From Secret Desire for My Stepbrother to Reality

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Everyone in my family thinks I'm a frail, introverted good girl.

But no one knows I've been lusting after my stepbrother Ethan for a long time.

I've even secretly written a dark romance novel with him as the protagonist.

In the book, I imprison him in a dark room, touch him as I please, make him cry and beg for my mercy.

The colder he is to me in reality, the more cruelly I torment him in my novel.

Until yesterday, when my stepbrother brought home a beautiful blind date.

I went crazy with jealousy and returned to my room to torture him mercilessly in my novel all night long.

In a daze, I discovered the novel's plot bleeding into reality.

Someone blindfolded me and tied my hands behind my back to a chair.

Warm breath sprayed against my neck as a pair of hands methodically unbuttoned my collar.

That familiar yet cold voice chuckled softly in my ear:

"Last night's update was quite well written. But Chloe, you got one thing wrongI don't like to beg.

With my vision stripped away, my other senses amplified infinitely.

Ethan's fingertips carried a scorching heat as they traced across my skin inch by inch.

I shuddered violently.

This couldn't be possible.

He was always so proper, someone who buttoned his shirts all the way to the top.

How could he speak to me in such an intimate tone?

"Not going to say anything?"

His finger flicked open my last button.

The cool air touched my skin, and I trembled uncontrollably.

"Ethan... I was wrong..."

My voice quavered. I couldn't tell if it was fear or hidden excitement.

"Scared now?"

He laughed lowly and untied one of my hands.

But before my newly freed hand could move, he forcefully pressed it down.

He pulled my hand downward.

Through the thin fabric, that shocking heat made my scalp tingle instantly.

I tried to pull my hand back, but he gripped it tightly.

"Why are you running away?"

He leaned against my ear, his teeth gently biting my earlobe.

"Didn't Chloe write in her book that I was tormented by aphrodisiacs until I lost my mind, crying and begging for your mercy?"

I was so ashamed I could explode. Tears soaked through the blindfold.

"I've taken the drug now."

He guided my movements, each one carrying irresistible force.

"How do you want to see me beg?"

I gasped heavily, my senses infinitely magnified in the darkness.

The sensation in my palm was too vividhard and burning hot.

Ethan's voice was hoarse beyond recognition, heavy with panting.

He rested his chin in the hollow of my neck, teeth lightly grinding against my throat.

"Chloe, help me. Please."

He was actually begging me... using a tone tortured to the extreme, almost broken, begging me.

The intense contrast made me both afraid and gave birth to a secret pleasure.

My brain exploded with a boom, my rationality completely burned away.

Following his force, my five fingers slowly tightened.

Sweat dripped from his temple onto the side of my neck, so hot it made my whole body tremble.

"Faster."

He urged in a low voice, his tone carrying not a hint of pleading but rather a commanding tone from on high.

I could only be forced to follow his rhythm.

The temperature in the air climbed steadily. The ambiguous sounds of panting were especially clear in the silent room.

The intense sensory stimulation and mental tension made my head spin.

I was already physically weak. My vision went black and I lost consciousness.

When I woke again, sunlight streamed through the curtain gaps into the room.

I bolted upright and found myself lying on my bedroom's large bed, my pajamas neatly arranged.

I let out a long breath. My back was already soaked with cold sweat.

So it was just a dream.

My palm seemed to still retain that shocking heat and sensation.

I collapsed back into the pillows, my heart still pounding wildly in my chest.

I must have become obsessed with writing my novel lately.

What you think about during the day, you dream about at night.

To actually have such an absurd erotic dream.

Taking several deep breaths, I forcefully suppressed the twisted flutter in my heart and got up to wash.

The girl in the mirror had faint dark circles under her eyes, looking like a sickly invalid who couldn't withstand a gust of wind.

But her cheeks were flushed, tear tracks still visible at the corners of her eyesthe appearance of someone who'd been bullied.

Chloe Harper, you've really lost your mind.

