Ten

We stare at each other, both of our eyes wide. Like we just woke up from a century's worth of sleep and realizing the change in the world. We were surprised at what just happened. I can't read the expression on Ryder's face. I can't tell if he regrets what just happened or it's just part of what to expect.

"I'm just going to leave," I mutter. I stand up and straighten my blouse, stepping away from him. It didn't take me any second before I exited his room, not glancing back to spare him a look.

I leaned against my door the moment I'm in my room and closed the door behind me. I stood there blinking for forever and staring into eternity. I placed my hands over my chest to stop my racing heart. There is no logical explanation for what just happened.

I just freaking kissed my stepbrother. The guy who weeks ago is the last person I ever wished to come across. The guy who infuriates and makes my blood boil. The guy I seriously wish to get away from. The guy who never dated girls. The guy who still happens to be my stepbrother.

What the hell is going on with me? What was I thinking?

So, what now? Not only did he miss me, I kissed him back too. Hard. With every passion in me.

I even moaned.

Oh God!

I clasp my hands over my mouth. I really wish the ground would open and cover me. What are we going to do now because one sure thing is that we're fucked up.

Did I regret the kiss? Absolutely no.

I'm not sure Ryder feels the same. I'm trying to think of what he'll be thinking right now. Does he regret it? Will he suggest we pretend it never happened and go back to normal. And Lexi, am I going to tell her I accidentally kissed my new Stepbrother.

A lot of thoughts run through my mind as I think of the possible outcome of what just happened.

A knock on my door almost had me jumping away from the door. I'm shocked.

"Genie, are you in there?" It's my mother's voice. I swallowed. Am I going to tell her too?

"Genie" I heard her call again.

I only need to act normal. Like how a girl who hasn't just kissed her stepbrother would look like.

I inhaled a deep breath then exhaled.

Keep it together Genie. At least for tonight until we figure out what happened between us. It's no big deal.

Hesitantly and slowly, I finally opened the door.

"Didn't hear you get back" I say.

How could I when my tongue is down Ryder's own minutes ago. I shrugged the thought away. Seeing mom right now, I felt like I betrayed her.

"Some minutes ago. You look so pale is anything the matter dear" She looked worried.

"Just worried about my upcoming test" I muttered, offering her the dumbest excuse ever. School resumed some weeks ago and the test isn't due until another month. I suck at lying because my face is like an open book. You will easily tell when I'm lying.

She nodded. "You should get some rest. I'll bring your dinner up"

"Is your brother in?" She glanced at Ryder's closed door.

The words almost make me throw up. I feel nothing but disgust at myself, disgrace at the incestuous act I’ve just committed. I can't even bear looking at his door because behind that lies the lies of my atrocities.

"I'm not sure, haven't seen him all day" I murmured. I couldn't even bear looking back at my mom without her seeing the lies in them. Yet another lie in less than five minutes.

I run my hands over my hair as I watch her descend the stairs. I entered my room and locked the door, having no intention of going back downstairs and facing either my mum or James without feeling guilty.

The following morning, I was surprised to find Ryder up before me. I mean he never gets up early on weekends if he's not having any games. My mind couldn't help but drift back to the event of yesterday. Is he going to pretend nothing happened? I tried so many times to catch his eyes but he wasn't even looking my way. A part of me felt betrayed but the better part felt it's for the best.

"We're all going to have breakfast together as a family. I know we've been busy lately, with both our schedules and the wedding coming up later and we didn't really give much time into family"

Well…

"I've picked some places and have our table reserved" My mom sounded extremely excited as she announced the impromptu family breakfast thing.

She smiled as she waited for both of our reactions and I realised how much I've missed her. While it was me and her, we did make out time for me but now, between getting a new husband and the marriage arraignment all of her time has been taken away.

"It's okay" I chirped. It's not like I have any choice. I'm dreading sitting together at the same time with Ryder without bursting out. Standing together in the same room was enough to make me go mad. Why isn't he saying anything?

Does he hate me now? Or again?

I went back into my room to change and I got back downstairs, we're all ready to go. Except Ryder. It took us another five minutes waiting before he showed up and when he did, the worst happened.

