Billy's POV

When I got to my room, maybe I managed to sleep a couple more hours. But around 10:30, I got tired of tossing and turning in bed. My thoughts were racing a mile a minute. First, because I had just slept with my stepsister, what kind of perverts are we? Second, I couldn't stop thinking about the moment when she said she cared. No one has ever cared about me, although I don't really give a damn about that, I don't need anyone. But the fact that she said it. The person who hates me the most and whom I hate the most in this world. It makes no sense.

It makes no sense, and yet those words stirred a weakness in you. A weakness and feelings you've never had for anyone. Feelings you shouldn't have... And yet, you have them.

Tired of thinking about nonsense, I got up to get a coffee to help clear my mind. As soon as I got to the kitchen, I saw the youngest of the Mayfields was there. Instinctively, I brought my hand to my neck. Damn brat. If I already couldn't stand having to deal with them, now even less. Maxine was just as crazy, if not crazier, than Madeleine, so that was it for me—I wasn't putting up with them any longer.

"Good morning, Billy," she gave me a serious look.

"Good morning, little brat," I responded indifferently. I turned on the coffee maker so it would start dripping into my cup, and Maxine narrowed her eyes.

"You remember what we talked about yesterday, right?" she asked. She was definitely a mini version of Maddie. I needed to get out of this madhouse.

Right now.

I shook my head vigorously as soon as that thought crossed my mind. I didn't want to think about it anymore, it made me sick. I reached the bathroom, turned on the shower, and undressed while the water heated up.

I stepped into the shower and let the water run over my skin. It was almost scalding, but I needed it to focus on something else. I needed to stop thinking for a moment about Maddie and her body on mine. What the hell was happening to me? I didn't know how long I had been lost in my thoughts when, suddenly, the water turned ice-cold.

"Shit, damn it!" I shouted angrily as soon as the cold hit my skin. I pulled back the shower curtain, and once again, there she was, that damned idiot. I locked my furious gaze onto hers. "YOU! IT ALWAYS HAS TO BE YOU!" I quickly grabbed a towel and wrapped it around my waist before stepping toward her.

"In case you hadn't noticed, you don't live alone in this damn house, William. Stop taking those damn endless showers. Even if you dress a monkey in silk, it's still a monkey," she laughed sarcastically as I stood in front of her.

"Not even a minute," I rubbed my face almost angrily. "You can't leave me alone for a single damn minute!" I pinned her against the wall, trying to threaten her.

"You didn't say that yesterday," she laughed, amused. "It seemed like you wanted me very close," she traced her fingers across my bare, wet chest. I managed to suppress a growl deep in my throat. The way she provoked me. Those fingers brushing against me again. Damn it.

"Let me remind you, you were involved too, redhead," I gripped her wrist tightly. I didn't want her continuing this sick game. I didn't want to fall for it again. Not again. "You're crazy, you hear me? I don't want you near me," I spat out. I wanted to pull away from her, but my body wasn't obeying my commands. Instead, I was getting closer to hers.

"Then let go of my wrist," she straightened up and confronted me. She stood on her tiptoes, bringing her face close to mine. I could feel her breath so close to mine.

"Let go of me, leave, and let me take a peaceful shower. Idiot."

"Stay away from me and stop coming after me. Yesterday was a damn mistake," I let go of her wrist, but I still had her pinned against the wall. I wanted to show her that no matter how much she confronted me, I could do whatever I wanted with her at any moment. I was still stronger.

"Of course, it was a mistake. And don't worry," she whispered playfully against my lips, "I don't like to repeat things, so it won't happen again."

I inhaled deeply.

"Of course, it won't happen again. You're my damn sister, Maddie! What the hell were you thinking?" I growled, running a hand to the back of her neck.

But again, the thought of her being forbidden made me want her even more.

"The same thing you were, William," she whispered, her nose brushing against mine. "It'll never happen again, not even in your dreams."

"You're so conceited," I whispered, barely half a millimeter from her mouth.

"And you're a jerk," she murmured, brushing against my lips.

I looked at her, filled with desire and ferocity. That woman. Because she was a woman now, it was clear she was no longer the girl I had met ten years ago. She had awakened something in me that made me crave her touch, her lips, every time she was near. Her perfume. Her scent was starting to become an addiction for me. And no one, no woman before, had ever created that kind of addiction in me.

