《Stuck between two bad boys》


 1

    EMILIA¡¯S POV


    The most annoying thing I have to face every morning is to listen to my stepbrother¡¯s loud rm. It would beep like when a thief is trying to steal a car battery for an expensive car.


    I rolled off my bed and fell to the ground, if it had been I was sharing my bed with someone I would vouch the person pushed me. I groaned in frustration as I rolled on the floor and stretched like azy cat.


    My brother¡¯s loud rm started again, this time louder like it was ringing directly into my ear. Rage burn through my veins as I wished I could snap his neck for leaving it on again today.


    For three months I and my stepbrother Xavier had been sharing the same room. It happened that my dad divorced my mum four years ago because he found out that she was cheating on him with Charles my stepdad. Mum imed she loved him and had known him before my dad, she even said she had to marry my dad because he got her pregnant.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    Although, I don¡¯t really like the fact that Charles just came into the family stole my fathers ce. Even no Matter how hard he tries to please me, I still have this feelings that he us a bad person.


    Four months ago, Charles got transferred to LA and had to take all of us along, we didn¡¯t have time to n so we ended up managing a small apartment with just two rooms, one for my parents and one for Xavier and I. At first, Xavier refused to stay in the room with me and had to sleep on the couch for a whole month. He used me of snorting and I talk in my sleep.


    He even threatened to suffocate me with my pillow and pretend he had no idea of what would happen to me.


    I don¡¯t really hate him but I don¡¯t like him either. He is an arrogant jerk! He feels too handsome and has a lot of girlfriends. He never keeps his clothes in order and I end up keeping them well for him to avoid mum yelling the building down.


    It¡¯s been a year we had been together as a family and I and Xavier never seem to get along. Even back in Florida, we have never agreed to be siblings, the worst part of it is that we have the same color of hair so people would assume we are real siblings that love to fight against each other.


    At times we would prank each other in which I always win, if he tries to harm me I will run to My dad, which is my step Dad and cry like Xavier broke my leg. My mom knows the kind of person I am so she would ignore me and tell dad not to believe me. But I love dad, he would call Xavier and tell at him.


    At times he would ground him and I have to get another punishment from Xavier after his punishment.


    This morning was supposed to be my happy second month in my new school in which I am supposed to be happy about that. It is my junior year in high school and most especially Xavier¡¯sst year with me. Dad has the n of sending him to Texas after his senior year.


    I am the happiest person on earth even if he is still with us I will rather be happy ahead.


    Lazily I rolled again on the floor debating if I should sleep more or wake. If I sleep more, I will end up making Xavier go to schoolte and I know how much he hates to bete at school.


    There are three things my stepbrother worries about which are:Games, food, and going to schoolte. He doesn¡¯t bother about his body because he has a very attractive body, I find myself wishing he could be less handsome. His grades are always good even when he skips sses at least seven times a month. Girls are thest thing he worries about especially when he has them crawling all over him like he groupies.


    A sly smirk spread across my face as I imagine how his face would look like when he finds out I intentionally overslept to make him gote to school. With the most peaceful sigh, I roll over my stomach and tried to sleep.


    Before I could wonder if it¡¯s all happening in a dream, I felt myself being thrown harshly on the floor and water pouring down my face and body. At first, I felt it was raining in my sleep until and touched the floor and screamed.


    I opened my eyes to see myself in my bathroom, on the floor! My pajamas were still on my body and that made me very mad. These pajamas are my favorite ones and I never intend to wash them especially when the rest of them are dirty.


    Without thinking I know of the only person that could do this and I screamed his name at the top of my voice.


    ¡°XAVIER!!!!¡±


    Although he didn¡¯t answer me I knew he is somewhere in our room may be waiting for my next lie.     I stomp out of the shower breathing heavily like I could kill him if I see him. Well, in this state I might as well be able to see him until I came out of the bathroom to see him applying lotion on his body.


    His back and thighs were bare because he only had his boxers. His Brown hair still look rough and wet as he step into his blue jean, a white polo went over his head as he seems to notice me in the mirror in front of him.


    ¡°How is your wet dream?¡± He smirked.


    Rage!


    I could literally feel sparklersing out my ear and I scream loudly. I threw myself to the ground and held my ankle then began to cry loudly after a minute nothing happen and there was a smirk on Xavier¡¯s face. I refuse to give up so easily, I gave a piercing scream and move my palm to my knees.


    The door burst open and my Dad came rushing inside, he found me on the floor and rushed to me.


    ¡°What is it, Princess?¡± He sounds worried.


    ¡°It¡¯s Xavier¡± I pointed at my brother who now has a surprising look on his face ¡°I was about to enter the bathroom and he pushed me!¡± I fell into my Dad¡¯s hug and pretend to cry on his chest.


    Even without seeing their faces, I could sense they were ring at each other. I slowly removed my face from my Dad¡¯s chest and smirked at Xavier.


    ¡°I am disappointed in you, Xavier¡± Dad said ¡°You are supposed to protect your sister not break her!¡±


    I feel more special as Dad helped me get to my feet and lead me back to the bathroom. He is such a nice man no wonder Mum fell in love with him.


    ¡°Want me to clean your favorite boot for you?¡± He asked with his usual cool smile.


    For a few glorious minutes I felt like a real Princess, with the cutest smile on my face I was about to give him my reply them Mum called.


    ¡°Emilia!!!!¡± She yelled from the kitchen ¡°quit being a drama queen ande have breakfast or Ie to drag you to SCHOOL IN YOUR GODDAM PAJAMAS!!!¡±


    ¡°You heard your mother¡± Dad gently pushed me into the bathroom ¡°Don¡¯t worry I will pick a cute outfit for you too¡±

 2

    I couldn¡¯t contain my happiness all through our ride to school, it seems like one of the happiest days of my life of making Xavier angry even though I hate our new school. The stern look on Xavier¡¯s face could tell that he would kill me if he had the chance but he wouldn¡¯t want to go to jail.


    My only fear was the way he kept driving rough at full speed, at times I would think we might sh with another car and find ourselves at the hospital. With my eyes closed, the seat belt holding me back to the front chair, my right hand on my stomach and the left on my lips I kept praying not to throw up.


    Mum had prepared my best meal, cornkes and we all had to eat it, after all, she is mum and we all do whatever she says. Even when she knew Xavier hates corn ke, she still made him eat it or he goes to school hungry if he can not make himself what to eat.


    ¡°I think I will puke if you don¡¯t slow down¡± I managed to say to Xavier who just look at me then smirked ¡°Xavier, please slow down¡±


    He totally ignored him driving as recklessly as he could. The worst part is that he never gets caught when driving beyond the limit, he seems like he is invisible. In several cases, I had begged my Dad to let me get a driving license but he says I am too short to see the road while driving.


    Since Dad gave Xavier his car he had refused to let me even learn how to drive, he said I will kill people before reaching my destination.


    ¡°Xavier I will puke all over your rug if you don¡¯t slow down¡± I yelled holding my stomach.


    Just like Xavier decided to listen to me he stopped, his mischievous face stared at my red face as he looked at his face in the mirror and arranged his hair. He shed his killer smile then nodded in satisfaction.


    ¡°Have the worst day, Candy¡± He said with a smirk on his face.


    Xavier threw his bag pack over his left shoulder as he jumped down from the truck and walked over to my side to open the door for me. His signature smirk was still on his face as helped me down then brought out his phone from his pocket.


    I refuse to pay attention to his strange act because I wasn¡¯t feeling well, with my bag pack over my back I moved away from him with my palm over my stomach and mouth. No matter how I try not to throw up, it just keeps threatening toe out through my nose.


    I noticed a flower garden in front of me and I rushed towards it, I held my hair up and began to offload what had been threatening toe out. After making sure nothing was left in my stomach, I stood still staring at the meds I had made.


    ¡°Xavier must pay for it,¡± I said in annoyance as I turned back to see him filming me ¡°What the heck are you doing?¡±


    Xavier grinned, he moved his face away from his phone, stuck out his tongue, and closed one of his eyes. He blew kisses at me and went back to his previous position.


    ¡°Say hi Candy¡± He mumbled ¡°Do not forget to have a worst day¡± he put his phone back into his pocket and walked awayughing to himself.


    Resentment flowed through my veins, I imagine what he would do with such disgusting video and cringe. I wiped my mouth clean with the back of my hand and moved away from the parking lot then something came into my mind.


    ¡°Oh, Xavier!¡± I eximed.


    Thest time he told a weird picture of me sleeping with my legs and arms apart. Saliva was alsoing out from my mouth and my eyes weren¡¯t fully closed because he was trying to take me up.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    I remember how many views, likes,ments, and shares I got from that post. I became popr for a while on social media and my street even till we left Florida. I panicked as I remember what I had to go through, covering my face with my mom¡¯s hat every day.


    ¡°You better don¡¯t mess with me!¡± I yelled as I ran in his direction.


    I couldn¡¯t get myself to concentrate on where I was going until I bumped into a hard pile of warm flesh and fell hard on my butt. I knew it wasn¡¯t a wall because he had his hands around me for a second before letting me fall.


    I was aboutining and yelling at Xavier until I looked up to see a strange face staring at me. His hair seems a bit rough and was covering almost half of his eyes. His lower lips had a little cut with a stick of cigarette, it had no fire on it, it could be he was about smoking in school.


    He lowered himself and grabbed me by my cor, his grey eyes states emotionlessly at me before he finally let go and cracked his knuckles. I noticed he had a bandage on both hands and something that looked like a bloodstain on the white bandage of his left fist.


