Mated To My Obsessive Stepbrother novel Chapter 114

Chapter 114

KESTER

Aslow, simmering heat crawled under my skin, spreading ke mol it was something darker, something razor–sharp and corrosive.

“What the fuck are you doing here?”

iron through my veins. It wasn’t just anger

The words came out low and controlled, but there was no mistaking the venom dripping from each syllable.

Yet, there she stood, smiling like an alrheaded debutante who hadn’t yet figured out she was walking straight into a lion’s den because she still wore that stupid smile on her face.

“I am having trouble picking out the perfect color combinations for the engagement party, baby,” she replied, letting out a breath of exhaustion. Her shoulders sagged for dramatic effect as though she carried the weight of the gods on her back.

Baby?

My jaw twitched.

She now calls me that?

If only she could see anything past the bridge of her nose, she’d realize she had no fucking business being this excited about any of this.

“Aren’t you going to let me in?”

Before I could answer, she breezed past me, her perfume invading my space like an unwelcome guest overstaying their welcome. “You won’t believe how hot it is out there! Jeez!” She breathed in some fresh air.

Then she stopped short.

Her body stiffened, and I watched–half–amused, half–irritated–as her eyes locked onto Norlan.

“Oh,” she murmured, hesitating for a fraction of a second before she smoothed out her expression. “Didn’t know you had company.” Her gaze flicked back to me before landing on Norlan again. “Hello, Norlan.”

June perched herself on the armrest of the couch, crossing one leg over the other like this was some cozy little planning session and not a violation of my patience.

“she started, flipping her hair over one shoulder. “How many guests are we expecting?”

I didn’t answer.

Norlan did when he sensed I wouldn’t say a word to her. And I wasn’t surprised.

“Around two hundred, I suppose,” he said casually, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. “Unless Kester’s got a secret list of enemies he plans to invite just for the drama.”

I shot him a glare. He grinned.

-June, oblivious as ever, clapped her hands together. “Perfect! That means we’ll need to finalize the seating

arrangements soon.”

leaned back against the couch, silently watching

Watching how she acted like this was normal. Like this wasn’t a goddamn circus she was organizing with me as the unwilling clown.

Chapter 114

Watching how Norlan’s eyes kept drifting to her, the way they had bark in college.

He wasn’t even subtle about it.

Not that I cared.

If anything, I almost wanted to throw her in his direction. Bell, I’d even pay for their first date.

“What about colors? I was thinking something elegant maybe a mix of silver and navy? Or do you think something warmer, like champagne and blush?”

Again, silence from me.

And again, Norlan stepped in.

“I’d say navy and silver suit you,” he mused, tilting his head as he studied her. “Classy, a little bold, but not too over the top. Fits the image you like to project.”

She beamed as if that was the best compliment she’d received all year.

“And my dress?” She turned to me, expectant. “Should I go with something traditional, or should I-”

“Notlan,” I cut in, “since you’re so invested, why don’t you help her pick out the goddamn dress too?”

Norlan chuckled, unbothered. “You’re really making me work for this free whiskey, huh?”

June let out a light laugh.

The way she prattled on, the way she didn’t notice–or didn’t care–that my silence was anything but passive made my blood itch under my skin.

“Where is Kasmine?” She asked, and my muscles went taut

I saw the way Norlan froze, unsure of how to answer the question. His fingers tightened subtly around his glass, the easy amusement he’d worn a second ago slipping, if only for a fraction of a second.

She let out a breathy chuckle. “Oh, Norlan. You’re still the same, aren’t you?”

Norlan set his glass down slowly, fingers lingering on the rim before pulling away.

“You wound me, June,” he said in a teasing voice. “I’m entirely capable of holding on to a woman for longer than a single night.”

Her lips curled, playful. “Oh? Since when?”