Forbidden Flames: My Stepbrother

Note: This is the second book in the Forbidden Flames series. While it can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the books in sequence. 

***

Alex's P.O.V.

Fuck! My life is a totally fucked up.

I'm on my way to pick up my stepmother and stepsister from the airport-two complete strangers who are about to invade my life. I didn't want to go, but my father was busy with some meetings and forced me to do it.

I hate this. I hate everything about this situation. Even though my parents' marriage wasn't great and I grew up watching them yell at each other, I still can't accept the idea of someone else taking my mother's place. How am I supposed to just welcome this woman and her daughter into my life? Just like that?

Although I usually love driving, today I'm sitting in the passenger seat of the Range Rover, letting the driver handle it. I can't even bear the thought of standing outside with a sign, waiting for two people I don't even want to meet. And I didn't bring my car because there's no way I'm letting strangers sit in it.

I don't even know what they look like. My father showed me pictures once, but I didn't care enough to remember. I'm sure of one thing: I'm never going to accept them. I'm already hating them before even meeting them because I had to skip basketball practice-the first time in my life-to pick them up. Basketball is my life.

And now, I'm stuck here, going to the airport instead of being where I actually should be.

***

My driver stands outside the terminal, holding up a sign with their names on it while I sit in the car, getting bored.

A few minutes later, I spot them walking over toward the car. Just from their clothes, I can tell exactly where they come from and where they're headed-to my father's wallet.

The driver helps them with their luggage while I remain seated, staring straight ahead. They climb into the backseat, chattering, but I don't bother looking at them. I don't care who they are. I'm here because I have to be, not because I want to be.

"Hello, Alex," they say in unison, their voices all too cheerful for my liking, and I roll my eyes.

"Hi," I reply in a flat tone, sliding my shades over my eyes. I'm not at all interested in talking to them.

I glance in the rearview mirror, and my eyes fall on Stella, my stepsister. Her blonde hair with streaks of brown hair brushes her shoulders, and those eyes-they catch my attention. Golden-brown, it's the first time I have seen a woman with this eye colour. I can't deny she's attractive, but I immediately shut down the thought.

Stop it, Alex! She's your stepsister. You should hate her, instead of finding her attractive.

"Will you give me a tour of New York?" Stella asks suddenly, her voice filled