Page 51

Chapter 51

Amelia

T he bottles rattle as I drop the crate onto the counter with enough force to make Rachel wince.

"Hey, you okay, girlie?"

"All good," I mutter, not even bothering to look in her direction.

"Right," she says slowly, crossing her arms. "I'm going to take that as a no. But look, we're dead today. Why don't you head home? Daz and I can manage."

I'm about to argue when my head snaps up, and blue eyes pin me in place as Tobias walks into the bar. Usually, those eyes would floor me, but right now, I want to smash a bottle over his head for the way he ghosted me today.

"No, it's okay," I tell Rachel, but the words are for him. "Thanks, but I'd rather stay."

When Tobias stops in front of me, the space between us crackles with everything left unsaid. He's close enough that I catch the scent of his cologne—the same scent that stayed on his sheets this morning after he left me and returned to the couch.

"What can I get you?" My smile is all teeth.

"Did you just get offered to go home?" he asks, ignoringmyquestion entirely. He turns to Rachel, and she straightens slightly. "I'd appreciate it if you'd insist on her taking that offer."

Rachel glances between us, her confusion obvious, and I force a smile through clenched teeth. "Rachel, this is my stepbrother, Tobias. Tobias, this is my boss, so please, could you not right now?"

His eyes snap back to mine at the word stepbrother , and I hate that my skin still burns for his touch even while I want to claw his eyes out.

"Oh, I thought you looked familiar," Rachel says, offering Tobias a smile that doesn't quite mask her curiosity. "And, Amelia, honey, the offer's still there if you need it."

Tobias glares at me, the intensity in his eyes shutting down any response I might've had. Without saying a word, he leans over the bar, and suddenly, the room shrinks to just him and the way he consumes every inch of space between us. Two fingers lift, beckoning me closer, and I do. Of course I do. Because it's Tobias, and apparently, my body doesn't get a say when it comes to him.

"If you call me your stepbrother one more time, I'll make sure everyone here knows exactly who I am to you."Iswallow hard, and my lips part, but nothing prepares me for how his next words strip me bare. "That I'm the one you kiss at night. The one who knows how sweet you taste and makes you come so hard we have to keep changing the fucking sheets."

Oh. Fuck. Me.

"Rachel, I need to take care of something. You sure you don't mind?" I call across the bar, trying to keep my voice steady. Tobias doesn't move, doesn't give an inch, his chest heaving as he towers over me.

"Of course not," Rachel calls back, her voice casual despite the tension hanging in the air. "See you next week. Oh, and good luck with your audition!"

"Thanks!" I manage, slipping out from behind the bar and making my way toward Tobias.

There's so much we haven't said—so much we haven't figured out about where this thing between us is going.

"Leaving already, gorgeous?" Tate's voice slides in, smooth as whiskey and twice as bold. He saunters over, eyeing Tobias like he's sizing up the competition.

"Yeah, I—uh—I mean, we—we've got a familything," I stammer, stepping closer to Tobias for support, even as he stays quiet beside me.

"Too bad. I was hoping if you finished early, we could grab a drink. You coming back later?"

"No. Sheisn't. Amelia, let's go." Tobias's voice is sharp and final, but Tate doesn't flinch.

"Why don't you let the lady answer for herself, huh?"

Tobias steps back slightly, his hand gesturing for me to take the floor, his eyes daring me to prove him wrong. "By all means, Mills. You coming back later?"

My heart races, but there's no hesitation in my answer. "I can't, Tate. Sorry."

"Can't? Orhewon't let you?" Tate's smirk is almost begging to be knocked off his face.

"Jesus fucking—" Tobias snarls, and suddenly his hands are in my hair, rough and demanding. His mouth crashes into mine like a punishment—all teeth, tongue, and ownership. This isn't a kiss—it's a brand, a claim staked in front of everyone. My knees buckle, but he holds me up, one hand fisted in my hair while the other marks my hip.

He breaks away, leaving me dizzy and drunk on him. His eyes lock with mine for one scorching moment before he turns to Tate, his fingers laced possessively through mine. "Clear enough, or do I need to spell it out?"

Tate backs off like a kicked dog. "No, man. We're good."

