Seduced by My Stepdad

"Wake up."

I groan and bury my face deeper into the pillow. Assuming Alexander is talking to my mother, I ignore his voice echoing from the hallway.

Summer has officially started. High school is behind me. College looms at summer's end like a decadent dessert with a hidden bitter aftertaste.

College means freedom. It promises independence. But it also carries the weight of massive debt.

My biological father drowns in his own financial troubles. Asking him for help would be ridiculous. He probably owes Mom enough unpaid child support to cover my entire tuition twice over.

Mom refuses to ask Alexander for assistance. I understand why. My stepfather might be the most attractive man I've ever encountered in person. He's that classic type who played baseball through high school and college. The kind who maintains his athletic physique through relentless workouts.

He built a fortune through real estate investments. Yet he's notoriously frugal. At least that's what Mom constantly complains about.

Their arguments always revolve around money. Alexander keeps tightening the limits on Mom's credit cards because she consistently maxes them out.

The more he restricts her spending, the more hours I need to work. When they first got together, Mom's shopping sprees included things for me. Now she can't buy me anything because her monthly allowance disappears within days.

Fortunately, Mom purchased me designer clothes and a premium laptop before Alexander implemented his financial controls. Those got me through graduation, but college expenses are entirely my responsibility.

I sigh and attempt to reclaim my sleep. Last night I worked a private event at Le Jardin, the upscale restaurant where I'm employed. The party rented out the entire establishment. They kept ordering expensive champagne, so the owner extended their reservation. I deserve to sleep in, and I won't let my parents' bickering ruin that.

Just as I'm drifting back to sleep, I hear the distinct click of my door opening.

"Time to get up, Isabella," Alexander repeats.

"Mom isn't in here," I mumble into my pillow.

"That's the damn problem. She promised to be here."

"What does that have to do with me?"

"She was supposed to help me paint the study. Did you know about this spontaneous ladies' brunch she organized?"

I grunt a negative response, trying to wrap my pillow around my head to block him out.

"Well, since she's not here, you're helping me instead."

"Can't you hire professionals?"

Alexander scoffs. "You sound exactly like your mother."

That comment irritates me. I consciously learn from my parents' mistakes. Both dropped out of college. Dad constantly chases dubious get-rich-quick schemes.

Mom essentially does the same thing, except she targets wealthy men. I don't know how she managed to deceive Alexander long enough to secure marriage. Unlike her previous relationships, this one actually lasted.

"Come on, Isabella."

"Give me one more hour," I plead. "I didn't expect to be dragged from bed at dawn. I worked until midnight."

"You're eighteen now. Adults face the consequences of their choices."

Alexander yanks the blankets off my bed. Fortunately, I'm lying on my stomach since I sleep completely nude.

"These are Mom's consequences, not mine," I retort.

"What the hell? You're not wearing anything."

He sounds genuinely shocked and offended, making me laugh. "I was covered by the blanket until you stole it."

"Why are you naked?"

I glance over my shoulder at him because his husky tone sends shivers through me. His nostrils flare as his gaze sweeps across my bare back. If he weren't married to my mother, the thinnest woman I've ever known, I might mistake the look in his eyes for desire.

"Are you prohibiting nude sleeping now?"

"I'm asking why you're naked. Did you have someone in here?"

I laugh derisively. "Someone?"