Chapter 1
I stood on the porch in nothing but a thin white tank top and tiny black sleep shorts barely covering the generous curve of my ass.
Mom blew a kiss from the backseat of a cab. “Be good, baby. Try not to fight with your stepbrother while we’re gone!”
I waved one last time, my lips forming a practiced, polite smile. “Enjoy the cruise!” I called without acknowledging her comment about Darrion.
No one made my ass itch more than that boy.
Boy, man, whatever.
He leaned against the doorframe behind me, arms crossed over a broad chest, wearing a lazy smirk that said he thought he was better than everyone. A black T-shirt stretched across his powerful shoulders and chest as he watched the cab vanish, the porch light dancing across his deep brown skin, highlighting the defined muscles in his arms.
I pushed past him into the house, my tight curls bouncing with the motion.
Ten whole days without Mom and Jermaine nagging me sounded like heaven.
If only Darrion could get lost…
The door clicked shut behind us, and I could feel his gaze burning into my back as I walked toward the living room.
I knew he stared—I’d caught him more than once dragging those dark eyes slowly over my thick thighs and the smooth strip of skin exposed by my shirt riding up.
I told myself it was just because he was a guy and I was the only woman around who wasn’t my mother most days. He gave major serial killer vibes, so I doubted he had much luck with the ladies despite being a looker.
I dropped onto the oversized sectional dominating the living room and tucked my legs beneath me, hearing Darrion’s soft footsteps pad away.
Good riddance.
Outside, thunder rumbled low and distant, like something waking up.
Grimacing, I reached for the lighter on the coffee table and flicked it, touching the flame to the wicks of a couple candles I’d set out earlier in case the power acted up. Their golden glow bloomed across the room, pushing back the shadows enough to make the space feel less empty.
The flames danced gently as I settled back, the scent of vanilla mixing with the warm air.
“Darrion?” I called, not actually wanting to speak to him but needing to confirm his position in the house. “You staying in?”
Silence lapsed for a beat, then his voice drifted from the hallway, almost bored. “Nah. I’m heading out for the night. Got plans.”
I snorted. “Don’t do anything stupid.” His footsteps retreated toward the side door. I heard it creak open.
“Too late for that,” he said, his low chuckle floating across the space. The door shut behind him a moment later.
Unease crept down my spine, but I ignored it.
I tried to refocus on the phone I pulled out of my back pocket, but the house suddenly felt too still, every shift of the wind against the windows lifting the fine hairs on my arm.
When the first patter of rain struck the roof, I got up to check the locks, my bare feet silent on the hardwood, but I didn’t make it far before the whole house plunged into darkness.
I froze, heart slamming against my ribs, waiting for the power to return.
It didn’t.