    ¡°Keep your eyes open next time and not your mouth,¡± his scary voice said before he left.


    I released my breath I didn¡¯t realize I was holding for long as soon he left. Without being told I helped myself to my feet and rushed to ss. I couldn¡¯t stop thinking about his face and intimidating grey eyes, let¡¯s not talk about his harsh voice yet because I think I released a few drops of urine in my undies.


    I pushed the door open to interrupt a very peaceful ss. Everyone turned to look at me with different emotions, some were trying hard not tough, someughing already while some just had the in look.


    Mrs. Clinton our literature teacher stared at me with surprise, her mouth was slightly opened and there was what looked like a scowl on her makeup-baked face.


    ¡°Emilia Johnson¡± Mrs. Clinton started ¡°Do you mind exining why you are just joining my ss now looking like you just-¡±


    ¡°Just had sex¡± someone yelled for the ss causing the rest to burst intoughter.


    ¡°That¡¯s detention, Nigel¡± Mrs. Clinton snapped, she turned to me then pointed to the only empty seat left which is near Nigel ¡°Have your seat and meet me at my office after this ss¡±


    I mentally rolled my eyes and walked to my seat. The whole day wasn¡¯t as I expected as everyone kept staring at me.


    As for me, I couldn¡¯t stop thinking about the dangerous boy that had almost knocked me out. There was something captivating about his eyes I seem not to be understood

 3

    I woke up the following morning than usual, with my butt still on the bed, Iid on my back facing the ceiling. My ankle and arms were crossed together as I nned on what to do to Xavier today. Because of him, I couldn¡¯t at least be my nerd self at school yesterday, I had to hide In the library until school was dismissed.


    Well, I don¡¯t me them for having such an idea about me having sex in the toilet. Who elsees to school with rough hair, a funny-looking face, and sweaty! Like I was literally sweating and to crown it all, my clothes were not arranged.


    ¡°Everyone thinks I had sex before going to school¡± I blurted out angrily.


    ¡°With who?¡± I heard Xavier¡¯s bold voice.


    I startled, slowly like I was scared to look at his face to avoid embarrassment, I rolled off the bed.


    ¡°This can¡¯t be happening this morning!¡± I grumbled ¡°After you made me puke I rushed to ss look like I ¡± I paused, stared at his anxious face then sigh ¡°Why am I even telling you about it?¡±


    Xavier stared at me emotionlessly for a while. At first, I thought I saw what looked like anger in his face as he stood still with his small towel drying his wet hair and another one tied around his waist.


    ¡°Did you really have sex yesterday?¡± Xavier asked sternly.


    I moved back a little, quickly I got up the floor and took each step back as he moved towards me. His face was mean and I couldn¡¯t get why he would be angry this morning when I haven¡¯t done any prank yet.


    ¡°Emily??!¡± He half-shouted.


    His intense gaze was locked with mine as I noticed his jaw moving.


    ¡°I have no idea what you are talking about¡± I looked away from his face ¡°I have never even had sex before¡± I blurted out.


    My jaw dropped as I discovered what I had just said. I looked up at his rxed face then looked away immediately, I just don¡¯t want embarrassment this morning.


    I felt my cheeks burn as I buried my face in my palm, my hands were shaky as I tried to move my palm over my rough hair. I remember what I said about a minute ago and cringed terribly, I can¡¯t believe I just told my Stepbrother I have never had sex in my entire life and all he did was look calm with a smiling face.


    ¡°This can¡¯t be happening!¡± I mumbled then pped my head forehead so hard that I am sure my face would look red.


    Slowly I stared at Xavier, I didn¡¯t want him to know I was looking so I made sure to be extremely slow. I noticed he wasn¡¯t even looking in my direction and had his back towards me. He wasn¡¯t putting on anything but his usual boxers.


    ¡®Why does he always have to do this every morning?¡¯


    Quickly I looked away from his butt, well, not literally his butt but from the fine shape of his butt. His thighs muscles were firm and thick same as the attractive structure of his strong back. With his small towel tied on his head, He bent to wear khaki trousers.


    The way his muscles moves are so enticing that I want to move close to him and trace every vein till where they stop with my restless fingers. He loosen the towel from his head and walked to the mirror, his favorite spot.


    He picked up one of mybs and began tob his hair backward. Normally I would yell and throw things at him but at this moment, I waspelled to stare at his chest through the mirror.


    My hands went to my ming cheeks as I gasps loudly, I didn¡¯t know how loud it was until I noticed Xavier¡¯s eyes fixed to mine from the mirror.


    ¡°Oh No!!¡± I eximed and looked away instantly, I didn¡¯t want to look but I had to look again ¡°Gosh!¡±


    He was still staring at me with a sly smirk on his face, it was like he knew I had been staring and he liked it. It felt like pure embarrassment until I noticed something else in his look.


    They were not normal like the mischievous Xavier I knew, it had something else which is strange. He looked like he was angry or mean, it was like how a child would look when some snatch his or her candy and you won¡¯t want to think about what they would do.


    ¡°Please keep your mouth closed next time¡± he stated as he finally turn around.


    I blinked before closing my mouth, I had no idea I had left it open for so long that it felt dry.


    A small smirk appeared on Xavier¡¯s face as he nodded and looked away, his hands left his head to his side. It was like he couldn¡¯t just look away as he stared back at me, this time not my face but my chest.


    I followed his gaze to find my palm on my left breast, the right one wasn¡¯t covered and I could see my shameless nipples peeking out of my pajamas.


    ¡°Perv!¡± I gasped as I folded my arms chest.


    I wasn¡¯t the busty type but I could tell my breast are so attractive, especially when I have shameless nipples that annoyingly be hard each time I feel some kind of butterflies between my thighs.


    ¡°I will be waiting in the car,¡± he said and walked away with his shirt over his head ¡°You know how much I want to see you walk to school,¡± he said while adjusting his shirt and stepping in his shoes ¡°I will dly forget to wait for you¡±


    Our ride to school was something I kept thinking about, I just couldn¡¯t overlook it. Xavier had been icy and that¡¯s way much too healthy for the Xavier know would rather punch the car radio for the second time than allow me to listen to K-pop!


    The first one was so intense that I never tried to y K-pop whenever I am with him. He would either y his boring raps while I use my phone to stream K-pop music. That¡¯s the only thing that can keep me sane especially now that I have no friends at all.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    No one wants to talk to me, not even the ugliest girl in my ss! At times I feel like it¡¯s because I dress more like a boy and barelyb my hair properly much more styling it.


    Immediately Xavier parked the car, he didn¡¯t open the door and push me out as before. He had always used child lock since the day I fell asleep in his car and almost fell out. His facial expression show he wasn¡¯t his normal self as he stared out the window at the girls waving at him, it¡¯s just so annoying that I have to be the sister to the most popr boy in school.


    ¡°Make sure you meet me here as soon as school dismiss or I let you wall home¡± he whispered sternly before opening the door ¡°I  am watching you¡± he raised his voice ¡°If you spend too much time in the toilet I wille for you¡±

 4

    With my head down as it had always been, I walked to my locker, grabbed my mathematics and history books, I would hate to walk around after what happened yesterday. Went with my baggy shorts and oversized shirt, I can still hear someone calling me whore.


    It hurts!


    I haven¡¯t done what they were thinking in my entire life and I don¡¯t even know what people that had done it feel like. The fact that they taught I had sex in the who-knows-where yesterday still surprise me to my core. Like why are kids so mean?


    Before I closed my locker I saw Eva Woods taking selfies in front of her locker, it¡¯s just irritating that she takes selfies every day, everywhere including ss and with the hot boys in school. It¡¯s obvious that she has had sex with all of them because of the way they kiss, there hands around her slim waist, or in her extremely t, I can tell she had sex with them.


    Eva is the school¡¯s queen bee, sometimes I call her drama queen because where ever you see her you see drama. The funny fact is that she is even in junior year and I wonder how she seems to oppress some of the girls in senior year.


    On many asions, I have seen boys walking out of the restrooms with her, twice, I had seen her walking out of the boy¡¯s restrooms while adjusting her clothes. I don¡¯t really like to judge too much but it could be she went there to do something else like ease herself.N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    Who knows??


    Today she is putting on a very short skirt and a tiny leather top, Her pink boots had matching designs to the leather top making it look like they were permanently made for each other. It¡¯s obvious she had no hope of getting bigger but in that extremely tight skirt and top, she looks like a goddam straight line.


    ¡°Hey, Eva¡± Nili rushed to her ¡°How are you feeling now?¡± She hugged her.


    Nili is one of Eva¡¯s bitchy friends, same as Eva she has a very t butt and too small breasts, it almost seems like they all have one rule in their gang which is not to have a butt. Their small but annoying crew consists of her, Eva, and Gabby.


    ¡°Wow, girlie¡± Nili squeaks as her eyes moved around Eva¡¯s body ¡°You look so hot!¡± She screams and they both began to jump.


    ¡°You can say that again, Nili,¡± Eva said in her annoying loud voice and turned around shaking her unshakable butt ¡°I feel sexy already¡± she licked her lower lips.


    I rolled my eyes, like where does the hotnesse from? I can¡¯t see anything attractive about them and I wonder why boys go crazy over them, especially the hot-bad boys.


    Well, I haven¡¯t seen them with Xavier and that¡¯s a huge relief for me.


    From where I stood I couldn¡¯t find anything hot about them but except their expensive bags and shoes. I can bet their clothes would be half the price of normal clothes because of how small they always are.


