Moving to Washington from Texas to live with her mother's new family, which includes a stepfather and seven stepbrothers, Katherine braces herself for building walls and embracing isolation. But she doesn’t expect to run into the man she had a one-night stand with just a few days ago in Texas, and he is one of her stepbrothers.

Trying to resist his charm, she finds that one look from him sends her heart racing. However, he’s not the only one with that effect on her—each of her seven stepbrothers begins to show interest in her, and she can’t help but feel drawn to all of them.

Can she survive in a house with her seven deadly stepbrothers?

CLUB

I hated my family.

And even more than that, I hated the fact that I had no other choice but to leave behind the town I grew up in and move to Washington, to live with my mom's new family. While I knew Washington would be a lot different from Texas, yet, my mind was consumed by the thought of living in a house filled with strangers.

I blamed my poor state on my father, for not loving or caring about me. For calling me after years, only when he learned that I was going to live with mom's new family. I hated him for not coming to my graduation or calling me to tell me that he was proud of me. I hated him for choosing a man over me, his flesh and blood.

I also blamed my mother and her habit of jumping from one man to another.

However, I was also a little impressed by her, because this time, she hadn't gone after a carpenter, a chef, an author, or a musician. This time, she managed to catch a big fish. Her sixth husband was the owner of a multinational tech company and the sixth richest person in the United States.

The man had everything, and that included an overpopulated family. I wasn't prepared to live with so many people, yet I had to leave for Washington in four days. It was my last weekend in Hollow's Creek, and to celebrate that, my friends Camilia and Phineas were taking me to a club in Austin.

"Katherine!" Camilia yelled as the car came to a stop in front of my grandma's house.

"You don't need to scream every time we see each other," I pointed out as I walked towards the car. She rolled her eyes dramatically and put on a sour look.

"You look beautiful, Kat," Phineas complimented when he looked at me from the rearview mirror.

"I think she's finally getting laid tonight," Camilia said, like it was the most obvious thing in the world, as Phineas started the engine.

"Shut up, Cami!" I shook my head, glaring at her. "I've never seen a man naked in real life, not that I want to."

"You're going to die a virgin," Camilia remarked, and that fueled my annoyance more.

"She's going to find an amazing man tonight," Phineas stated, keeping his eyes fixed on the road. "And he will be her Prince Charming."

"No Disney clichés around me, please, like, it's so lame," Camilia said in her best Valley Girl accent.

Phineas turned to give her a look of disgust before saying, "You know my gut feelings are always right."

"Not always."

"They were right about us," he pointed out, and she turned her head to look out the window, a small smile tugging at her lips. "What happened? Deny that, love."

They were really a cute couple and the best friends anyone could ever ask for. They never made me feel like I was third-wheeling, even though I always was, and they helped me through all my tough times. They were more of a family to me than either of my parents, and the thought of leaving them behind made my heart ache.

"Don't think about it," Camilia said, reading the thoughts in my head. "We will always be friends, no matter where we are on the globe."

"I-I..." I tried to speak, but no words came out of my mouth.

"Let's talk about Real Housewives and forget about everything else," Phineas added, giving me his warm smile. "Tonight, we are living in the moment; we are not going to think about tomorrow. Okay?"

Both of us nodded our heads, and the conversation shifted toward something lighter. I instantly felt better. Phineas was the kind of person who always knew what to say and how to act, and Camilia couldn't be further from it. Maybe that's why they were so amazing together.

In an hour, we were at the club, which was at least five times bigger than the one we had in Hollow's Creek. Then, like the gentleman he was, Phineas escorted us to the VIP section that his brother, who worked there, had reserved for us. The music was loud, and before I could even get used to the sound, Camilia had already placed the orders.

"We're taking a shot each and then getting the night started," she ordered, turning to look at the crowd on the dance floor.

The shots were placed in front of us, and Camilia took a selfie before either Phineas or I could even touch the glass. We waited for her to delete that picture and click a few more. Only after that we took the shot together, and proceeded to the dance floor.

The DJ was playing ‘Cheap Thrills’ and as soon as we started moving, I could feel people looking at me. Phineas gave me a knowing look; he had warned me about wearing the short dress to a club, but Camilia insisted. It was a little tight for my comfort, but it showed my curves.

I looked around the dance floor when the song changed, and "Unstoppable" blasted through the speakers. Phineas and Cami were eating each other's faces, and to my surprise, they weren't the only ones. Suddenly, I started to feel a little awkward seeing everyone around me making out, so I went back to the bar.

I ordered a cosmopolitan and sipped it while staring at the couples on the dance floor. There were singles too, but for some reason, my eyes filtered them out. When the glass was empty, I decided to order something stronger. I wanted something to make me forget everything, to help me let loose.

"Give me something stronger," I leaned forward on the bar to look at the young bartender.

"Tequila shot?" he offered, giving me his full attention. "They're quite strong, if you don't do them often."

"I don't!" I answered, and he chuckled.

"Okay," he handed me a slice of lemon and placed a glass with clear liquid on the bar.

I gulped down the shot, and it burned my throat. The bartender pointed at the lemon slice in my hand, and that's when I remembered I had it. I sucked on the lemon to cut the sharpness and felt like doing it again.

"One more," I ordered, and the bartender moved to pull the bottle back effortlessly.

"Here you go," he said, pouring me the drink in the glass.

I took another shot and surveyed the dance floor. I saw a dark figure, dancing on his own near the center. I wanted to dance with him, so I returned. This time, I didn't pull myself away from strangers; I pushed my way into the crowd to completely lose myself in the music.

I felt eyes on me, but I didn't pay any mind to it and carried on dancing.

That's when someone grabbed my waist with his right hand. I controlled my urge to push him and tell him to fuck off. Instead, I leaned against his chest. I wanted to feel the sexual arousal everyone talked about, before going to college. Seeing the way I reacted, or didn't, he grabbed my left side too and shoved my ass against his crotch.

"Having fun, little wolf?" he questioned in the deepest voice I'd ever heard, and that made me tingle in my crotch.

LUCAS

“Having fun, little wolf?”

The words echoed in my head. I was still puzzled by the new feeling erupting in my body when he brushed his lips against my neck. No one had ever done something like that to me before. I had no idea how to react. So, I closed my eyes and forced my brain to stop thinking and let my body move on its own.

Our bodies moved in unison.

He grabbed my hand, which sent shivers down my spine, and swirled me around. That's when I got to see him for the first time. He stood tall over me, with dark blonde hair and forest green eyes. He had me completely enthralled. I couldn't take my eyes away from him, and he was staring at me like I was a food item.

He was simply stunning. I inspected his body, letting my hand roam over his wide shoulders, strong chest, and torso. He was gifted with a good amount of muscles that complemented his physique. I also noticed a tattoo peeking through the opening of his shirt when he moved.

“What are you looking at?” he whispered in my ear, and that sent shivers down my spine.

