“Does Bryan know about what happened? When I was ten?” I asked as my eyes widened at the thought. Taylor shook his head. “Does Bryan even know? That we’re related?” I cried. He shook his head again. “You’re shaking your head like it’s nothing. You have no idea what chaos would have happened. I almost slept with him, Mr. Vincent. I have feelings for him. Nobody thought that would happen? God! I’m sick of people deciding what is best for me. What if we started dating? Would no one have said anything to me?” I snapped.
I heard a car engine coming closer to us. Alex parked the car in the street so why would he be pulling into the driveway? I looked sideways and a black Jeep was pulling up. Bryan’s black Jeep. I turned toward his dad–my dad. Our dad.
“Go.” I said when I saw Taylor tense. “I want to talk to him in private. And I’m going to tell him.” I said. This is ridiculous. We were both kept in the dark. We were both lied to.
Taylor got into his car without saying another word. He’s going nuts though. He’s still pulling his hair as he backed out and drove off.
“What are you doing here so early?” I asked walking over to Bryan’s car. Alex is still sitting patiently in his.
“I could ask you the same thing. School’s out early today. You would know if you went. What are you doing here? Were you talking to my dad?” Bryan asked. I can’t look at him the same way anymore. His turquoise blue eyes were waiting to be looked at but I just couldn’t. After finding out that he is my brother…I can’t think anymore.
I pulled him into a hug.
“Ah, okay.” He said wrapping his arms around me.
“I have to tell you something.” I said into his chest. I looked up at him slowly. “I don’t now how you’re going to take it. Don’t be mad at me though. Please. I didn’t know.”
Bryan put his hands on my arms and smiled. “What is it?” That smile is probably going to fade real quick.
“Bryan, you are one of my best friends and I love you to death but…nothing can happen between us.” I said. Just get it out there. That’s what I can do. He dropped his hands to his side and the smile faded. He looks like he just got slapped. I know the feeling. “Bryan, nothing can happen because–”
“Because of Alex, right? I knew something was happening between the two of you. I knew–”
“No, it’s not like that.” I said cutting him off. “Bryan, nothing can happen because…because you’re…you’re my brother.”
He crossed his arms over his chest and stared at me. He’s mad.
“What are talking about?” He snapped. Yeah, I would act the same way. I’m telling him nothing can happen between us after we had a few moments together. He thinks I’m finding an excuse to reject him. I wish it was that simple.
“Declan and Scar told me.” I said. “You’re my brother, Bryan. If I knew sooner I would have told you. I’m sorry for leading you on. I do–did have feelings for you but now…you know.” I tried grabbing his arm but he yanked it out of my way before I could. “Bryan, I–”
“Don’t! Just go.” He snapped.
For the first time in my life, I looked into his eyes and they burned with anger. “Bryan, I know what you’re going through–”
“No, Emily, you don’t. You have no fucking idea what I feel for you. Ohmygod, what I thought about you.” He looks disgusted. Most girls would find that offense but its right. I need to be disgusting. “Just go, Em. I have to think about this alone.” His eyes found mine. “Do my parents know?”
I nodded. He balled his hands into fists as he clenched his jaw.
“Go.” He said turning away from me. I walked backward toward Alex’s car automatically. I stopped to look at Bryan and he yelled, “Go!” He went into his house and slammed the front door. Bryan never yelled at me. He never talked to me like that, period. Maybe I don’t know what he’s going through. He probably felt more toward me then I know.
He needs time…just like I do.
I opened the passenger door and got into Alex’s car. He started the car without saying a word and I appreciated it. I didn’t know where we were going until I saw that he pulled into his driveway. We walked inside and I almost fell backwards from shock. My mom is sitting on the couch like she did this everyday.
“What are you doing here?” I asked trying to calm down. I’m still mad. At everyone. They lied to me.
So I looked at Alex. He let them come here?
“Scarlett was going to be discharged today and your mom’s house is still under investigation. I offered mine.” Alex said glancing at my mom then back at me. “We talked at the hospital.” That’s what they were talking about when I was talking to Declan.