    Before I intend to get angry again, I closed my locker gently not wanting their attention. Thest time I got mixed with them wasst week Friday, good thing the next day was not school if not, I don¡¯t think I would have been alive till today.


    Eva literally spilled red and ck paint on me, the next thing I was all over social media and her friends were begging her to bathe me with toilet water.


    Deliberately after locking my lockbox, I turn to go. I felt a bit rxed as I had gone two steps until my mathematical set fell.


    ¡°Did you forget the zombie tomboy, Eva?¡± I heard one of them scream ¡°Here he is!¡±


    Although I was shaking I didn¡¯t stop, it could be they were talking among themselves loudly since they seem to have this loud nature. With my head down, I rushed to pick up my mathematical set but notice a tennis ball roll to me.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see what we have here¡± I looked up to see Gabby ¡°What¡¯s your shitty name tomboy?¡± She asked as they all walked to me.


    Now the crew isplete! Gabby, Nili, and Eva, the girls I always wanted to kill.


    After staring at them for a while I decided to ignore them and go to ss, I wouldn¡¯t want to bete again and attract unnecessary attention like yesterday. I gathered my stuff, stood up, and rush to go to my ss but Gabby rushed to block me.


    ¡°Why are you in a rush?¡± She asked, ¡°Don¡¯t you want to have quick sex in the janitor closet today?¡± She sneered and the rest girls burst intoughter.


    ¡°I bet she wants¡± Nili touched my shoulder and I turned back to her ¡°She is all pink and I am sure her smelling virginal would be pink too¡± she smiled.


    If I say I am not pissed off I would be the greatest liar ever lived, I just want to pull them together and hurl them down the toilet, I will make sure to flush them too.


    Eva was about to talk when the school bell rang for the first subject. I can see the frown on her face as she red at me.


    At least I felt free at that instance, I gave them the brightest smile I could and turn to the open space beside Gabby but she blocked me again.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± I asked angrily.


    ¡°That¡¯s the spirit,me¡± Eva giggles ¡°We just want to know your shitty name¡± She waved her palm in front other face like I was actually smelling.


    I looked at the other girls¡¯ faces then other students that were acting like nothing was happening, they would just look at us and face like I was actually smelling.


    I sigh and chew inside my mouth thinking about what to do to hurt them but not get into detention. Seeing there was nothing I could do at the moment and I was gettingte for ss again I pushed Gabby aside and attempt to walk away only for me to feel her yank my hair sharply.


    I screamed in difort as I did one thing I didn¡¯t n for, in fact, it is themest thing I have ever done and I had no idea what it would cost me until I did it.


    I dropped the rest things I was holding except my History textbook, I turned it vertically and shoved it hard against Gabby¡¯s throat. At that instance she fell, I thought I made her only lose bnce until Nili rushed to her and gave a piercing scream immediately.


    And that¡¯s it!


    That¡¯s how I got into the first detention in my entire life! Not just me, but with Nili and Eva


    I felt like pulling my hair and screaming at the top of my voice, but at the same time, I felt good that I have done something I had longed for. Thanks to my good record from my previous school if not, I would have been suspended or worst expelled.

 5

    It¡¯s Friday and I can¡¯t believe I am washing my brother¡¯s clothes, if I have to wash only the clothes I would have been better but I also have to make his bed, do all the dirty dishes for a month and wash the toilet for a month too. I still have no idea why I decided to do all these things just to make my parents believe we were bounding and making amendments.


    Not just that, I will have to clear up the school¡¯s old library with Nili and Eva, I still have Xavier toe face at home. I will have to do whatever he tells me unless he will tell our parents that I got into a fight in school and got detention.


    Not that I am worried about my parents, but I don¡¯t want issues from any of them. Since she got married to My stepfather, getting to talk to me had been no hope at all. Unless I get into trouble with Xavier, My Mom would not listen to me, it¡¯s always a punishment for me which is grounded me for weeks.


    If I only had to fight and not send poor Gabby to the hospital, I would at least be able to tell them what had happened but it went too far. Way bigger than what I can take because for sure, mom would ground me which will stop me from watching Anime, and other action movies. She always says I am bing too violent for a girl since I fell in love with Animes.


    Once when we were still in Florida, I smashed a bottle of wine on Xavier¡¯s head and got grounded for a month. I had to live a whole month with no Anime, no music, and NO PHONE TOO!!! It was just me and Xavier. The good news then was we had our different rooms, but now, we are stuck in the same room and I know what he can do.


    As usual, I know he would have prepared for school and would be waiting for me. I just couldn¡¯t get myself to stand up, face school work, face detection,e back with lots of homework, and face his problem.


    I could hear Mum and Dad talking to Xavier and telling him to take care of me but I still refuse to get up. It could be they might returnte or are going out so they want him to take care of me like they always tell him.


    I strained my ears to pick out rolling sounds, it was like they were rolling something or something was rolling them! All I know is that there has to be a rolling.


    ¡°Bye Emily¡± Mum yelled from where ever she is ¡°I know you are awake but still keep yourzy butt on the bed just know we would be out for two months and don¡¯t kill your brother before Ie back¡±


    Two months!!


    I scream and jump off the bed, I did not care if I was only putting on my jumper and pajamas short I ran out without bothering to pick up the jacket.


    I heard the door open and my mum kept telling Xavier a list of things to do and that my Dad should be somewhere doing something.


    ¡°Mum?!¡± I rushed out to see her all dressed in one of her best dresses ¡°Mum tell me you are kidding!¡±


    I chuckle, my fingers going through my already rough hair as I hope she tells me that she was just kidding and it is a prank to get me off the bed. Her face was serious and she had no smile on her face, not even her usual fake stressed-out smile.


    Her face looked a bit older than thest time I saw her which was yesterday when we had dinner. I should have noticed something was wrong when she made spaghetti and chicken sauce which is her favorite meal and barely touch her meal.


    Tears filled my eyes as I rush to hug her, I am sure she never expected it as she lose bnce and almost fell if not for Xavier that caught us both.


    ¡°Slow down! Mama¡¯s girl¡± Xavier helps Mum and me to our feet with a weird emotion ¡°She is not going forever¡±


    I re at Xavier and then resume hugging mum, my hands wrap tightly around her and I was sure she could barely breathe.


    ¡°Please Mum don¡¯t go¡± I sniffed, I had no idea I was shedding tears until I sniffed again ¡°Why two months? I am in hell!!¡± I whined.


    Of course, I am in hell, my detention for two weeks is hell, my agreement with Xavier is another hell, and the fact that we will stay together alone for two whole months is hell.


    ¡°Dad?¡± I left Mum and walked to Dad.


    He was busy arranging their pieces of luggage into the boot of his car, that alone is another strange sign because Mum has her own car. Normally she prefers to go elsewhere with it even if it¡¯s just the next street, I think that the car is what she got from my real Dad.


    ¡°Dad?!¡± I said again as I hug him from behind, my hands could barely wrap around him before he turned around and picked me up ¡°Dad!?¡± Iughed as he dropped me.


    I did the most charming puppy eyes and the cutest pout I could as I stared up at his face.


    ¡°You know I can¡¯t do anything, Honey¡± he touched my head and bent a little ¡°If Xavier tries any of his pranks on you remember I am only one call away¡± he whispered then winked.


    I couldn¡¯t help butugh at Mum¡¯s mean face, although she had no idea what we were talking about but she just knew we were to no good.


    ¡°I gave Xavier the money you guys would need,¡± she said to me ¡°I know how much you spend on candy and I don¡¯t trust you¡± she pointed her index finger at me.


    I was about to whine as usual and say 100 reasons why they would have given me the money instead of Xavier when Dad pinched me. Instantly I knew he would have something for me so I didn¡¯t bother toin as he gave me some money.


    A wide grin spread across my morning face as I walked to my mum and hugged her again. Deep down I really what her to go but with Dad¡¯s bribe, I have no other choice.


    ¡°Bye Mum¡± I kissed her cheeks and then walk to kiss my Dad too ¡°Buy something for me¡± I smiled at him.


    Within the next few minutes, I was watching my parent driving out of our yard. Thepound is not an as big one as it looks from the front. It initially belongs to my grandmother, she had lived here in Los Angeles when Mum was still my age. Since she had no other child and grandpa was dead, she didn¡¯t bother to build a big house.


    A small but yet satisfying smile left my lips, getting grounded would be rare and I can do all my duties in detention without fear. Not that have ever missed her for real when we see literally every day and hardly talk. Not even a mother-to-daughter talk when all she does is work, go out, or bond with my stepdad, and chaim has business issues she needs to settle with my biological father.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    Trying my possible best not to get into Xavier¡¯s problem as long as they are going to be out was all I want as I slowly walked back into the house. With the corner of my eyes, I could see him right behind me staring at my¡­ Back I think!


    Xavier¡¯s stare became too intense. As I began to walk faster, I noticed he did the same and without thinking I tried to run but unfortunately I fell.


    I was expecting to fall on the hard pavement of our house until I fell into Xavier¡¯s arms.

 6

    XAVIER¡¯S POV


    With the look on Emilia¡¯s face, I could tell she is trying her best to avoid me before school today. I honestly do not want to go to school today but because of her I have to, it¡¯s either she gets more punishment or God knows what next.


    All through when she was talking and hugging Dad, I could not stop myself from looking at her swollen chest. The way her nipples point out beneath the small top she was wearing is way too much to be overlooked.


    The way her chest ttens each time she hugs Dad made me want to pull them apart!


