Stepbrother Unsealed(21)

“Stop, babe,” I growl, taking a long pull from my wine. It's smooth, good, warming. “I didn't come here for family therapy time, and I've got a feeling that's not why you reached out either. What's going on? Why call me back after you turned my ass outta your room last night?”

She looks into her glass, giving it a little swirl. “The night on the beach was a disaster. Something would've happened if you weren't my stepbrother, Chris, I'll be up front about it. But we can't do that now.”

Fuck that, I want to scream. You're wrong. We can do it all, and then some.

My hand burns to smash my wine glass next to the pool and march the fuck out, but that shy little look she's giving me causes my dick to hum fire. It's like she's intentionally feeding me lies I'm supposed to catch.

Maybe this chick is crazy, or just too damned stuck up to admit she wants a working boy in her bed. I've fucked rich girls before. Nobody as high class as Delia, maybe, but damn if I don't know how to handle 'em.

They always play coy. She's going over the line, but it feels like the same game. I crack a thin smile, gently set my glass down, and fold my arms.

“So, what, then? You're here for some brotherly loving?” I watch her do a double take, flustered as ever. “Brother love, I mean.”

“I've been just fine my whole life without any siblings,” she says. “I'm an only child, just like you. Mom divorced when I was in my teens, just walked out of our lives with another man. The stress was too much for her. I know this sounds crazy, but any family friction brings that feeling back. It hurts.”#p#分页标题#e#

I look the girl up and down seriously. Her eyes are honest, but I'm not joining the pity party just yet. As far as I'm concerned, nobody on earth needs to know about my old man and his fucked up last days with mom, much less this dark haired beauty who acts like she's out for a therapy hug one minute, and the roughest fuck of her life the next.

“I'm no stranger to family bullshit, Delia. Sorry it upsets you. Mom's always been a huge bitch, and she's got a lot of problems, falling off the screen and all. If she ever pushes you, push her right back. I don't know what she pulled to get your old man interested.”

She smiles sadly. “Probably desperate. He's been a mess since mom walked out, and he's taken a back seat with business the last couple years too, leaving him too much time to think. Time for trouble too, I guess.”

I finish my wine and grab the bottle, topping off our glasses. “I'd say I understand, but I'm not looking to be your shoulder to cry on, babe. Is that the only reason you want me here, or what?”

Maybe it's the booze in my system, but I'm done playing around. Uncle Sam taught me to be sharp and direct, to manage time and damage control like nobody's business. I want to get to the heart of why the fuck I'm here, and if she won't answer with words, or getting her lips on mine, I'm out.

I decided years ago there are three things I'll never do with any woman. Not after what happened to dad.

I don't do drama. I don't do therapy. And I definitely don't do love.

“I just want to know you, Chris. You're interesting. It's not every day a girl meets a Navy SEAL.” Delia looks up, her eyes softer, nervous. “There's this project coming up for my senior thesis in journalism. It's sent my stress levels through the roof, along with everything else going on in the family. I don't need an estranged stepbrother too, you know?”

She offers her hand. I'm not the touchy-feely kind, but hell if I'm passing on any opportunity to touch her again. I reach out, lace her little fingers through mine, and squeeze.

Inside, I'm already smiling because I've figured her out. She's lonely.

I can do lonely chicks, bring a little lightning into their lives, fill them with the hot, real connection that comes from being wrapped around all ten inches of me.

No, I'm not a total bastard. I'll hand out some sage advice, and mean it, even if all I care about is finding out how loud she screams when I'm pounding her ass against the nearest surface.

“It'll be okay, woman. You're a few years younger than me. This shit gets better when you figure out your life. Finish school. Find a good career. Leave this fancy carnival behind. My mom's nothing but drama with a facelift, and you can't be your dad's shoulder to cry on your whole damned life. You've gotta get out there and live.”

“It's not that simple for me, Chris. You've probably had more action and adventure in your pinky than I've had in my entire life.” The sadness in her eyes fades when she looks up, curiosity flickering in her big brown eyes. “What's it like out there? Take my mind off this crap. Tell me something about the SEALs.”