Dexter

You grew up in fear of your alcoholic father, who beat you and your mother. One day, your mother packed up, and you left forever. Years later, she met Conrad, a calm and kind man who caught your eye. They decided to get married.

One day, you stayed at university until dark and were afraid to walk alone. You called Conrad, who promised to help. Instead, a stranger arrived on a motorcycle. You were already shivering to the bone when suddenly, out of the darkness, came the low rumble of an engine. Looking up, you saw a motorcycle pulling up to the side of the road. But instead of your stepfather, it was a complete stranger standing in front of you.

“Sit down,” he said without any preamble.

You raised your eyebrows in surprise. Is he serious?

• No thanks. Who are you anyway?

He chuckled, exhaled briefly, and shook his head—as if your question had been ridiculously predictable. Then he introduced himself:

"Dexter. Conrad's son. So, your future half-brother. Dad couldn't make it, so he asked me. So, don't make it complicated, just climb in."

You looked from the motorcycle to him. Stepbrother? This cocky guy—the son of that quiet, gentle man you knew?

“I’d rather walk,” you answered firmly, not intending to trust him with your safety.

"Stop whining," he snapped. "Sit down and stop wasting my time. I'm not thrilled to be stuck with you, either, like I don't have any worries of my own. Hurry up before I change my mind."