Billionaire Stepbrother (A Dark Erotic Romance)

Billionaire Stepbrother

Emilia Beaumont

Chapter One

I
was supposed to get a tan that summer; spend time with my friends, go shopping, you know the normal girl–stuff you do and indulge in before heading off to university. I was supposed to do a lot of things but everything changed the moment I stepped foot into Chamberlin Tower; I became a prisoner with no hope of escape.

I remember the day my freedom was taken from me so clearly but really, come to think of it, it was all put in motion the moment my mother was swept off her feet and decided, without consulting me of course, to get married to Michael Chamberlin; one of the richest and most influential business men in the city, forcing our two families together.

The wedding, as you would expect, was the most luxurious and extravagant affair the city had seen in years; I’m pretty sure everyone (and when I say everyone, I mean anyone with more money than sense) was invited. I have to admit it was touching to see my mom so happy, she deserved it after everything we’d been through but she abandoned me to the side–lines; forgetting about me that day and for the summer that would change my life forever.

We rode the elevator up to the penthouse in silence, while my mom, Loretta, and her new husband, Michael, giggled and cuddled like teenagers in the corner. I groaned and looked away; there’s something very wrong about seeing the woman that gave birth to you act like a horny schoolgirl. I couldn’t wait till they got on Michael’s jet and left for their honeymoon. At least then I wouldn’t have to look at the grossest display of affection ever.

The elevator dinged and the doors slid open to reveal a sleek white hallway that expanded into the living room. Glass windows spread from floor to ceiling giving us the most breathtaking view of the city. Everything was spotless, in its place, and you just knew the amount spent on just the decoration alone in that tiny section of the apartment would be sufficient enough to send me to one of the best Universities in the country for an entire year.

It was stunning and I couldn’t help but smile. This was going to be all mine for the summer. No nagging, no interfering parents; just me alone with a bunch of credit cards to burn through. It was going to be glorious. With the two love–birds away honeymooning in Europe I’d cut loose here in the capital; I couldn’t wait for them to leave.

“What do you think?” Michael asked.

“Honey, I love it. Although, once we get back I might have to put my own stamp on it,” my mom replied, as I inspected the plush furnishings.

“Of course, I wouldn’t have it any other way. What about you Aimee, think you could survive a couple of months here?” He looked at me expectantly.

I nodded. “It meets my standards, Mr Chamberlin,” I said with a straight face.

He laughed. “You have one funny little lady there, Loretta,” he replied.

“Don’t I know it,” she replied as tears welled in her eyes. “You will be safe while we’re away, won’t you?” She squeezed and hugged me tight.

“Loretta, stop worrying; she’s a big girl and anyway Aimee will be in good hands,” Michael replied.

I frowned, not knowing what he meant. But the answer would soon appear.

The elevator dinged to a stop and we all turned to see who it was.

“Ah, just on time,” Michael said as a young man, dressed in a perfectly tailored suit; creases in all the right places, stepped out of the elevator. It was like he’d just stepped out of a photo–shoot, there was no doubting he could be a model. My heart thrummed as I took him in; and I knew right then I was in trouble… he was to be my downfall.

Alexandre Chamberlin, in all his glory. It was the first time we’d met; he was absent for the wedding… there’d been some whiff of an excuse, family drama that was quickly swept underneath the thousand pound carpet, but I expect it was just too dull for him. To say that he had a bit of a reputation would be an understatement; his name was always in the tabloids, and no matter who or what he did, he always managed to squirm his way out of trouble; daddy’s money greasing more than a few palms to get them to look the opposite way.

“Lex, come meet Aimee, your new little sister” my mom encouraged.

“Mom!” I tried not to sound like a brat but did she really still see me as an innocent girl? I was a grown woman, an adult at eighteen… certainly old enough to leave me to my own devices while she gallivanted off with her new husband… or so I thought.

Lex glanced over at me for no more than a passing second; letting his cold blue eyes only skim me, as if I weren’t worthy of his time. I crossed my arms in defence.