“Nothing!” I shook my head, keeping my eyes on his lips. It was impossible for me to look directly into his eyes.

“Okay!” he said, and I found myself getting lost in him. He was saying something, but I didn't hear it, just saw his lips move. I waited for a few seconds before he cleared his throat.

"Huh?!" I questioned, and he smirked, probably knowing about the effect he was having on me. How can he not? Guys like him always do.

"Let's get something to drink," he said, and I nodded my head in agreement. "By the way, are they your friends?"

He pointed behind me, and I turned to see both Cami and Phineas staring at us. Phineas gave me a small embarrassed smile, and Cami whistled when our eyes met. Phineas tried stopping her, but she dragged him to where we were standing. She shamelessly checked out the man and offered him her hand.

"Hey, I'm Camilia. Her best friend." She was drunk, and that was always a bad sign. Phineas apologized with his eyes, trying to pull her away.

The man surprisingly shook her hand and offered her a smile, while I cringed. "I'm Lucas."

“Girl, you scored," she said quite loudly when Lucas turned to introduce himself to Phineas. He felt the awkwardness of the situation too. However, neither Camilia nor Lucas seemed to be bothered by that.

"Shut up, Cami. We should go now, let them dance," Phineas tried to take her away.

"You have to get laid tonight, Kat. You're not going to find another one like him," she said as she was being pulled away by Phineas. "Mr. L, take care of my bestie, and be gentle. She's like a new pack of tissues, if you know what I mean."

She laughed and then dared to wink at him.

"I'm so sorry about my friend. She's hammered." I was embarrassed by her, but he seemed to enjoy it because he was laughing.

"No, it's okay. My youngest brother is just like her." He rubbed my cheek with his thumb. "Now, stop clenching your jaw and relax."

“Sorry!"

He chuckled, "Don't apologize. Tell me, do you want to get drinks or should we get out of here?"

"I can do another drink," I said, clearing my throat and turning toward him, still unable to look him in the eyes. "I'm sober already."

"What can I get you?" the cute bartender from before questioned, smiling at me.

"Uh... what you gave me last time," I was unsure, and that was apparent in my voice.

"You don't drink much, right?" Lucas rubbed my back affectionately.

"That obvious?" I questioned, and he just grinned.

“Bring us a bottle of Russo-Baltique.” The bartender looked at him to make sure he had heard correctly. That confused me, so I too focused my eyes on Lucas.

"Please give me a few minutes; I have to bring the keys from the back," the bartender said when Lucas repeated his order.

"Sure, bring us two glasses and some ice. I'll be over there at my seat," Lucas said, and when the bartender left, he told me to follow him.

"What is that drink?" I questioned as we walked toward the seat. "The bartender looked really surprised with the order."

"Just vodka," he said, gesturing for me to take a seat before getting in himself. "Anyway, I'm Lucas, and you are?"

"Katherine," I said, tugging the loose strands of my hair behind my ear.

"That is a very beautiful name," he commented as the bartender brought us the drink and poured it into two glasses.

I thanked him when he turned to leave, and giving me a smile, he disappeared into the crowd. I took a sip after Lucas and realized it wasn't just vodka. The drink both smelled and tasted rich, and that told me Lucas was loaded. Even the bottle looked quite expensive.

"You like the drink?" he questioned.

"Yes, and now I understand why the bartender was shocked when he heard the name," I commented, daring to look into his forest-green eyes. He chuckled, getting closer to me. "But you don'yt have to buy..."

He wouldn't let me finish. Before I could, he grabbed my face and said, "I'm sorry for cutting you in the middle, but I really want to kiss you. If that's okay with you."

I nodded my head, and he leaned forward, pressing his lips harshly onto mine. He grabbed my back with one hand, while the other rubbed my breasts. I moaned when we pulled away to catch a breath, and hearing it, he once again captured my lips.

Our lips moved against each other in sync. I let my fingers graze through his soft hair as he pulled me closer. Expertly, he slipped his tongue into my mouth, swirling it with mine. I tried to control the heat erupting inside me while keeping up with him.

He slowly pulled away, and I saw a smirk appear on his face. "It was your first kiss, wasn't it?"

His words sent chills down my spine, and thousands of questions came to my mind. Am I really that bad? Did I make a mistake? Was I supposed to do something else?

"Y-yes."

"You're really cute, has anyone ever told you that?"

"Huh?"

He stood up and offered me his hand. "Do you want to come with me tonight? And it's okay if you don't want to."

KISSES

We kissed all the way to the hotel he was staying in, and I cherished every moment his lips were on mine.

The hotel was one of the luxury ones and his suite was enormous, though I didn't get to see much because he carried me bridal style and took me into the bedroom. I saw the bed in the middle of the room and tensed up. However, he didn't take me to the bed. Instead, he tossed me onto a couch near the entrance and began unbuttoning his shirt.

I quickly got rid of my dress and shoes, thanking Camilia in my head for buying me a pair of black lace lingerie and convincing me to wear it that night. I looked at him as he threw his shirt on the floor, and fell back onto the soft furniture, arching my back- just like I'd seen in a movie. It looked so sensual that I had wanted to try it ever since.

He groaned as he knelt, pressing soft kisses to my stomach. One hand gripped my ass while the other played with my breasts. I had never felt anything like that before. Everything about him set my body on fire, and the smirk on his lips confirmed that he knew that too.

"Arch your back like that again, and I will fuck you like a bitch," he warned, and a new, tingling sensation spread throughout my stomach.

The dark tone of his voice made my heart race. I liked how commanding he sounded. I almost arched my back to test his words, but the fear of it being my first time stopped me. I'd heard horror stories about the first time being painful if not done right.

He claimed my lips again, continuing to play with my ass. His other hand was now busy trying to get rid of my bra. I tried to help, but he pushed my hands away and inserted his tongue into my mouth. I moaned as he squeezed my cheek and then climbed on top of me completely.

"Go ahead, little wolf, move your hips," he ordered, and I felt my legs shake. I complied without hesitation, rocking my hips back and forth. “Ah, you are already wet for me?”

I let out a shaky breath as I moved against him, breathing heavily, trying not to think about what I just did. I had no idea what I was doing or if I was doing it right, but I hoped he would let me know if I did it wrong. I slowed down when he started kissing my neck and I had to grab on his shoulder to keep moving my hips.

"Fuck!" he moaned, yanking off my bra. He took a shaky breath too before capturing my left earlobe with his lips, twirling it with his tongue.

I moaned when he bit my earlobe, arching my back, though his weight on top of me kept me from moving much. His grip on my ass tightened, and I let out a louder moan when he pinched my right nipple between his thumb and index finger. He seemed pleased with my reaction because I heard him chuckle, and felt his erection on my thighs.

After that, he moved back to my lips and kissed me roughly while unbuckling his belt. I gulped and watched him get rid of his pants. I let my hands roam over his back, trying to pull him even closer. My body ached for him and the warmth of his body. His hand left my ass after a farewell squeeze, and he looked into my eyes. Unable to keep the eye contact for long, I looked away.

