Claimed By My Stepbrother novel Chapter 7

Chapter 7

Camila POV

I forced myself to tear my eyes away, managing a weak smile. “Nothing. Just… tired, I

guess.”

But my mind was racing. What was he doing here? Was he following me? It didn’t feel

coincidental. I shifted in my seat, trying to act casual, trying to ignore the way my skin prickled whenever I felt his gaze on me. My thoughts spiraled, and it hit me: Ethan really is a fucking psycho!

་

I felt chills.

“Alright, next up- Camila!” the DJ announced, and Tessa grinned at me, dragging me

to the stage.

I had no idea what song was picked, no time to argue, as Tessa shoved the mic into my hand with a devilish grin. “Go on! Embrace the new you!”

With my heart pounding in my ears, I took a deep breath and stepped into the spotlight. The first notes of a song I barely knew played, and I managed to get through it, the laughter and clapping of the crowd like a balm to my anxiety. For a few minutes, I was in a bubble, just me and the music, no judgment, no fear.

When it was over, I handed the mic back, and looked out over the crowd for Ethan,

but I couldn’t find him.

He was gone.

The karaoke place continued to buzz, the sound of off–key singing mixed with laughter and chatter. I was finally beginning to feel like I could breathe again when my phone buzzed in my pocket. Groaning internally, I pulled it out and saw Mom plastered across the screen. Perfect timing, as always.

“Hello?” I answered, trying to sound casual even though my heart was still racing

from earlier.

“Where are you?” she asked, her voice carrying that tone of concern that usually

meant she was gearing up for a lecture.

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Chapter 7

“Karaoke,” I replied, keeping it short. I wasn’t in the mood to explain the sudden change in my personality or why I wasn’t holed up in my room as usual.

“Karaoke?” she repeated, like I had just told her I was skydiving off a cliff. “Since when do you go to karaoke?”

“Since now,” I said, rolling my eyes even though she couldn’t see me. “I’m out with Tessa. Just hanging out.”

There was a pause on her end, and I could practically hear her trying to decide if she wanted to argue about it. “Okay… when will you be back?”

“Probably late,” I said quickly, hoping that would end the conversation.

“Camila, don’t stay out too late,” she said, her voice softening a little. “You know

how-”

“Got it, Mom. Gotta go. Bye,” I cut her off, hanging up before she could launch into one of her “safety first” speeches. I didn’t want to hear it tonight.

Sliding my phone back into my pocket, I turned to Tessa. “I’m going to grab a drink. Be back in a bit.”

“Alright,” she said, grinning. “Get me a soda or something, would you?”

I nodded and made my way through the crowd toward the small bar area at the back. The lights were dim, and the smell of popcorn and cheap beer filled the air. I wasn’t planning to drink anything crazy- just something fizzy to keep my hands busy.

As I waited in line, I felt a hand on my shoulder. My heart jumped, and my stomach did a weird flip. Ethan. Of course, it had to be him. Who else would sneak up on me like that? I stiffened, turning around slowly, ready to tell him to back off.

But it wasn’t Ethan.

It was Liam, a guy from school who I sort of knew but wouldn’t exactly call a friend. He was one of those people who was always around but never really in my circle. We had exchanged a few words in class, nothing more.

He was dressed in a perfectly put–together outfit that screamed effortless cool. He

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Chapter 7

had on a crisp white shirt tucked into tailored chinos, paired with a lightweight bomber jacket that gave off just the right mix of casual and polished. His sneakers were spotless, somehow managing to look both trendy and understated. Honestly, Liam could probably walk into a fashion show straight from class and fit right in- he’s easily one of the most stylish people I know.

“Hey, Camila,” he said, giving me a casual smile. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”

“Oh, uh, hey,” I said, relaxing a little. “Yeah, it’s… kind of a last–minute thing.”

Liam raised an eyebrow. “Did Tessa drag you out? You don’t seem like the karaoke

type.”

“Wow, way to call me out,” I said, crossing my arms with a small laugh. “But yeah, she kind of did. Needed a change of scenery, I guess.”

He nodded, leaning against the counter. “Fair enough. So, what’s your go–to karaoke

song?”

I blinked, caught off guard by the question. “Go–to? I don’t think I have one. Tonight was my first time singing, actually.”

“No way,” he said, his eyes widening as he straightened up. “And you survived?

Impressive.”

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