“Honey, we have to talk. Declan told me.” Mom said.
“I don’t want to talk about it.” I said shutting my eyes. Deep breaths. That’s what I need to do. “I know he’s my brother. I just don’t understand why no one told me. Did Dad do what he did because he found out? It’s my fault he did it.”
Mom walked over to me. “Don’t say that. Your father was an animal. It was not your fault.” She said. I’m still confused on calling David my dad. He’s not. He never was.
“He started hitting you because he found out, right?” I asked. She didn’t answer me and I knew the answer. It’s my fault our lives changed. Everything falls back on me. Get use to it, Em. You’re the homewrecker.
I moved away from her and started walking up the stairs to a house I don’t belong in. I don’t know what to do. Alex’s bedroom was the first door open so I went in. Memories of my first night here crept into my mind.
Then I saw a suitcase on the floor.
He said he wasn’t going anywhere.
“It’s yours.” Alex said behind me. “Declan went home and brought a few things over.” That explains why his car wasn’t in the driveway. He probably got a taxi here then picked it up. He has extra keys.
I opened up the suitcase and took out a shirt and jeans.
“Do you mind if I take a shower?” I asked eyeing his bathroom. I could go to the one down the hall or downstairs but just the thought of using his bathroom makes me feel somewhat better. Yes, a picture of a naked, wet Alex coming out of the shower is floating around in my head.
“No, go ahead. I’ll be downstairs.” He said closing the door behind him but not before letting his eyes linger on me a few seconds longer.
I took a fast shower because honestly, I had Alex’s body wash a few inches away from me and all sort of crazy, sexy thoughts popped up in my head. The smell was doing things to me and I would prefer to be in the privacy of my own room when going through that again.
As I got out of the shower, I took one look at my clothes and saw that I forget my bra and panties. Thank God Declan packed some. I tried not to focus on the thought of my brother grabbing panties and bras out of my drawer.
I slipped into my panties and just put on my bra when the bedroom door opened. I gasped, turned my back to it and froze. Yeah, that’s the only reaction my mind could process when I saw Alex standing by the door.
“Oh…shit. Sorry. I thought you were still–” His eyes landed on my back. Shit. My hair is swept to the side, exposing my entire back. Nobody knows about the tattoo I have except for Mark and Christy. They were there when I got it. I had it done after Zach and I broke up. Well, technically a few months after…I went through a lot during the summer. And when I say a lot, I mean a lot. I made sure that if I wear a shirt the tat would be covered and the length of my hair helps to. It’s right in the center of my shoulder blades so it’s kind of easy to hide. I didn’t want it out there for everyone to see.
I put my shirt on quickly and walked over to him, very aware that I’m still in panties. “I didn’t know you had–”
“Shh. Don’t say anything. No ones knows about it. Where’s Declan?” I whispered. And why would he know about it? He hasn’t seen me naked.
“Declan went back to the hospital to get Scarlett. Your mom came here to set up her room. They should be here
any minute.” He said.
“Did my mom talk to you about anything? About Bryan?” I asked. We’re apparently going to be crashing at his place. He and Mom are apparently tight now. I don’t know what she has told him.
“No. Is everything okay with him?” He asked. Ha. I wish. I wish everything was okay, period. Alex grabbed my chin and tilted it up. “You want to talk about it?” I nodded as I stared into his eyes. His hand on me is driving me insane.
“Can we sit on the bed?” I asked. He nodded and as he turned around, I grabbed my jeans and threw my legs into them. God, I was semi-nude in front Alex Payne. How many women can say that? On second thought, I don’t want to know. I want to have my special moment.
I walked over to the bed and sat down beside Alex. Just taking a breath was hard because I breathed him in and I didn’t want to breathe him out.
“Declan told me Bryan’s my brother.” I said staring at my hands.
“Is that good or bad?” Alex asked. What is it?