    ¡°God! What have I been thinking?!¡± I muttered.


    It had been more confusing since the day I dropped her on the bathroom floor and open the shower on her. The way the wet cloth hug her body, showing her attractive curves had been more torture than living in the same house with her annoying self.


    I watch her wipe her tears as Dad and Mum drove out the yard, a small smirk appeared on her face as she put something in her pocket. With the look on her face I can tell there is something she is obviously hiding and I know she won¡¯t tell me so I waited patiently for her to enter the house then followed her.


    My clear intention is to dip my fingers into her pajamas back pocket but something else caught my attention. My hungry eyes stared from her slender bare waist to her round butt.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± I shook my head ¡°Get it together, Xavier¡± I whispered ¡°She is your sister!¡± I warned myself.


    I shook my head again then smiled, it looked like she went off my mind for some seconds. I noticed she kept starting behind and before I could remember to check what was in her pocket, she made to run. Without looking in her direction, she kicked her left foot on the pavement and trip.


    Even when I want tough out loud if I see her fall, I couldn¡¯t just let her fall in front of me so I did what I didn¡¯t expect. I rushed to her and caught her before she fell.


    My left arm stayed under her shoulders while the right one found itself right under her big and soft butt. An exotic feeling purged through me as I stared at her slightly parted lips.


    Emilia look more than confused and surprised, the old me would be willing to watch her break her neck but this is the new me. I just want to have her in my arms when something strange keeps telling me to look away from temptation.


    I swallowed as I lower my head to her face, I licked my lips in anticipation of what I am about to explore. Beneath my tight jean, I felt my strong erection, it kept attacking my zipper threatening to escape.


    The look in her brown eyes was just too consuming and I felt sanity leaving me gradually. The more I lowered my head expecting her kiss is the more she moves back with fear and worry written all over her white face.


    Her small palm went over her mouth and she whimpered.


    ¡°What the heck are you doing?¡± She stumbled but didn¡¯t fall as I pushed her up.


    My brain refused to work for a while, I just stared at her with disbelief written all over my angry face.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± I yelled in my head ¡°That was so close¡±     I was way more than frustrated as I twisted my lips, nose, and brows.


    ¡°You should be grateful I didn¡¯t let you break your back¡± I blurted and walked past her inside ¡°Your mouth sinks¡± I lied ¡°I knew we would gote again today¡± I added.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    I heaved a deep sigh of relief as I sat on one of the couches in the sitting room. I crossed my legs and rub my wet palm on my thighs as I waited for her toe in.


    ¡°If we don¡¯t make it in the next 15 minutes, I will break my promise,¡± I said.


    I smirked as she rushes away, I know how scary she is to lose her phone even when nobody calls her in a whole month. At times I would call her with a strange number to y pranks on her but she would not pick the call, she rather listens to Korean songs.


    No matter how hard I try to distract myself, I still feel the forbidden urge to do something nasty with my STEP SISTER!!! I know how crazy it might sound but I think I am obsessed with her.


    With my shaking hands, I call Jasper, Jasper had been my friend since elementary school when I was still in Florida. We are like brothers and we never hide anything from each other including Emilia.


    ¡°Gest what?¡± I asked immediately he picked the call ¡°I almost kissed her!¡± I blurted out.


    I flinched then cringe at the way he shouted at the other end of the phone, even when the phone is not on loudspeaker, you can hear what he is saying clearly from the other couches.


    ¡°Rx, Jasper!¡± I shush him ¡°I didn¡¯t kiss her, I almost¡± I corrected.


    ¡°They are the same thing,¡± he said ¡°Well¡± his voice lowered ¡°Whenst did you have sex¡±


    I rolled my eyes as I imagine him wiggling his eyes with his usual funny face.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a month¡± I whispered and check my wristwatch ¡°Just a month¡±


    ¡°That the issue!¡± Jasper yelled again ¡°I will advise you to go have sex outside if you don¡¯t want to Rape your step sister¡±


    ¡°Jeez!¡± I half-shouted ¡°I can¡¯t rape her,¡± I said not quite sure of myself.


    I cringed inwardly as my erection hardened more, I could only squeeze my legs together and imagine riding her gently until she screams my name and moan for more.


    ¡°Xavier!¡± Jasper yelled and I was startled.


    He just yelled the living daylight out of me and I don¡¯t intend to die soon. I checked my watch to notice that Emilia had stayed 19 minutes past the agreed time so I stood up.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got to go,¡± I said as I end the call immediately.


    There is no day Emilia would not make me go to schoolte, especially now I don¡¯t want to gote. Those girls can be crazy and they always want a quickie especially Eva, that bitch is always horny!


    With the innocent Intention to startle Emilia, I pushed the door open. My eyes got wider when I sight the back view of my step-sister dancing with just pink pants and no bra. From the side of her arms, I could see her firm breast pointing forward like soldiers ready for battle.


    My throat went dry as I licked my lips and swallowed, my palm began to inch as I wiggled my finger, wondering what would happen if I pinch her nipples.


    As I was watching, she wore a big shirt over her head and put on baggy shorts too. Tomboy shit! I want to see more of her but¡­


    ¡®What the fuck was I thinking?¡¯


    I blinked before walking away quietly before she notice I was watching.


    I am so much in deep shit!

 7

    EMILIA¡¯S POV     After school that day I had to stay extra hours with Nili and Eva in detention. If I had to do it alone, I would have been grateful but this two kept annoying me. They would rather take selfies and video calls all day.


    Yesterday, the principal came to warn us that if we fail to clean and rearrange all the books in the library today, we are likely toe and finish it tomorrow which is Saturday. He said we need to start afresh chore by Monday and it is still not yet known by us.


    I would re at them and continue cleaning. I won¡¯t want to be here with them again tomorrow, I might lose it.


    The books were much and mere looking at them you will know I can not do it all alone. My hands could not reach the top of the shelf and I kept piling the books so I would look for adder and put it upter.


    ¡°Where will you go today?¡± Nili asked.


    It¡¯s obvious that they have forgotten about Gabby, the poor senseless girl that had been their friend. Although Gabby is not dead, at least not now so they can act like they don¡¯t care like fake friends they have always been.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I will be out today night¡± Eva answered engrossed with whatever she was doing on her phone ¡°My parents are around and I am grounded for days¡± she sounds disappointed.


    At first, I wanted to pity her for I know what being grounded feels like. Especially when you have something fun you want to do like steal your father¡¯s best polo, stay in your room and watch Anime with your mother¡¯sptop. I don¡¯t forget to make myself cheeseburgers or popcorn.


    ¡°Nigel woulde over¡± Eva blushed ¡°And we are going to have hot sex in my bedroom¡±


    E!     I cringed. I felt like puking at their faces and walking away. Like who does that? Have sex in your parent¡¯s house? What does she want more? Her parents are so rich and she has everything she wants.


    It was supposed to be none of my business but I discovered I had spent a lot of wasted time listening to them. It¡¯s was just so painful as I realized I had been cleaning an old history book for over five minutes while listening to their disgusting gossips.


    ¡°Bitch!¡± Nili squeaks ¡°I bet he must be fucking gooooood¡± she stresses thest word.


    Even when I felt too irritated to listen to them, I was over-anxious to see their faces and hear all of what they were saying as if I can now hear with my eyes. Slowly I turned to see Eva caressing her t chest and making moaning sounds.


    ¡°E!¡± I made an ugly face ¡°Thats super disgusting¡± I blurted out before I could stop myself.


    The look on Eva¡¯s face shows that she has had enough and would not take it anymore, she stoops to me, making pop sounds with her heel boot. The rage on her red face was more than funny until she got close to me and yelled, sending saliva all over my face.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Don¡¯t waste your saliva, dear¡± I said calmly with a cute smile on my face, and my eyes closed.


    For one glorious moment, I felt I had made it all until I heard my left earring followed by a stinging pain. I opened my surprised brown eyes to see Eva smirking with her hands folded under her t chest.


    Wrath!!!


    I couldn¡¯t wait to think of what to do next as my chin still hurts, and it looks as if it had made my brain stop working. Unfortunately, the only the I was with is the old history textbook I was cleaning and I had no other choice than to do what I know how to do best with a history textbook.


    I didn¡¯t hesitate, I mmed the book t on her face. It did a very good job by taking off half of her makeup and sending her to the floor.


    What¡¯s up with all these history books?!


    She gave a breathtaking scream and Iughed, the look on my face could exin pure homicide. As I move closer to m the book again on her face, she coiled and began to scream.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough, Emilia Johnson¡± I heard the principal say.


    I froze, my face turning red as I dropped the book.


    ¡°Sir¡± I started ¡°I can exin, She started it-¡±


    Mr. Jared, the principal shush me with just the wave of his left hand, he walked to a chair in front of us and sat. After taking about a minute to adjust, he cleared his throat and pointed at me.


    ¡°Two more weeks¡± he started.


    I felt my head grow bigger than my body as I fell to the ground, I ced my hands together and began to rub them.


    ¡°Please sir, this is the first detention in my entire life and my parent would ground me if it gets extended¡± I sniffed.


    Mr. Jared¡¯s boring face was staring at Eva who was still pretending to cry, her left palm was on her forehead when the right sat on her t chest.


    ¡°My head hurts¡± she whined.


    ¡°It should,¡± Mr. Jared said dryly ¡°I will watch the video before giving you both your next punishment¡± He stopped for a while then continued ¡°Let¡¯s do it this way if you both know you are guilty, just pick up your stuff, go the sses and start cleaning! Or, you wait for me to watch the video and decide the worst fate¡±


    Nili and Eva exchange looks, they held it for a while before turning back at the principal.


