Life hasn't always been easy for Ellie Sanders. Abused constantly by her mother since she could remember, she faced the challenges of survival in the humbling streets of Coney Island, New York. Ellie, accustomed to fending for herself, struggles to adapt to her father’s new life, which includes his new wife, a move to the luxurious side of Manhattan, and worst of all, the addition of her step-brother Aiden, but after being forced by their parents to get along, Ellie and Aiden soon discover their feelings for each other transcend that of step siblings. In her quest to suppress her growing affection for Aiden, Ellie explores relationships with other guys, only to discover that Aiden’s got some tricks up his sleeve to scare them away. Together, they confront the difficulties of concealing their love and as hearts entangle, the fears of family and society finding out loom large, and Ellie’s past waits to pounce on her, her life becomes an overwhelming roller coaster. Can their love withstand the pressures that surround them, or will the outside pressures rip them apart?

Chapter 1

Ellie

You can’t really say you’re living when you’re living in constant fear. That saying summed up my entire 17 years of existence on this godforsaken planet we call Earth.

As my father and I sat in the car in an almost deafening silence, we made our way to Manhattan to start what Dad called “a brand new life”. A brand new life in a brand new place, with a brand new family. My dad was getting married to a chick I barely even knew and only ever met once.

“When are we going to get there?” I asked as I placed my feet up on the dashboard. The heat was melting my soaked thighs on the leather seat even though summer was practically over.

My dad’s eyes were focused on the road, but he gave me a warm smile. “In like 30 minutes, be patient Ellie.”

My eyes scanned his relaxed face, eased shoulders, and warm brown skin. As much as I hated the idea of leaving my life behind to move in with a broad I didn’t know, she seemed good to him. He seemed...happier. I guess I’d just have