Not Your BrotherThe Sweet Cage

My stepbrother Cole never allowed me to date. One night, I heard some low, ragged panting coming from his bedroom. Worried he was hurt, I rushed in and flipped the switch, only to find him flushed, damp, goldenbrown hair clinging to his forehead. His gaze locked onto mine, darkened with heavy lust. A stack of photos slipped off his bed, every single one of them was of me. Heat rushed to my cheeks, I darted forward to snatch them, but he pinned me beneath him. Claire, be still. After high school, my guardian Charles was tied up with a law firm merger, leaving Cole to take me back home to Connecticut. At the graduation party that night, a guy from my class sat next to me, laughing and flirting. He asked me about my college plans, dropping hints about applying to the same state so we could "stay close. " Beside me, Cole's expression was dark. He didn't say a word, merely cutting my steak and handing me drinks. My cheeks were stuffed so full I could barely reply. On the drive back, a heavy rainstorm hit. My shoes and pant cuffs were completely soaked. Cole carried me into the back seat of his Suv, raised the privacy partition, and told the driver to go. He bent down to roll up my wet cuffs, toweling the water from my feet. I hesitated for a moment. Then reached out to gently rub his back. Cole Cole, are you upset? He stiffened awkwardly, shifting to cross his legs. Keep your hands still. Liar. You were scowling the entire party. You scared my classmates. Aren't you worried I'll lose all my friends? Cole let out a soft laugh. He smoothly lifted my legs and rested them across his lap, saying the floorboards were dirty. My face flushed completely red. I turned away to avoid looking at him. He gently tapped my nose and tucked my hair back. This is better, keeps other guys from getting ideas. you're still young, no dating, no boyfriends. Cole, I just turned 18. Yeah, I know; most men are no good. Just stay home for the next few days. If any guy asks you out, don't rush to say yes.

Over the next few days, I followed Megan's instructions and tried on every single outfit she'd bought mesilk dresses that hugged my waist, slip nightgowns, backless tops, and black sheer tights. With just the two of us in the house, I paraded around in front of Cole every single day, but he spent less and less time with me, locking himself in his study for most of the day. He was never one to sweat easily, but he started taking way more showers than usual. Sometimes in the mornings, I'd catch the faint bruised shadows under his eyes. The next time I wandered into his study with sliced fruit, wearing yet another short skirt, Cole let out a rough exhale, closing his eyes and pinching the bridge of his nose. I barely caught the low mutter under his breath. Something about me needing to be disciplined Before I could even process it, Cole pulled me onto his lap His scorching hot hands tightened around my waist Cole crossed his legs and popped a strawberry into my mouth. "I'm heading back to the office in a few days You are not allowed to wear these clothes anymore I bought you some new ones. "They'll suit you better. but Megan said I look really good in these. Ignore her, she's always had terrible taste. Be a good girl, and starting tomorrow you're allowed to go out and have fun for a few days. I threw my arms around his neck with a sweet smile. He just fed me another strawberry. Cole spent the entire afternoon working in his study without even realizing it. I fell asleep in his arms.

Cole seemed to have a lot of free time lately. He hardly went to the office, choosing to stay home with me every day. I'd been staying up late recently, so sometimes I wouldn't wake up until noon, groggy and dazed. I'd just lounge around in my pajamas, spacing out while watching him. He'd just smile, pulling me onto his lap to brush my hair. He took care of every little thing. Whenever we went swimming, he had butter cookies and juice waiting for me. He usually sat on a lounger nearby, quietly answering emails if the mood struck he'd throw on his trunks and race me in the water, his masculine scent and the suffocating sexual tension left me flushed and breathless flustered I choked on mouthful of water. Cole wrapped me in his arms, gently patting my back. My ears burned even hotter. I didn't dare look up at him. Unable to drag me out, my bestie Megan lost her patience. She channeled her frustration into a shopping spree instead, treating me like her personal dressup doll. She quickly ordered me a bunch of outfits; every single piece was straightup sexy. In Megan's eyes, I was totally wasting my potential. She was sick of seeing me in baggy hoodies. She kept telling me, 'Ditch the sweats and show it off while we're still young. ' I actually listened. So when Cole called me down for a game of pool, I was still wearing the cream lace camisole and matching pleated skirt she'd bought. I leaned over the table, missing shot after shot. Shot, I lost two games in a row. Frustrated, I clung to Cole's arm, pouting, "Cole, can't you just let me win? " Cole's eyes darkened; he leaned over me from behind and gripped my hand. Claire, behave.

His voice dropped to a husky whisper, he showed me how to aim and stroke. It was sexy as hell. I could feel the hard ridge of him brushing against my thigh. My face was on fire. Wrapped in his intoxicating scent, my mind went completely blank. I couldn't focus, and my movements turned clumsy. Losing my balance, I tripped over his foot and tumbled sideways. He caught my waist, pinning me against the edge of the pool table. His breathing grew fast and ragged. Palms were searing hot against my skin. Before I could even ask what was wrong, he dropped his cue and hurried out. Wear long sleeves and pants next time. It's freezing in here. Right after he spoke, the sound of the shower echoed from the bathroom. I went swimming as usual the next day. Meghan insisted I try on the pale pink cutout swimsuit. On our video call, her eyes went wide. Oh my God, Claire! I knew that would look amazing on you I'm buying you more, you look so hot if I were a guy, I'd put a ring on it so fast some lucky hasard is gonna hit the jackpot with God, why is Cole so overbearing? I quickly hung up when Cole walked over. The temperature dropped today, aren't you freezing in that? Actually, Cole, I'm a little hot. I'm even sweating. When I saw him intentionally look away. I asked, "Cole, does this swimsuit look bad on me? " No, it looks great. Just don't wear it outside; only at home. I have an M&K deal to handle Claire, I can't stay with you today, practice on your. own. Cole softened for a split second, his lips parted, his eyes heavy with something unspoken, but eventually he left.