"Do you want me to stop here?" he asked sincerely. I shook my head, taking a deep breath.

He smirked devilishly before shoving his face between my breasts and pressing them from both the sides. My heart stopped for a moment when he let go of my breasts and his fingers slipped under the waistband of my panties. He licked my cleavage before moving down, leaving a trail of kisses along my torso. I groaned and moaned, my eyes shut, both hands tangled in his hair.

He gripped the waistband of my panties and ripped them off when he couldn't pull them down all the way.

"I'll buy you a new pair tomorrow," he said before diving down at me. "Ah, you are already leaking."

"Lucas!" I moaned his name, involuntarily arching my back and pressing my thighs against his face. He grabbed my thighs and had my legs thrown over his shoulders.

He kissed and licked the slit before slipping his tongue inside my vagina, slowly, without using his hands. I trembled and groaned as he kept pushing his tongue in and out. I had no control over my mouth as I kept repeating his name. Whatever he was doing felt good, so I pushed my hips against his mouth, urging him to go faster.

"Please!" I begged between moans.

"Please what, little wolf?" he asked, licking my clit, causing my whole body to shiver.

"Faster! Please move faster," I begged again, shamelessly. I couldn't believe those words came out of my mouth.

For all I knew, I wasn't that type of girl. I couldn't be that type of girl, because then it meant I had been lying to myself. However, it became obvious to me that night what I was and what I liked. I was forced out of my thoughts when his tongue found its way back to my clit.

"Lucas, I think I'm going to..." I trailed off when I felt the muscles in my body relax. I didn't know I would be cumming this fast and just from him licking. "Fuck! Sorry! I didn't mean to, I didn't know..."

"It's okay," Lucas laughed, wiping his lips clean with the back of his hand. "I know it's your first time. Don't worry about anything, and truthfully it's a compliment of how great I am with my tongue.

"Now?" I asked, when he was done licking me clean. I wasn't sure of what he wanted next.

"Now, lick my fingers," he said, shoving his index and middle fingers into my mouth. Before I could react, he slipped those fingers inside me, sending my head into the clouds.

I forgot to breathe as he rubbed his fingers against the wall of my vagina. I closed my eyes and waited for the sting to fade away, and when it did I arched higher, throwing my head back, my toes curling in pleasure. Using his free hand, he pushed me back onto the bed. He started spreading his fingers inside, rubbing my insides in a rhythmic pattern.

"Now, relax and let me show you the best time of your life," Lucas said, pulling his fingers out.

I had my eyes closed the whole time, and when I opened them, I saw him pumping himself. I freaked out when I saw the size of his dick.

FIRST NIGHT

Lucas was huge.

"What happened? You look scared, little wolf," he said, making me raise my head to look him in the eyes.

"I-I-I don't think this is going to work," I breathed out, pulling myself to sit up. "I haven't done it with anyone and you're... like this."

He smirked and once again picked me up in his arms. "Don't worry, I'll be slow and careful not to hurt you."

He carried me to the bed, and after placing me softly on the mattress, he climbed on top of me. Both of us were naked; no piece of fabric separated us, and I could feel his erection on my stomach. I tried looking away, but he grabbed my chin and moved my face so that we were staring into each other's eyes.

He licked his lips and then slowly rubbed them against mine. The action sent electricity throughout my body, and I grabbed his arms, trying to rub my waist against him like before. He smirked and once again came down for my lips. I reached forward, but he pulled away.

"I thought you didn't want this," he teased, shifting his cock so that it is pressing against my opening. "Now, what happened?"

"I reached forward only for a kiss, nothing else." I said without stuttering this time, and he looked impressed.

"Someone got their voice back," he commented, pulling his hand down to rub his tip against my slits.

I was about to open my mouth to say something when he came down and got hold of my lips. I whimpered, and he pushed his tongue inside my mouth. I held onto his shoulder and thought I could control it, but when he rubbed his erection against my clit, it became impossible for me to hold back my moans.

I pulled away from the kiss, moaning loudly, followed by heavy breathing.

He kissed me on the cheek before leaning to the right to pick up a packet of condoms from the nightstand. He tore the packet with his teeth and then rolled it down his cock. I watched him, waiting in anticipation.

"I'm going to put it inside slowly," he informed, rubbing the tip all around the inner lip. "Tell me to stop, and I'll stop, okay?"

"Okay," I nodded my head, letting my desire take over the region of my brain responsible for reasoning.

"You're soaking again," he smiled, and I looked away, embarrassed for some reason. "Well, that will make this much easier."

It didn't.

His tip pressed against the entrance, and I took a deep breath. He looked me in the eyes to make sure I was fine before slowly pushing inside me. I felt his length sliding in, rubbing against my insides, pushing away to make space for itself.

"Fuck! God, Lucas!" I moaned, grabbing my breasts and squeezing them tight.

"Don't wrap your legs around me yet, little wolf," he kissed me on the neck. "I won't have enough space. We need to do it slowly for now."

I bit my lips and nodded, arching my back. He wrapped one of his hands around my back while pushing deeper inside. I tried to control my legs, but they kept wrapping around his waist whenever I felt the sensation of him sliding deeper. I curled my toes, and my head was thrown back, eyes shut.

"FUCK!" I groaned when it hurt a little.

"You're doing amazing, little wolf," he whispered, making me moan louder. I opened my eyes to look at him, but they rolled back as he went deeper inside. "I'm going to stay for a while before moving."

I nodded my head and questioned, "A-are you all in?"

He chuckled, "Not even half, but it's okay. You won't be able to handle all of me; it's your first time."

He pushed my hand away from my breast and buried his face into my cleavage. The movement caused me to scream, and that's when I realized what he meant by me not being able to handle his entire length. He grabbed one of the buds between his fingers while sucking on the other, making me feel all sorts of sensations.

He didn't say anything; he just smiled whenever I called his name and gave equal attention to both buds.

After around two minutes, he turned a little and said, "I'm going to move; it will hurt a little at the start, so be prepared for that. However, tell me to stop if you can't handle it."

I nodded again, and he moved back. My toes were curled once again, and I screamed his name. He was gentle with his thrusts and kept whispering reassuring words in my ears, but the pain didn't go away. His words did nothing, and I wanted him to stop, but I held on for the pleasure that was to come after.

Camilia had shared the story about her first time, so I knew the pain was not for nothing. I remembered her telling me that she didn't even remember the pain anymore, only the pleasure of having someone inside her.

Tears rolled down my eyes when he started thrusting harder. He kept spreading kisses around my neck and whispering things in my ears, but I wasn't able to hear anything. My ears were ringing, and I dug my nails into his back when it felt as though he was hitting my lungs with his cock.

It became hard for me to breathe.

"Lucas!" I moaned his name again when he landed a hard thrust.

