ROMANCE: Mated to the Bear (Stepbrother Paranormal Shifter) (Threesome Taboo Romance) (41 page)

Chapter 5

“I love you,” Marcus quietly spoke into Miranda’s ear. He cupped the back of her head and leaned in to gently kiss the nape of her neck. His affectionate gesture sent chills into Miranda’s body and she shivered from the sensation.

Marcus found it pretty easy to read Miranda by now. He could tell something was on her mind since she looked very much concerned. The two of them had been through a lot lately, and now they were looking at the prospect of no longer being step-siblings since their parents had announced their divorce just days before. Maybe the divorce is what is bugging her, thought Marcus.

Despite his gut instinct telling him he shouldn’t ask, Marcus did. “What’s buggin’ you?” He leaned back enough to look into her beautiful blue eyes.

Miranda bit down on her lips and choked back tears. As she was ready to sputter out the answer, her body convulsed with emotion, and she collapsed on Marcus’s chest. She looked helpless and unable to share what was on her mind.

“Is it the divorce? Come on, babe, it’s goin’ to be all right. I swear.” He massaged Miranda’s scalp with one hand while he stroked her back with his other.

“No,” she softly murmured into his chest.

“You know that it’s goin’ to be okay, right? We don’t have to stop seeing each other. You can’t get rid of me that easily. Just think - we don’t have to hide this anymore.” Miranda pushed her way out of his arms and headed to the bathroom for some tissue to wipe her tears away.

As she came out of the bathroom, wiping away her smeared mascara, she mumbled something that Marcus didn’t quite catch.

“What’s that?” he asked.

“I said, ‘I’m pregnant.’” she looked up and directly at Marcus.

His heart sank into his gut, and he no longer knew what to think. It was no wonder she had been a bit withdrawn from him lately. Over the past few weeks since their experience with the Mosley couple, Marcus and Miranda had become increasingly close. Though they didn’t share any crazy sex escapades, they still enjoyed the intimacy of each other. In fact, they had spent a lot of time on dates out of town and making love in hotels. After all, they didn’t want their parents to know.

But, now, she was expressing something that may be too much, too soon for Marcus and Miranda to grasp. Were they ready for this commitment? And, would their separating parents cope well with this monumental news? Just as his heart sank, he realized something even greater. He was going to become a father, something that he’d wanted a long time now.

“Oh, my God,” he whispered. “What’re we going to do?”

“What do you mean, ‘What’re we going to do?’” she looked up at him as tears began flowing again.

“I mean, what do we do now?”

“Well, I’m not giving this up,” she grasped at her stomach.

He embraced her again. “I know, I know.” He shushed her and rubbed her back again. “And, I’m not giving you up either.”

Happiness exploded in Miranda’s heart, and relief showered over her. As long as Marcus was going to stay with her, she was overjoyed. Deep down, Miranda feared that Marcus would want to leave her if she chose to keep the child. She was afraid that he’d want out of this relationship since many people would have their harsh judgment of their situation.

Marcus abruptly released her, ran to his closet and came out with his suitcase. He slammed it onto the bed, unzipped and began loading it with clothes from his dresser drawer.

“What’re you doing?!” Miranda asked.

“Come on, let’s go. You and me. Let’s get out of here and start our new life somewhere else. Then you and I can have our child and raise him in a normal life.”

“Really? We can’t do that.”

“Why not?!” he paused, dashed into the closet and brought out a duffel bag. “Here load your things that you need and let’s go. Now.”

Miranda’s heart went from sad and forlorn to hopeful and excited. She raced to her room as quickly as her feet could carry her. Unloading every drawer she could and grabbing only the things she needed, Miranda filled the duffel bag.

Marcus and Miranda piled into his convertible, dropped the top down and started driving east. They didn’t know where they were going, but they were both sure, that in their hearts, what they were doing was right. And, they would live to experience many more adventures together for the rest of their days.