Without another word, Tobias hauls me out of the bar, his grip on my hand firm. He doesn’t stop, doesn’t look back, just keeps going until we’re outside, standing between our cars, parked side by side.

"What the hell was that?" I snap, the cool night air failing to soothe the fire burning in my chest.

"What?"

"A heads-up, maybe? Before you decide to announce to everyone in there that we're—"

"That we're what, Amelia?" His laugh is edged with frustration as he starts pacing. "Stop talking about us like we're some dirty secret you need to hide."

"Aren't we?" The words come out soft and broken, and something in his eyes shatters.

He stops dead, and the hurt I see in his eyes makes my chest ache. "How can you say that to me?"

I wrap my arms around myself, feeling everything I've bottled up today threatening to spill over.

"You know I can't do this with you. This up-and-down, these fucking mood swings. Last night was—" My voice cracks because how do you describe perfection? "And then today, you just—"

"Get in the car, Amelia," he interrupts, his voice dropping low.

"Oh, okay, you're done, are you?" I throw my arms up, my anger bubbling to the surface. "Now that I'm calling you out on your bullshit, you don't wanna hear it?"

He moves like lightning, caging me against my car with his body, hands slamming down on either side of my head. His breath fans across my face, and God help me, even now—even furious and hurt and scared—my body recognizes his like it's coming home.

"I want everything you've got, Firefly. But I don't want it here. So, please, get your ass in the car, drive home, and we can finally have an honest fucking conversation."

I swallow hard, my chest heaving as his words sink in. Before I can respond, he pulls back, slipping into his car without another glance. His engine roars to life, but he doesn't move until I'm in my car, his headlights casting a protective glow as he follows me home, never letting me out of his sight.

When we finally reach the apartment, I slam my keys down on the counter, the sound echoing in the silence. Tobias closes the door behind him, leaning against it, his eyes on me.

"You're still pissed then," Tobias says, and it only stirs the storm inside me, fueling this mess of anger and hurt I'm not sure where to aim.

"I don't even know what I am right now," I snap, pacing the room like it might burn off the frustration. "All I know is one minute you're right there with me, making me feel closer to you than I ever have, and the next?" I laugh, but it sounds like breaking glass. "Next, it's like you don't want to be anywhere near me."

"Not true," he says firmly, stepping closer, his arms crossing over his chest like he's bracing himself for the next hit.

"No? I've had the worst fucking day, Tobias. The worst. And where were you?" My voice breaks, betraying every emotion I'm trying to hide as I whirl to face him. "Probably with one of the hundreds of women on your goddamn speed dial."

The muscle in his jaw ticks, and his eyes narrow, the sharp edge of his glare cutting through my rage. "That's how it is, huh? That's what you think of me?" He takes another step forward, the room shrinking as he looms over me. "I know you're lashing out because you'reangryand you're scared. But accusing me of doing anything—anything—that could hurt you? That's fucking low."

His words hit me like a punch to the chest, and the worst part is he's right. I'm being an asshole.

"My mom set up viewings for me to move out today." His shoulders stiffen, and he bites down on that full bottom lip I kissed raw last night, as his gaze drops to the floor. "Did you know?"

"No."

"But there's something you're not telling me."

"Kayla knows about us."

He doesn’t ease me into it, and for a moment, everything stops—my breath, my heart, the whole fucking world.

She knows.

"How?"

"Because I told her." His voice is granite, unmovable, and completely unapologetic.

"What do you mean you told her? How did that even come about? 'Morning, Kayla. Coffee? Oh, by the way, I'm screwing your daughter, you know, my stepsister. Two sugars?' What the fuck, Tobias?"

I spin on my heel and walk toward my bedroom, needing distance, needing to breathe, needing something. However, he follows, and I hear the door click shut behind him as he enters.

"She asked me where I was last night," he says as I rip off my jacket and kick my shoes across the room. "She got up, and I wasn't there—because I was with you in the bed we share every night."

"You couldn't just say you were in the bathroom?"I shoot back, whirling around to face him.

"No, Mills. Because that would be bullshit, and hiding this"—he gestures between us, his voice rising with every word—"implies we're doing something we shouldn't be. And we're not."