I let out a growl. A mix of anger, frustration, and arousal. My reason blurred, and I let myself be driven by those instincts that pulled me back to her. Without any hesitation, I lunged at her lips to devour them as if my life depended on it. She responded, wrapping her hands around my neck and kissing me back with desperate need.

Between caresses and sighs, our kisses grew wetter, our breathing more labored, mixed with gasps, and the heat became palpable between our bodies. Desire took hold of us, just like the night before. I slid my hands down her back until they rested on her lower spine.

I pressed her body against mine, so tightly that not even a drop of air could pass between us. She parted her lips to push my teeth with her tongue and slid it into my mouth. My tongue quickly met hers, eager to taste it. Damn, I knew I should stop, but I couldn't; her taste completely intoxicated me.

I could no longer hold back, and a soft gasp escaped between her lips. Our breaths mingled together. I tasted each of her irregular breaths and explored every corner of her mouth. Our tongues danced together in a sensual battle as we devoured each other fiercely. Soft moans began to escape our mouths due to the excitement we were feeling. Until I came to my senses; I had to stop before it went too far.

"Damn," I quickly pulled away from her. "Shit, damn it," I cursed before leaving the bathroom and slamming the door shut.

I bumped into Maxine on my way to my room, but we just ignored each other.

As soon as I entered, I slammed the door again. What the hell was wrong with me? I couldn't control myself when she was so close. Usually, I was the one who did what I wanted with women, not the other way around. And she wasn't exactly helping either, at the slightest chance, she returned the kisses.

What the hell was wrong with her too?

We had to stop, this wasn't going to lead us anywhere. I needed to find a way to get her out of my thoughts. This had to end now; it shouldn't happen again.

I put on my music and started lifting weights to clear my mind. I needed to have a blank mind and find a way to be myself again. Because it was clear that the guy from last night and the one from the bathroom a few minutes ago was not me.

Maybe I spent half an hour working out, maybe a little more. Suddenly, I started to hear slamming doors, laughter, and hurried footsteps in the halls. At first, I decided to ignore it; I heard Maddie and Maxine shouting, so I angrily left my room in search of them. Those damn sisters couldn't give me a second of peace. I walked quickly and firmly toward the source of the noise, the front door of the house.

"What the hell is all that noise?" As soon as I peeked out, my blood boiled instantly at the sight of who was under the porch—Harrington!

"What the hell are you doing here?" I growled, locking eyes with that idiot. He seemed to want to be Maddie's damn shadow or something.

"I just came to see how your sisters were doing." he said. "I see the morphine didn't sit well with you, you look like crap," he had the brilliant idea to laugh ironically.

In front of me. In my house.

"STEVE!" Maddie shot him a glare immediately. I imagined it was to prevent me from beating up her boyfriend again.

"Not worse than yours, Harrington. I think you haven't looked in the mirror enough today. But if you want, I can refresh your memory," despite Maddie's warning, I cracked my knuckles, intending to smash his face again. He seemed to enjoy it, and I wasn't going to deny him that.

"ENOUGH!" Maddie stepped between us before I could reach him. "Are you guys going to stop being idiots already?"

"Is something going on? What a racket!" Susan appeared out of nowhere, interrupting the "pleasant" conversation. Luckily, my dad was at work.

"No, nothing, Mom," Maddie replied.

"Oh, hi," Susan noticed Harrington's presence. "You must be Billy's friend, right?"

"Not a chance," Harrington and I responded in unison.

At least we agreed on one thing.

"He's the older brother of a classmate," Max interrupted. "Well, more like a babysitter. Or our babysitter when we go to the arcade. In fact, he and Maddie were going to accompany us today." From high school king to babysitter for some kids. I laughed to myself.

"Maxine, shut up for once," I could hear Maddie whispering that to Max while elbowing her. She even seemed to blush.

"That's great. That makes me feel a lot better. And I'm sure Neil feels the same way..." she sighed and narrowed her eyes. Another sign that made me wonder why the hell this woman was still with the idiot that is my father. "So I won't keep you any longer. A pleasure, uh..."

"Steve. Steve Harrington," he smiled like an idiot.

"A pleasure, Steve. I hope to see you more often."

Susan shifted her gaze to Maddie and winked. Oh no. I wasn't going to let that happen. Harrington was not stepping foot in my house. And he definitely wasn't going to hook up with my sister in my house. No way.

"Well, when you're ready, we'll head out," Steve said before looking at me challengingly. "Don't worry, I'll bring your sisters back without a scratch." He winked at me mockingly. "Can you handle him being near Madeleine?" This guy was digging his own grave, and he didn't even know it.

