Jerked: A Stepbrother Mob Romance (City Series) Read Online Free Page A

temper rising.
    He shrugged. “Not really. I guess I was curious about what your room looked like.”
    “Yeah, I’m sure.” I stepped aside and made a dramatic gesture, letting him come further inside. “Take a good look, Mr. Bodyguard.”
    He walked in with a grin, ignoring the sarcasm dripping from my words. He laughed as he looked around.
    “I haven’t been in here in a long time.”
    “Yeah, that’s true.”
    He leaned against the bed and crossed his arms, looking at me.
    “What?” I asked, and walked over to him.
    “Are you ready for this?”
    “I’m not sure what you mean.”
    He shrugged and grinned. I wasn’t in the mood for his crap, so I clenched my jaw and waited for him to explain.
    “It’s been years, Bren. Are you sure you’re ready to dive right back into the family?”
    I sighed. He was absolutely right, but I hated the implication hidden behind his words: I couldn’t handle it. I was too weak, or whatever, to deal with Dad’s people again.
    “Worried about me, Colin?” I spat.
    He looked surprised, then smiled. “I’m never worried about you.”
    “You never seemed to care all that much, back then.”
    He stood and shrugged, taking a step closer. “People change, I guess.”
    “No, they don’t. Not really. What are you doing here?”
    He stopped right in front of me, and I could feel the heat rolling from him. My anger faded almost as quickly as it rose, and I felt a little silly for having snapped at him.
    “If you want to play that game, why’d you invite me in?”
    His stare was intense and strong and I felt something spark inside of me. A soft shiver ran down my spine.
    “I don’t know,” I said, looking away.
    Before I could react, he grabbed my waist with one arm and pulled me against him. I was surprised, but his arms were strong and he moved so fast that I couldn’t help but press my body against his firm muscles. I was shocked but I realized that I didn’t want to struggle. I wanted him to pull me tightly against him, even if it was a horrible idea, even if he was acting like he owned the place.
    “Let go of me,” I said softly.
    “You sure this isn’t what you wanted?” he said, touching my face.
    Tingles of electricity ran through my skin and my body as I remembered that day, the feeling of him against me, the way my head was on fire for hours afterwards, practically buzzing. I had never felt something like that before nor since.
    I looked back at him defiantly. “I’m not sure what you’re talking about.”
    “I think we both know.”
    And I could see it in his eyes, that same longing gaze he gave me way back then.
    “Cut it out, Colin.” I pushed softly against his chest, but he was like a brick wall.
    “I don’t think you want me to. I think you’re practically begging for it. I think that if I wanted to, I’d find you eager enough.”
    I glared at him sharply. He had never been so forward with me before, and although I was surprised, part of me liked it. But I couldn’t let him get to me, not when so many things were still up in the air, and my heart was still swirling with unanswered questions. And, worst of all, my biggest mistake was still unspoken, my darkest secret. I twisted and pulled away from him and took a step back.
    “We’re not doing this again,” I said through my teeth, hating every word.
    “I’m not sure what you mean.”
    “You know exactly what I mean. We’re not going through all of this again.”
    “That was practically a lifetime ago for both of us.”
    I looked back at him, finding my resolve, and keeping my face calm.
    “You’re right. So let’s forget about it.”
    He shrugged, looking unflappable, and it drove me insane.
    “Whatever you say, Princess. I was just playing with you.”
    My eyes narrowed. “Don’t call me that, asshole.”
    I could practically hear the laughter in his response. “Okay, sure, Bren. I forgot you hated that nickname.”
    “Yeah, I’m sure you forgot. Look, we need to set some