Two Brothers: A Twin Stepbrother Ménage Romance Page 10

  I tried, I really did. I closed my eyes and pressed my face to Derek’s, kissing him hotly. I kept waiting for the passion and lust to ignite in my belly. But instead of feeling aroused, I felt guilty and ashamed. Damien’s face popped into my mind, and I pulled away from Derek, shaking my head.

  “Emma, what is it?” Derek asked. “I just paid like, four hundred dollars for two damn duck breasts!”

  I narrowed my eyes and straightened up in my bucket seat. “And…you think that somehow entitles you to my breasts?”

  Derek sighed. “Emma, I’m sorry, I don’t know. I just…I thought we had something going on,” he said, frowning at me. “What’s wrong?”

  I felt helpless and trapped. “I…I don’t know,” I said, shaking my head and swallowing nervously. “We did have something going on.”

  “And now it’s over? Did you meet someone?”

  Tears welled up in my eyes, and I bit my lip to keep from crying. But when a sob hit me, I knew it was over. I buried my face in my hands as the tears streamed down my face.

  “Emma!” Derek said. He sounded shocked. “What the hell is going on?”

  I sighed and shuddered. “I…I’ve been sleeping with Damien,” I said quietly. “And I think I’ve fallen in love with him. I’m sorry, Derek, I can’t do this anymore. I still think you’re really hot…I just…”

  Derek stared at me with his jaw hanging open. It was the least composed I’d ever seen him.

  “I’m sorry,” I whispered quietly. “I didn’t want you to find this way.”

  Derek didn’t move a muscle. He stared at me for what felt like an uncomfortably eternity. Finally, he clenched his jaw, and I saw his face turn red with anger.

  “I can’t fucking believe this,” Derek growled. “You have got to be kidding me, Emma.”

  “I wish I were,” I said softly, still sobbing. “I….”

  “Shut up,” Derek growled. He pushed the gearshift into drive and shot out of the alley.

  “Where are we going?” I asked fearfully. “Are you taking me home?”

  A muscle in Derek’s jaw twitched. “No,” he growled. “And you don’t get to talk anymore, you get that?”

  I flopped back against the seat, feeling guilty and massively relieved all at once. What I’d said to Derek hadn’t been an exaggeration – I hadn’t wanted him to find, at least, not from me. But somehow, now that I’d admitted everything, I felt strangely at peace. I don’t have to hide anymore, I thought with relief as I stared out the window. Darkness had fallen, and now we were whizzing through New Jersey at an alarming rate.

  When Derek missed the exit for Mom and Jack’s house, I knew that he wasn’t taking me home. My stomach twisted and churned with anxiety as Derek sped through the darkness. Suddenly, a panicked thought entered my brain: what if Derek was going to tell them, my parents?

  I shivered. Just as I was about to hesitantly ask where we were going, Derek pulled into a driveway. I watched his headlights bounced across a familiar driveway.

  “You brought me over to Damien’s?” I asked angrily. “Really, Derek?”

  “Shut up,” Derek growled. “I told you, you don’t get to talk.” He parked the car and viciously yanked the keys out of the ignition. “Come on, Emma, we’re going inside.”

  Reluctantly, I climbed out of the car and followed Derek up the steps. Damien lived in a luxury condominium complex – I’d only been to his place once or twice in the past, usually with Mom when we were picking up something that Jack needed. It was the first time I’d be inside Damien’s home without either Mom or Jack.

  “And Emma, I want to make this very clear,” Derek said, lowering his voice when we were almost to the front door. “He’s probably in there with another woman. You sure you feel like you love him?”

  Derek’s words stung, but I knew they likely weren’t untrue.

  “Yes,” I said. “I feel the same.”

  Derek rolled his eyes. “You’re hopeless,” he said. “I can’t believe you, Emma. You really are stupid, and immature.”

  I narrowed my eyes. “Just because I don’t want you doesn’t mean I’m stupid,” I shot back. “You can be a real jerk, you know that?”

  Derek shook his head. “Whatever,” he mumbled. Then he knocked loudly on the door. “Damien!” Derek yelled. “Get your ass out here!”

  Seconds later, I heard heavy footsteps, and the door swung open. When Damien saw me, he narrowed his eyes.

  “What the fuck is going on,” Damien asked. “Why are you here?”

  Derek shoved Damien in the chest, and he staggered backward, grabbing hold of the wall so he wouldn’t fall. Then Derek grabbed my wrist and yanked me inside, kicking the door shut behind him.

  “Hey,” Damien said angrily. “I have neighbors, remember?”

  Derek rolled his eyes. “Oh, you’re just the angel of consideration,” he said sarcastically.

  “Why are you here?” Damien repeated, crossing his arms over his chest. “Because I don’t have time for another temper tantrum, Derek. I’m busy.”

  “With what? Some bimbo in your bedroom?”

  “With work, asshole,” Damien growled.

  Derek rolled his eyes. “Yeah, right,” he said. “I bet you don’t even know what that word means.”

  By the angry gleam in his eye, I expected Damien to punch Derek. Instead, he shrugged and sighed.

