Chapter 2 Elizabeth "Me! I can help you," I fled to her side but a hand wrapped around my wrist, pulling me back before I could get far. I gulped, not daring a glance behind me as Grace's eyes glanced over my shoulder. "I'll go with Elizabeth instead, Mom. You can stay here to help with Travis," When he stepped closer, his body heat migrated against my sweat-soaked back. Grace refused to do so, and they started arguing. But soon, the conflict was settled when my dad pulled her aside and asked her to help him prepare the fishing gear so they could have grilled fish later. A few minutes later, Grace sighed and gave in. She waved her hand, signaling us to go and come back early. I gulped, walked off into the woods with Austin alone. The air around me was incredibly fresh. I took a deep breath, the scent of damp leaves and earth filling my nostrils. A mosquito buzzed in my ear, and I swatted at myself hard. I didn't even kill it, as it flew right back and started buzzing in my other ear. Little pest. Austin walked ahead of me, brushing away the spruce branches hanging in our path to clear the way. I followed him, knelt down to pick up any loose twigs that could make good firewood, and neatly stacking them in my arms. In the quiet atmosphere, there were only the rustling of leaves and the sound of footsteps. Occasionally, I could hear a bird call. Whenever I felt tired, we would stop to catch our breath, then continue collecting. "I think we've gathered enough wood. Let's go back." I suggested. "Okay. But before you fall, it's better if I help you carry some of the weight." Without waiting for me to refuse, his arm slid across a pile of sticks in my arms. His shoulder brushed against mine, his fingers inadvertently swept across my chest, and almost instantly, my underwear was ruined. I couldn't help but blush, feeling all kinds of excited and embarrassed. Austin didn't seem to notice, or if he did, he didn't say anything. He simply lifted his leg and kicked away the small stone in front of me, his movement smooth and effortless. I tried to regain my composure, attempting to ignore the tremors in my stomach. We walked together through the dense forest. As we neared the campsite, I noticed Austin was focused, eyes scanning the area ahead and his body tense like he was preparing for a fight. "Is something wrong?" I asked cautiously, following his gaze. Austin's voice was tense. "I don't know, maybe. It just feels off." He turned toward me, his expression somewhat worried. "You should stay close to me." I scoffed. "You're just messing around again, aren't you? There's nothing here except bugs." He adjusted the wood on his shoulder, his biceps flexing, and I couldn't help but glance at it. "Bookworm, you should be more careful out here. Something might just eat you," he teased, his smile slow and almost too perfect, like he knew exactly what he was doing to me. I should burn in hell for my dirty thoughts about my innocent stepsister. I tried to control myself and kept pushing her away, but it was hard. Being with her would have torn our family apart, but since his father and my mom dated and decided to get married, I've included her in my sphere. I'd been a lot of attention to Elizabeth. Initially, it was just a protective instinct, just like what a brother would feel. Care for her, protect her. My feelings for her at that time were very pure. Until she turns 18, she'd stopped being that mousy little bookworm. When I came home from college, I had to hide my inconveniences all the time. I should be ashamed, but she's not really my sister. It's too late when I realized exactly what this feeling for her was. Those long legs always haunt me in my dreams, wrapping around my head and waist, stretching them. Sometimes, she would ride on me and read those dirty books, which I knew she read secretly. My little bookworm has her secrets, just like I have mine. I could imagine any expression on her face when she stared at me, including those beautiful chests pressed against me and the gasps she made as I pushed into her. But it's not just about sex. I love her. It's been that way for years. I didn't dare to imagine what Travis would think or do if he knew my feelings for his daughter went beyond the boundaries of siblings. He'd tear me to pieces over his beloved little princess, whether I was his stepson or not. And my mom. I have no doubt she'd already noticed, otherwise, she wouldn't have stared wide-eyed at our interaction and quickly thought of a way to try to separate us. Elizabeth was also influenced by me, which made me feel even more guilty. Her reaction every time I approached her was telling enough, she couldn't hide the way her pupils dilated when she saw me or her shortness of breath when I touched her. I've been protecting her, even though she doesn't know I'm doing it. But I don't think I can wait much longer. I'm tired of waiting. Of course, I also protected her from others. In fact, over the years, I've secretly threatened the guys who showed any interest in her, even if it was just a slight affection. In the end, the news spread, and they left her. I found her talking about it with her friends. They all wondered why she was never invited out. I knew. I would take this secret to the grave. We walked back to the campsite in silence, setting down the wood. Just then, Elizabeth looked around, puzzled, and asked, "Where are they?" Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!