This time it felt different; it burned differently. A different sensation spread throughout my body.

"D-do you... god... do you want me to stop?" he stuttered, his voice raspy and full of pleasure.

I shook my head and focused on my breathing. He kissed me all over my lips, cheeks, neck, ears, forehead, corners of my eyes, arms, and shoulders. The pain was fading away, and the foreign sensation kept forcing me to let out strange noises.

His jaw was clenched in concentration, and his eyes were closed as he reached the climax.

"Fuck!" he groaned and started to slow down with his thrusts. He moaned and gave me some slow but powerful individual thrusts that had me calling his name again and again.

He fell on top of me and hid his face in the crook of my neck. He breathed heavily against my skin, so I wrapped my arms around him and started rubbing his back affectionately. His heart was beating loudly enough for me to feel it against my chest.

He landed several kisses on my jaw before sitting up and pulling out of me. I flinched at the sudden action and started feeling empty when he was out. He pulled the condom off and, after tying it, placed it back in the packet.

"Are you okay?" he inquired, a little worried as he looked into my eyes.

"I'm okay," I lied, pressing my thighs together to dull the ache.

He was drenched in sweat, making him look like he was sparkling.

I smiled at him, kissing the back of his palm. He chuckled and planted a quick peck on my lips before getting off the bed and stretching his arm. He was still semi-hard, and all I wanted was to reach forward to grab him. However, much to my disappointment, he picked up his briefs and put them on.

"The bedsheet is covered in blood; let me carry you to the other bedroom," he said, sitting on the bed, next to where I was lying.

"Of course, there is another bedroom," I rolled my eyes and tried to get up, but he stopped me. "I have to get dressed."

"Or you can stay like this," he traced his finger over my breast. "I won't mind sleeping next to a beautiful naked girl."

"What if I want to sleep next to a handsome naked guy?" I raised my brows in question.

"Fair!" he stood up and got rid of his briefs. "Now?"

I extended my hand toward him, after taking my time to check him out. He was a little embarrassed but said nothing. He smiled and picked me up in his arms, carrying me to the other room through the entrance hall. The hotel room was like a house in itself. I never knew there were hotel rooms like that.

The new bedroom was bigger than the previous one, and it looked like the one he was staying in. There were clothes thrown on the couch and I also noticed a MacBook on a wooden desk by the wall opposite the bed.

He pulled down the covers with his left foot before softly putting me on the bed. I laughed, shaking my head at him. He rolled his eyes at me like I had done before and climbed next to me. I pulled the covers while he used the remote on the nightstand to shut all the lights.

"Good night," I put my head against his muscular chest, feeling tired.

He yawned. "Night, Kat."

NEW HOUSE

Three Days Later,

“Miss Katherine! We’re going to be there in five.” The old chauffeur said, glancing at me through the rearview mirror.

I gave him a weak smile when our eyes met, but it quickly faded as soon as he turned his attention back to the road.

I sighed, trying to quell the nervous flutters in my stomach. My fingers fiddled with the hem of my shirt, and I looked out the window, trying to absorb the new environment. Washington was much greener and wetter than the dry town where I spent my teenage years.

The lush trees lined both sides of the winding road, their leaves glistening under the soft drizzle that had begun to fall. The air was cool and smelled of pine, a stark contrast to the dry, sun-baked earth I was used to. I’d always dreamed of visiting a place like that, but now that I was here, all I could feel was dread. My heart pounded against my chest as the feeling of unease consumed me.

I was moving in with seven stepbrothers, none of whom I had ever met, and without my mom there to make me feel welcome. My highly anti-social self was about to be thrust into a house full of strangers—boys, no less—in their territory while my mom was enjoying her vacations in Europe with their dad.

It was my fault, to be honest. I was the one who declined the invitation to their wedding. I could have met the whole family back then, and it was quite apparent that Derek wanted me there. There were two flight tickets along with the invitation, and yet, I chose to stay behind, making excuses about school and work.

Now, I was paying the price.

The car pulled up outside a gigantic mansion, and my breathing quickened. I stared at the white and gray structure with wooden panels and vast glass walls in places. It was one of those modern mansions with a flat roof and huge balconies, loaded with overgrown potted plants.

It was a nice-looking house, but the contrast against the forest seemed odd to me. My only experience with a mansion was from Dad’s estate in London, and it was a Victorian mansion with acres of open fields all around. This felt... odd, almost too structured, like something out of a architecture magazine.

I stepped out of the car, tucking the loose strands of my copper hair behind my ears and looking around nervously. There were four sports cars—a Lamborghini, an Audi, and two Porsches—parked in the driveway. They gleamed under the muted sunlight, and from inside the house, I could hear Taylor Swift blasting through the walls.

“That must be Alex. He likes to annoy his brothers by blasting loud music,” the chauffeur said, rolling my bag out from the trunk. He chuckled before continuing, “He’s around your age. All the others treat him like a king. You’ll either love him or absolutely hate him.”

“Do you love him, or hate him?” I asked, trying to gauge what kind of person Alex was.

“Probably hate,” he said with a laugh. “He’s spoiled and wastes money like water. But don’t judge him based on my feelings.”

I nodded, “Okay.”

As the old man knocked on the door, I felt my anxiety spike. I wasn't ready to meet them, yet, the door opened almost immediately, and a handsome man came into view. He had black hair and big brown eyes, hidden behind thick glasses. He looked older than me and seemed slightly surprised to see me standing there.

I forced out a polite smile for him as the chauffeur carried my bags inside the house. The man returned the favor with a weak attempt of his own, and suddenly, it was just the two of us standing awkwardly on his front porch, waiting for the other to say something.

Unable to stand still or look him in the eyes, I let my gaze drift inside the house, taking in the spacious entryway and modern décor. Maybe sensing my discomfort, he broke the silence.

“We’re not going to kill you if that’s what scares you,” the man said with a friendly smile. Though I could sense he was joking, I couldn't help but look at him in confusion out of habit. “Don’t have much interest in humor, got it. Anyway, I believe you’re Katherine, right? I’m Dev. Come inside.”

He leaned against the door frame, and I let out a sigh of relief, ready to leave the awkwardness that was dancing around us.

“Don’t like meeting new people?” he asked, noticing my actions. I shook my head, staring at the floor. “Well, there are only seven of us. It won’t be that hard.” He joked again, but I could only offer him a tight-lipped smile in return.

Talking to strangers for the first time has always been difficult for me… unless I was drunk, of course.

The night from three days ago flashed before my eyes, and a pang of sadness settled in my chest. I still remembered everything about that night, about Lucas, and those memories stung. The next morning, I had woken up in an empty bed. Lucas had left while I was still sleeping, leaving only a note behind, nothing else.

“I-I will be okay. Just some time, I’ll adjust,” I answered honestly, trying not to let my sadness show.

“That’s nice to hear,” Dev said in an encouraging, friendly voice. “Come on, let me show you around.”

