Claimed By My Stepbrother novel Chapter 63

Chapter 63

Camila POV

Guilt slammed into me like a freight train, leaving me speechless. I wanted to protest, to explain that it wasn’t like that, but the words lodged in my throat. It wasn’t that I hated him or anything… okay, maybe I did a little, but that’s not the point. I just couldn’t stand being the center of attention- it made my skin crawl. And with Ethan? He was always the center of attention. The guy practically sparkled, for crying out loud.

“Sure, I agreed softly, surprising even myself.

Ethan’s expression shifted, his features relaxing as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. “Okay. Cool.”

I followed him to the parking lot, where his car- a sleek black SUV that looked like it had just rolled off the lot- was parked.

The same car he had purposely busted a tire on just so he could ride the bus with me.

Damn. The memory still gives me chills.

He opened the passenger door for me, and I climbed in, settling into the plush leather seat. The faint scent of pine and something else- something distinctly Ethan- filled the car, and I tried not to think about how nice it was.

Ethan slid into the driver’s seat, starting the engine with a low rumble. “Where to?”

“Just drop me off at my Aunt’s place,” I replied, giving him the general directions.

The ride started in silence, the hum of the engine filling the space between us. I fiddled with the strap of my bag, sneaking glances at him out of the corner of my eye. His focus was on the road, his jaw set and his hands steady on the

wheel.

“So, um…” he said, breaking the silence. “Well… uh…” He paused, frowning suddenly, like he was annoyed at how

awkward he sounded.

It was obvious he wasn’t used to starting a conversation. Not that he needed to. I mean, look at him. With a face like that, he probably never had to try.

But me? What’s my excuse?

I didn’t even know what the hell to say either. “Nice jacket,” I blurted out with a forced smile.

Smooth, Camila. Real smooth.

“You think?” he chuckled softly, and to my absolute horror, his cheeks turned pink.

Why was he blushing like some kind of lovesick she–goat? And more importantly, why was my heart hammering in my chest like it wanted to jump ship?

Oh no, Camila. Don’t you dare make this cute. He’s a psycho. A full–on lunatic.

You’re done for, Camila. Completely done for.

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Chapter 63

I groaned loudly and he turned to face me. “Are you okay?” He asked, concern etched on his face.

“Yes,” I blurted out, suddenly irritated.

We pulled up to Aunt Anya’s house sooner than I expected, and I felt a weird pang of disappointment. As I reached for the door handle, Ethan stopped me with a quiet, “Camila?”

I turned to face him.

“Thanks for the coffee,” he murmured, his voice so soft I almost didn’t hear it.

I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. “See you tomorrow, Ethan.”

I stepped into the house and let out a long, heavy sigh, sagging against the door for a moment before kicking off my shoes. Today had been one heck of a day. My brain was still playing catch–up, flipping through every weird moment, every lingering glance, every what–the–fuck–was–that interaction I’d had with Ethan. I needed a shower, sleep, and maybe an entire therapy session to process all of it.

But, of course, the universe wasn’t about to let me relax.

The sound of the TV humming in the background caught my attention.

I stepped into the living room, only to be greeted by the sight of Anya’s boyfriend slouched on the couch, one arm thrown lazily over the backrest, the other holding a half–full glass of something- probably whiskey, knowing Anya’s taste.

My brain scrambled for his name. Mike?

No. Mark?

Wait… Matt?

While fuck this. I wasn’t about to stand here and play a damn guessing game.

“Hey,” I greeted, forcing some politeness into my voice.

The guy looked up from the TV and raised his glass slightly in acknowledgment. “Yo.”

I shifted my weight onto one foot. “Uh… is Anya around?”

“Nah,” he responded, taking a slow sip of his drink like this was his damn house. “She left. Said she would be back

tomorrow.”

I blinked. Seriously?!

Did Anya really just leave me alone with some random dude? No warning? No ‘hey, by the way, my boyfriend- whose name you clearly don’t even remember, will be staying while I’m not around, so don’t freak out?‘

She really was something else. /

Holding back a groan, I nodded and turned on my heel, deciding I was absolutely not dealing with this tonight. “Cool. Whatever.”

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