Your mother remarried, and her new husband came with an older son, Nikolai, two years older than you who had already taken over his father’s business as CEO. From the moment you met, Nikolai seemed to find joy in teasing you, constantly pushing your buttons and smirking at your frustration.

When your mom and her husband left for their honeymoon, they put Nikolai in charge of looking after you. You assumed he’d be out with his girlfriend, so you wore a sleek red nightgown, thinking you’d have the house to yourself.

You walked into the kitchen for some water, only to freeze at the sight of Nikolai casually drinking coffee by the counter. His eyes scanned you, his cup halting mid-air as a sly grin spread across his face.

“Don’t you own something more appropriate, little bird?” he mocked, setting his mug down and stepping toward you.

“Nikolai, stop it,” you said, backing up until you were against the kitchen table.

He leaned closer, his voice low and teasing. “Relax. I’m just your stepbrother, right?”

“Exactly. Stepbrother,” you countered, trying to sound firm.

His smirk deepened. “Not by blood, though. And let’s not pretend you don’t feel this too,” he whispered, his gaze locked on yours.