Clouded Innocence by D. Gambel Page A

matter. I took my time dressing, still convinced that with how different I felt, surely there should be something new in my appearance. Shinier hair, whiter teeth, something stamped across my forehead saying I had given away my virginity. But there was nothing. No sign, no indication whatsoever of last night's occurrence.
    I made my way downstairs and took my regular seat.
    I was just beginning to play through last night's events in my head. The way his fingers glided across my body. The way his lips felt on my skin, when I heard footsteps coming down the stairs. My heart raced in my chest as I held my breath in hopes to see Conner, but instead Steven entered. I did my best to hide my disappointment, but I doubt I was successful.  
    “You are here early?” He said with a furrowed brow.  
    “I could not sleep. What about you?”  
    “I could not sleep either.”
    After our brief exchange, we sat quietly, until the sound of footsteps down the stairs caught my ear again. I turned to the doorway to watch Conner come through with a questioning look on his face. My heart moved into my throat and a grin was cast across my lips at the sight of him. His face relaxed as his stunning blue eyes spotted me, giving me a lopsided smile; nothing that would have looked out of place to an outsider. He casually entered the room. 
    “Good Morning, Steven,” he nodded toward Steven as he took his seat.
    “Francesca.” His voice changed, deeper, more seductive, when he spoke my name, sending shivers down my spine. He walked up and took his seat. 
    Reaching for my hand under the table, he placed it on his knee and began running his finger in small circles all over it. My smile widened and I almost forgot that Steven was there. Conner released my hand causing the grin to fall from my face at the loss of his skin.  
    “Your parents saw me on the way down to breakfast and informed me that they will not be joining us this morning. They have more business to attend to in town.” He announced to us. Steven nodded his head in understanding. I smiled at Conner, squeezing his knee. With Lilly and my father gone, there was nothing stopping us from spending the day together.  
    “So how bad was last night?” Steven blurted out.  
    I swear I felt my eyes almost pop out of my head. I looked over at Conner, who was pale as a ghost, then back at Steven.  
    “What?” Conner choked in reply. I could not hide the look of shock on my face. How did Steven know? And why would he think it was bad? Steven looked confused himself.
    “You know, you were ill last night.” Relief flooded through me. Oh thank goodness he did not know. 
    “What did you think I meant?” He asked with a chuckle. Neither of us was able to come up with a response. We both sat frozen. Steven's eyes danced back and forth between us before I lowered my head to hide from the train wreck that was about to unfold.
    “Oh no!” He shouted clasping his hand over his eyes, “You two didn't. Did you?” My relief was short lived. Within minutes of being in a room with one other person and he figured us out. 
    “Will you please keep your voice down?” Conner said firmly.  
    “Keep my voice down! You took my stepsister's virginity and you are telling me to keep my voice down?”  Steven said in a hushed shout.
    I had never seen Steven angry before and after seeing it, I never wanted to be on this side of his temper again. He was certainly a frightening sight to behold.
    “Yes! There is no reason the entire house needs to become aware.” Conner replied in a firm whisper. 
    “Oh god! You did. I cannot believe you two. I told you to be careful,” he pointed at me, then to Conner. “I warned you against it. Do you have any idea what her father is going to do when he finds out?” There was a pregnant pause.  
    “You are not going to tell him, are you?” I pleaded fearfully. Steven's gray eyes locked on me, anger burning in them. I immediately regretted drawing his