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Chapter 12 - Holding back because of a damn rule

Annabel's POV

My body crumpled, not just from longing alone, but from guilt too.

The way his dark eyes pierced through me... it ignited this fire that I have been fighting to suppress.

His lustful looks, his body language, everything about him wanted me, as I wanted him too.

But I can't fall for him.

He is my father's son.

Giving in will leave a guilt that I will never forget.

He closed his eyes, waiting to feel my lips on his, but I pushed him away softly.

"Daniel, I want to ask you something."

A rough groan rumbled from his chest. "Why did you stop?"

I did not answer. I just remained quiet.

"Fine. What's your question?" he asked, lifting his hands up in surrender.

I stretched my neck. My hands were trembling as I looked down to steady them. "That night... the day I had dinner at your house... did we… make out?"

He released a faint laugh. "So that's what this is all about?"

I turned over to him. "Just answer me, please." I shoved him sharply.

"Fine, you dozed off."

My shoulders eased at once.

He leaned forward. "What? Don't you find me attractive? Or have you fallen for Lucian already?" His tone was filled with sarcasm.

"Do you feel guilty that he will find out that you were once on my bed, screaming my name, moaning and begging me to take you?"

Just then, I noticed the car had stopped. I glanced around, and we were in front of my apartment.

Thank goodness.

Perfect timing.

I pushed Daniel away. "I should get going."

He scoffed and ran his hand down his face in frustration. "Of course."

I got inside my apartment. The thought of Daniel almost kissing me lingered in my head, the way he looked at me, his voice, and then… His touch.

All of it sent shivers down my spine.

I wanted him. I wanted more.

But I kept holding back.

Fuck.

Why on earth would my father end up with his mother?

Daniel doesn't even know yet. I wonder how he will react when he finds out that I'm his step-sister.

Will he hate me forever?

I had settled in after a long shower and dinner, working on the project Daniel gave me when my phone buzzed.

It was a message from Lucian.

Lucian: Hey… how is your night going?

I took time wondering if I should just ignore it or not, because I already knew where it was going to

lead—night date. Just like he had requested every other day.

We have not talked since he bumped into me and Daniel, and I know he has questions which I'm not ready to answer at the moment.

Finally, I was tempted to reply.

Annabel: Hi, Lucian. My night is going just fine.

His response came immediately.

Lucian: You left today without informing me. Hope nothing is bothering you?

I ran my hand over my screen, staring at his message.

Of course, something is bothering me.

I'm falling deeply for my father's son.

And I can't even control it anymore.

I need something that will distract me from developing this feeling. I need to talk to someone, maybe a therapist…

Or maybe talk to Lucian about it.

No.

Lucian will judge me.

Gosh, if only Steph were still here with me, it could have been much easier. She had a solution for every problem.

Annabel: Lucian, I'm okay. I worked extra time today, that's all.

I held back for a second before clicking send.

My message was marked with two blue ticks, showing he had read it but did not reply.

I let out a sigh of relief and was about to drop my phone when I noticed he was trying to message me.

Three dots moved across the board, one after the other, in timed succession, showing typing. And then the message popped up.

Lucian: If you say so.

Then came the second message.

Lucian: So, I have been wondering — why don't we go on a proper date this weekend? You owe me this. Remember?

I read the message as if he were right here with me.

It was so typical of Lucian, he never gave up on anything.

Given that I have turned him down several times, maybe doing this will help me stop building feelings for Daniel. I gave in.

Annabel: Fine, weekend it is.

It did not take long before his reply popped up again.

Lucian: Thank you for giving us a chance. See you at work tomorrow, sweetheart. Wrapping the massage with a kiss emoji.

A tiny gasp escaped my lips. "Sweetheart?" I muttered, staring at the message.

Lucian had made every move to win me over, but I had always pushed him away.

He is also good-looking, kind, and caring.

Yet, I don't feel connected with him.

My heart is with someone else, someone I cannot have, simply because I feel guilty knowing society will judge our feelings.

Who even made the rules?

Why can't we be with the one our heart longs for, regardless of who it is?

My mind shifted to Daniel, the only man who makes my heart leap in excitement just by seeing his face.

One moment he is acting possessive and all sweet, the next minute he is acting authoritative, fighting to be in control.

I have never felt the way I feel for him, not even with James. I crave his touch so much that it hurts.

But I will have to keep holding back because of a damn rule.

I held my laptop, trying to come up with a better design, when an email came in.

It was from Daniel.

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