"Actually, you're doing me a favor, Harrington. That way I don't have to keep an eye on these two idiots." I leaned my arm against the doorframe, trying to stay calm. "Good luck dealing with Madeleine's attitude. As far as I'm concerned, she could get hit by a bomb."

I turned around, leaving them all speechless, and went back to my room, slamming the door hard. I held back from punching Steve again, but not because of Maddie. It was because Susan was at home, and I knew that if I made a "scene" in front of my dear sisters, she would tell my dad. And I knew what that meant.

And let's be honest, you can't stand seeing Maddie near Steve, and you wanted to get away from there.

I lay down on the bed and sighed, staring at the ceiling.

I not only needed to get out of that house to escape my father, I needed to leave before I ended up going crazy because of that damn redhead. And it was no longer just because I hated her. It was because I was starting to hate her and desire her in equal measure, and I didn't like that feeling at all.

—————-

Madeleine and Maxine left with Harrington to the arcade. My father returned from work to pick up Susan and go spend the afternoon together somewhere. Not without first, of course, interrogating me about whether Harrington could be trusted. Despite both Susan's and my assurances, Neil ordered me to make sure they were indeed safe with him. I had no choice but to nod if I didn't want one of his fists ending up in my face before they left.

A couple of hours passed since everyone had gone, so I decided to leave as well. I called Sandra, the girl I had to cancel a date with yesterday because of the Mayfields. She was coming to pick me up in an hour. As expected, despite having canceled the previous day, she immediately accepted without even a complaint.

I didn't expect anything less.

I got ready, grabbed my keys for my Camaro, my cigarettes, and left the house. Once I was in the car and started the engine, I thought about why I was going to check on my sisters. If Susan was okay with them being with stupid Harrington, I could just lie to my dad and tell him they were fine, and that would be enough.

But as soon as I started driving, I couldn't help it, and my path led straight to the arcade. I didn't care how they were, I just wanted to prevent Harrington from hooking up with her in his car while the kids were distracted with their stupid games. When I arrived, I parked, and the first thing I saw was Maddie and Steve sitting on some steps a bit far from where I was, with their backs to me.

So they couldn't see me.

I watched them as I lit a cigarette.

They were talking. They were talking very close until they fell silent. At that moment, I saw him slowly trace her lower lip with his thumb. Damn Harrington. Just a few seconds later, Steve had his lips pressed against Maddie's for a quick kiss.

Damn it! But she wasn't going to follow him, right?

I kept watching, I didn't want to act impulsively again. I just wanted to see Maddie break his heart like she did with all the guys. I was wrong. I was more wrong than I had ever been before. This time, it was her who leaned in to kiss him. And I was convinced it was a kiss unlike any we had ever had, neither of us. A slow, tender kiss. A kiss that's called "love."

I was going to kill him.

Admit it, you know you would want to be the one Maddie kissed like that.

Damn it, something was burning inside. Seeing that scene made me feel like something was curling up in my chest. And that feeling only worsened as I saw that kiss deepen. The way he kissed her impatiently. The way she devoured him eagerly. I clenched my fists at my sides, my jaw was so tense it felt like it was going to break.

"If you keep doing that, you're going to break your jaw," a feminine voice pulled me from my thoughts.

"Wheeler," I said flatly without looking at her. My eyes remained on Maddie, who was now resting her head on Steve's shoulder.

I inhaled deeply. "Wow, Wheeler. Looks like she has stolen your boyfriend." I turned to look at her, giving her a feigned cynical smile.

"And you, your dear sister," her eyes were watching me, judging me.

"Dear? Not at all," I grunted. "I hate her. She hates me. Everyone knows that."

"Well, maybe a part of you does hate her," she crossed her arms over her chest, "but I'm not stupid. I assure you, the eyes are the mirror of the soul. And you weren't looking at her with hate. I'd say you were looking at Steve. With jealousy." She raised an eyebrow. "You're lucky you didn't draw blood from clenching your fists so hard."

"Don't you have anything better to do than meddle in my affairs, Wheeler?" I replied, already annoyed, reminding myself repeatedly that you shouldn't lay a hand on women. But her insinuations were getting under my skin.

"I just came to pick up my brother, he was meeting Max and the others."

"Great," I responded sarcastically.

"And getting back to your business,"

I narrowed my eyes as I saw she kept talking.