I open my mouth to respond, but he cuts me off. "I swear to god, Amelia, if you say one thing—one goddamn thing—to suggest that you feel like this is wrong, I'm going to lose my shit. Because I know you feel it. I know you felt it last night."

He steps closer, crowding me, his gaze piercing through the frustration and fear swirling inside me.

"I'm terrified, Tobias."

"You think I'm not?"

My breath catches. Because he is—he's just as scared as I am.

"If this falls apart," I whisper, "we lose everything. There's no going back."

"I know."

"I can't lose you. You're—" The words die as he moves. One moment, I'm standing, and the next, I'm over his shoulder.

He carries me into the studio and sets me down in front of the barre. The wall of mirrors throws our reflection back at us, showing us exactly what we are—desperate, wanting, and barely holding it together. My cheeks are flushed pink, his eyes are pure sin, and Jesus Christ, the energy coiling between us is so intense that I can practically taste it on my tongue.

My breath hitches as his fingers find the straps of my tank and bra, sliding them down with agonizing slowness. His mouth follows the path, leaving a trail of fire in its wake, each kiss leaving a brand on my skin.

"I'm getting so fucking tired," he murmurs, teeth grazing my shoulder. The bite comes quick, sharp—just enough to make me gasp. "So tired of hearing you call yourself anything but mine." His breath against my neck sends shivers racing down my spine. "Friend. Stepsister. Anything but what you really are."

He pulls my clothes down to my waist, my bare breasts spilling free, my nipples tightening instantly in the cool air.

"What am I?" The question comes out broken and desperate.

His hand captures my chin, tilting my face until our eyes meet. "You're my fucking everything."

Our lips collide, the kiss demanding everything we are. His hands cup my breasts, thumbs flicking over my hardened nipples as his tongue dominates my mouth, wrecking me until I can’t think past the way he feels. I fist his hair at the back of his head, holding him close while his other hand slips into my panties.

"Is it our kisses that make you this wet?" he rasps, his fingers sliding over my slick heat, teasing me until I feel like I might break. "Because your mouth makes me so fucking hard."

"Nobody's ever kissed me like you do," I admit breathlessly, my words tumbling out as I cling to him.

"I need inside you, baby." He breathes against my neck as his fingers circle my clit. He steals kiss after kiss while I fumble with my clothes, desperate to feel his skin against mine.

His patience snaps first. He pulls his hand away, yanking my skirt and panties down in one swift motion. I step out of them quickly, the rest following close behind until I'm naked in front of the mirror. Tobias stands behind me, fully clothed, his gaze burning into me like I'm the most beautiful woman in the world.

"Amelia," he breathes out.

I lean forward, gripping the barre for support as I push my ass back toward him, offering myself to the only man who's ever held my heart so completely.

"Do you want me?" he whispers.

"I need you." My desperation echoes in my words, in the way I push back against his touch, silently begging him to take me.

His hands move to unbutton his jeans, and my fingers slip between my thighs, picking up where he left off, and when I slip a finger inside myself, the slick sound fills the room.

His lips lift into a sinful smirk. "Always so wet for me," he growls before dropping to his knees behind me. His rough hands lift my hips until I'm on my tiptoes, and then his tongue is on me.

"Holy shit," I choke out, gripping the barre for dear life as he licks me from clit to ass, and when he circles my tight hole with the tip of his tongue, my whole body jolts with forbidden pleasure.

"Feel good, baby?" His voice is pure sex against my heated flesh.

"Uh-huh," is all I can manage, my body trembling as his fingers find my clit again, movingin perfect rhythm with his tongue, which doesn't miss a single inch of me.

Nobody has ever touched me like this—so completely, so utterly without restraint. And right now? I never want it to end.

"I want every part of you, Firefly," he murmurs, his lips grazing my skin, drawing a soft gasp from my throat.

His hands steady my hips as he stands, and I watch his reflection as he strokes himself.

"Every inch of your body, your mind…" His voice lowers to a guttural whisper. "That heart you keep trying to protect from me. I'm taking it all."

With one powerful thrust, he sinks into me, and the feel of him steals my breath. My spine bows, his size stretching me to the point of pain—the sweet kind that makes my toes curl. He withdraws slowly, letting me feel every thick inch, then slams home so hard my cries grow louder.

