Ashton’s POV

The night air was biting my skin, but it was better than being inside the house and pretending that everything was fine.

When my father first told me about the engagement, I thought I could find a way around it.

So, for three years, I stalled it with frequent business trips and fake delays with convenient excuses. I was determined to do anything to escape being chained to someone I didn’t love.

But this time, Matteo Volkova was done waiting for me to give a date. He made it clear over dinner tonight in the presence of everyone that the engagement would happen in two days.

His words were final and unquestionable.

And as I sat there, forcing a neutral look while he spoke about alliances and power, all I could think about was her.

Moana Nawei, my stepsister.

The look on her face when the words engaged left my father's mouth burned into my mind.

She had choked on her wine and after she had regained herself, her fingers tightened around her glass until I thought it would shatter.

And when she finally exhaled, her eyes flickered to mine, full of something she tried to hide but I could see the pain clearly in it.

While my father spoke with her, she covered it up with a small and polite smile, but I saw it. I always do as I could see through her antics.

If I had known this was going to happen tonight, I would have asked Moana to stall her return.

“But…” I exhaled, tugging my hair lightly before shoving my hands into my pockets.

It was love at first sight.

Since the first day she walked into the family mansion with my father's new wife, I couldn't stop thinking about her.

It was a pure torture for me. Her wide brown eyes haunted me for as long as I could remember.

She was my stepsister, the one person I wasn’t supposed to want. So I did what I had to do; I buried it pretending that I didn’t care.

Letting her go to study abroad was one of the hardest things I ever did. I told myself it was better that way that distance would make me forget.

But it didn’t, it only made me crave her more.

For five long years, I was her stalker. Since I couldn’t do it in person, I had deployed some of my men to Paris to keep an eye on her.

When I found out she was coming back, I told her I was going to pick her up at the airport.

And all through the night, I was giddy with excitement like a teenager in love.

But plans changed when Nadine came over for breakfast. To send her away, I told her I was going to pick Moana from the airport but she insisted on tagging along.

I didn’t want Moana seeing us together, not like that so against my will, I sent Miguel instead now I wish I hadn’t.

Because the moment she walked in and saw Nadine next to me, I could tell what she was simmering with rage.

And like that wasn't enough for the day, my father dropped the engagement news during dinner.

Sitting across from her in silence, I watched as the light in her eyes flickered out.

When she left the table earlier, I was going to go after her but father decided to talk about the Martellos who were sneaking around our turf.

Immediately the conversation wound out and dinner was over, I made my way to the rooftop, my safe haven.

It was the only place in the huge mansion where the noise in my head quiets down.

With a deep exhale, I gripped the railing like I was going to pull it off.

Staring down at the lights below, everything looked so peaceful from up here.

For a moment, I imagined what life would have been like if things were different. Like if she wasn’t my stepsister, if my father didn’t run my life like a chessboard and if I could just choose.

But that’s not how my world works.

My father has always been the scriptwriter when it comes to matters that concern me. But when it comes to handling the family matters, he leaves everything for me.

Suddenly, the rooftop door creaked behind me, breaking through my thoughts. I don’t turn because I already know who it is.

She was going to come for the railings but the moment she saw me, she paused. She was probably thinking I haven’t noticed her, yet.

Then I heard her shift, like she was about to leave and like lady luck was on my side, her body connected with an object, breaking the silence on the rooftop.

“You're terrible at sneaking,” I said, my voice cutting through the night.

For what seemed like forever, she just stood there staring at me with her large brown eyes like she had just seen an alien.

“What are you doing here?" I asked, tilting my head slightly.

“I didn’t mean to disturb you.” She ratted out.

“Of course not, you didn’t.” I straightened up, leaning back against the railing. “Couldn’t sleep?” I asked.

“Something like that,” she murmured, moving towards the railings with the pace of a snail.

The night wind lifted her hair and brushed it across her face.

God, she’s beautiful. She had always been.

Halting several feet away from me, she crossed her arms on her chest only to start looking everywhere but at me.

“Congratulations,” she finally said, forcing a small smile. “On your engagement.”

The words stung and she knew that.

“Don’t,” I said before I could stop myself.

“Don’t what?” She asked, knitting her brows together like she was confused.

“Don’t say that.” I repeated, gritting my teeth in anger.

Tossing her head backwards, she let out a short and bitter laugh. “Why not? Isn’t that what you want?” She huffed, rolling her eyes at me.

“It’s not what I want.” I challenged, matching her tone.

“Oh really?” Her eyes flashed with anger. “You were smiling at her earlier.”

“It’s just an arrangement, Moana.”

“You’re lying.” She shot back, the veins on her neck popping out in protest.

Taking a step closer, I was going to grab her shoulder but she took a step back.

“You think I would lie to you?” I whispered.

“You already did,” she said and that hit harder than I expected.

Something inside me snaps. That instant, all the restraint and years of pretending was gone in an instant.

The next time I closed in on her, she didn't move. Her eyes darted to my lips, then back up and when I couldn't hold back anymore, I grabbed her hand, my thumb brushing over her knuckles.

Her skin felt like fire against mine and when she didn't pull away, I leaned in and kissed her.

It wasn't gentle as I poured in all the emotions I had been holding back. The five years of silence broke at once.

The anger, desire, heartbreak, and every forbidden feeling I have locked away exploded into one impossible moment.

Her lips moved against mine like she had been waiting just as long as I was.

When I finally pulled back, we were both breathing hard. Placing my forehead against hers, I snapped my eyes shut.

“Tell me to stop the engagement, little bird…” I whispered.

“What?” She gasped.

With a shaky breath, I pulled away only to start looking at her like she was the only real thing in my world.

“Say the word,” I said quietly, my voice trembling. “And I’ll end it, right now.”