    ¡°We will clean the sses,¡± they said in unison as they park their things.


    ¡°For two weeks¡± Mr. Jared added as the girls walked out disappointed, his bored gaze fell on me and I flinched ¡°Don¡¯t worry, you won¡¯t be alone,¡± he said.


    He stood up, walked close to me, and began to survey what I have done.


    ¡°I see you won¡¯t be able toplete all this yourself so I brought you a seniorpanion that loves to break people just like you¡± He smiled then looked at a boy standing near the door ¡°Anything you don¡¯t finish today will be done tomorrow and next week you both face the schoolvatories¡±


    I felt a bit of relief as I stared at the boy, at least I am sure we would finish the work today. I didn¡¯t care more to look at his face that was hidden under his scattered hair, all I can see is the bridge of his pointed nose.


    ¡°Devin Johnson, meet Emilia Johnson,¡± Mr. Jared said, his bored face lit as a bright smile appeared in his face ¡°Such a lovely connection!¡± He eximed ¡°The same Last name and the same hobby! Make sure you don¡¯t break each other¡±


    Mr. Jared added before he straightened his clothes, and head for the door.


    I remain still watching the strange fighter as he raised his head slowly, it was extremely slow that I wanted to rush to him and force his head up. I rolled my eyes as he finally revealed his face then I gasped!


    It was the scary-looking guy with grey eyes I saw earlier this week.

 8

    My heart began to beat faster and for a quick second, I thought it would explode. The scary look on Devin¡¯s face was more to make me pee in my pants. He didn¡¯t even smile as he had the same angry reaction as I saw him the first day.


    The only difference is his fists no longer had bandages and his ck polo was free from bloodstain. Aside from that, he had the same dreadful re and his eyes were dark, Not as in ck, it had the dark features of a beast.


    After staring at him for more than enough, I awkwardly cleared my throat and put my hands behind me.


    ¡°Huh! Hi¡± I raised one of my arms ¡°I am Emilia but my friends call me Emily¡± I looked at his cold face and grinned ¡°Anyway I have no friends so you can just call me Emilia¡±


    Devin just stared at me in silence for a while then walked away, he moved to the other side and began to clean.


    ¡®Rude!¡¯


    I frowned as I went ahead to do what I was doing. I just could not believe I tried to be nice to the strange boy and he ignored me. Severally, I would stare at him but remove my face if he tries to turn, it seems like he could sense I was watching.


    My heart broke as I realize Xavier might be waiting for me or might have left me. Memories of what happened in the morning began to rey themselves. I ced my dusty fingers on my slightly parted lips as I imagined what I would have done if he had kissed me.


    Initially, I was expecting a kiss but when I realized how forbidden my desire was, I had to act fast. I cringe in embarrassment as I remember how I felt when he told me how horrible my mouth sinks.


    I was literally expecting him to kiss me.


    I shook my head as I went ahead doing other things, I just want to leave this ce, go home and watch some violent Anime. It¡¯s been long I wrote on my diary of my story app and I felt I should do that if I reach home.


    The love I have for writing can bepared to my love for water, even when I feel like I don¡¯t need it, I will find myself going back to write. So far, I have written four books and had put them in a book app. Since I wonder want love would feel like, I ended up writing more about love and romance, at times I would write a sex scene and want to practice what I just wrote.


    Since I am 16 and I know my mum would not be happy with me if she finds out I write erotic books, I changed my name to something no one would understand or trace back to me.


    The smile on my face increased as I noticed how far we had gone and would not have toe tomorrow. I can¡¯t tell if I had done any work because I find myself still looking for a stool ordder to put the remaining books on the most up shelve.


    I turned to look at Devin who seems engrossed watching at the back of his palm.N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    He didn¡¯t even spare me a nce as he stares intensely at the writings on his skin.


    My jaw dropped, I stretched a little wanting to see the whole of the writings at the back of his palm. Mere looking at his hand, one could tell he has tattoo on his upper arm and maybe his chest. My lips twisted as I chew inside of my mouth and wonder how such a young boy at his age was allowed to get a tattoo.


    My phone vibrated in my pocket and I left what I was doing to get it, behold, it¡¯s a message from my brother.


    ¡°Really?¡± I blurted out.


    Xavier has never texted or called me before and I am so confused and worried at the same time. It could be that Xavier is up to no good after humiliating me earlier this morning.     Without thinking I decided to call him, I know he won¡¯t pick the call but I just feel like calling to bug him so he won¡¯t think I am so vulnerable. I dialed his number, put the phone between my neck and shoulder then went ahead to do other things.


    As I had thought, he didn¡¯t pick up, he just declined the call immediately after the first ring.


    ¡°So annoying!¡± I scoffed.


    The frown on my face lifted into a cute smile as I noticed a small box at the corner of the room, although it is not higher than 7 Inches but I was grateful I would at least put some books. With the help of the small box, I was able to but almost half of the books and got stranded.


    If only I could get myself to ask Devin for help, I won¡¯t have been watching the books and the high for a few minutes. My hands just refused to reach no matter how I stretched, even when I felt my ankle bone snap with a pop sound,  still didn¡¯t do anything.


    I turned back to see Devin staring at me like I am some sort of entertainment, the amused look in his grey eyes could tell he enjoy seeing me jumping to reach the top shelf.


    ¡°Such a useless fellow¡± I whispered.


    Of course, I am scared to say it louder, only God knows what is in his ck mind much more if what he will do to me. Just like the principal had said, maybe we were meant to break each other. With a deep frown on my face, I called Xavier again, I urgently need someone to help me put the book up or I stand there forever.


    ¡°Thank God you pick up,¡± I said immediately he answered ¡°I admit that I am short, and I need your help in the old library,¡± I said with a sad face.


    Xavier didn¡¯t wait for me to say anything else, he just grunted his reply and I heard he shot a door, it could be that he had been in the car waiting for me.


    One thing I hate in my life is to admit that I am short, it hurts so much that my mum is even taller than me. At times, I wonder why my Mom is even taller than me. I am sixteen for crying out loud.


    After waiting and couldn¡¯t find Xavier, I decided to look for a way to arrange the books myself. My anger increased as I realized how stupid I had felt when I thought my annoying stepbrother will help me.


    I picked up a book and aim to throw it but each time I try, it falls back. Again, I began to hop, hopefully, when I get high enough I will throw in the book then do the same for all of the rest books.


    Although my legs are growing weak and might even pass out if I don¡¯t stop but I can¡¯t afford toe tomorrow for something I can do now.


    ¡°Why am I so short!?¡± I groaned in frustration.


    With determination, I lifted myself to throw the book only for me to feel a strong pair of hands on my waist. Effortlessly, I was lifted off my feet to the level of the shelf. It happened so fast, maybe it was my imagination as I gasped and the library door burst open.


    ¡°Emily?¡± Xavier looks shocked.

 9

    I didn¡¯t know what I could do because at that point, Devin still had his palms around my waist and my feet were dangling in the air. It almost seems like he had forgotten he was carrying me because I was light.


    ¡°Excuse me!?¡± I wiggled my legs as I looked down to see his face.


    He still had an angry reaction on his face, there was something more but I couldn¡¯t tell because his hair was covering his face and he turned and walked away immediately he dropped me. He went back to his previous position and stood still, leaning on the wall with his legs crossed and arms folded across his chest.


    I turned to look at Xavier who had the most dreadful look on his white face, it even look like he would snap Devin¡¯s neck within the twinkle of an eye. He moves closer with his shoulders high like they could no longerp beside him.


    ¡°X-Xa Xavier?¡± I stuttered ¡°I needed to keep the books up¡± I moved back.


    I didn¡¯t know what I was scared of, either the murderous look on his face or the fact that he seems to be scowling at Devin who in return had the same dreadful look.


    ¡°Xavier we can go now¡± I walked to him with my shaking legs ¡°I only needed to get on top¡± I stood in front of him and Devin.


    From above my head, they red at themselves. If not for that I squeezed myself in between them, I am sure they would have been throwing punches in each other¡¯s faces by now.


    I felt so small between them, it even looked like they could ignore and crush me if they move closer and no one would notice.


    ¡°Xavier¡± I ced my palms on his hard chest ¡°Let¡¯s keep this up¡± I pointed at the books.


    I thought Xavier would not answer me or might want to ignore me, that is what he would have done any other time especially when I need his help most. But to my surprise, Xavier moved away from us and walked to the books.


    I heave a sigh of relief as he moved away, I didn¡¯t even know I was holding my breath until he left. I felt someone behind me and realized I am still very close to Devin.


    ¡°Sorry¡± I muttered and moved away from him.


    My arms were around my body as I hugged myself tight not knowing what else to do at that moment.


    Xavier didn¡¯t bother to look back at me, as he packed the heavy books together and threw them up. He stared at it for a while as if waiting to see if they would fall, but as nothing happened, he walked back to Devin and smirked.


    ¡°Keep your bloody hands to yourself¡± Xavier poked his chest and walked away.


    Again, he didn¡¯t bother to check if I was still in the same spot or actually moved. His steps wererge and I knew I won¡¯t be able to match them even if I followed him so I stood still. When I noticed he had gone, I turned to meet Devin¡¯s scornful gaze.


    ¡°What are you waiting for?¡± He asked before I could say anything.


    I had wanted to apologize on the behalf of my brother, but with the way he was ring at me, I couldn¡¯t breathe well much more talk to him. I just stood still, trembling like a wet leaf before I felt myself been yanked from the waist.