"Tobias… please move," I beg.

"Tell me, Amelia," he whispers against my ear. "Tell me what we have is not just a fucking friendship."

Everything else falls away because right now nothing exists except his body, his voice, and the way he's making me feel.

"I need to hear you say that nothing about us is dirty or depraved when being inside you is the most incredible thing I've ever felt."

"Tobias, I—" My protest turns into a scream as he thrusts in hard, knocking the air from my lungs.

He rips off his shirt, and in the mirror's reflection, I see the beauty that makes my heart skip.

"Ahh… baby, please," I beg again, and this time he gives in, his pace becoming brutal.

Each thrust drives me closer to the edge, his cock hitting that perfect spot over and over until my legs tremble beneath me.When his hand fists in my hair, pulling my head back and forcing my eyes to the mirror, I see everything we are—possession, belonging, and the undeniable truth that nothing else will ever come close to this.

"Look at me while I'm inside you, Firefly. Watch us and tell me what we are."

"We're us, Tobias," the truth spilling out as pleasure builds inside me, "it's just you and me."

His head falls back, exposing the throat I'm desperate to mark with my teeth, and his thrusts turn primal. He drives his hips into me, fucking me like he's trying to break through my skin and climb inside, searching for something only my body can give him.

Thisneedthat burnsbetween us goes beyond addiction—it's oxygen, it's gravity, it's everything that keeps your heart beating.

"Come with me," I plead, my voice breaking as ecstasy claims me.

His eyes snap to mine, wild and possessive, as his rhythm turns brutal. His fingers dig into my flesh, and my orgasm crashes through me, stealing my breath as I shatter in his arms, every muscle tightening around him. His name falls from my lips in a broken cry, the sound tipping him over the edge.

With a final, punishing thrust, he stills, his head falling to my shoulder as he groans my name. I feel him pulse inside me, his release marking every single inch of me in a way that says I'll never belong to anyone else again.

There's something profoundly intimate about sharing a shower with someone who knows every piece of you. With Tobias, it isn’t about sex—it’s gentle hands and lazy kisses under the warm spray—perfect in every sense of the word.

Once I’m out, I slip into an oversized T-shirt that falls just past my thighs, the soft cotton skimming over my freshly showered skin. I towel-dry my hair, the damp strands clinging to my fingers, before pulling it back into a loose ponytail.

As I step into the kitchen barefoot, the sight that greets me stops the world from spinning. Tobias stands shirtless, his back to me, the muscles in his shoulders flexing as he stirs something in a pan. It's effortlessly sexy, and I can't help but drink him in.

When he turns, catching me watching him, his lips curve into that smile that's been my undoing since day one. His eyes trail over me, pausing on my bare legs, and there's something in his gaze that makes my breath catch. It's not just desire—though that's there too, simmering just beneath the surface. It's something deeper, something that feels like forever.

"I know this is technically breakfast," Tobias says over his shoulder, the spatula moving throughthescrambled eggs. "But we need to get groceries."

"Eggs are an anytime-of-the-day food."

These little moments make my heart flutter—the simple domesticity of sharing a kitchen with him.

"Shall I make some toast?"

"Please, baby."

As the bread starts to brown, I move behind him, wrapping my arms around his waist and resting my cheek against his naked back, and he relaxes instantly.

"Tobias?" My lips brush his skin with a whisper.

"Yeah?"

"What we share isn't dirty." My words come out quietly, and I feel him still for a moment. "Touching you like this, like we just did, gives me the most beautiful feeling. And I won't let anyone, including myself, taint how pure this is."

He turns, pulling me flush against his chest and wrapping his arms around me like I'm something he needs to protect. His lips brush my hair, hovering there with such tenderness that it makes my heart ache.

"Thank you, Firefly."

"God, since when did you become so needy?" I tease, looking up to catch that smile that always ruins me.

He pushes me back gently, laughing. "I've always been needy. And if you make any jokes about mommy issues, I'm taking your ass next time."

I laugh so hard I have to grab the edge of the island to steady myself, and Tobias watches with that fucking smirk that somehow makes me fall harder.

"Grab a couple of plates," he says, turning back to the stove. "This is ready."

