Billionaire Stepbrother (A Dark Erotic Romance)(2)

“Alexandre! We’re all family now; you’ll have to make a bit more of an effort this summer. I’ll be relying on you to keep an eye on my new precious step–daughter,” Michael said as he wrapped an arm around my shoulders trying desperately to show me some fatherly affection.

“What?” I exclaimed and shrugged him off; the words slipped from my mouth before I could stop them. “I don’t need a babysitter, especially not him of all people.” My hand darted out and pointed right at Lex.

“It’s rude to point,” Lex muttered, his mouth turning into a smirk; amused by my outrage. I hated him already.

“Oh honey, you really didn’t think we’d leave you all alone, did you? Besides, I’m sure you and Lex will get on like a house on fire. Lex graduated from Oxford; he’ll be able to give you the inside scoop for when you start in September,” my mother chattered on.

My arms found their way to my hips; this wasn’t happening. I didn’t need a chaperon for the summer and I definitely did not need a step–brother. I’d gotten on perfectly fine without one for the past eighteen years of my life.

Fine, if they were going to treat me like a child then I’d act like one. I gave them each a scolding look in turn, turned on my heels and headed in the direction of the bedrooms.

My heels clicked hard against the tile as I stomped away. I ended up half–way down the hall before realising I didn’t know which one was mine. It had to be one of these, I thought. My hand rested upon the door knob, I knew they were watching me, behind my back.

“Next one down,” I heard Michael call, trying hard to conceal a chuckle.





Chapter Two



My room was nice, if a bit bare. At least all my belongings, that I was forced to pack up from the old house, were here waiting for me; I’d put my own stamp on the room in no time.

I walked to a French antique wardrobe and opened it up. All my clothes were hung up neatly. As I thumbed through the outfits, trying to pick out a dress for the evening’s activities a brief knock sounded upon my closed door.

“Honey? We’re leaving now for the airport,” my mom called through the wooden barrier.

I ignored her; still fuming. Why couldn’t she trust me to stay by myself? She had no qualms trusting the city’s notorious playboy… hopefully, though, he’d be too busy running around town to pay me any attention. Though, I couldn’t get his baby–blues out of my mind. I shook the image out of my head.

“Look, I know you’re upset but at least try to get along with Lex while we’re away.” She sighed. “Well, I’m going. Just remember you probably won’t be able to get in touch with us for the next few days, but I’ll call as soon as I can. Love you.”

I moved to the door and my hand smoothed the wood grain. I should say goodbye, I thought.

I opened the door expecting my mother to be there on the other side; but she was already gone. Hoping she’d still be in the apartment I walked towards the living room.

“They’ve just left,” a voice from the couch said.

I jumped; I hadn’t noticed him sat there, he was so still. Lex had his legs crossed and he held a glinting crystal tumbler half filled golden liquid.

“Fine,” I said and ran back to my room to get changed. I slipped on the dress I’d eyed and grabbed my purse and phone. I might as well get this summer off to a flying start, I thought.

I passed through the living room again heading for the elevator.

“See you later, Lex.” I pushed the call button.

A beat passed before he rose out of his chair.

“Where the hell do you think you’re going?” he demanded.

“Out,” I replied, and stepped inside the elevator.

“Stop. Aimee!” he shouted, advancing towards me. I grinned at him and waved a teasing goodbye as the doors slammed shut.





Chapter Three



Hours later the elevator dinged, the sound bouncing around inside my skull, as I reached the penthouse apartment. I was a little tipsy, my legs a little unsure of themselves in their stiletto heels, but it was all the result of a good night out. A couple of friends and I, with a couple of VIP passes, managed to party all night at a hip new nightclub. I was a little worse for wear and the last thing I needed before bed was a lecture.

The doors slid open, and my face fell as I spied that Lex was still in the same chair as before. His face was tight, his eyebrows were bunched together; he did not look like he’d had a good night…

“Sit. Let’s get this over with shall we?” Lex’s tone gave no impression that I had any other option. So, intrigued, I sat; trying to hold back a bubble of giggles.