"Let me give you some advice, Hargrove," she insisted. "In this town, things are too 'old-fashioned.' Your relationship with Maddie wouldn't look good, even I'd think it was weird. But, deep down, blood doesn't tie you together. Just try to stay under the radar while you're in Hawkins if you don't want to be the talk of the town."

"I don't know what you're talking about, she's my damn sister! What kind of sick mind do you have?" I huffed.

Damn, was it really starting to become that obvious?

"Besides, I remind you that she's over there curled up next to your boyfriend, not with me. I'd say you're completely confused."

"Ex-boyfriend," she replied curtly. "I was just warning you to keep that in mind. Do what you want. And by the way," she placed a hand on my shoulder and squeezed it tightly, "the next time you try to do something to my brother or any of his friends, it won't just be morphine that goes through your body. Am I clear?" she threatened, her eyes darkened.

"Wow, I didn't see that coming. The sweet little Nancy Wheeler turned into a fighter," I laughed.

"Remember, a warning is not a betrayal," she pulled her hand from my shoulder. "Goodbye, William."

"See you later, Wheeler," I gave her a clearly fake smile as I watched her leave.

Before I knew it, my cigarette had already gone out. I lit it again and returned to my car to go find Sandra. On the way, I couldn't stop thinking about what Wheeler had just told me. I didn't know what the hell was happening to me, someone must have told her something about what happened between Maddie and me. It was impossible for it to show on my face.

I had always looked at her with total indifference. It was clear that she just wanted to play with me to try to get me nervous or something like that.

When I arrived at Sandra's house, I told her that plans had changed. There was no one at my house, and it didn't seem like there would be for a few hours, so I decided that maybe it would be more fun to be alone in my room than to go have ice cream or whatever that girl wanted to do.

As soon as we got to my house, I took her by the hand and led her to my room. From the giggles she let out, it was clear what she wanted, so I was going to give it to her. I locked the door and, as I turned to her, I devoured her. She let me do it, trying to keep up with my movements. We were moaning, gasping, screaming. I did what I wanted with her, however I wanted, just like I had always done. After a long few minutes, I finished, and so did she.

I directed her to the bathroom since she said she needed to clean herself up. I cleaned up in my room and collapsed onto the bed, arms covering my face, lost in thought.

It had been a good lay, really good since the girl was stunning. But something still felt off. And it didn't take me long to figure out what it was.

She wasn't Maddie. Maddie had been the only woman who was truly wild in bed. The only one who didn't let me control the pace all the time. She took charge, provoking me, making sure she and only she was the one who gave me pleasure. Maddie had been the best I'd ever had, and as long as the other girls just kept doing whatever I wanted in bed, it wouldn't be as fun anymore. Damn. Damn and more damn.

You're screwed. Really screwed. In this town, I don't think you'll find anyone else like her. At least not your age.

"Everything okay?" —Sandra's voice and the sound of the door closing behind her made me uncover my face.

"Uh-huh," I said with a bit of indifference. I thought she would've left by now. Normally, after sex, they leave. After all, my reputation precedes me.

"Um, well, I...," I watched her nervously fidget with the sleeves of her sweater while she stammered.

"Get to the point, Sandra. I don't have all day." I stood up. "What's up?"

"Oh, well. It's just that...," she cleared her throat. "I know that normally they leave your house after... after..."

"Sex, Sandra. Sex. It's not that hard to say," I rolled my eyes. "So, if you already know that, why are you still here?"

"Because you can't win without taking risks," she finally said, with a firmer voice. My response seemed to bring out her less timid side. "I really enjoyed myself, and I know you don't usually do repeats. At least, not normally," she walked over to me and played with one of my curls with her index finger. She looked at me with a suggestive smile. "But you have my number, and you know where I live. My parents aren't usually home in the afternoons during the week. So I'm alone. In case you get bored," she smiled playfully.

"Well, I see you're not as shy as I thought," I smiled. I took the hand playing with my hair and kissed it before winking at her. "It's a tempting offer. Maybe I'll take you up on it." It hadn't been the best sex of my life, but since she was so eager, maybe a repeat could improve things. And it would help me forget that damn night with Maddie. "But for now, get lost. Maybe one day you'll see me at your window." She blushed, and I moved to open the door. "Goodbye, Sandra."

"Goodbye, Billy." She left blushing, but something happened that I didn't plan for. "Oh, um... Hi, Maddie. Billy told me you weren't home..." she said, embarrassed, when she ran right into my sister.

