Chapter 1

To buy Brendan a hearing aid, I worked three jobs a day.

When my step-brother, Julian, found out, his eyes darkened, sharp and intense. "You're working yourself to death for some guy. Are you planning on moving in with him?"

I sneered, "None of your business."

Later, I overheard Brendan talking to his roommate.

"Just pretending to be deaf to mess with that idiot. His measly cash? Who even cares about that, seriously, haha."

"He's pretty, I'll give him that. But I'm not into guys."

The guys burst into laughter. Someone asked him, "What if Alex finds out?"

Brendan casually drawled, "He won't. Even if he does, I'll just sweet-talk him."

"My ear went deaf saving him, you know. All I have to do is say a few nice words, and he'll melt."

Turns out, I was the only fool all along.

I wanted to leave, but my step-brother grabbed my neck, pulling me close for a harsh kiss.

My voice trembled as I challenged him, "…What do you mean by that?"

His voice was low and rough.

"I mean, I want to *take* you."