In Love With My Four Stepbrothers

Chapter One

"Listen, honey, everything will be fine. They'll love you," Mom said, patting my shoulder reassuringly. I raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "And how do you know that?" I asked, seeking a genuine explanation. 

Mom's response was a cheesy grin. "Because you're you, and everybody loves you." I rolled my eyes, feeling a bit nauseous from the cliché answer. I didn't bother responding, ending the conversation there.

I have no choice but to accept the situation . My mom just got married to Vin . Making me the stepsister to four of Vin’s sons .

Charlie  suggests,my new stepbrother "I'm sure your mother would prefer it if you moved in with them." I can't help but laugh at the idea, taking another sip of my drink. "I don't think so," I reply, smiling. "Mum and Vin need their own space, and I need mine. Besides, I'm almost an adult, time for me to spread my wings." The twins chuckle, and Liam nods in agreement. "Fair point, shorty. You're growing up to be an independent young woman."

"Mind if we join you?" Charlie  and Liam ask, standing over me. I open my eyes and smile, and they sit down on either side of me. "Why are you out here alone?" Charlie  asks. I shrug and look back at the sea. "Just enjoying the evening." "The wedding was beautiful," Liam says, leaning back. I nod, closing my eyes again. "Yeah, Mom seemed really happy." "Vin too," Liam says with a chuckle. "He's good for her." "He takes care of her," I add, hugging my knees to my chest as the evening gets cooler. Charlie  puts his suit jacket over my shoulders. "You're getting cold," he says with a soft smile. "Thanks," I reply, putting my arms through the sleeves. The jacket is big and smells like his cologne and him. I take a deep breath, trying not to be too obvious.

I'm sitting on the beach, feeling the cool breeze and trying to relax after a long day. I didn't want to come to my mom's wedding to Vin O'Reilly, but he offered to pay for me to join them in Majorca and stay in his fancy villa. I figured I might as well get a vacation out of it. My mom's marriages never last long, and I doubt this one will be different. My dad left when I was eight, and I never saw him again. He sent some letters and money, but my mom spent it all on drinking and other things. I've been taking care of myself ever since. Vin seems to make my mom happy, and I hope it lasts. When I met him and his four sons, I was skeptical. They're all really good-looking, but I know I shouldn't think that way about my new step brothers.

"Time to toast the happy couple again!" kai exclaims, holding up a couple of champagne bottles they snatched from the wedding venue. "We figured we'd celebrate in style, without the old folks cramping our style," he adds with a grin, referring to their decision to leave their mom and Vin to enjoy the bridal suite while they returned to the villa to party on their own.

"Hey, there you all are!" Alex and kai exclaim, approaching us with grins on their faces. They've changed into jeans and tight-fitting polo shirts, showcasing their athletic builds. "We brought champagne to toast the happy couple again!" kai announces, holding up the bottles they snatched from the wedding venue. Alex hands me a bottle, winking. "Want to join us for a drink, shorty?" Charlie  intercepts the bottle, giving it back to his brother. "She's underage, Alex." I correct them, "I'm almost eighteen, though!" kai chuckles, offering me his bottle. "Cheers, princess!" We clink bottles, and I take a sip. Liam teases, "Liam could outdrink you any day, kai!" The twins banter back and forth, and I smile, feeling included. Liam asks me, "Will you move in with Vin when your mom's house sells?" I shake my head. "No, I'm starting university in a year to pursue a dance degree. I'll find a small flat to rent until then." Charlie  inquires, "How will you afford that?" I explain, "I can teach at the dance school and use my grandparents' inheritance to cover expenses." The twins nod, familiar with financial stability, having expanded their father's business.

"You seemed close with your mom today," he observes, taking the bottle from me and passing it to Alex. I roll my eyes and grab kai's bottle, taking a sip. "She's only acting like a loving mom and bride to get attention. I've lived away from her more than I've lived with her. I'm used to being alone, it's easier that way," I say, forcing a smile. Liam puts his arm around me and pulls me close. I'm not used to affection, so I freeze for a moment before resting my head on his shoulder. "You have us now, so you're not alone anymore," he says, kissing the top of my head before releasing me with a smile. I roll my eyes, looking out at the sea, knowing that after this weekend, I'll probably never hear from them again. They'll go back to their lives, and I'll go back to mine, alone.

 Chapter Two 

"I can't believe we're finally doing this!" I exclaim, pacing around my room as I pack my bag. "A whole weekend away from lectures, exams, and annoying step brothers!" I say with a laugh.

My friends, Jane and Sally, chuckle as they watch me rant. "We know, Leah, we're just as excited as you are!" Jane says, smiling.

"I can't wait to leave all our worries behind and just relax," I continue, tossing my favorite clothes into my bag. "No Charlie, Alex, or Jacob to tell us what to do. Just us girls, having the time of our lives!"

My phone rings, and I answer it without thinking. "Hey, Charlie!" I say, still ranting about our trip. "Hey, Leah. Just checking in before you head out. Be careful, okay?" he says, his voice filled with concern.

I roll my eyes, still pacing around my room. "I will, Charlie. Don't worry, I'll be fine. We're just going to have some fun and enjoy ourselves. No boys allowed!" I say with a