    A surprised gasp escape my mouth as I felt been carried and thrown over Xavier¡¯s. My stomach bumped into his hard shoulder and I began to wiggle.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± I said in a whisper getting embarrassed by the way Devin was looking at me ¡°Put me down!¡± I ordered and wiggled more as he walked out of the library ¡°Let me go you son of a¡­. Urghhh!!!¡± I yelled in raw frustration and began to hit his back.


    ¡°You know how much I hate to do this¡± Xavier said as he adjusted me on his left shoulder.


    He kicked the school main door open and closed it with his feet after going out. His steps wererge and fast and I couldn¡¯t stop wiggling as he ced his right hand on my waist. His grip was strong that I am sure I won¡¯t be able to free myself.


    Although it was past the closing hour like three hours ago but they were few students hanging around. The moment they sight me on Xavier¡¯s shoulders they burst intoughter, some even began to take videos and pictures.


    ¡°You are embarrassing me Xavier¡± I covered my face ¡°please put me down¡± I pleaded.


    Xavier didn¡¯t answer me, he just opened the car, threw me inside, and walked over to the other side of the car. His expression was stern and he refused to look at my face as he started the car and drove off the school.


    ¡°Xavier nothing happened¡± I whispered after a long period of silence ¡°Xavier!¡± I touched his arm but he red at me making me remove my palm immediately ¡°It¡¯s not what you think¡±


    Initially, I didn¡¯t know what I was apologizing for or why I felt so scared. The fact that I am seeing Xavier seriously angry and not while I pranked him made me want to jump through the open window of the moving car.


    The real problem is that I have no idea why he was angry despite the fact that nothing happened. He only was Devin lifting me up to keep the books and nothing else.


    Devin on the other side must have something for against my brother. The way they stared at each other like they were not supposed to even be close or the way Xavier red at Devin¡¯s palms on my waist had begun to illustrate a different story entirely.


    Soon, we arrived at our house and Xavier rushed inside without saying anything. I heard our room door bang followed by a low groan.


    ¡°What is going on?¡± I asked myself as I sank on one of the couches.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    This is strange, extremely strange!


    First, I thought my stepbrother wanted to kiss me, then the scary bad boy tried to help me and now my brother is mad at¡­ who knows?


    I can¡¯t even tell if he is mad at me or Devin.


    ¡°He is such a Devil¡± I groaned as I stretched more on the couch ¡°This can¡¯t be happening¡±


    After sitting restlessly for about thirty minutes, I stood up and began to walk around the sitting room as many things began to flow through my small mind. I fear Xavier might call Mum and Dad to tell them that he caught me with a boy, holding my waist!


    Dad had always screamed NO BOYFRIEND each day I tell him how I love Korean boys, it¡¯s obvious he doesn¡¯t want me to be in a rtionship now much more a senior bad boy.


    Well, I don¡¯t know if he is really bad but, he has tattoos on his skin and looks bad too. Kids our age never get to draw on their skin, not even almost scary things like a female head, except they don¡¯t live with their parents.


    I have to talk to Xavier before he puts me in trouble so with the cutest pout I can make, I head to our room.


    ¡°Go away!¡± Xavier yelled immediately I knocked at the door.

 10

    XAVIER¡¯S POV


    I couldn¡¯t help myself, the pain of seeing Emily in someone¡¯s else arms made me want to punch the hell out of his face. The worst part is that it wasn¡¯t even someone else, it is Devin the Devil.


    I yelled and threw myself on my bed again, well that¡¯s all I can do for the main time because I wouldn¡¯t want to punch Emily¡¯s precious mirror or destory other things that belongs to her.


    This is not supposed to be so, at least, it¡¯s not supposed to hurt like this, especially when things are not right.


    ¡°Emily is my baby sister¡± i reminded myself as I faced the bed, I yelled again but it came out as a whimper.


    I don¡¯t know how it happened or what is happening but I¡¯m loving Emily every day. Each day I see her, I love her more. That was initially the main purpose of ying pranks on her but it alwayses out the wrong was as all I notice is the cute and adorable side of hers.


    My Emily has a cute green eyes, her lips is so small and pink that I wonder how she forces all the full eggs and meat balls in it. Her long Brown hair just like mine stopped few inches above her butt, it looks so shiny and silky that i always want to trace the length till I get her butt cheek under my palms again.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    I did that once, which is today when i was carrying her to the car. I thought she noticed as she went rigid for a while before I quickly removed my hand. No matter how much my dick kept raising in want for her, I need to keep myself in order as I don¡¯t want to rape her and betray her brotherly love for me.


    Her cute breasts too never helped matter for once. Each time I see them cover with whatever she is putting on, I fight the tempting urge not to rip her clothes of her body and press this sweet looking balls. It¡¯s so painful that I haven¡¯t seen them before as I am fighting to keep my self in order.


    I know they would be soft, as her butts are soft. I pray for the day I would have my lips on her nipples and my fingers in her pussy, maker knows I would do a lot of unthinkable things to her.


    The suddenly knock at the door made me flinched and swore in a harsh whisper.


    ¡°Go away!¡± I yelled.


    ¡± Xavier I am sorry¡± Emilia¡¯s tiny voice said.


    My brows connected as I stared at the door in surprise. Let it not be he was doing something with her and felt I had seen them that¡¯s why she is apologizing, if not!!


    ¡°You can¡¯t just stay mute¡± She whispered ¡°Let¡¯s talk face to face¡±


    A faint smile spread across my face as I imagine her doing what she loves to do best. At time she would press her face on the door and attempt to talk through the key hole.


    ¡°I said go away, I don¡¯t want to talk¡± I blurted out angrily after I imagine what she must have done with Devin ¡°Should I leave the house for you?¡± I asked.


    Well, I wasn¡¯t expecting her answer or let me just say, I was expecting her to be rude as usual and tell me to go to hell but she kept quiet. Every where became silent as I assumed she must have gone back without saying a word but I never heard her footsteps retreat.


    After waiting for a while, I sat up staring at the entrance, every bit of me wants to open it and smash my lips on hers while the responsible part of me want to still be a good big step brother.


    For crying out loud, Emily is just two years younger than me and she is no a child. I just don¡¯t know why something in me wants to make myself believe she is still one.


    ¡°Fucking family¡± I cussed as I stood up.


    I hate the fact that we happen to be family, right from the first day my Dad introduced her mother as my new mother to be, I knew there would be something attached until I saw Emily and fell in love with her immediately.


    ¡°Emily!¡± I Groaned and stood up ¡°My Emily¡±


    ¡°I am here¡± her tiny voice startled me.


    If not for the fact that I had an idea that she might be around, I would have want to believe that she is a ghost. I moved close to the door and held the handle, a smirk appeared on my face as I realized I didn¡¯t lock the door and she respected my privacy.


    ¡°I have three more weeks to be in dentention with that boy and I am scared¡± Emily whispered.


    Instantly I opened the door, it wasn¡¯t what I had expected as she fell into my open arms.


    Pleasure spread throughout my body as I held her tight. Her soft breasts were pressed against my hard chest and my arms were around her small body.


    ¡°Sorry¡± She muttered and got to her feet properly, she looked at her toes and yed with her fingers ¡°I got into another fight and almost knocked down one of the girl in detention and got extra two week¡±


    ¡°How does that connects you and Devin?¡± I asked hastily.


    Her brows lifted in surprise and her jaw dropped, her eyes went to the corner of my neck and she gasped.


    ¡°What happened to you here?¡± She tried to touch me but I moved back ¡°Sorry¡± she blinked ¡°I just don¡¯t know what to do at this moment because I heard he got into a fight and found himself in detention¡±


    The corner of my lips curved, forming a sly smirk as I remembered what had happened few hours before closing. Since Jasper told me to get someone to quench my urge, I found a free girl and had sex with her in the bathroom.


    Unfortunately, She happens to be Devin¡¯s girlfriend. At first I found it hard to believe until he punched me in the neck and I had to do what I know how to do best in such cases.


    Instead of me to fight over a girl, especially the one I don¡¯t love and just fucked in the bathroom, I rather leave the scene like I was never there and that was what I did. It didn¡¯t take long for me to find out that he had disfigured a poor fellow¡¯s face and got himself in detention.


    ¡°Xavier?¡± Emily raised her voice and waved her in front of my face ¡°Xavier will you tell Mum?¡± She pouts.


    Gahdd!!!


    Her lips are killing me! I don¡¯t think I can understand what she is talking about as all of me wants all of her. The did the puppy eyes she does whenever she wants to ask Mom or Dad for something and I bet she is asking for something too from me.


    ¡°Fuck siblings¡± I groaned.


    I held her face in both hands and imed her lips, kissing her roughly.

 11

    EMILIA¡¯S POV


    My eyes went wide open as Xavier¡¯s lips smashed into mine. At first, I was scared and my entire body went rigid. I didn¡¯t know what to do at that point until I felt his fingers in my hair pulling me closer to him.


    His other hand was at the back of my waist as he drew me more to him making me lose bnce and copse on his huge and strong body.


    I could not tell what happened or how it happened but all I know is that I began to move my lips with his. A sudden weakness purge my body and my knees grew weaker.


    A foreign sound escaped my lips and I began to feel a weird sensational feeling in-between my thighs down my virginal. I squeezed my virginal to reduce the strange feelings but it increases.


    It¡¯s obvious I don¡¯t know what I was feeling but no matter what Xavier was doing is wrong, I want more of it.


