His little sister

The introductions of the family went on for what felt like minutes. Shania felt as if it had been hours. Her body was so drenched in warm liquid that she couldn't stand it. She wondered if the AC was on, or maybe she was starting to get sick

The sharp piercing gaze from the man made her feel uncomfortable that she wanted so badly to get away. How on earth did she land in such trouble? Of all men, Christian Ace Kingston was her stepbrother. Shania was devastated even when her supposed sisters Rose and Luna kept asking her questions

These were her mom and her stepfather's children.

“You are so beautiful, just like mom… I love your eyes,” the youngest Rose said while clinging to her. She was cute and chubby, with big brown eyes, with a cute smile. Golden hair which she tied into two ponytails. Even Luna was beautiful although, with brown hair, she had blue eyes like her and full lips like her. A 15 years old handful of guys just like her. The curse she carried her entire life. Shania knew the consequences of that, the loneliness which came with being considered beautiful

“So what made you come to us after all these years huh,” this time it was Luna who said, Shania, shifted her gaze to the girl. She had a tiny bit of a dark temperament or did her attitude match that of Christian

“Luna, sweetheart… Shania has been busy with her university, but she's here,” Madeline said defensively, Shania didn't want her mother to talk on her behalf. She had a reason for not meeting them

“Yes sweetie, your sister has always been busy and spent most of her time at her grandparents' house,'' this time her stepfather chimed in with a smile. Shania had to see the old man was a total replica of his son, same face, the same mischievous smile and gaze and voice. Although Christian's voice was more calm and aggressive

“Christian baby, you haven't said hello to your sister…,” Madeline said, turning to Christian who seemed startled as he looked at Shania Madeline. The entire family had their eyes on him, smiling. What was he going to say,

Hello there, I'm Christian, the man who fucked you and broke his engagement. Christian scoffed as he put on his most charming smile and stepped forward. The rest of the family stood to the sides leaving Shania standing on her own as Christian stopped in front of her

Fear resided in Shania's heart as she swallowed the lump stuck in her throat. Why was this man her stepbrother, of all men in the world? The fool she loathed with passion was the man. Shania just hoped he didn't say anything about her work. Her mother knew nothing about her being an exotic dancer, not even her grandparents knew of her secret,

“Hello there. Little sister…it's nice to have you in the family,” surprisingly, Christian said calmly as if he didn't know her. Stretched out his hand for a handshake, however, Shania was frozen in place. Her palms formed cold liquid as she gripped her purse tightly. If she ignored him, the family would question her, but she wanted to avoid touching any part of him. Shaking her head, Shania slowly let go of her purse and extended her hand toward Christian. Like some gangsters,

“Nice to meet you too” Shania voiced out when they both held hands, just a touch from him started a fire.

“Stepmom… you have a beautiful daughter, just like you,” Christian commented as his eyes were fixed on Shania, the small smirk tugging at the corners of his lips making Shania loathe him even more. What was worse was when he kept tightening his grip on her, he was causing her pain for Christ's sake

“That's my baby, now everyone…dinner is getting cold… Bethany and I worked hard to prepare it,” Madeline said clapping a few times and startling Shania who found an open to slip her hand out of Christian's stronghold and stepped aside

“Your mother is right, she spent the entire day trying to make this perfect…welcome to the family Shania…feel free,” George said with a smile and Shania returned with a faint one. This was awkward. So awkward that she didn't know what to say to them

“I missed your cooking dear mom…come on kiddos…hurry” saying that Christian walked to Madeline and draped his hand around her shoulder and both walked away heading to the dining room laughing and crackingjokes, Shania guessed they were besties if some sort

“Come sis…there's so much to show you around…my room, my music room…did I tell you I want to be a dancer when I reach 18,” Rose said, taking her by the hand and dragging him away from there. Shania only caught something about dancing, why would she want that

“Rose there's nothing in dancing…choose a good career just like your father and brother,” Madeline said as soon as all of them settled down. Shania was a bit nervous sitting across from Christian, the man didn't stop staring at her

“I told her…but she's stubborn,” Luna chimed in, and the rest nodded, Shania noticed the girl was a bit down.

“Shania, please tell us…what you studied and which company you work for…” came a question she always avoided answering from people

“Yes…please tell us…we are eager to know,” this time it was Christian who said mockingly, for one thing. He was trying to act smart with her. Just one look from him, and he'd die…but she'd love to rub it in his face. She wasn't a fool or uneducated, despite being an exotic dancer.

Hence, Shania smiled and began explaining to them, she was surprised to see several servants around serving and waiting on them,

She wasn't used to all this, why would one need ten servants lined up to the sides waiting for them to have dinner? One was enough, but this wasn't her house. Therefore, she quietly ate her food. After 16 years, she was eating food made by her mom.

“Christian. Don't you think her qualifications are everything you are looking for?” It was George who said turning to Christian, Shania just graduated from doing her master's, Christian lazily leaned back in the chair and smirked

“Sounds good, but I'm searching for men not women…and dedicated ones who will carry my company to greater heights…not liars or pretenders,” the man said straight, surprising even her family, it was a direct insult to Shania. Anger boiled inside her, but she was happy, dinner concluded. The entire time, she noticed how Madeline was trying hard to be a good mother to her. Shania didn't need it now, she was 21 years old, not 5

“But she can be a good addition to your team… I see potential in her… plus she's your sister, so I don't care if it's men you want,” George remarked as if it was an order. Shania watched Christian closely, and he didn't look so happy

“I'll think about it,” he said cheekily, slammed the napkins on the table and excused himself

“Ace, the twins are going to bed early. I was hoping you can show her around “Madeline said stopping Christian in his tracks, Shania wanted to disagree. It was late, she needed to go home

“Sure,” surprisingly he agreed and smiled from ear to ear. There was something creepy about his smile, Shania wasn't interested in exploring their house “shall we, little sis,” he walked back to Shania and extended his hand again,

“Go on sweetie… I'm sure you can take your time and choose your room while he shows you around,” Madeline remarked, confusing Shania even more. Decide a room. For what

“I can stand on my own, thanks,” she said plainly, Shania pushed the chair backwards and rose to her feet on her own. Christian wasn't offended by her behavior, but stepped out of the way and let her pass first. Shania secretly glared at him and walked past him

The entire time she was thinking, contemplating what was happening. Her mind was in chaos when suddenly a large hand grabbed her by the waist, dragged her away and slammed her against the wall and pinned her hands over her head. A panicked Shania looked at the person with wide eyes, and it was him

“Welcome little butterfly,” murmuring that with heavy breaths he smashed his lips on hers taking her mouth for a hungry kiss.