“Both…I guess.” I looked up at him and spilled. I don’t know why but I did. “We’ve been friends since we were kids then I started having feelings for him. We never did anything though because we didn’t want to screw anything up. After what happened at Sophie’s party…” I stared at the floor. Now he can think of me as a whore. “After I punched Zach at school, I went to his house. I told him how I felt. We were alone…”
This is a conversation I shouldn’t be having with him. It’s awkward.
“Oh…I see the problem. Did you guys…”
I shot my head up toward Alex.
“No! Nothing happened. Thank god. I mean we kind of…um…but if I knew that he was my brother I wouldn’t have let things go so far. I would have went straight home and curled up in my bed.” I said.
Alex was quiet as he stared at his door.
“Did you get the tat after that?” He finally asked.
I sighed in relief. “No, I got it this summer.”
“What is it?” He asked letting his eyes fall on my shoulder. Just having his eyes on me sent shivers down my spine.
“A lotus flower. I went through a lot and it represents what happened with my dad and–” I shut my mouth before I said too much. Shit, that’s the first time I let David into a conversation with anyone other than my family and Tiffany.
“What happened with your dad?” Alex asked.
I can lie. Alex doesn’t have to know the truth…but then in the back of my mind, lying to him hurts. I can’t lie to him. Even if we don’t know each other like that, I don’t think I can lie to him. So I let it out.
“When I was ten he tried to kill me.” I whispered. Then I found Alex’s hazel eyes. “I don’t know why I’m telling you this…” I said. “He tried to rape me.” God, that makes it so real.
Alex grabbed my hands as the tears ran down my cheeks then he pulled me into his arms.
“God, Emily. I wish I can do something right now but I don’t know what.” He said tightening his grip around me.
“No one knows. My family thinks he just tried to kill me. Declan ran into my room before anything could happen.” I said trying to look up at him. “Don’t tell anyone.” I said. The way he held my eyes hit me hard. There’s so much emotion in that stare. And I spilled even more secrets. “When I was old enough I’d drive up to my grandparent’s house in Berkley. When I got my license, that was the best day of my life. I felt free. I went up there all the time, studied and drank.” I wiped away more tears. “No one knows about it either. My family forgot about it after my grandparents died but we promised never to sell it. It’s my special place.” I said.
Alex’s grip on me loosened until his hands were on my hips, holding me in place. I got the strangest thought. It’s like he’s making sure I’m real.
Then he smiled and brought his lips to mine. It was only for a few seconds until there was a knock on his door but it helped.
He wanted to do something for me.
He did.
8. Birthday Party
Last night Scarlett came home and we talked for a bit. I’m kind of over the fact that she hid something that big from me but looking at my sister that was just stabbed by the man that raped me made me a softy. Declan and Mom are another story. I still need time.
All of us are grateful for Alex letting us stay here. Is it weird? Who cares? I texted Tiffany and she was all smiles which means I was all smiles. Then everyone went to their temporary rooms. I chose the room farthest away from Alex because I know what would happen if we bunked nearby. Scarlett was to the room beside Alex’s. Declan was next to hers and my mom was down the hall past the bathroom.
My hormones kicked in and I snuck into Alex’s room when everyone was asleep. He practically called me out. He walked up the stairs all sexy predator like and like the prey I was at the time, I walked up to him and let him lock me in his room. I couldn’t deny the devilish look in his eyes.
Nothing happened…except a hot make-out session.
If only my family wasn’t here…
“Happy Birthday.” Ah, the smile spread on my lips just hearing his voice. I turned to see Alex looking up at me with his sexy tousled hair and that smile of his.
I completely forgot today’s my birthday. It’s Friday already.
“Thank you.” I said. “I’m finally eighteen. I thought the freedom would be fun. I’m locked in your house with my family instead.” I said.
“Ouch.” Alex said clutching his chest. “I didn’t know I was just a bad bump in the road. I can kick you out. Will that be better?” He asked smiling.
I just shook my head with a playful smile on my lips.
Then my phone chimed.