    I squeezed myself more into Xavier and grabbed his face and kissed him back.


    Wait! Did I just kiss Xavier back?


    I panicked and push him back, we were both breathing hard like we just climbed down from a mountain. Of course, we just did, we just climbed down the forbidden Mountain.


    ¡°Xavier¡± I trembled and moved a few steps back ¡°I am sorry¡± I didn¡¯t know what to say after what happened.


    My lips felt bruised as I ced the tip of my fingers on them, everything I felt just seemed strange including the burning sweet but yet a feeling I should answer that sweet but yet strange sensation in between my legs.


    Even if I have something to say, I don¡¯t think that I would be able to do such a thing with Xavier staring at me like that.


    His eyes were dark and dim, not dark as in ck, it looks like he had was possessed or something. His hair look rough as a result of my finger in them minutes ago His gaze homed on my parted lips and he groaned.


    ¡°I should get going,¡± I said and turned back immediately but Xavier held my wrist ¡°I need to Uhmmm¡­ Pee?¡± I shrugged.


    It happened so fast, well I kind of see this in Korean dramas and never thought it could happen real until Xavier proved me wrong. He pulled me close and bent me, the back of my waist was on his arm, resting on him so I won¡¯t fall. His gaze stared intensively into my eyes as he lowered himself.


    His grip was tight and I couldn¡¯t free myself so I did the crazy things I see them do in Korean dramas, I closed my eyes.


    ¡°Stay far from Devin,¡± He said and raised me back to my feet.


    His scary and yet luring eyes bored into mine for a whole before he sighed, link his lower lips and walked away. To his facial expression, he looks angry, dominant, searching, and hungry at the same time.


    He is literally hungry for me and I don¡¯t know what to do except to feel strange.


    I was more than angry than shocked! Can¡¯t I be different? What I wanted was another kiss but at the same time, I didn¡¯t want any more of it. In fact, I am scared.


    It¡¯s hard to believe but I have to admit Xavier just stole my first kiss, he literally made it a memorable one and I am sure I would never forget such. No one would ever forget this type of kiss, the forbidden type of kiss stolen by your hot STEP BROTHER.


    ¡°What have I done?¡± I gasped as I walked to my bed, trembling like a wet leaf ¡°What did I do?¡±


    Although I enjoyed every bit of the kiss and wanted more.


    ¡°What was I thinking?¡± I scold myself as I copsed on my bed.


    The first kiss of my entire life is what just happened seconds ago and the kisser acted like he never kisses me. He literally talked about something else and his facial expression showed something else seconds after I broke the kiss.


    I touched my lips and sigh, funny enough, it still felt like his lips were still on mine.


    The foreign sensation in between my legs continues and I don¡¯t know what to do. The forbidden urge to touch me arrived making me very scared.


    If I stay alone, I know I won¡¯t be able to survive the urge that I have to go grab my book. Most of the time, I have this book where I jot down my ideas before putting them in proper writing. Although my writing pattern had been kind of rated and boring that¡¯s why people hardly read my book


    After trying to put down a few lines and failing awfully, I decided to go and watch some of thetest Anime. It¡¯s been a while I watched directly from the television since my Mom stopped me from watching because of my harsh nature.


    Still, yet, my favorite Anime looked boring to me. It didn¡¯t take long before I decided to close my eyes for a minute and think about something else.


    Not a long I felt myself being lifted bodily from the couch. At first, I didn¡¯t want to imagine I am been carried but when I felt his strong arms lifting my body and throwing me over his shoulder, I knew it was Xavier.


    What should I do?


    I didn¡¯t move, nor talk, nor act like I was awake.


    He should be carrying me with one of his hands because I wasn¡¯t feeling the other. Slow but steady, he walked into our room closing the door gently, it seems like he doesn¡¯t want to wake me up.


    A small creepy smile appeared on my face as I wonder what he would do if he knew I was awake all this while. After cing me gently on my bed, he moved my shoes and stared at me in silence for a while.


    My cheeks redden in embarrassment as I realized what he might be thinking. He should not be possibly thinking of changing my outfit for me because I was toozy, tired, and forgot to take my bath. If not for something, I would have still been carrying my bag but I forgot it in the car.


    ¡°Good night, Emily¡± he finally decided to kiss my forehead as he walked away.


    I heaved a sigh of relief as soon as he left, it was like I let out the air I didn¡¯t realize I was holding until he turn to look at my red face. Since I didn¡¯t want him to know I had been awake, I closed my eyes immediately.


    ¡°I know you are Awake,¡± Xavier said ¡°Your red chins can tell more than they should¡± he went silent for a while then sigh aloud ¡°About what happened earlier, it was a mistake and I am sorry¡±


    WHAT!!!


    My heart stopped beating for a few seconds before resuming. I refuse to believe what I just heard until myme brain began to y it again


    ¡®About what happened earlier, it was a mistake and I am sorry¡¯


    Did he just ssify my first kiss as a mistake?Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.

 12

    The next morning I woke up angry and sad, I still can¡¯t believe Xavier calledst night a mistake. The first time I have ever done it and it happened as a mistake.


    Why am I being so dramatic!?


    It¡¯s just a kiss and I must have kissed my Mom and My birth Dad before, I even can¡¯t tell how many times I had kissed my step Dad on the chin especially when he buys me a baggy short or ice cream.


    Thest person I want to see is Xavier so I stayed in bed and nurse my sad self. My lower lips were in my mouth as u suck it hard, the reason was that I don¡¯t want to cry, at least not now.


    ¡°I can¡¯t be crying over a step jerk!¡± I said aloud to myself as I stood up from the bed.


    I cleaned my nose with the back of my wrist and sniffed making a grunting sound as I walked to the bathroom. I didn¡¯t bother looking in Xavier¡¯s direction because I can¡¯t stand not crying again.


    Although I was already in the bathroom something strong kept urging me to look at Xavier, at least let¡¯s lock gaze then I look away angrily. Just like any other person would do I quickly looked out and discovered that he wasn¡¯t even in bed.


    His bed still looked neat as I had made it before going to school yesterday and his rm shows it had rung three hours ago and didn¡¯t get snoozed or off.


    At first, I wanted to feel bad, or rather sad. Both sides of my lips dropped, I know I much look like a cry baby as they quivered.


    ¡°Is this what heartbreak feels like?¡± I asked myself in a low whisper as I brushed my teeth.


    I stared at my reflection in the mirror, practicing what I would say or how would act when I see my stepbrother. It could be he slept on the couch so he would avoid me.


    ¡°Leave me alone, Xavier,¡± I said looking at the mirror ¡°I can¡¯t cry over you, after all, we are siblings that have nothing for each other¡± I sniffed.


    The look on my face made me look more pathetic, the statement alone could tell I am in love with MY STEPBROTHER.


    ¡°NO!!!¡± I screamed ¡°I can¡¯t be in love with Xavier¡± I rested on the wall and pulled my hair, my wrist identally hit the shower and watwer came down my head ¡°SERIOUSLY!!!¡± I yelled in anger as I stripped.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    The cold water served as a quick remedy as I became calm. I let it pour down my back for a while before raising my head to face the shower. Immediately the water rained on my face, memories of Xavier¡¯s fingers in my hair and hands-on my body shed.


    I ced my index finger on my lips as I let the forbidden thought flow. As I had wanted before, I imagined his lips still on mine, kissing as we forget we are siblings.


    I cupped both of my breasts and squeezed them together, I refuse to focus on the reality as I imagined my hands were Xavier¡¯s. I whimpered in pleasure and squeezed my thighs together, the sweet sensation kept raising and I hand to move my fingers down to know what it feels like.


    Immediately, my finger touched my clitoris, I moaned aloud. I continued rubbing on top of my virginal too scared to put my finger inside. Something like wide fire mixed with pleasure explore my body and I felt something I have not felt before.


    Slowly but scared, I let two inches of my finger inside my tight body and shivered. My legs grew weak and I copsed on the wall, I was about to force more length of my finger when I heard my phone ring.


    ¡°Holy smoke!!¡± I eximed as I grabbed my pajamas and run out of the bathroom.


    My wet feet went in against my will and slid, I piercing scream left my throat and I fell. I was expecting to fall hard on the floor but it was almost the opposite.


    The new floor was still hard but not as hard as I thought, I opened my eyes to see Xavier below and I was on his broad chest.


    His left arm was on my back while the right one was ced on my butt. His grip was hard as if he had wanted it or he doesn¡¯t want me to go. Our lips were slightly touching, so close!


    I felt something hard from his nudge below my abdomen. I scream, got up then moved away from him, my hands tried desperately to cover my body as my clothes were beside him still on the floor.


    Xavier¡¯s expression was something I had not seen before except yesterday when we kissed. His cold yet intense gaze homed on my naked body as I trembled.


    I suddenly began to feel cold and all I could wish for is for him to leave. Just like my wish worked, he stood up and turned back. I can see the ces his palm over his face as he waited for me to move.


    ¡°I just wanted toe to tell you that breakfast is ready and I would be out for the rest of today,¡± He said, his voice was low like he was whispering ¡°I am sorry for uhmm?!¡±


    He trailed off as if he wasn¡¯t proud of assaulting me!


    No one would be, not even myself. I can say he did what he did on purpose for the way his palm gripped my butts could tell he was expecting every bit of what happened.


    Quickly I covered my body with my towel and angled myself beside my bed so he won¡¯t be able to see me from the corner of his still hungry eyes.