THE END

Stepbrother

Loaded

By: Madelin Brook

Table of Contents

About the Story

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

© Copyright 2015 by Active Passion Publications - All rights reserved.

In no way is it legal to reproduce, duplicate, or transmit any part of this document in either electronic means or in printed format. Recording of this publication is strictly prohibited and any storage of this document is not allowed unless with written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved.

Respective authors own all copyrights not held by the publisher.

ABOUT THE STORY

Stepbrother Loaded

Sarah is struggling to make ends meet with her secretary job at the doctor’s office. Even though her C.E.O. step brother Vince treats her poorly, he offers her a job as a temporary bartender at one of his bars while another bartender tends to maternity leave.

While she was working one night, Vince was there drinking with his friends and she has to take him home to make sure he’s safe and taken care of. But because he was too drunk and she doesn’t know his alarm code, she ends up taking him to her place instead.

While getting him into bed, he slightly wakes up and they passionately kiss, which leads to her kissing him back. Ultimately, this helps them rekindling their broken relationship, now fueled with romantic intentions. A simple drunken act reveals the true intentions and what they feel at their core.

Chapter 1

Jonathan Varner was a multi-billionaire from his successful chain of bars and restaurants. He could have any girl he wanted with his chiseled body, silky blond hair, and smokey gray eyes, and he often took advantage of that. He rode a motorcycle and did what he wanted when he wanted. He could also have the charm of a gentleman when he saw fit. Unfortunately, he knew he had enough money and good looks to get away with anything, so why try to be something he’s not truly?

He used this charm when working with CEOs and other high ups where it was actually useful to be a gentleman. His arrogance was apparent when he was dealing with anyone else, including his own family. He refuses to face the reality of the world, hiding behind his money and bad behavior.

This made things especially difficult for his tender, fragile stepsister, Alyssa Reynolds. She was a struggling secretary, putting hope in making ends meet at the end of the month. She was envious of her stepbrother’s accomplishments, especially since she knew he was now ungrateful, disrespectful, and had no regards to how anyone else felt. She had long locks of wavy dark brown hair with big green eyes with a slender body. She could be considered beautiful but according to Jonathan, she was “pretty at best, but overall lackluster.” She had a sweet and caring heart, but because of that, it was easy for her to be taken advantage of. Regardless, Jonathan was family, and she loved him, but deep down, she also loathed him.

The newest crisis for Jonathan was that one of the bartenders at his local bar just had a baby. “It’s really a shame she couldn’t have waited to have the baby for a few more weeks; that would have actually helped the business,” he explained.

His father, who was just as egotistical as Jonathan was, responded, “It’s so hard to find good help nowadays.”

“I need to find a replacement, and fast. I want to have someone who is eager to work and is okay if I don’t pay them a lot. That’s one good thing about losing Belinda; I don’t have to pay the new person as much as I pay her. That saves money and thus it will be a good business move.”

“Atta, boy! I taught you well.” Jonathan’s father was very proud of his son’s success, even if there were questionable business tactics put in play.

“Atta, boy, what?” A dark haired woman came in from the other room, into the dining room. She resembled Alyssa, but only an older version of her.

“Jonathan here is just making positive business solutions with losing his bartender. He needs a new one but found a way to spend less with that.” The father beamed proudly.

“Oooh,” she said airily, “Well that’s good.” She gave the older man a peck on the cheek and sat beside him. “Has Alyssa come in yet?”

“No, she hasn’t,” Jonathan said flatly. “Whose idea was it to do a weekly family dinner again?”

“It was mine!” the woman said. “Oh, I know, why don’t you hire Alyssa as your bartender?”

“I guess? It’s not really her style, though.”

“Well, she’s great with people, and is looking for another job.”

“You might be able to pay her even less, Jonathan, since she is family and all. Think about that.” The father huffed.

“Well...“

“Sorry, I’m late!” Alyssa burst through the door and into the dining room. “I got caught up at work…”

The woman smiled at her daughter warmly. “It’s okay, darling. How was work?”