His warm tone made me feel slightly better, but the anxiety still gnawed at me as I followed him through the entryway. The inside of the mansion was even more impressive than the outside. High ceilings, large windows letting in natural light, and sleek, modern furniture made it feel both luxurious and strangely impersonal.

“This place is huge,” I muttered, more to myself than to Dev.

“Yeah, it’s easy to get lost in here,” he replied with a chuckle but noticing the hint of fear in my eyes he added. “But don’t worry, you’ll find your way around soon enough.”

We passed by a room with the door slightly ajar, and I peeked inside to see a guy lounging on a beanbag chair, his eyes glued to a video game on the big screen. He had silver dyed hair, and his features were sharper, more intense than Dev. He looked up and met my gaze for a split second before returning his attention to the game, not saying a word.

“That’s Ian,” Dev said in a low voice as we continued walking. “He’s… quiet. Don’t take it personally if he doesn’t talk much.”

I nodded, trying to remember the name and the face that went with it.

We walked into another sitting area, and it was even larger than the previous one, which I assumed was the entrance hall. The space was overwhelming, making me feel even smaller and more out of place.

Dev glanced back at me, catching the awe in my eyes. “This is the family room,” he said with a slight smile, trying to ease my nerves.

I was immediately enveloped in an aura of modern luxury. The charcoal-gray furnishings at the center of the room were seamlessly blended with ivory-colored rug, creating a sophisticated contrast. Sunlight streamed through the massive windows above and the sliding doors that opened to the backyard, casting a golden glow on the polished marble floors beneath my feet.

Gilded accents caught my eye—from elegant chandeliers that hung gracefully overhead to a meticulously crafted coffee table in the room's center. Everything in the room screamed wealth and careful curation, from the plush cushions on the couches to the abstract paintings adorning the walls.

As we walked further in, I noticed a stunning water feature on the left, starting from the end of a conversation pit and flowing into the pool outside. I had never seen anything like it before. There was an art installation at the corner of the pit, a series of sleek metal sculptures that seemed to dance in the sunlight. Intrigued, I drifted closer, wanting to examine it further.

Just as I was about to reach out and touch one of the sculptures, I jumped back, startled by the sight of a man sprawled on the sofa. His presence had gone unnoticed until he shifted slightly, his disheveled hair falling over his eyes.

He groaned softly, stretching his arms above his head as he slowly woke up. His voice, thick with sleep, filled the room, “Is that our little sister?”

GAZEBO

“Little sister!”

I thought about the word and repeated it in my head, but it never felt authentic. It was weird listening to him call me ‘little sister’ when we were not siblings.

While it was true that our parents got married, I never gave much thought to that new relationship. Frankly, I didn't know if I wanted to because I wasn't blood-related to them. The whole idea of being part of a family I barely knew still felt foreign.

“Yeah, that’s Katherine,” Dev replied, his tone carrying a hint of amusement. He then turned towards me and added, “And this lazy guy over here is Neel.”

Neel sat up, rubbing his brown eyes before offering me a lopsided grin. “Welcome to the madhouse, Kat. Can I call you Kat?”

“Y-yeah,” I said hesitantly, feeling a bit awkward under his sleepy gaze.

“Relax, we’re not murderers here—well, apart from Ian.”

“Neel,” Dev warned, glaring at his brother, who looked exactly like him. They had the same facial structure, height, complexion, and eye colour. The only difference was the permanent tired look on Dev’s face and the curly hair of Neel.

“What? The guy doesn’t talk with any of us. We hardly know anything about him,” Neel said, falling back on the couch he was previously occupying.

“Come on, I’ll show you to your room,” Dev said, steering me away from his sleeping brother and the sudden awkwardness.

I followed him gratefully and as we climbed the stairs, Dev turned to me with a reassuring smile. “Everyone in this house is a character, so sometimes it might feel overwhelming. Also, some of my siblings don’t have the concept of personal space, so just tell them directly if you’re uncomfortable.”

I nodded my head, though I wasn’t so sure what he meant by that.

We stopped in front of a large wooden door, and Dev pushed it open, revealing a spacious bedroom. It was just as luxurious as the rest of the house, with a king-sized bed in the middle of the room, a massive balcony overlooking the forest, and a walk-in closet that seemed larger than my old bedroom back in Texas.

“This is your room,” Dev said, stepping aside to let me in. “I hope you like it.”

I walked in, feeling the plush carpet under my feet, and took a deep breath. The room was beautiful, but it felt foreign, like everything else in this house. I didn’t know how I was going to fit in here, how I was going to adjust to this new life.

But as I turned to thank Dev, I saw the kindness in his eyes, the warmth in his smile, and it gave me a small glimmer of hope. I told myself that maybe, just maybe, I could find a place for myself here if others were anything like him. And from what I saw, Neel wasn’t that unbearable.

“Thank you, Dev,” I said sincerely, feeling a bit more at ease. “This is all… it’s a lot, but I appreciate it.”

He shook his head, his smile widening. “Don’t thank me, it’s all Dad. He asked your mom about the things you like and dislike and furnished the room accordingly.”

“Derek?” I questioned in surprise.

“Yeah,” Dev chuckled. “He always wanted a daughter but instead got seven sons. I guess he’s happy to finally have a girl in the house.”

“Oh, I didn’t know that,” I said honestly. I had met Derek only once during my grandmother’s funeral, and back then, I was not in the mental state to notice anything about him. I wasn’t even sure how he looked. “I-I have to thank him when he returns.”

“Don’t worry much about it. Now, I’ve got some work to do. You can rest or unpack. I’ll be downstairs. Call me or anyone if you need any help.” With those words, he left me alone in the room, and I stood there, taking it all in.

The room was painted in different shades of violet and grey, my favourite colours. A lot of potted plants were scattered throughout the room, and a black-framed glass wall separated the bedroom and the closet. There was also a white chaise lounge, exactly like the one I had at my dad’s in London.

He actually tailored the room according to my liking, and I was surprised to find out that Mom knew those things about me.

My bags were by the bed, but I didn’t feel like unpacking them. I wasn’t tired either; I just wanted to be alone for some time. I walked up to the balcony to look at the forest. It wasn’t raining anymore, but the clouds still covered the sky.

I noticed a gazebo nestled in the forest and decided to see it, alone.

I made it out of the room, making sure not to make any noise, and went downstairs, looking around to be safe. I would have taken the back door if I knew my way around; instead, I had to follow my steps back.

I passed the family room, the room in which Ian was still playing video games, and made my way to the entrance hall. I was happy with the fact that no one saw me and slipped out of the front door. The cool breeze touched my face, and I instantly felt relaxed. The smell of nature invited me into its arms, and I made my way toward the wooden structure.

There was a trail that led directly to the gazebo. I assumed it belonged to Derek and went inside, taking a seat on the wooden bench. Surrounded by nature, I found myself relaxing.