"Hi, Sandra. Yeah, I was at the Arcade with my sister. Looks like you didn't expect me to come back so soon," Maddie was licking a lollipop. Oh God, not that... "I didn't think you'd sink so low. I like you, really... You deserve better than Billy."

"Uh, I... I..." Sandra stammered again under Maddie's sharp gaze.

"Can't you keep that big mouth of yours shut and mind your own business in your room, instead of getting involved in my life?" I said, annoyed.

"I was trying to, but the moaning could be heard from my room," she said, frowning at me, then turned her gaze back to Sandra. "Next time, try keeping the volume down, girl. We don't all need to know that my brother is screwing you."

Sandra quickly grabbed her jacket and bolted out of the room, not looking at either of us. I could sense Maddie trying to stifle a laugh.

"When are you going to grow up? And what the hell was that for?" I snapped, my anger rising as I called for her attention.

"It's fun," she shrugged, still licking that damn lollipop. Why the hell was she licking it so slowly? "Besides, it's not my fault you're careless. Max could've heard you."

"Then she can put in some earplugs. I'm not about to stop enjoying myself just because you're enjoying yourself with Harrington."

Wait... seriously, Billy? Did you actually just say that?

"I don't know what you're talking about. I already told you, Steve is just my friend," she said, looking away as she sucked on the lollipop. One more suck and I swear I wouldn't be able to control myself.

"Do you kiss all your so-called friends like you're about to devour them?" I blurted out without thinking, instantly realizing the monumental mistake I'd just made.

"What did you say?" she asked with a mocking smile.

"Nothing."

"The problem is you're insanely jealous, blondie. But you're way too proud to admit it," she leaned in close, running the lollipop across my bottom lip. It heated me up instantly, but I wasn't going to fall for it again.

"No way, you're my sister. I can't be jealous." I grabbed her wrist to stop her game with the lollipop, which dropped to the floor. "Stop." I glared at her.

"Didn't you say I don't interest you? It looks to me like you're getting a little tense, William," she grinned playfully. She brought her lips to my ear and whispered slowly, dragging out the words, "Admit it, you like me. But we can't happen, you're not my type. And my brother..." her lips brushed against my earlobe, sending a shiver down my spine.

"You're completely wrong, redhead," I pulled my face away from her mouth. With one hand still holding her wrist, the other tightened around her throat. "I'm the one you like. You're just using Harrington to make me jealous. Honestly, I kind of pity him. He has no idea what kind of viper he's gotten involved with."

"Keep telling yourself that if it makes you feel better. This afternoon, you wanted to be in Steve's place. And you know it." Her face turned serious.

"For what? So you could use me to get some other guy? Who's also your brother," I brought my face close to hers. "Believe me, I wouldn't want to be in his shoes. I could handle it, but you'll break him into a thousand pieces. I actually feel sorry for him. He doesn't know what he's in for."

"You're such an arrogant bastard. Not everything revolves around you." Despite my hand tightening around her throat, she had the strength to move her face forward, her eyes now inches from mine. "Maybe I just like him. Yeah. I like his company. I like that he treats me well. I like how he makes me laugh and feel protected. I like his freckles. How his nose wrinkles when he laughs. And—AH!" she leaned in closer, almost brushing my lips, to whisper, "I love his kisses."

Every single one of those words hurt more than I'd ever admit. I shouldn't let it get to me. But it did. Damn it, I was jealous of Harrington. Jealous to the core. But I wasn't going to give her the satisfaction of knowing it. No way. Besides, this morning she'd proven she melted for my kisses.

"I don't believe you," I smirked, sliding my hand up to her chin. "Alright, if you love his kisses so much..." I ran my tongue over her bottom lip. Damn, she tasted like strawberries. Delicious. "I don't think you'd want to kiss mine again," my tongue now tracing her upper lip. She inhaled sharply.

"Shit," she cursed under her breath, narrowing her eyes. "Le... Let me go." She couldn't even look me in the eyes, her chest rising and falling unevenly from her unsteady breathing.

"Are you sure?" I released her wrist and cupped her face in my hands. "Now, it looks like you're the nervous one, redhead," I whispered, my voice deep and rough, just inches from her lips.

"St... Stop..." Her eyes flicked open. She glanced at my mouth, which was so close to colliding with hers. "This... This isn't..."

"Ma... Maddie? Billy? What are you doing?!"