  “I won’t do this with you, not right now, not with her here,” Damien said. “Stop being a child, Derek.”

  “Fine,” Derek said. He turned to me. “Emma, why don’t you tell him why we’re here?”

  My cheeks flamed bright red, and fresh tears welled in my eyes. Damien caught my eye and stared at me for a long time. Then he chuckled under his breath.

  “Emma, don’t say anything,” Damien said gently. “I think I can guess exactly what my younger brother is doing here.”

  “Oh?” Derek asked sarcastically, crossing his arms over his lean chest. “Really, now?”

  “Yeah,” Damien said. “Emma must have told you that she and I have been seeing each other for the past few weeks.”

  Derek did a double-take.

  “And I’m guessing you slept with her, maybe once or twice,” Damien continued. “And now she doesn’t want you anymore because she wants me instead.”

  Derek growled under his breath. “Fuck you,” he snarled.

  Damien laughed. “Man, chill out. I could practically read your mind as soon as you stomped in here.” He turned to me. “Emma, is that what happened?”

  I nodded as a tear ran down my cheek.

  “I wanna fight you,” Derek growled. “I want to fight you for her!”

  Damien laughed again. “Don’t be a child,” he said. “She made her choice.”

  Derek threw a powerful punch but Damien darted to the side, and Derek’s fist landed on the wall, shattering the plaster and forming a large hole.

  “Are you done yet?” Damien asked calmly. He crossed his arms over his chest and cocked his head to the side. “And before you leave, you can write me a check for the damage.”

  Derek glared. “I hate you,” he said under his breath. “You’re a real pig, you know that?”

  Damien shrugged. “Like I said, the lady made her choice,” he said.

  Derek stared at Damien for a long time before shifting his gaze to me and groaning in disgust. I watched as he turned on his heel and slumped out of Damien’s condo, slamming the door behind him. When he was gone, I was afraid to look at Damien.

  “Emma,” Damien said quietly. “Are you all right?”

  I nodded. “I think so,” I said softly. Biting my lip, I looked up into his gorgeous eyes. “Do you want me to go, too?”

  Damien shook his head. He put an arm around me and pulled me close. “No,” Damien whispered into my ear before pulling me close and kissing me. “I want you to stay.”

  Chapter Nine

  Damien and I spent the weekend together. I was amazed at how easy being with him was – s
omehow, now that everything was out in the open, I felt relaxed and happy just to spend time with the man I adored.

  Derek tried calling me twice, but I didn’t pick up, and he didn’t leave a message.

  “What am I going to do about him?” I asked Damien nervously. “Do you think he’ll tell Mom and Jack?”

  Damien shrugged. “I don’t know, honestly,” he said. “He’s a loose cannon.”

  I bit my lip and frowned. “God, I don’t want Mom to know! I’d be so embarrassed.”

  Damien gave me an odd look. “Emma, calm down,” he said. “You have nothing to freak out about, okay? We’re both consenting adults.”

  I blushed hotly. “But…you’re my stepbrother,” I said, frowning. “That doesn’t look right. It’s like incest.”

  Damien burst out laughing. “Trust me, Emma, it’s not incest,” he said. “Everything’ll be fine.” He raised an eyebrow and smirked his trademark smirk. “Besides, they’ll find out eventually.”

  I bit my lip. “I guess that’s true,” I said softly. “I shouldn’t worry so much.”

  Damien put his hands on my shoulders and pulled me close. “It’s okay, Emma – I get it,” he said softly. “Just try to relax, okay? Take a deep breath for me.”

  I sighed. “Okay,” I said. “Thank you.”

  Damien raised an eyebrow. “You sure there’s nothing else on your mind?”

  I frowned.

  “You can tell me,” Damien said encouragingly. “I promise.”

  “It’s nothing,” I said hesitantly. “It’s just…I don’t know, on the way over here, Derek said something strange.”

  “What did he say?” Damien asked, narrowing his eyes. “I hope you wouldn’t listen to that crazy fuck, anyway.”

  “He said you were over here with another girl,” I said softly. I swallowed. “I think that was actually why he brought me here, he wanted you to catch me off guard.”

  Damien rolled his eyes and snorted. “No, Emma, I wasn’t with anyone else.” He looked at me. “I haven’t been with anyone else since I started sleeping with you.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes,” Damien said. “I swear, Em, I wouldn’t lie to you.”

  I wrapped my arms around Damien, melting with relief. Hearing him say the words that I’d been praying for felt even better than expected.

  “Are you okay, now?” Damien asked.

  I nodded. “I’m fine,” I said softly. “Thank you.”

  When Damien dropped me off at home, I was hoping to sneak inside and up to my room before Mom could notice me. But I hadn’t even left the foyer when she came out of the kitchen with her hands on her hips.

  “Emma, where have you been?” Mom asked. “You’ve been gone all weekend!”

  “I’m sorry,” I said. “I know I should have called or let you know. I’m fine, though.” I yawned. “I’m just exhausted.” Having sex with Damien really wore me out, I thought. I can’t remember the last time I felt so lethargic!