I turned on the faucet and splashed cold water on my face.

But the dream's sensations were too real.

That shocking heat, that hoarse panting, and the trembling sensation when he bit my earlobe.

I leaned against the sink, my fingertips uncontrollably gripping the hem of my pajamas.

My mind was filled with Ethan's cold, ascetic face.

In front of others, he always maintained a lofty appearance, but in my dreams, in my novel...

He belonged to me.

I closed my eyes, my breathing gradually becoming rapid.

"Ethan..."

I bit my lip, letting out a suppressed whimper.

Until my mother's knocking came from outside the door.

"Chloe, are you up? We're having guests today, come downstairs for breakfast."

I snapped my eyes open.

Guests? Could it be another blind date for Ethan?

I took a deep breath, straightened my clothes, and pushed the door open.

In the dining room, my stepfather and mom were chatting warmly.

Ethan wore a well-fitted suit, his collar buttoned meticulously.

He was looking down at the morning paper. The morning light outlined his cold, ascetic profile. Even his hair carried an inviolable sense of distance.

This was the real Ethan.

Lofty and untainted by worldly dust.

I lowered my head, pulled out the chair next to him and sat down, calling out softly: "Dad, Mom, Ethan."

Ethan's movements paused slightly. He gave a faint "Mm."

That voice was clear and clean, completely different from the hoarse, panting man in my dream.

I bit my spoon, my gaze involuntarily drifting downward to his long legs.

Imagining what kind of burning body was wrapped beneath that suit.

Just then, the doorbell rang.

A servant led a young woman inside.

As expected, another blind date for Ethan.

She wore exquisite makeup, every movement revealing the elegance of a high-society lady.

"Ethan, Uncle, Auntie, good morning."

She greeted them with a smile and naturally walked to sit on Ethan's other side.

Ethan gave a slight nod in acknowledgment and stood to pour her a glass of warm water.

"Thank you."

When their eyes met, there was an understanding that outsiders couldn't intrude upon.

My hand gripping the spoon tightened suddenly. Crazy jealousy threatened to drown me.

Why could she sit beside him so openly?

Why did she get such gentle treatment from him?

I stared at that glass of water, wishing I could poison it.

"Coming over so early, what's the occasion?"

Ethan's tone remained cool, but held a bit more familiarity than when he spoke to me.

Mia chuckled lightly, reaching up to play with her curled hair.

"Didn't we agree you'd accompany me today to choose a venue for the engagement party? Did you forget?"

Engagement party.

Those three words drove into my eardrums like nails.

I lowered my head abruptly, biting my teeth hard.

How long had they even known each other? And they were already getting engaged?

Mom laughed beside them, unable to contain her joy. "Ethan's busy with work, Mia. Please be understanding. If this boy dares bully you, tell me and I'll deal with him for you."

"Don't worry, Auntie. Ethan treats me very well."

Mia's eyes sparkled as she looked at Ethan with adoring eyes.

I watched them like a match made in heaven, my nails digging deep into my palms.

I wanted so badly to gouge out those eyes of hers.

I wanted so badly to tie Ethan up and lock him in a place where only I existed.

Make him only look at me, only become aroused for me.

I suddenly covered my mouth, coughing violently.

This trick never failed me.

As long as I showed signs of illness, everyone's attention would immediately shift to me.

Sure enough, Mom immediately rushed over nervously to pat my back.

"Chloe! What's wrong? Did you catch a cold?"

I coughed until I couldn't catch my breath, my eyes rimmed with pitiful red as I secretly observed Ethan from the corner of my eye.

He frowned and stood to pour me a glass of water too.

"Drink some water."

He brought the glass to my lips.

I tremblingly reached out to take it, my fingertips covering the back of his hand.

My heartbeat skipped, greedily savoring that brief moment of contact.

Ethan didn't pull back. He let me half-hold his wrist as he tilted the glass.

The warm water moistened my dry throat. I finally stopped coughing.

