Chapter 4

• MIA'S POV
• I awoke thirsty, with my throat as dry as sandpaper. I tiptoed out of bed, intending to get a glass of water without running with anyone.
• As I entered the kitchen, I saw one of my stepbrothers. Sean reclined on the couch, sound sleeping. His big chest expanded and contracted with each tranquil breath. I hesitated for a while, not wanting to bother him, before rushing to the sink.
• Oh, I should not be staring at him like this! I thought, panicking within.I yanked my hand away, my heart beating and blood streaming to my cheeks. I could feel the fire spreading throughout my body. Oh no! I touched him...
• I filled my glass, and the cool water felt good against my parched lips. As I turned to take a sip, I heard faint footsteps approaching. I looked over my shoulder and my heart skipped a beat. Nathan was shirtless.
• I could barely take my gaze away from him. His abs were flawlessly formed, with each ridge and muscle molded like a sculpture. His sweatpants dropped low on his hips, exposing the sharp V-line hidden beneath the fabric. My mouth felt dry again, but this time it wasn't from thirst. The sight of him, his muscular figure nearly burning under the kitchen lights, made it impossible to turn away.
• "Enjoying the view, little sister?" His low, taunting voice jarred me out of my reverie. I realized, horrified, that I had been openly looking. His sneer deepened as he attracted my attention. "It's rude to stare."
• I moved away, my face flushed with embarrassment. I had to go before making a larger fool of myself. But in my rush to flee, I ran directly into him, pouring water from my glass all over his chest.
• "Oh no, I'm so sorry!" I gasped, my pulse beating as I reached out to wipe away the wetness, my fingertips brushing across his muscular abdomen. When my fingertips touched his warm, strong skin, I felt a chill run down my spine. I paused as the awareness of what I was doing hit me like a tidal wave.
• I swiftly drew my hand back, my cheeks blazing. My eyes were stuck to the floor, too humiliated to meet his stare. "I didn't mean to—"
• Nathan chuckled gently, sending another shudder through me. "Did you like what you felt, kitten?" His voice was low, almost purring, and I felt my face warm up even more. "It's not good to check out your stepbrother's body like that."
• I opened my mouth to apologize, but no words emerged. My fingers were still tingling from the moment they brushed his flesh. He bent down, softly grabbing my hand and moving it away from his chest, his gaze never leaving mine. The intensity in his eyes caused my heart to skip a beat.
• "I-I'm really sorry," I stammered, taking such a hasty step back that I nearly tripped over myself. My hands shook as I grabbed a towel to wipe the wetness off my fingers, urgently attempting to calm the rapid flutter in my chest.
• Nathan moved closer, his sneer growing as he watched me fumble. "Don't apologize," he said softly, his voice silky. "Just try not to make a habit of it." He leaned in so close that I could feel his breath on my ear. "Unless, of course, you plan on drooling some more?"
• My face was on fire. I could scarcely breathe while responding to him. I needed to get out of here before I melted into a pool of humiliation.
• Before I could move, another pair of footfall boomed across the kitchen. I turned to see Sean stroll in, his eyes narrowing as he took in the surroundings.
• "What are you doing here?" Sean inquired, his tone calm and slightly harsh. "We haven't exactly welcomed you yet."
• "I—I was just feeling thirsty," I murmured, wishing I could sink into the floor. And, as if on cue, my stomach gave me a loud growl.
• Sean cocked an eyebrow, and a little smile tugged on his lips. "Seems like you're hungry too."
• "I was just going to grab some bread," I said hastily, my voice quiet. I looked at the counter, where a loaf of bread rested, and suddenly felt like an intruder in my own kitchen.
• Sean shakes his head. "If you're hungry, you should eat proper food rather than bread. "Unless, of course, you're on a diet to attract boys?"
• I looked at him, taken aback. "I'm not dieting," I explained quietly. "And I'm not trying to attract anyone."
• Nathan, who had been observing silently, folded his arms over his chest, his gaze fixed on my. "Are you dating someone?" he inquired, his voice steady but with an edge that made my skin prickle.
• I shook my head, speaking barely above a whisper. "No, I am not dating anyone. I'm... Waiting for my mate."
• Nathan narrowed his gaze and took a step closer, making me feel even tiny. "Good. I do not want you dating anyone. And definitely don't sleep with random boys. "We have a family reputation to maintain."
• My pulse hammered in my chest as he leaned forward, his breath warm on my cheek. "Did you understand, little sister?" His voice was like a growl, deep and threatening.
• I nodded hastily, not trusting my ability to talk.
• "Good, little kitten." He stood up, his lips curled into a smile. "Now, go. Unless you want to stand here and drool even more."
• I grabbed the loaf of bread and rushed out of the kitchen, my face flushed with embarrassment and confusion.
• My heart was still beating as I walked back to my room, the sound of Nathan's mocking laughter ringing in my ears.