Still giggling, I hold the plates while he portions out the eggs.

We settle on the couch with our feast, our thighs pressed together like even the smallest distance would be too much. This need to be close, even when we’re just sitting here sharing food, is instinctual.

The first bite of eggs hits my tongue—perfectly scrambled with mushrooms, cheese, and just enough chili flakes—and I let out a moan.

"Holy shit, this is incredible."

Tobias quirks an eyebrow, fork hovering near his mouth. "So, hypothetically… this or sex?"

"Oh, that's easy." I take another bite, letting the flavors linger. "I'd give up sex for food this good."

"Are you fucking with me?" The disbelief in his voice makes me chuckle.

"Let me finish." I hold up my hand, trying not to laugh at how adorably offended he looks. "I'd give up sex for this, yeah. But not sex with you. Nothing I've ever had in my mouth comes close to what you do to me."

His eyes darken, and there it is—that look that makes me feel like I'm the only woman in the world. "I don't know whether I'm turned on or pissed off thinking about you ever having anyone or anything else between those lips that wasn't my cock or my tongue."

"Don't forget your fingers."

The heat in his stare burns through me, and I know we're both caught in the same memories. Every time he's made me taste us together—marking me, owning me, making damn sure I never forget who I belong to. It's his thing—this primal, possessive need to brand us both from the inside out.

"You're killing me here," he mutters, dragging his hand down his face.

As the laughter dies down, my thoughts shift, and I set my fork down. "Can we talk about what happened this morning? With my mom."

Tobias freezes mid-bite, and I watch the careful way he lowers his fork. "Sure."

"She didn't say a word to me about us being together. Not directly, anyway."

"That doesn't surprise me."

"She was being weird. I knew something was up, but she didn't mention us. Not really."

"What did she say?"

"That it's not healthy how dependent we are on each other." I roll my eyes, leaning back against the couch. "Which? Sure, I get it. We've always been close. But we don't spendtime together because we need to. We do it because we want to. I just assumed she didn't get that. I didn't realize it was because she knows things between us have changed."

"I didn't even tell her anything had happened between us. I just said that sometimes we share a bed—like we've done a million times before. ButI also told her that I'm falling for you."

The words hit me hard, and I swallow the last bit of food hard, my throat tightening. Tobias leans forward, grabbing both our plates and placing them on the coffee table, giving me a moment to process.

"You said that?"

"It's the truth."He leans forward, curling a strand of my hair around his finger. "There are things Iwanttosay toyou,butI can'tright now."

"Why not?"

"Because you're leaving."

"Not necessarily." The denial feels weak, even to my own ears.

"Mills," he says with a small, knowing smile, "you're leaving. I've seen you dance and watched your audition piece—you're going to blow them away, and we both know that."

"And what if I don't?" My voice cracks slightly, and his hand immediately finds mine, our fingers lacing together.

"Then we'll have this conversation again." He lifts our joined hands to his lips, pressing a kiss so gently against my skin that I almost break. "But I already know you're leaving, and as much as I'm trying not to think about it, I know it leaves us in a weird place."

The reality of six months apart settles heavily in my stomach. "What happens while I'm gone?"

"Work." He attempts a smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes. "I'll probably drive Tessa and Zane crazytoo."

His laugh sounds hollow, and suddenly, too many questions crowd my throat.

Will he wait? Will he still look at me the same way when I come back?

But I swallow them all down, settling instead for "She loves you, you know. Anyone can see that, and Zane must like you too, deep down," I add, "especially after you tried to steal his girl."

"That is not how it went down." He laughs, shaking his head, and I raise an eyebrow at him, leaning back against the couch cushions.

"Just think how different everything would be if you and Tessa had actually gotten together," I say, ignoring the way my heart twists at the thought.

His hand comes up to my face, fingers ghosting along my cheek before tucking a wayward strand of hair behind my ear.

"Everything happened exactly the way it was meant to."

"You think?" I ask, unable to hide the small smile tugging at my lips.

"I think that sometimes the universe fights like hell to bring two people together, even when they're too blind to see what's right in front of them." He gently brushes his thumb over my cheekbone. "We were always meant to be more to each other, Firefly."