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Hailey

Isla's voice echoed so loudly through the phone that I instinctively pulled it away from my ear, fearing for my eardrums.

"Are you saying your stepbrother is ridiculously fucking hot?" Her tone was practically a shout, and my cheeks burned with embarrassment.

God, she was too loud!

"I never said that. Why are you twisting my words like that?" I hissed, feeling the heat in my face intensify.

She was making it sound as if I had checked him out. But had I not checked him out? Damn it. I was confused myself, how was I supposed to answer her?

"That's exactly how it sounded," Isla's whistle was low, almost teasing. "So, what's your plan now, innocent Hailey? You've just landed in a bigger trouble in your new home."

He was trouble, not just for me, but for any girl because of those goddamn looks. Yet, clearly, he had a lot on his plate, and I'd witnessed it firsthand today—he was a busy person.

"You're not making any sense," I tried to brush her off, but I knew she wouldn't let this go easily.

"When will you grow up? You're twenty, for goodness' sake! You need to start grasping these things. Oh, Hailey, what am I going to do with you? At this rate, your life will lack any fucking adventure!"

I hated admitting it, but today had been quite an adventure. As my gaze traced from his temple to his Adam's apple, observing the way his veins accentuated, and witnessing the captivating allure of his eyes under the hotel's shifting lights and shadows, I couldn't help but resent the fact that he was soon to be my stepbrother.

However, that was the reality and it demanded that I rein in my emotions and see him solely as that—my stepbrother—to prevent my heart from exploding.

And there was even a better option—to avoid him.

Yeah, I was pretty confident that I'd be able to avoid even his shadow.

"Can you tone it down a bit? You're practically yelling, and it's hurting my ears!"

"I just can't deal with you," Isla groaned, her disappointment evident. "Do whatever you want, but be cautious around him. He seems like something entirely different."

"But how? He seemed completely normal to me. It was just my nerves acting up because, well, I'll admit it. He's incredibly good-looking."

"At least you found him good-looking," Isla chuckled, teasing me as usual. "This is a first. You never seem to find men attractive. For the longest time, I was worried you'd end up proposing to me."

Her jokes always struck a nerve. I despised them, to be honest, especially when they revolved around my virginity and lack of experience.

I knew my stuff. I knew when to be bold. When to act. But I just didn't want to give me virginity like a free ticket to some asshole.

"Shut up, Isla."

Isla referred to my situation as 'desires stuck in a coma,' but I believed it was more about timing or, perhaps, I hadn't encountered the right person yet. But today it seeemed...fuck! I needed to stop!

"What? I'm just expressing myself. Anyway, I don't have much time—I need to get ready for my date with Austin. However, you, my dear little virgin princess," Isla chuckled, "Be prepared because I have a strong feeling that something interesting might come your way soon. It might be unconventional, but I won't discourage you since you desperately need some excitement in your dull life. Besides, it won't make sense to you until you experience it firsthand. So, get rid of that cherry. But for now, good luck!"

"What the fuck—"

She ended the call before I could speak.

Classic Isla, always leaving me hanging.

"Get rid of that cherry?" I blushed furiously.

Letting out a frustrated sigh, I set my phone aside and turned onto my stomach, burying my face into the pillow. Her words ringing inside of my head with the pleasing sight of Damien's face that I'd absoultely fucking love between my thighs.....

Shit! Now this won't leave my head.

"Isla! I hate you," I grumbled, my voice muffled by the pillow as I pressed my face into it.

***

A day later.....

"You know, I'd still prefer if you let me stay here," I muttered as I packed my suitcase, grappling with the reality that after just one night, I'd be moving to an entirely different house in a completely different city. I'd be living under the same roof with my new stepbrother, totally stuck, while my mom and Coby enjoyed their two-week long honeymoon.

Oh, how charming. My foot!

It wasn't that I despised what was happening. I was genuinely happy for my mom and Coby. But I didn't like how my life was suddenly entwined with theirs.

I loved where I was now. It was simple and peaceful. I didn't crave much change in my life, especially not something as monumental as this felt to me. A big deal to me unlike how it was to my mom.

"We've been over this before, Hailey," Mom chimed in with a singsong voice as she helped me pack my bags, neatly folding clothes while I usually just stuffed them in and zipped up the suitcase.

Who would bother with such meticulous folding when I'd only have to unpack everything tomorrow upon arriving at Coby's grand mansion? That person was, without a doubt, my mother! She had a penchant for tidiness and order. Perhaps that was another reason why Coby admired her so much—because he, too, appeared to be an organized individual.

And....Damien? He also seemed meticulously put together. Even more than my mom and Coby.

Amidst these three oddly organized and composed individuals, I stood out as the only chaotic one.

God, I still didn't want to leave this city. I had partly believed that Damien resided in this city, however, my mother shattered that assumption—it turned out our encounter occurred solely because he had visited for a business meeting.

"But Mom, think about it. I could stay here, and we can talk every day on the phone, right? What's the big deal? Come on. It might take some time for both of us to adjust, but eventually, we'll figure it out. What do you say?" I tried to soften my tone, steering away from my usual demanding approach, and judging by Mom's expression, I could tell she already grasped the reason behind my change in demeanor.

Well, of course, I didn't want to move in with her in the new apartment.

"This isn't working, Hailey. And I'll never get adjusted anywhere without you. So stop this nonsense."

"Mom, this is so unfair!" I stood up, hands on my hips, shooting her a glare. I was beyond frustrated because I'd been trying to convince her for the past hour, and she just wouldn't listen.

"Try being a mom first, and then none of this, literally none of it, will seem unfair to you."

"It's not the right time for me to settle down and have kids!"

"Then stay with me until it is," she quipped, as always quick with her comebacks, completely composed and collected—a composure I so desperately wanted to emulate.

"You're such a pain, Mom," I groaned, flopping down onto the bed, finally accepting the bitter reality that I'd officially lost this argument.

"Too bad, you're stuck with me," she chuckled softly, continuing with the packing.

"Yeah, I know. But I have a feeling I'm going to hate Los Angeles."

"And I have a feeling you'll love Los Angeles."

"You are wrong, mom."

"No. Moms are always right, Hailey."