I spent hours just sitting there in the woods, enjoying the noise of birds and watching tree squirrels running around. I didn’t know that Washington had squirrels. It was peaceful to not think about my new living conditions and just enjoy the outdoors.

I looked up when I heard a horn blow and saw a car pull up in the driveway. The sun had already set, with only the last rays lighting up the evening sky. A man in a suit walked out of the car and went inside the house. From the distance, I couldn’t see him properly, but somehow, I knew he was another one of them.

I once again closed my eyes, but within two minutes, I heard someone approaching.

I looked in the direction and saw a figure about my height walking toward me. I groaned and sat up more appropriately when he came near. He was wearing a huge smile, and when he entered the gazebo, I noticed he had light brown hair. He looked fragile with his small frame, wrapped in a pair of shorts that were shorter than mine and an oversized sweater.

“Hey, Katherine,” he said happily, extending his hand. “I’m Leo.”

Awkwardly, I took his hand in mine to shake and stood up. “H-hey, nice meeting you.”

“What are you doing here? Dev is looking for you inside. He’s quite worried, and Caspian is eating his head for not looking after you,” he said, standing way too close for my comfort.

“Oh, I didn’t know he would be in trouble,” I said, feeling terrible for causing him problems. “W-we… I should go back.”

“He’s not actually in trouble,” Leo said, following behind me, but I was already on my way back, speed walking. “Caspian just acts like he’s in charge, but we hardly pay him any mind. Jesus, girl, can you walk slower? My legs aren’t made for running.”

“I-I never asked you to follow me,” I said, slowing down as I reached the driveway.

He walked by my side, breathing heavily. “You’re a bitch, you know that?”

I ignored him and rang the bell, waiting for someone to open the door. Leo leaned against the wall, breathing with his mouth open. I was about to ring the bell again when the door opened, revealing another one of my stepbrothers. I looked at him and froze.

“Katherine?” he questioned, staring at me in confusion.

I stood there in silence, my body frozen in place. I couldn’t move, couldn’t speak, couldn’t even breathe. The room seemed to tilt, the walls closing in as my mind raced. The only question that cut through the fog of confusion was: Is Lucas my stepbrother?

CASPIAN

“You guys know each other?” Leo questioned, looking between the two of us, unaware of the storm raging in my heart.

The moment Lucas' eyes met mine, something unspoken passed between us—a flicker of recognition that sent a jolt through my entire body. The memory of that night came rushing back, the way he had made me feel both exhilarated and terrified at the same time. I never imagined I’d see him again, much less in my new home, as my stepbrother.

For a few agonizing seconds, we just stared at each other, both too stunned to speak. His expression shifted from confusion to something darker, his gaze narrowing as if he were trying to piece together the situation.

“What happened? Are you guys going to answer me?” Leo's voice cut through the tension, oblivious to the atmosphere between us. He tilted his head, eyes darting between Lucas and me.

Lucas recovered first, masking whatever thoughts were running through his mind with a charming smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“Yeah, we've met before,” he said smoothly, his voice carrying that same confidence I remembered all too well.

I forced a weak smile, my heart pounding in my chest.

“Y-yeah, we have met… briefly, back in Texas,” I managed to say, my voice sounding too small for the weight of the moment.

My mind was racing, trying to figure out what to do. The last thing I needed was for Leo or any of the brothers to find out about our past, especially not when everything was already so overwhelming. Luckily, Leo didn't press further and turned to smile at me.

“Well, that’s great. I wish I could have met you before.” He nudged me playfully, completely missing the undercurrent of tension.

Lucas’ smile faltered for a split second before he plastered it back on.

“It’s good to see you again, Katherine,” he said, his tone carrying an edge that sent a chill down my spine. His gaze lingered on me for a few seconds too long, as if daring me to reveal our secret.

“Y-yeah, you too,” I replied, my voice shaky. I couldn't help but wonder what was going on in his head. Did he plan on saying something? Exposing our past? I couldn’t read him, and that uncertainty gnawed at me.

“Well, let’s get inside. Caspian is probably waiting to lecture someone about house rules or whatever.” Leo pushed Lucas aside and gestured for me to come after him. He had a little jump in his walk and that made me smile.

He was really cute.

I was following behind him, all the while feeling Lucas’ gaze burning into the back of my head. As we entered the house and the door was closed behind me, I tried to focus on anything but him, but it was impossible to ignore the sinking feeling in my stomach.

How was I supposed to live under the same roof as Lucas after everything that had happened between us?

As we walked through the grand hallway, passing by the entrance hall, I felt Lucas close behind me, his presence unsettling. I tried to speed up when Leo took a turn and disappeared in the hallway, but Lucas grabbed me by the waist and had me pinned against the wall.

“What are you doing?”

He pressed himself against me, “We need to talk, alone. Wait for me in your room tonight.”

“Guys?” We heard Leo and he pulled away.

I jogged, trying not to dwell on what Lucas said; things were very confusing already. Leo was waiting for me in the hallway, and together we walked to the living room where Dev was on the phone, his brow furrowed with worry.

The moment he saw me, relief washed over his features.

“Katherine! Where were you? I was worried sick,” Dev said, hurrying over to me. His concern was genuine, but I couldn’t shake the anxiety clawing at me from within. “Yeah, she’s back,” he said to the person he was on call with. I

“Did you call Dad for that?” Leo questioned, glaring at Dev.

“Yeah, I’ll call you later, Dad.” Dev scratched the back of his neck awkwardly, not being able to look me in the eyes. “Yeah, good night.”

“Dude?!”

“I didn’t know what else to do.” Dev sat on the couch, ruffling his hair in frustration. “Caspian was way too angry and almost called the cops. I needed to tell Dad first.”

“I’m sorry,” I mumbled, looking down at my feet. “I just needed some air. I didn’t mean to cause you any problems.”

Dev sighed. “It’s okay. Just… let someone know next time, alright? We don’t even have your number. We thought you ran away.”

Leo, sensing the heavy atmosphere, quickly jumped in to lighten the mood. “Relax, Dev. She’s fine, and Caspian can go suck himself.”

Just then I heard someone clear their throat from my left and turned to see a man standing near the hallway with his arms crossed. He was glaring at Leo, who jumped and went to hug the man like he was seeing him after years. Leo wrapped his arms around the other man’s shoulders and legs around his waist.

“Leo!”

“What?! I missed you.” Leo hugged him tightly, hiding his face in the other man's neck. “I’m seeing you after like two days.”

The man carried Leo to the couch and sat down, Leo still wrapped around him.

I smiled politely as he looked at me, drawing circles with his fingers on Leo’s back. He looked intimidating in his formal attire—a pair of blue trousers and a white shirt. He had medium brown hair that was brushed neatly and a pair of beautiful light green eyes. This family was gifted with good genetics.

“You must be Katherine. I’m Caspian, the oldest in the house,” he introduced himself in a deep voice. “Where were you?”

