Chapter 2
Lyla
New Home he actually takes a step closer, caging me in.
I shiver at his closeness, wishing his hands were roaming my body.
What the hell, Lyla? You don’t even know this guy.
“My mother didn’t tell me you would be here either, but here we are,” I sass.
His upper lip lifts into a smirk, and my eyes snap up to his because if I keep staring at his lips, I might just fucking act on my depraved thoughts.
He tilts his head, staring at me, and I take a deep breath.
I wish I knew what he was thinking, but I can’t get a read on him.
“How old are you?” He asks. That’s an odd question.
“Twenty-three,” I reply, and he nods, then spins away, walking back to the stove.
“You hungry? I made eggs.” He asks, glancing over his shoulder.
“No thanks. I have a lot to do today.” I reply, but he says nothing. So, I spin and open the fridge to get what I need and make myself a cup of coffee.
“Would you like a cup?” I ask, and his eyes snap to mine. Jesus, just one look and I’m melting. What, in the actual fuck?
“Sure, light and sweet, please,” he says, walking past me to sit at the table that overlooks the lake in the backyard.
This man is nothing but a distraction with a tight ass in those sweatpants.
Staring at the coffeepot, I take a deep breath and fill our cups, and bring them over to the table.
I place his next to his plate and I sit mine down opposite him.
“What’s your name?” I ask and he chuckles.
“I seem to have forgotten my manners. I’m Case.
It's nice to finally meet you, Lyla.” He smiles, and of course a blush creeps up my cheeks.
Get it together! “Where do you go to school?” he asks as I take a sip of my coffee and moan.
He clears his throat, and I hide my smile behind the cup still sitting against my lips.
I take another sip before setting it down on the glass table.
“Chadwick University of Medicine for now.” I tell him and he raises a brow.
“Why aren’t you staying at the dorms?” he asks and I shrug.
“I didn’t like it there, so my mom told me I could commute from here.” I answer and he nods, taking a bite of his eggs.
“Chadwick is impressive,” he says, bringing a smile to my face.
“It is. I like the classes and the professors, but the dorms are too crowded.” I lie. I don’t want to explain what I do outside of school or that a man has been stalking me and I’m no longer safe in the dorms.
“I see. Well, me and my brothers play hockey and attend Restin U.” He tells me and I nod. Already knowing that bit of information.
“What position do you play?” I ask and he smirks, sitting back in his chair, taking a sip of his coffee.
The way his Adam's apple bobs as he swallows the liquid gold has me licking my lips and rubbing my thighs together.
My stepbrother is a fucking god, and there is absolutely nothing I can do about it.
“Forward. I’m captain of The Dirty Knights.” He grins, and my eyes widen.
“Wait, you’re thee Case Nicoletti?” I ask, feeling like a fucking idiot for not putting the pieces together sooner. The smile that spreads across his face showcases his dimples and perfect white teeth. Fucking Christ.
“So you've heard of me?” he asks, taking another bite of his food. I look away, trying not to stare at his every move because why–why does him chewing, make me want to lay bare on this table in front of him.
“Heard of you? I follow you hardcore and attend all of your home games. I knew you looked familiar,” I admit, blushing yet again because why would I tell him I basically stalk his stats and know everything about his hockey career.
“Is that right? You’ve been looking at me?
” he asks, his voice dripping with honey as he stands from his seat and walks over to me.
Sweet Mary, mother of God. To all that is holy, I want to hide from embarrassment, but I also want to lick every inch of this man's body. He bends slightly, licking his lips. My mouth parts for a second until I realize I’m damn near panting at the kitchen table as he picks up my empty cup, raising a brow.
“Want more?” he breathes as the words linger against his lips, and I nod.
“More what?” he taunts as he brings a finger up to my face, tucking a piece of my dark hair behind my ear.
“Whatever you want to give me,” I answer and he chuckles. I blink and run from the room, with embarrassment laced all over my face. His laughter follows me all the way up the stairs, until I’m safe in my room. Locking the door behind me, I lean back against it.
How the hell am I going to survive in this house, with him here? There’s no fucking way. He’s off-limits. He’s my stepbrother. But he’s so fucking hot. Shit! What makes this all so much worse – he’s Case fucking Nicoletti, my favorite hockey player. I’m so done for!