“Oh, it was wonderful...“

“See?” The mother looked to Jonathan expectantly. “She’s just so positive! Bartender today, and maybe your business partner tomorrow!”

“What are you talking about, mom?” Alyssa was highly confused with the conversation she so obviously missed from before.”

“They think I should hire you as a replacement bartender for the night shift.” Jonathan sneered. “As if I’d hire you.”

She didn’t hear the last part. “Really? I could definitely use the work and I can start immediately and don’t mind if it’s only temporary and I’m a real fast learner too!” She said it all in one breath.

“Would it really mean that much to you to work beneath me?”

“Oh, yes. So much! I could work for minimum wage.”

“You’re too eager, but fine. I’ll guess you do. And I suppose it is for the family. You start tomorrow night.”

“Oooh, see I knew it’d work out!” The mother squealed. “Oh, what are you going to wear? You don’t have to wear a uniform, I don’t think. You should definitely dress up for the occasion! Maybe we should go shopping!”

“Mom, it’s okay,” Alyssa said calmly, “I have clothes I can wear.” Her mother always wanted to provide more for her, but Alyssa was stubborn and refused things to be handed to her; she liked to work for it.

“Well, if you insist.” The woman pouted slightly. “We can go shopping another day.”

“I don’t know about you guys,” the man said, “But I am starved. Let’s eat!” A servant quickly jumped into view to place various foods over the table and the family of four ate.

Chapter 2

The bar was loud and reeked of old alcohol. People were dancing and spilling their drinks all over. As Alyssa entered, she wondered how much of the mess she’d have to clean up. She looked around and quickly found Jonathan and skipped towards him. This bar, in particular, was his pride and joy, largely because it was his local bar, and because he owned it, he got “free, unlimited drinks.” As if he needed to take advantage of free or unlimited anything.

“Someone’s early.” Jonathan sighed. “At least you look presentable.” Alyssa felt she looked fantastic. She wore skinny jeans with knee high boots and a black, shimmery, backless top. She knew right then nothing she did at this job would be good enough for Jonathan, but she had to try and put her entire heart into it.

“Meet Victor. He manages this location and will be your boss under me. He reports everything to me so you better perform well. I will know.”

“Pleased to meet you, V...“

“So what drinks do you know how to make or are you completely new to this type of scene?” Victor was definitely not interested in formalities.

“I know how to make margaritas and mudslides.”

“Hm, I suppose that’s a start.” Victor really looked at her for the first time. “Next time wear something lower cut. Male customers tend to forgive bad drinks from the women who are sexy.”

Alyssa couldn’t believe the disrespect she blatantly heard. But she couldn’t say anything without risking this job. She really needed the extra money and arguing with her boss in front of the big boss was not the best way to make a good impression. “Of course; I’ll remember for next time.”

Jonathan smirked. “I’ll catch you later Victor. Alyssa, good luck. Ha!”

“See ya!” Victor smiled and Alyssa remained silent. “So let’s get you to the bar. For tonight, I’m just going to have you wash dishes.”

Suddenly, his voice was monotone. He led her through a throng of people, weaving in and out, and she tried her best to keep up. The place was huge, with two bars on both ends and space for a dance floor and high tables and chairs in between. It was also packed; there were people everywhere. A few greeted Victor excitedly as he passed and he would flirt with the women and fist bump the men. Alyssa tried not to roll her eyes, yet she enjoyed the atmosphere and energy the place emitted.

Eventually, they got to the first bar. “You’ll be on Veronica’s team tonight. Don’t screw up.” The tone of his voice was almost menacing. He either was mad about Belinda’s absence or was upset that there was a new employee. Regardless, he left without another word.