"Don't tell me you're going to wear that" James sounded angry. His expression hardens as he watches What Ryder was putting on. I glanced back at Ryder and didn't see anything wrong in what he's putting on. A short sleeve shirt and jeans with no belt.

"Isn't that what I'm putting on right now?"

"You go back inside and put proper clothes on like a responsible kid. I won't condone any of your unruly behavior and that starts with your dressing"

It finally dawned on me what James was referring to. The short sleeve showed a reasonable amount of Ryder's Tattoo. Somehow I knew he cared about being perfect but I didn't know he wasn't a fan of Ryder's Tattoo. I remember Ryder telling me his dad calls his art trash. I can finally understand what he means.

"If you cared about being decent then mom will be here now. Hell she wouldn't even have to leave in the first place" Ryder yells back. His face is angry. I've seen him blow up so many times but not like this. He looks at his dad with so much indignation.

"Ryder, Go back inside now!" James commanded.

"Are you ashamed of me?" He laughs. "Are you afraid everyone's going to see your kid with the ratio while you fool them go play a father role when you did not shit!" He yells.

"You listen and do as I say while you're still under me" James yells back equally agitated.

Mom and I exchanged glances, both of us confused and not daring to interfere. All I had thought was that Ryder get along with his dad. He's cool and the perfect heir to James Saint's wealth.

"To hell with you. I never wanted to be here in the first place. I hated that I had to be with you and not her and you know what, I'm leaving once I become legal." His nostrils flare up as he points his finger. He looked at me, his expression pained before going back inside.

"Let's go," James said to us, making his way to his car. I stare back at my mom, she's shocked at this sudden outburst. Well, neither of us was expecting to watch this beautiful morning turn sour or James getting mad at his son. I nodded for her to follow him.

"I'm just going to check on him if he's okay" I say to her before following Ryder up. I have no intention on going with them anyway.

I stopped when I got to Ryder's door. I knocked and received no answer. I turned the knob, expecting it to be locked and was surprised when the door opems. He has his back turned to me. He's looking out the window.

"Ryder" I called announcing my presence because he hasn't moved since I entered.

"Are you okay?" I asked not knowing what to say when he still haven't moved. I moved a little closer to him until I'm standing right behind him. I place my hand on his back and rubs small circle in it. Whatever it is between him and James I hope they sort it out. Slowly, he turned and when I look in his eyes my heart breaks to see the expression in them. His eyes is bloodshot and looks like he's been crying. I know better. He look so pained.

"What are you doing here? Are you not going to get breakfast?"

I smiled. "I cane here for you. And no, I'm not going to get breakfast with them while you're all sulked up in this room" He looks confused.

"You're not going to get mad at me for blowing out and yelling at my dad like that?" He asked as he occupys the tiny space between us. Pulling my close until I'm touching his chest. He cups my face while his thumb gently caress my cheeks.

"No" I nodded. "You have a right to disagree and not follow his rules sometimes" I tell him.

"I'm surprised" he says and I watch as his eyes move to my lips. He leans further and lingers there, not kidding me, as if he's waiting for my permission and when I say nothing he covers his lips over mine. I immediately opened my mouth for him. I lean forward deepening the kiss while my hands move to his hair pulling between the strands. When I heard a moan from him, I pulled harder. My stomach flutters and he continues to kiss me and I felt my knees goes weak. He is my weakness. He grips the back of my knees while I wrap my legs around his waiste. I can feel his erection pressed against my core. I moan into his mouth.

"What are you doing to me?" He ashed as I rub his erection over my core pushing it against where it is aching me. I can feel my arousal and the wetness in my panties. I answer him by pushing him hard against me gaining a grunt from him. I continue to kiss them then suddenly he stops.

He must be thinking I'm crazy, coming in here toc calm him down only to have my legs wrap around his torso.

"I'm happy I got you" he says as he place his forehead against me. "I don't want to face him later"

"It's okay you don't have to. I'm sure he'll come around later, for now you don't have to see him" I tell him. I unwrap my legs around him while he gently place me down. He pulled me into a hugand hold me there like that. I'm surprised this is easy between us. While the event of yesterday is there to talk about, I feel so safe and warm here in his arms. I'm happy we're over going at each other's neck and that this is easy between us. I wish things will continue like this between us.