“I-I…”

“She was in the gazebo,” Leo said when I started faltering. “I saw her leave from my balcony.”

“What?” Dev questioned, clenching his jaw. “Why didn’t you tell us when you saw him screaming at me for no reason?”

“I already apologized for that, Dev.” Caspian turned his head, and Dev looked away, mumbling under his breath. “Why didn’t you tell us?”

“Because I wasn’t sure she would be there. So, I went to check that place first before making any claims,” Leo said like he was explaining to a child. “And I brought her back, and also because it was quite funny.”

“You’re weird, Leo.” Lucas sat down on the loveseat and patted the place next to him. I contemplated whether I should take the offer or not in my head, but in the end, decided to sit because I thought it would look weird if I didn’t.

“I’m the weird one?” Leo questioned, glaring at Lucas. “You’re the one who went to meet her but didn’t tell us anything. That’s so strange and creepy if you ask me, and I’m pretty sure we need to buy Katherine pepper spray to keep him away.”

“Very mature.” Lucas sighed.

“You went to see her?” Caspian questioned, turning his attention to Lucas. “You two have met before?”

He was staring at me, and I felt very uncomfortable because of the way everyone’s eyes were fixated on us. There was no way I was going to confess what happened back in Austin between me and Lucas. So, I planned to lie, following Camilia’s advice of planting the lie on the foundation of truth to make it more believable.

“In a club three days ago. I didn’t know he was… one of you.” I managed to speak, leaning on the couch. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because I didn’t know you either. I thought you were just a random girl in the club, dancing and drinking with her friends.” He carried on with his story, looking just as annoyed as me.

“Did he flirt with you?” Leo questioned, and my heartbeat sped up.

FOUNDER

“What do you think of me, Leo?” Lucas asked, narrowing his eyes at his brother. Leo, still comfortably perched on Caspian’s lap, shrugged nonchalantly. Lucas clenched his jaw and said, “I don’t flirt with every girl I see.”

“That’s hard to believe,” Neel commented, entering the room from what I assumed was the kitchen. I could see a kitchen island behind him, though everything else was hidden behind a wall separating the two rooms.

“Then don't believe.”

“What were you doing in the kitchen?” Caspian asked, absently scratching Leo’s head like a caring mother. The chauffeur wasn’t kidding when he said the other brothers treat Leo like a king. “I told you not to have snacks before dinner.”

Neel rolled his eyes and took a seat on the armchair in front of the fireplace. “I just had a single cookie. I was starving.”

“Because you skipped lunch. How many times do I have to tell you to eat lunch?” Dev shook his head, making me feel even more uncomfortable sitting there.

“Skipping meals is not good for your health. You are not a child, Neel. Learn to take care of yourself.” Caspian joined and Neel looked away.

“Anyway,” Lucas interjected, looking at Caspian as if to convey something silently. “He is not going to die because he ate some cookies. Let him live.”

The three brothers seemed to communicate silently before Caspian looked at me. “I’m sorry, Katherine, I forgot you were here. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”

“Wow! Way to make her feel welcome in the house,” Leo chimed in, hiding his face in Caspian’s chest before he could glare at him.

“I really hate you sometimes, you know that, right?” Caspian said, trying to pull Leo away. “Again, I'm sorry Katherine, that's not what I meant.”

“No-no… it's fine,” I stammered, trying not to draw more attention to myself. “I understand; it’s my first day here after all. It would take some time.”

Just then, Caspian’s phone rang interrupting the moment. He glanced at the screen and then tried putting Leo down but the youngest Salvatore was not having it. I chuckled when I saw the way Leo wrapped his hand and leg around Caspian, not ready to let go.

“I have to take this. It’s Dad,” He said, and finally, Leo loosened his grip, falling on the couch gently. Caspian gave me an apologetic look before stepping out of the room.

Once Caspian left, the atmosphere lightened a bit. The brothers started to talk more freely and tried to engage me in their conversation too, asking me about my likes and dislikes, my interests, and what I thought of Washington so far.

I tried to talk without stuttering, and the boys were nice enough to give me time to form my sentences. It was a relief to talk about something other than the tension-filled interactions earlier. But at the back of my head, the thought of Lucas sitting next to me still bothered me.

After a while, Caspian returned, his expression serious but calm. “Katherine, would you mind coming to my study?”

“What happened?” Lucas questioned, straightening his back. He was worried about something.

“Nothing happened. We need to discuss some things about her college before she starts.” I nodded, feeling a flutter of anxiety in my chest.

“I am coming too,” Leo announced, jumping on his feet.

“No, you're not,” Caspian said bluntly and Leo pouted like a child, pleading. “It is related to her studies, which is personal and not something to be shared with everyone.”

“Come on, Katherine.” He ordered and started walking. As I followed him down the hallway, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of foreboding.

When we entered his study, my eyes looked all around, noticing the smallest of details. It was a beautifully decorated room that was sleek and modern, with dark wood furnishings and shelves lined with numerous books. It smelled nice too, like autumn.

I went toward his desk, walking behind him when my foot slipped on something—a pencil. Before I could catch myself, Caspian’s strong arms wrapped around me, pulling me close to his chest. I grabbed on his shoulder and opened my eyes, realizing I was safe. For a moment, everything else faded as I looked into his green eyes.

Our faces were incredibly close, our lips almost brushing and I felt his breath on my skin. His hand rested firmly on my lower back, dangerously close to my ass. My breath caught in my throat, and I felt goosebumps rise on my skin at the contact. The urge to close the gap between us was almost overwhelming, but I resisted, my heart pounding in my chest.

Caspian quickly steadied me and helped me stand up properly.

“I’m sorry about that. You aren't hurt, are you?” he said, his voice a bit huskier than before. I shook my head and he took a step back, clearing his throat, and gestured for me to take a seat in the chair opposite his desk. “Please, have a seat.”

“Thanks,” I managed, still trying to calm my racing heart as I took the seat. I didn't know what was wrong with me, first Lucas and now Caspian. They were both my stepbrothers, and I shouldn't have had the thoughts I was having.

He picked up the pencil and moved behind his desk. I was still trying to calm the rush of emotions from our brief encounter. Caspian settled into his chair, his expression returning to its usual calm and composed demeanour. However, I noticed the blush on his cheeks as he switched his computer.

“Dad tell me to look over your program and make sure everything is set for the upcoming semester,” he said, unbothered by what happened.

I felt a pang of worry when his words registered in my head. I knew nothing about my admission process because Mom assured me that Derek would take care of everything. “Is there a problem with my admission?”

“No, everything is fine.” He answered, his eyes on the screen. “This is just some preliminary process that one does before starting the semester. You won't have to go through the registration process in the campus to get your syllabus and timetable. I will send it in your mail.”

“How can you do that from your personal computer?” I asked, frowning in confusion. “Are you like in the administration of the university?”