"Thank you."

I looked up at him with tearful eyes.

From this angle, I could see his prominent Adam's apple.

So sexy. I wanted to bite it.

"If you're not feeling well, go back to your room and rest."

Ethan withdrew his hand calmly, his voice indifferent.

He pulled out a disinfectant wipe and methodically wiped the back of his hand where I'd touched him.

He actually found me dirty?

Mia watched from the side, a flash of contempt in her eyes.

"With Chloe's poor health, she should probably stay home more. Ethan, let's go. We're almost late for our appointment."

She hooked her arm through Ethan's.

Ethan didn't push her away.

I watched their departing figures, the obedience in my eyes fading, leaving only gloom.

After returning to my room, I immediately locked the door.

I opened my computer and stared at the words on the screen.

Anger and jealousy grew wildly. If only everything in the book were real.

How wonderful that would be.

In the evening, when Ethan returned, he carried a faint scent of alcohol.

Seeing him enter the study, I brewed a cup of tea and walked in.

"Ethan."

Ethan was leaning back in his chair, rubbing his temples.

His tie was loosened, the top two buttons of his collar undone, revealing a kind of decadent sexiness.

Hearing my voice, he paused and looked over.

"Why aren't you asleep yet?"

"I heard you come back, so I made you your favorite black tea."

I walked closer carrying the tray, deliberately stumbling.

Ah!

I cried out, my whole body falling straight toward him.

Ethan caught me steadily as expected.

I tumbled into his lap, enveloped by his intense masculine scent mixed with a faint alcohol smell.

My breathing became chaotic.

My heart pounded wildly, almost bursting through my chest.

If I just tilted my head slightly, my lips could brush against his jawline.

"Did you burn yourself?"

Ethan's voice came from above my head, deeper than usual, slightly hoarse.

He didn't immediately push me away. Those long-fingered hands even lingered at my waist for a moment.

My whole body stiffened. I didn't dare move, even slowing my breathing.

"No... no."

I stammered in response, my eyes rimming red.

"I'm sorry, I'm too clumsy."

I tried to stand, but my legs were weak and I fell back into his embrace.

This time, my hand braced against his chest.

Beneath my palm was his steady, powerful heartbeat. Through his shirt, it burned my fingertips.

Ethan's eyes darkened.

He finally reached out to grip my shoulders, pulling me from his lap and steadily placing me to the side.

His movements were restrained and distant.

"So careless. What have I taught you?"

He pulled out a tissue and methodically wiped the suit pants where I'd pressed against them.

His tone returned to its lofty coldness.

I lowered my head, staring at the water stains on the carpet, the dark flame in my heart burning hotter and hotter.

"How did it go today with Miss Thompson choosing the venue?"

I asked with feigned casualness, my fingers twisting my skirt hem tightly.

Ethan's wiping motion paused slightly. He looked up at me, his eyes unfathomable.

"Adult matters. Children shouldn't pry."

He stood up, looking down at me.

"It's late. Go to bed."

What kind of answer was that?

Was he protecting Mia?

I bit my lip, tears welling in my eyes, stubbornly sitting on the sofa without moving.

"Do you think I'm annoying? After you get married, I won't be able to come to you like this anymore, will I?"

Ethan looked at me silently.

After a long moment, he sighed.

He walked in front of me, bent down slightly, and gently wiped the corner of my eye.

"Don't overthink it."

His voice softened a bit, carrying a seductive quality.

"As long as Chloe is good, I'll always be your brother."

Always be your brother.

Who the hell wants you as a brother!

What I want is you panting beneath me, those eyes seeing only me!

I suddenly grabbed his hand, recklessly pressing my cheek against his palm, greedily absorbing his warmth.

"I'll be good."

I looked up at him, my gaze nearly obsessive. "I always listen to you."

Ethan let me nuzzle his palm, his gaze resting on my face.

Then slowly withdrew his hand.

"Go to sleep."

