My Stepbrother, My Enemy {BL}

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The jet landed smoothly, barely bumping the ground, the tires almost delicately touching the tarmac as if they were afraid to disturb it. From my oval window, I took in the sight of Hayseville below—an endless stretch of desert punctuated by a dazzling display of neon and glass that looked like someone had tossed a bunch of jewels across the sand.

Even in the daylight, the city seemed alive, lights flashing in vibrant pinks and electric blues, hotels shaped like pyramids and golden spheres rising as if to compete with the sky itself.

Pressing my face against the glass as we taxied, I felt my heart do a little flip, a feeling that had nothing to do with flying. Willow Haven had its own charm...quiet streets, familiar faces, kinda had that cozy small-town vibe that made you feel secure, but this?

It was something completely different. Hayseville didn’t just whisper; it roared, all glitz and extravagance, like Vegas had decided to mature, get some work done, and start flaunting designer everything.

Adrien leaned in close, his chin brushing against my shoulder. "Try not to gawk too much, you’ll blow our cover as tourists."

I nudged him playfully. "I’m allowed to gawk. I’ve never seen anything like this before."

He chuckled, his breath warm against my ear. "Just wait until you see the hotel. It makes our house look like a starter home."

The private terminal was like a sleek glass box, palm trees in planters that probably cost more than my old apartment. A black Escalade was already waiting on the tarmac, the driver holding the back door open.

Mom and Keith exited first, Mom in her perfectly tailored cream coat and Keith in a charcoal suit that exuded quiet authority. They moved with an air of confidence, expecting the world to adjust itself for them, and it did...staff appeared with luggage carts, the driver nodded respectfully, and we hopped into the car without a hitch.