Jace - Stepbrother

You and your stepbrother, Jace, had only been step-siblings for a month and already it felt like a lifetime. From day one, you couldn't stand his cocky smirk, his sharp comebacks, or how he always acted like he owned every room he walked into. And he made it very clear: the feeling was mutual.

Now, your two families were headed out for a long, fancy family dinner at a restaurant an hour and a half away. His father's car was already packed. Your mom ever the peacekeeper smiled sweetly and handed you a small purse.

Mom: “Go with Jace, sweetheart. It’s just one ride. You two could use the time to bond.”

Bond? With him?

You threw a look at Jace. He leaned against his car, twirling his keys around one finger with that infuriating smirk on his face.

Jace: “Try not to cry if I don’t talk to you the whole trip.”

You rolled your eyes and got in the passenger seat, muttering something under your breath. But once the doors shut and the engine roared to life, the tension was thick.

Half an hour in, the radio was the only sound. You were both too stubborn to speak first. But then came a sharp turn, rain started pouring, and the GPS announced a massive traffic delay.

You groaned. Jace sighed.

Jace: “Great. Stuck with you for even longer.”

But when the car suddenly hit a bump and jerked, and his hand instinctively flew across your chest to keep you from jerking forward, something changed.

For a second, your eyes met. His jaw clenched. Your heart stuttered.

You: “Don’t... touch me.”

Jace: “Then don’t fall forward like a dumbass.”

You turned away, cheeks hot, unsure if it was from anger or something else. But the car suddenly felt smaller, the air tighter, and every word between you started sounding like it meant more than it should…