  Mom narrowed her eyes. “I know I shouldn’t be so overprotective,” she said. “After all, you are an adult now. Just remember, while you live in my house, I’d appreciate a little heads’ up.”

  I nodded. “You’re totally right,” I said. “I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.”

  Mom nodded. “Okay, well, are you hungry? I’m making some lunch for Jack and myself – tuna fish, does that sound good?”

  I frowned. Normally, I loved tuna…but somehow, thinking about it made me want to throw up. My stomach twisted with nausea and I swallowed hard, breathing through in nose in a desperate attempt to feel normal again.

  “I’m fine,” I managed to say. “I’m going upstairs – I’m going to lie down for a while.”

  Mom nodded. “Okay,” she said. “But I don’t want you sleeping all day! Tonight, we’re having dinner as a family,” she said sternly.

  I flushed. “With Damien and Derek?”

  “No,” Mom said with a sigh. “Jack doesn’t want me bothering them right now. Did you know Derek spent the weekend in the office? That was why I was worried about you because I knew you couldn’t possibly be with him,” she added. “Personally, I think they need a break and a good, home-cooked meal. You just know they’re living on pizza!”

  I flushed hotly, thinking of my weekend with Damien. “Okay,” I managed to say. “Well, I’ll be down in a little bit. And I’ll have dinner with you and Jack.”

  Mom nodded, looking satisfied. “Thank you,” she said. “I appreciate that.”

  It felt like our short talk had taken an excruciatingly long time. By the time Mom went back into the kitchen, humming under her breath as she fixed the fish, I bolted upstairs. My nausea was worse than ever, and I went into the bathroom and sat on the lip of the tub, waiting to vomit into the toilet. But frustratingly enough, it didn’t come.

  I’m probably just exhausted, I thought as I got to my feet. Maybe I’ll feel better after a nap.

  The cotton sheets of my bed felt gloriously cool and relaxing, and my eyes closed like iron doors the moment my head hit the pillow. I’ll just sleep for a few hours, I thought, yawning and snuggling under the blankets. I’m sure I’ll be fine when I wake up.

  Hours later, I stirred, waking slowly. I felt groggy and disoriented, and my formerly-sunny bedroom was dark. Frowning, I sat up in bed and stretched before swinging my legs over the side and getting to my feet. I was still wearing the outfit I’d worn to dinner with Derek, days ago, so I quickly changed into a pair of jeans and a clean shirt before running downstairs. My nausea was still growing strong, but I was starting to think that maybe it was only because I hadn’t eaten very much over the weekend – Damien and I had been so busy making love that we’d barely come up for air.

  Mom and Jack were at the dinner table, having coffee and cake.

  “I’m sorry I overslept,” I said with a guilty smile. “I must have been really tired.”

  Mom nodded. “It’s fine,” she said. “I checked on you a couple of times, and you were out like a light. Want me to make you a sandwich?”

  “Don’t get up, Nadine,” Jack said. “Emma’s an adult, she can make her own dinner.”

  “Definitely,” I said. “Don’t worry about it.” I yawned again.

  “Honey, are you coming down with something?” Mom asked. “You don’t look well.”

  “Maybe,” I said with a shrug. “It’s fine. I’ll just make a sandwich.”

  “Clean up after yourself,” Jack called after me. “I don’t want your mother spending all night cleaning the kitchen.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Sure,” I called over my shoulder. “Don’t worry about it.” What’s gotten into him, I wondered as I went into the kitchen and started fixing myself a sandwich. But as soon as I peered into the fridge to look for cold cuts, the overwhelming smell of tuna hit my senses and I gagged. Whirling away from the fridge, I barely made it to the kitchen sink before spewing vomit all over the shiny, stainless-steel surface.

  “Emma?” Mom called from the dining room. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine!” I called back loudly, turning on the sink and the garbage disposal. After I’d thoroughly rinsed the sink, I made myself a small plate of plain crackers and peanut butter. I didn’t want to risk opening the fridge and smelling the tuna fish again, so I poured myself a glass of tap water and carried everything upstairs to my room.

  Seeing my bed again made me yawn. I’ll just lie down for a second, I thought. And then I can eat some crackers, and I’ll feel better.

  As soon as I lay down, I fell asleep.

  --

  In the morning, I woke up and groaned. The plate of crackers and peanut butter was still there, untouched. I reached for my now-warm glass of water and took a small sip, coughing violently until pain spread through my body. I climbed out of bed and pulled on a robe, then slunk into my bathroom and turned on the water. When it was steaming hot, I undressed and stood under the hot spray. My breasts were surprisingly tender and painful, and I cri
ed out as the pellets of water lashed at my sensitive skin. I turned around and let the spray soak my hair and back, closing my eyes and breathing in the steam.

  As soon as I was out of the shower, I called Ana.

  “I’m not feeling well,” I said. “I…I think something’s wrong.”

  “Like what?” Ana asked. She sounded perplexed. “What’s going on, Emma?”

  “I think I need to go to the doctor,” I said. “Can you pick me up?”