cheeks hot.

"Of course," he said smoothly, his smile making it worse. Like he knew the kind of havoc he had wreaked in me.

I escaped before I made more of a fool of myself. I rushed into the bathroom and grabbed the sink like it could hold me steady.

My reflection stared back, face flushed, lips parted, eyes wide like I was been caught doing something wrong.

Heat. There was no other word for it. A heat I hadn't asked for. A heat that I was afraid of.

I splashed cool water on my wrists, whispering to myself, "No. This isn't happening. Get yourself together, Evelyn."

I forced my thoughts back to Paul. To us. I loved him. That's all that mattered.

***

When I came out, the music had shifted to something softer. Couples filled the dance floor, laughter and champagne swirling together. I searched until I found Paul across the room, talking with someone. Relief washed over me, and I moved to join him.

But before I got there, a clear ringing sound cut through the hall. Someone tapping a glass. The music faded, conversations stopped, and all eyes turned to the front.

And there he was.

Standing at the podium, under the spotlight like he'd been born to it.

The same man.

His voice was deep, domineering but smooth, as he welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming. My stomach twisted.

Beside me, Paul muttered, "Yep. That's him." His voice dripped bitterness.

It hit me slow, but heavy. That man-the one who made me feel something I shouldn't have, was Paul's stepbrother.

I barely heard a word of his speech after that. My heart was beating too fast.

Then suddenly his words cut through:

"...and this is a moment to thank my greatest supporter. You may not know him as my brother. But tonight, I want everyone to. Thank you, Paul."

He raised his glass. The spotlight swung directly onto us.

The crowd erupted into claps and murmurs, all eyes turning, smiling, celebrating this perfect picture of a 'united family' lol.

Paul's smile was forced, his jaw tightened. "What game is he playing at?" he muttered slowly, so only I could hear. The anger rolled off him like venom.

I forced my own smile, even as my pulse raced.

But I couldn't help it. My eyes flicked back to the podium. To him.

Those blue eyes were already on me. Watching and holding me in place.

And in that heavy silence, something inside me moved. Something I couldn't put a name to. Something I wasn't ready to admit. And I will never admit to it!