“Hello,” he said reluctantly, totally bored with the situation.

“Alexandre! We’re all family now; you’ll have to make a bit more of an effort this summer. I’ll be relying on you to keep an eye on my new precious step–daughter,” Michael said as he wrapped an arm around my shoulders trying desperately to show me some fatherly affection.

“What?” I exclaimed and shrugged him off; the words slipped from my mouth before I could stop them. “I don’t need a babysitter, especially not him of all people.” My hand darted out and pointed right at Lex.

“It’s rude to point,” Lex muttered, his mouth turning into a smirk; amused by my outrage. I hated him already.

“Oh honey, you really didn’t think we’d leave you all alone, did you? Besides, I’m sure you and Lex will get on like a house on fire. Lex graduated from Oxford; he’ll be able to give you the inside scoop for when you start in September,” my mother chattered on.

My arms found their way to my hips; this wasn’t happening. I didn’t need a chaperon for the summer and I definitely did not need a step–brother. I’d gotten on perfectly fine without one for the past eighteen years of my life.

Fine, if they were going to treat me like a child then I’d act like one. I gave them each a scolding look in turn, turned on my heels and headed in the direction of the bedrooms.

My heels clicked hard against the tile as I stomped away. I ended up half–way down the hall before realising I didn’t know which one was mine. It had to be one of these, I thought. My hand rested upon the door knob, I knew they were watching me, behind my back.

“Next one down,” I heard Michael call, trying hard to conceal a chuckle.

Chapter Two

M
y room was nice, if a bit bare. At least all my belongings, that I was forced to pack up from the old house, were here waiting for me; I’d put my own stamp on the room in no time.

I walked to a French antique wardrobe and opened it up. All my clothes were hung up neatly. As I thumbed through the outfits, trying to pick out a dress for the evening’s activities a brief knock sounded upon my closed door.

“Honey? We’re leaving now for the airport,” my mom called through the wooden barrier.

I ignored her; still fuming. Why couldn’t she trust me to stay by myself? She had no qualms trusting the city’s notorious playboy… hopefully, though, he’d be too busy running around town to pay me any attention. Though, I couldn’t get his baby–blues out of my mind. I shook the image out of my head.

“Look, I know you’re upset but at least try to get along with Lex while we’re away.” She sighed. “Well, I’m going. Just remember you probably won’t be able to get in touch with us for the next few days, but I’ll call as soon as I can. Love you.”

I moved to the door and my hand smoothed the wood grain. I should say goodbye, I thought.

I opened the door expecting my mother to be there on the other side; but she was already gone. Hoping she’d still be in the apartment I walked towards the living room.

“They’ve just left,” a voice from the couch said.

I jumped; I hadn’t noticed him sat there, he was so still. Lex had his legs crossed and he held a glinting crystal tumbler half filled golden liquid.

“Fine,” I said and ran back to my room to get changed. I slipped on the dress I’d eyed and grabbed my purse and phone. I might as well get this summer off to a flying start, I thought.

I passed through the living room again heading for the elevator.

“See you later, Lex.” I pushed the call button.

A beat passed before he rose out of his chair.

“Where the hell do you think you’re going?” he demanded.

“Out,” I replied, and stepped inside the elevator.

“Stop. Aimee!” he shouted, advancing towards me. I grinned at him and waved a teasing goodbye as the doors slammed shut.

Chapter Three

H
ours later the elevator dinged, the sound bouncing around inside my skull, as I reached the penthouse apartment. I was a little tipsy, my legs a little unsure of themselves in their stiletto heels, but it was all the result of a good night out. A couple of friends and I, with a couple of VIP passes, managed to party all night at a hip new nightclub. I was a little worse for wear and the last thing I needed before bed was a lecture.

The doors slid open, and my face fell as I spied that Lex was still in the same chair as before. His face was tight, his eyebrows were bunched together; he did not look like he’d had a good night…

“Sit. Let’s get this over with shall we?” Lex’s tone gave no impression that I had any other option. So, intrigued, I sat; trying to hold back a bubble of giggles.