Tiffany: Em, happy birthday. I have to go to school today :( I was kinda hoping you’d be here but I understand. Are you having a party at Alex’s? If you are, I’ll be there and maybe I can bring my new guy friend. He’s so cute, Em. I never knew he was in our homeroom but I guess I wasn’t looking. Well let me know.
Tiffany: P.S. Did you hear from Bryan? I tried calling him yesterday and nothing, same thing today. I’ll try at school too
It’s 9:00 am and the house is silent. That’s rare.
“I have a surprise for you.” Alex said sitting up.
“I told you not to get me anything.” I said rubbing my legs against the bed. It’s so damn comfortable and the fact that Alex sleeps here is a plus. I turned and pressed my head into his pillow. “I don’t like gifts.”
“I had to.” Alex said brushing hair off my shoulder to see my face. “You’re going to love it. Get dressed and I’ll show you.” I only got up just in case my present was himself. I’d take him without hesitation. I got up and changed into clean clothes as he left the room, giving me privacy. That is one thing I like about him. One minute we could be all over each other but the second I have to change, he’s gone. I’ve never met a guy like that. Usually they stick around for the show.
Alex leaned against the front door as I walked down the stairs.
“You have to close your eyes.” He said with a hot look in his eyes. Oh, man. All he needs is a big red bow wrapped around him and I’m set. I’m blushing just thinking about it. I shut my eyes and heard the front door open. “Open.”
When I opened my eyes I didn’t expect to see what I was staring at. I wanted Alex wrapped in a big red bow, preferably naked, instead it was the Camaro. My mouth dropped.
“Alex, I told you not to get me anything.” I said.
“You don’t want it?” He asked. I glanced at him. “It’s only temporary until the new one comes in. I had to pre-order because they were out of stock but by next week you should have a brand new one. Newest model too.”
I’m about to drool.
“What about you? Wait. You ordered a new one?” My eyes widened. “Don’t do that.” This is weird. He’s just giving me his car…and he ordered a new one? What? No. I don’t do this.
“Did you see the garage? I have more. Besides, the Audi’s my fav
orite. The Camaro has a few miles on it that’s why I ordered a new one.” He said.
“I don’t care if it’s missing a tire. Well, I would actually but I can’t take the car. I can’t take your car.” I said.
“It’s already yours.” He said holding out the keys for me. “If you don’t want it then it’ll stay out there until you do.” He said. I left the keys in his hands as I walked down the stairs toward the car. I can’t take it. I can’t. “It’s yours.” Alex said finding my eyes.
I groaned softly. Never in my life has this happened to me. I don’t get what I want. I work for it but then I fail. That’s how my life has always been. But here…this beautiful car…Alex’s car, it’s mine. I must look like a gold digger right now.
I took off the bow and smiled. I don’t care if it has a few miles. It’s my dream car. Everything is the way I pictured it. The year, the color, the interior. It’s perfect.
“You are spoiling me, you know that?” I said.
Alex smiled and said, “You deserve it.” No, I don’t. “I have to do something in the garage, you want to help me?”
How can I say no after he just gave me his car?
“Yeah sure, that’s the least I could–”
“Emily!” A kid voice called out behind me. “Emily.” I turned around and it was Kaylie, Liam’s sister, with Liam beside her.
“Kaylie?” I asked confused. “No school today?”
“No, our grandmother had an emergency last night and we came in pretty late. She doesn’t care though.” Liam said wiggling Kaylie’s arm.
“Emily, are you going to play with us? You promised.” Kaylie said finding my eyes.
“I’ll meet you in there when you’re ready.” Alex said to me. He said hi to Liam and Kaylie then walked over to the garage.
“Come on.” Kaylie beamed.
“Is it someone’s birthday today?” Liam asked as we crossed the street to the park.
“Yeah, how’d you know?” I asked. He nodded to my hand which still had the bow. “Oh…yeah. He’s mine.” I said pointing to the Camaro. My Camaro. Man, this is still weird for me.
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