Wednesday afternoon, my parents went on a business trip. Only Ethan and I remained at home.

I carried a plate of freshly cut fruit and carefully pushed open the study door.

Ethan was leaning back in his chair with his eyes closed, breathing evenly, seemingly already asleep.

His tie was loosened slightly, revealing a large expanse of delicate collarbone.

I stared at his thin lips, my mind filled with scenes from my novel of him being kissed until red and swollen, panting.

My hand reached out uncontrollably, inching closer to his cheek.

Just one touch would be enough.

His phone on the desk suddenly vibrated. I jerked my hand back like I'd been shocked, my heart nearly leaping from my throat.

The screen displayed a message from Mia.

"Darling, I came back early. Let's have dinner together tonight."

Darling.

Those three words stabbed my eyes.

Ethan was awakened by the vibration. He slowly opened his eyes, his gaze hazy for a moment before returning to clear indifference.

Seeing me standing nearby, he sat up straight and casually adjusted his collar.

"What is it?"

"Nothing... I brought you some fruit."

I pointed frantically at the fruit plate on the desk.

Ethan's gaze fell on the lit screen. A trace of extremely faint smile actually rippled in his eyes.

It was a warmth I'd never seen before.

He picked up his phone to reply to the message, not even sparing me a glance.

"Leave it there. I'll eat it later."

I don't know how I walked out of the study.

Back in my room, I swept everything on the desk to the floor.

Why!

Why should he give all his tenderness to that woman!

Ethan was mine.

Could only be mine!

Since he wanted to fly away with someone else, I'd break his wings and drag him into hell with me.

I pulled open the drawer and took out a small white bottle from the very back.

This was something I'd obtained from the black market. Originally just an impulse purchase, but now it finally had a use.

In the afternoon, Ethan went out for a while. When he returned in the evening, he carried a faint perfume scent.

Mia's scent.

I forcefully suppressed the violence in my heart, lowering my eyes as I brought a cup of calming tea to the living room.

"Ethan, you've been working overtime so much lately. Drink some calming tea and get some rest early."

Ethan removed his suit jacket and casually accepted the teacup without any wariness, tilting his head back to drain it in one go.

His Adam's apple bobbed up and down. The swallowing motion was inexplicably sexy.

After drinking, he handed me the empty cup, his gaze lingering on my face for a moment.

"You don't look well today either. Get some sleep early."

The rare concern in his tone made me waver for an instant.

But thinking of how he was about to get engaged to another woman, that wavering instantly turned to ash.

I clutched the cup and obediently nodded, returning to my room.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, I stared at the time on my phone.

One hour later.

I soundlessly opened my door and walked out.

Ethan's door wasn't locked. I gently opened it. The room was pitch black.

He lay on the large bed, his breathing long and deep.

I crouched beside the bed, my gaze tracing his features.

This absolute sense of control made my whole body tremble.

Worldly ethics and morality were completely cast aside in this moment.

He was a responsible person. Even if he hated me, he could only be bound to my side.

I climbed onto the bed, straddling his lean waist and abdomen.

Trembling, I reached out to undo the first button of his pajamas.

Then the second, the third.

A large expanse of firm chest was exposed to the air.

I leaned down, my nose nearly touching his skin, greedily inhaling his unique pine scent.

"Ethan, you're about to be mine."

I murmured obsessively, closing my eyes and kissing toward his thin lips.

Just then, a hand suddenly gripped the back of my neck, pinning me in place.

My whole body stiffened. My blood nearly froze.

Ethan, who should have been in deep unconsciousness, slowly opened his eyes.

Those black eyes, usually cool and ascetic, now churned with unfathomable dark currents.

The world spun. He flipped me onto the bed.

He turned over and pinned me beneath him.

His cool fingertips brushed across my skin, stirring up tremors.

He laughed lowly, his voice carrying a heart-bewitching hoarseness in the silent night.

"Chloe, the dosage wasn't enough."