“Hi! I’m Veronica!” A woman with blond hair and brown highlights, large breasts, and a red mini skirt walked up. “You must be Alyssa. It’s great to meet you!” She held out her hand and Alyssa shook it genuinely. There were speakers near this bar and so she had to yell a bit to be heard. “Let me show you around!” Alyssa was again led around, this time to see where clean and dirty glasses, liquor, beer, cherries, cocktail onions, and napkins were all kept. “Victor wants you to just do dishes tonight, but I want to try to get you to mix a few drinks just to get a feel for it.”

“Okay, yeah. That sounds alright, but will he get mad?” Alyssa definitely didn’t want to anger anyone.

“Nah, I get away with almost anything as long as I do a good job.” Veronica gave a wink. “If you know what I mean!”

Alyssa wasn’t sure if she wanted to know but definitely didn’t get it as it was. “Okay then. So what do I do to wash?” The sink was large and had a long detachable nozzle. Next to it, there was a dishwasher with plenty of spots to put glasses in. There was also a rack for air drying and supplies for cleaning, like soap and a scrubber.

“We usually just hand wash the glasses because we don’t have time to wash them using the washer. It gets way too busy, especially on weekends. This is the best bar in the area!” Veronica held a sense of pride with her job. “If you don’t mind, go around and pick up any empty or lonely glasses.”

“Got it!” Immediately Alyssa went around and gathered glasses. Men fawned over her, though she assumed they were only interested because they were drunk. Women usually just gave them their half empty glasses with barely a word said. The women were easier to deal with than the men, though.

After Alyssa dropped out six handfuls of glasses back at the sink, she could finally get started. She filled the sink with hot, soapy water, submerging the glasses. She started scrubbing the glasses clean then hanging them on the rack where they dried quickly, thanks to a portable fan in the area. Once that was done, she was told to make another round of gathering to clean.

While collecting the glasses, she spotted Jonathan with some friends in a V.I.P seating area. She lingered close to see what they were talking about. Banging women. She should have guessed. Jonathan, unfortunately, saw her. “May I help you?” he absently asked.

“Do you have any empty glasses I can take?”

“Oh, sure. Here.” The men handed her more glasses than she could carry.

“I’ll be right back!” She rushed off to let the glasses soak when she ran into Victor as he turned fast, dropping the glasses. They clashed on the ground as they broke into millions of pieces.

“What the fuck, Alyssa? You klutz,” he exclaimed.

“I’m sorry! I’m so sorry!” She bent down and hurriedly tried picking up the larger pieces. “Where can I get a broom and pan to sweep this up?”

“In the utility closet. Why aren’t you using the serving tray to hold the glasses?”

“Serving tray? I was never told...“

“You’ve been picking up people’s glasses by hand?” He laughed, hard. “That hopefully explains why you are so slow.”

“I’m sorry!”

“Hmpt.” He left and quickly came back with the broom and dustpan. She put the large broken pieces in the pan and helped clean up the glass. “Now that that is cleared get back to work.”

He left with the broom and pan, which left her alone. She wondered if Jonathan saw her failures. She sighed and continued back to work.

“Hey, Veronica?” She asked innocently enough. “Where is the serving tray?”

“O.M.G.! I completely forgot about that!” She pulled it out from under the register. “Here it is. We use it when we serve drinks or grab the dirty glasses. Sorry, sometimes I forget things.” Maybe she wasn’t as good at her job as she thinks. “Speaking of which, can you take these drinks to Jonathan? He and his friends are in the V.I.P. area!”

“Sure, no problem!” Alyssa was slightly irritated and worried if the broken glasses would be taken out of her paycheck. Jonathan might see to that if he found out.

She balanced two beers, a margarita, and an unknown blue drink on the tray and headed to Jonathan’s group. When she got there, he said nothing of the glasses but greedily grabbed his blue drink. “What took ya so long?” He was pretty drunk already. “Now do your job and take these too,” he added, pushing forward the empty glasses that were left from before.

“Sorry.” She felt like she was doing a terrible job already. She left in a rush, not wanting to be around drunk Jonathan. She imagined that he would have even less of a filter with his words. She didn’t wish to get any more degraded from him than she already was tonight.