"These past few days, you've been the only one coming over to my apartment, Nate." Evelyn Miller's fingers gently pinched the soft skin of Noah Miller's lower abdomen. "I bought those snacks just for you, after all. But you're eating them so quickly—are you trying to upset your stomach?"
"It's not a big deal."
"Not a big deal? You've skipped at least five solid meals these last few days. If this keeps up, I won't be buying them anymore."
"I'll eat properly from now on. Sis, just give me some space. I still have homework to finish."
"Remember that promise, Nate. I won't disturb you anymore."
Evelyn withdrew her hand, carefully smoothed the hem of his shirt, and sat down on the edge of the bed. She propped her chin on one hand, watching him in silence.
She had always loved observing him like this, studying the lines of his profile. The boy had lost most of the boyish softness from years ago. His features were now clean and refined, strikingly handsome when he concentrated. It drew her in deeply, but it also made him a target for anyone else who noticed.
Back in high school, he had once mentioned a girl confessing her feelings to him in class. She had approved of his rejection, yet the reason behind it left a bitter taste. He had said it was because he already had Lila.
At the time, she had no power to change his connection with Lila Vale, so she had delayed their relationship using strict rules against early dating until they reached college. After that, she could only watch helplessly from a distance.
Once Noah and Lila made their relationship official, she rarely met him privately anymore. The fear of losing control had been too strong, forcing her to endure wave after wave of agonizing restraint against her possessive urges.
She refused to let anyone else have Noah. Part of it was because she had raised him with her own hands. Under her guidance and discipline, she had shaped his values and personality into what they were today. He was her little brother, and her proudest achievement.
Every emotion he felt, every part of his character, had been cultivated by her. He was the version she loved most, the one that brought her the greatest joy. Why should she have to hand him over to someone else?
Evelyn continued staring at his profile for a long while.
Until Noah finally finished his assignments. He stretched, then slumped tiredly against the desk.
"Ready to tackle Calculus now?"
"Just let me rest a minute. I've been grinding all day, and my head is pounding."
"Then why not lie down properly on the bed?"
"It's fine... I'll be okay soon."
He said soon, but before long he had drifted into a deep sleep. Noah curled up slightly, burying his face in his folded arms, his breathing steady and peaceful.
By two or three in the afternoon, the sky abruptly darkened. The pleasant sunny day vanished as thick clouds rolled in, blocking the light and dropping the temperature.
Clear skies gave way to overcast, and the warmth slipped away.
Evelyn draped her black overcoat over him and turned on the heater in the room.
She pulled another chair close and sat right beside him, her gaze tracing every contour of his cheek. A soft, tender smile curved her lips.
He was so endearing... Always had been. In front of her, he dropped every guard, revealing his most vulnerable side from time to time—so innocent, so pure. How could she ever resist the urge to claim him entirely?
More than once she had imagined locking him away in a cage like a little puppy. She would tend to all his needs, sever every connection to the outside world, until those clear, untainted eyes held nothing but her reflection. Then she could indulge without restraint.
How would he react? Would he reject it completely? Grow furious? Suffer in silence? Call her insane, or break down and beg her desperately to stop and release him?
The mere thought sent a thrill through her... But she could never bring herself to betray Laura Miller.
Snowflakes began drifting down from the sky, settling along the windowsill and quickly forming a thin white layer. Evelyn reached toward the window, wanting to catch a few, but stopped herself, not wanting to wake him.
Instead, she turned back and let her fingertips brush lightly over Noah's slender cheek.
She had always done her best to keep him well-fed and warmly dressed, determined to let him grow up healthy and secure. Even during the family's toughest financial stretches, she had skimmed from her meager earnings from part-time jobs to buy extra meat, eggs, and milk.
Noah's current character and comfortable circumstances owed everything to her years of careful guidance and care.
Lately their mother had started sending the money meant for him directly to her instead. Laura probably realized Evelyn was handling all his daily expenses and allowance, worried he might waste it if given too much at once.
Evelyn had set that money aside, planning to save it toward their mother's future needs. If Noah's entire life—financial, material, emotional—depended on her, how much simpler it would be to keep him close.
Yet he would eventually graduate from Loane University and enter the real world. Even if he continued with grad school or a doctorate, the day would come when he stood completely on his own. How would she hold onto him then?
The snow fell heavier, chasing the last students still outside back into their buildings.
Evelyn lowered her head to study his sleeping face. That dark, filthy desire surged inside her like a rising tide. She reached out, wrapping her arms around his neck, her pulse racing.
She pressed a kiss to Noah's cheek, her eyes drinking in his obedient, peaceful expression.
...
Awareness returned slowly. The rich aroma of meat filled the air, making Noah twitch his nose instinctively. He opened his eyes and stared at the black overcoat draped across him for a moment.
Sis must have put it there.
He got up and opened the door. The savory scent grew even stronger. Stepping into the kitchen, he spotted the pot of tender lamb and radish stew simmering gently. The rice cooker was still humming softly, not quite finished.
There were other sounds too—soft rustling, like fabric shifting—mixed with intermittent, muffled moans of pleasure that were clearly being held back.
Noah moved closer to the bathroom, following the noise. The frosted glass door made it impossible to see the figure inside clearly. He kept his voice low. "Sis?"
The sounds cut off at once. Water began running instead. A moment later the bathroom door opened. Warm light from above spilled out, illuminating the familiar woman in front of him. Evelyn smiled warmly, but something about it felt strangely off.
She stood barefoot on the white tiles, her smooth fair skin flushed pink from the cold. Her black stockings lay discarded nearby, and droplets of water traced down her slender calves.
"You're awake? Wash your hands and we'll eat."
"Yeah... Sis, what were you just—"
"Washing clothes." Evelyn met his eyes calmly. "The washing machine started acting up, so I had to handle it by hand for now."
"Why aren't you wearing slippers? Your feet are all red."
"They'd just get soaked, silly." She shook the remaining water from her hands and dried them on the towel hanging nearby. "Go on and wash up. The food should be ready soon."
"Alright, I'm on it."
Evelyn slipped past him out of the bathroom. A faint, unfamiliar fragrance still lingered in the steamy air, blending with her familiar rose scent.
Noah turned on the faucet and let the cold water run over his hands.
In the plastic basin on the counter, their clothes were soaking in clear water—his shirt, along with a pair of her elegant, mature-style panties.