Caspian looked up from the computer and met my gaze. “Wait, you don't know?”

“Don’t know what?”

He chuckled, “Dad is on the board of the trustees of St. Louis. My grandfather was the founder of St. Louis.”

HARRY

My eyes widened at the revelation.

I stared at Caspian in disbelief, trying to process what he had just said. “Derek is on the Board and your family founded St. Louis?” I repeated, my voice filled with astonishment.

Caspian nodded, a small smile playing at the corner of his mouth. “Can’t believe they didn't tell you? I thought you knew it all along.”

“I didn't,” I admitted, feeling a mixture of surprise and relief.“I thought he was just a businessman, had no idea about St. Louis.”

Caspian leaned back on his chair, observing my reaction. “Dad doesn't like to talk about himself much, but I thought your mother would have told you. Anyway, just know, dad has always been more focused on making sure everyone around him is taken care of and now that includes you too.”

I couldn't help but feel warmth spread through my chest at his words. “Thank you, all of you for doing so much for a stranger.”

“You are not a stranger.” He leaned forward and took my hand on his own. I had goosebumps all over my body by his mere touch. “Not anymore. And I know it sounds crazy but I feel like I have known you my entire life.”

I chuckled, looking down at our connected hands. “I appreciate everything Derek and you have done for me. I-I was worried about starting college, classes, now… now I feel better.”

“Good, you don't have to worry about anything,” Caspian said, his voice softening. In that moment, the stern, intimidating aura he was projecting earlier seemed to fade. “You are part of the family now, Katherine. I will take care of everything, you just focus on settling in and your studies.”

I nodded, grateful for his reassurance. His words were comforting, but they also stirred something else inside me—an awareness of the complexities that lay beneath the surface of this family. Even though they weren't related to me by blood, I knew I had to respect the new relationship, and that meant ending whatever it was with Lucas.

“Now, we are mostly done, you can go back. I will look after everything else.” Caspian continued, shifting back into his usual business-like tone. “If you need anything, whether it’s about school or anything else, don’t hesitate to ask.”

I nodded, feeling a bit more at ease. “I will. Thank you, Caspian.”

He smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling slightly, and for a fleeting moment, I wondered what it would be like to truly know him, beyond the authoritative figure he often portrayed.

As I stood to leave, Caspian’s voice stopped me. “One more thing, Katherine.”

I turned back to face him, curiously. “Yes?”

“About earlier… I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable,” he said, his tone sincere. “It wasn’t my intention.”

I felt a blush creep up my cheeks as I recalled how close we had been. “It’s okay,” I replied quickly, not wanting to dwell on it. “Really.”

Caspian nodded, seeming satisfied with my response. “Alright. I’ll let you go, then. I’m sure you need to settle in.”

I offered him a small smile before leaving the study, my mind swirling with everything that had happened. I initially thought about joining the others in the family room. I could hear their laughter and chatter echoing faintly down the hallway, a stark contrast to the tension I’d just experienced.

But the day had already been overwhelming, and I was exhausted—physically and emotionally. I decided I needed some time to myself, to process everything and just… breathe.

Instead of heading toward the family room, I turned toward the staircase, deciding to retreat to my bedroom for some much-needed rest. As I reached the top of the staircase, a soft mewing caught my attention. I paused, looking around to pinpoint the source of the sound.

It was faint, but unmistakable—a kitten. Intrigued, I followed the noise down the hallway until I reached a partially open door. Gently pushing it open, I peered inside and saw a small, black kitten curled up on the floor.

My heart melted at the sight. The kitten was absolutely adorable, its glossy fur gleaming under the soft light filtering through the room. Unable to resist, I stepped inside and knelt down, reaching out a hand to the tiny creature. The kitten looked up at me with wide, curious eyes before rubbing its head against my hand, purring softly.

“Hey there, little one,” I whispered, smiling as I gently scratched behind its ears. The kitten responded by playfully swatting at my fingers, making me laugh.

I was so absorbed in the moment that I didn’t notice when someone entered the room. “Who are you?”

I turned to see a guy standing in the doorway to what must have been an en-suite bathroom. He was tall, with a toned body, clad only in a pair of black boxer briefs. He had a towel in his hand, probably for drying his hair, and he stared at me kneeling on the floor, playing with a kitten.

My eyes widened in surprise, “Oh! Uh, I didn’t realize anyone was in here,” I said, voice tinged with embarrassment. “The door was open.”

“Okay, but who are you?” He repeated, trying to hide the growing bulge in his brief with the towel.

I blinked, my face heating up as I registered what was going on. “I-I’m Katherine, Jenny's daughter.” I stammered, quickly standing up and turning my back to him, trying to give him some privacy. “I heard the kitten and… I didn’t mean to intrude!”

The chuckled softly, seemingly more amused than annoyed. “It’s fine. I should’ve closed the door. I forgot that we were going to have a girl living with us now.”

I couldn’t bring myself to look at him, my cheeks burning with embarrassment. “I didn’t know this was your room… I’ll, uh, just go now.”

But before I could make a hasty retreat, he stepped forward, the towel now wrapped around his waist. “Wait, don’t rush off,” he said, his tone light. “If you like the kitten, you can stay and play with her. She doesn’t get much attention from the others.”

I hesitated, torn between fleeing the room and staying to spend more time with the adorable kitten. The guy didn’t seem bothered by the situation—if anything, he was taking it in stride. Slowly, I turned back around, careful to keep my gaze above his waist. Bad Idea.

“You sure?” I asked, still feeling awkward.

“Yeah, of course.” He offered me a friendly smile, his easygoing nature putting me slightly more at ease. “Besides, Leo’s probably still annoying the hell out of everyone downstairs. You’re safer up here.”

That made me laugh, the tension between us easing just a bit. “Alright, I’ll stay for a little while.”

“Oh, I forgot. I am Harry.” He scratched the back of his hair, while I looked at his body.

“Nice to meet you, Harry.” I offered him my hand that he took without any hesitation and gave a firm handshake.

“Now, if you won't mind. I'll like to dry my hair and change.”

I nodded shyly and he went back into the closet. The kitten mewed again, drawing my attention back down. I knelt once more and resumed playing with the little ball of fur. Harry came back, this time in a pair of joggers that did nothing to hide his erection.

As I petted the kitten, I couldn’t help but sneak glances at Harry while he dried his hair with the towel, still feeling a bit flustered. He was clearly in great shape, his toned body showed his dedication to fitness. After a few minutes he, with the towel around his shoulders came to sit on the floor. Way too close to me.

“So, how’s your first day here been?” Harry asked, breaking the silence.

I smiled faintly, scratching the kitten under its chin. “It’s been… eventful, to say the least.”

Harry chuckled, nodding. “Yeah, I bet. This house can be a lot to take in.”

“I get the feeling,” I said and he reached forward to play with the cat.

I felt his chest pressing on my shoulder and I couldn't help but turn to find him staring at me.