    ¡°About yesterday¡± Xavier paused for a while, it was like he needs to gather the right words to use before talking ¡°It was a huge mistake and I -¡±


    ¡°Just cut it¡± I blurted out.


    My heart was literally pounding loud in my chest as I bit my lower lips to stop myself from crying.


    ¡°Just go away!¡± My voice came out rough.


    It wasn¡¯t what I wanted but I can¡¯t change it, not when Xavier was staring at me with hurtful eyes. I wanted to hug him andugh about him ying another prank on me but it would be in my dreams.


    ¡°After all we are Step siblings that hate each other¡± I sniffed ¡°If you like don¡¯te back I don¡¯t fucking care!!¡±


    Well that came out rough because I have not used ¡®f¡¯ words before, not I haven¡¯t really used it but I am not a fan of it.


    That¡¯s it, I said the truth about how I feel now, I fucking hate him and he is nothing but an annoying stepbrother I hate with a passion, not the boy I hate to love.


    I can feel how disappointed he is as he walked out, he stopped on reaching the door.


    ¡°I said go!!!¡± I broke down ¡°Go away, please!!¡±


    The rest came out as a mumbled, I can¡¯t believe I finally cried for him.

 13

    Usually, it was supposed to be Xavier¡¯s rms that would wake me up but my mom¡¯s call did this morning. With the way she was sounding, I knew she would have been checking my teeth, tongue, and nails if she was around, she never just want me to grow up.


    ¡°We are so worried Emily,¡± Mom said ¡°It¡¯s awkward¡± she paused ¡°But you know we stayed over three days without hearing about any pranksin from you both¡±


    My heart literally somersaulted as she talked about Xavier, not seeing him on his neatly arranged bed drives me crazy but at the same time gives me hope and relief. After what happened on Saturday, I never thought I would be able to look him in the eyes.


    It just hurts how people fall so quickly for love and get yed for it. No wonder Brick and Lace said love is wicked, if there is another word for the wicked I will use it.


    Xavier is love and love is wicked.


    Even now, still in my favorite pajamas and almostte for school, I don¡¯t know how I managed to fall so deeply in love with my stepbrother over a kiss.


    Like, I can just kiss a random person and not feel that connection but it was my first kiss. The very first kiss of my life and I was only told it was a terrible mistake and it would not happen again.


    I sigh as I began to imagine that what I think I feel for Xavier might just be Infatuation or too much of seeing him in his pants. Like, who wouldn¡¯t think or act the same because for a guy like he looks more like a Greek God.


    To be fair, it¡¯s would be better to ssify him as a fictional character. His thick arms and voice looked like something someone spent extra hours to create. His packs, the hair that runs down his neck to the inside of his pants.


    The inside of his pants I always want to see and hopefully get to touch. I already know how big it is when folded and I wonder how it would be unfolded.


    Such a forbidden pleas-


    ¡°Emily!!!¡± Dad¡¯s voice brought me out of my ill trance ¡°We thought you had gone back to sleep¡± he teased.


    I listened to them say random things until Dad said something I wouldn¡¯t believe he did be able to say.


    ¡°Hope you haven¡¯t killed your brother yet?¡± He asked again ¡°because I still can not hear his voice in the background telling you to get ready for school because it¡¯s almost time for your lunch at school¡±


    ¡°Dad?!¡± I giggled as I get up from my bed ¡°It¡¯s not even time for the first period and you know I don¡¯t stay long in the bathroom¡± I held the phone with my ear and shoulder as I answered the call.


    ¡°Yeah, we know¡± Dad replied, mentally, I can see him nodding with a weird smile on his face ¡°is that right honey?¡± He said to Mom ¡°about 39 minutes in the shower is too short for our baby¡± heughed ¡°And the remaining 21 minutes to dress andb your hair into a messy ponytail¡±


    That¡¯s it! I have heard enough.


    ¡°Alright, Dad¡± I stopped him ¡°I dress fine and I am never hate¡± I gave a toothy grin as if he could see me ¡°I have to go now¡± I hurriedly rushed into the bathroom with my pajama on and my towel ¡°Make sure you get me ice cream and burgers whening back¡± I rushed thest words ¡°BYE!!!¡± I yelled.


    Not as I would do, spending my quality time in the warm shower became hard for me. Quickly I let the water wash from my head which I love to do every day, well, I technically wear a shower cap so I might say I did not really have to wash it for two months.


    It¡¯s indeed a huge surprise for the fact I haven¡¯t seen any lice in my hair, for the I way barelyb the hair properly or wash it is making me scared of being too noticeable. I love to stay in the shadows, thefortable shadows of my oversized shirts and baggy shorts. My brother¡¯s stolen hoodies had been like a lifesaver for me and I will be more than ready to steal more.


    Immediately I got out of the bathroom, I quickly rushed to the door to lock it, I can¡¯t afford to let what happened the other day repeat. Feelingfortable that I have at least stopped any idental body from seeing the scene, I went to the deepest part of my chest to take one of my brother¡¯s stolen hoodies.


    It¡¯s the mostfortable hoodie I have ever stolen from him since our Parents became married. Before I stole it, I asked Dad to get me something like that but he could not find it so I have to take permission before stealing his son¡¯s favorite hoodie. And gest what, he agreed!


    It¡¯s been almost two years and I still don¡¯t get why the cloth still looks oversized on me. The wrist was literally covering my palms and I don¡¯t mind. My greatest happiness is that Xavier would have forgotten about the clothes then I can have to wear them freely without persecution.


    I found Xavier scrolling on some pictures on his phone when I got out, I was indeed a little bit surprised to see him waiting for me after he solely avoided me for the rest of Saturday and the whole of Sunday.


    Well, our church is not that far that I have to walk it down. My feet still hurt a little bit because I had to do the walking in heels. No need for the face, I technically understand that you can look at me like that.


    The thing is that I only wear heels on Sundays and since Mom drives us, I have nothing to worry about. I would just slip off my heels while in the car and put them on when out of the car so basically, I don¡¯t have to stay out of the car for long except during the priest¡¯s sermon and I would definitely be on my warm seat.


    I know snooping around people especially when the person has to be your brother with who you are in love it. If not for the way he turned immediately, I was as well ready to smash the car ss with his head for checking naked pictures of girls.


    I will have to admit that those girls are hot, like they are super HOT, With very t stomachs like my own. Their hips, boobs, and butts look so good to be real that I have no option but to re at them at Xavier in jealousy and rage.


    His eyes went over my small frame and a tiny smile appeared on his face. He tried to look somewhere else other than my angry face.


    If I could do something, I would have loved to punch the smile off his face but the day I did that, I ended up hurting my fist badly and I would not want that to happen again.


    ¡°That¡¯s my hoodie¡± he beamed.


    ¡°It¡¯s mine now¡± I blurted out angrily ¡°At least you won¡¯t be able to see my small butt and boobs beneath it¡± I mumbled as I climb into the car.


    In truth, I can say he heard me clearly because the sudden mood swing on his face shows that he was not impressed. He stared at me for a while before twisting the car key.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°Fasten your seat belt,¡± he said.


    I didn¡¯t have much time to even do what he asked me to do as he drove off the yard. Whenever he says something like this, I knew he would be up to no good and I will definitely end up puking when I get to school.


    But thank to myzy instincts, I felt toozy to prepare breakfast so I decided to only grab an apple and eat it during our lunch break. That means, no puking today.

 14

    Immediately we got to school, I jumped down the car and rushed to my ss before he could even say anything. Throughout the ride, I could not say anything. I kept hiding my face, blinking back the shameless tears that were threatening to fall.


    ¡°See you in detention,¡± Xavier said.


    I didn¡¯t wait to listen to what he said after that all I want is to just leave his presence for real.


    With my head low and my bag pressed to my chest, I rushed to my locker to take the books I would need today. Immediately I opened my locker, I was greeted with lots of trash.


    I can¡¯t believe someone had the guts to fill my locker with main food remains to get back at me. Without ranking my head I know whose handwork it is.


    ¡°Nili and Eva would not rest until I kill them¡± I groaned in raw frustration.


    Immediately, I mmed my locker close to notice what I didn¡¯t see earlier. Someone had scraped my name and another short note at the front of it.


    At first, I was going to look for them in one of their sses but if I do so, I might do something I will regret all through the rest of my days in high school. I might end up killing something andplete the rest of my high school behind bars.


    After seeing the disadvantages of working with my anger, I change direction and head straight to the principal¡¯s office. I didn¡¯t bother to knock as I was dying to report who so ever that had done that to my locker.


    ¡°So young man¡± I heard the principal telling someone ¡°That¡¯s detention for you, the janitor¡¯s closet needs an extra hand¡±


    I moved closer to see Xavier standing in from of the principal. There was no emotion on his face except that he looked as if he wants the detention. His lips were curved in a sly smirk as he saw me and nodded once.


    ¡°Such a wonderful moment, Emilia Johnson,¡± Mr. Jared said ¡°Your brother was about toe to apologize before helping you out with today¡¯s work,¡± he said in pure enthusiasm.


    I was speechless for a few seconds before I turned to look at My brother. There is this Calm look on his face as if he has ns for me, why won¡¯t I think about his ns when he definitely loves pranks.


    ¡°What have you done?¡± I asked Xavier directly.


    I didn¡¯t bother asking what he wants to apologize for, I was just concerned about what he has done to get that pleaded look on his face.


    ¡°I filled your locker with food remains to get back at you,¡± he said bluntly.


    For some seconds I stared at him not understanding what he was talking about. I didn¡¯t do anything to get his punishment much more been in a Bigger mess of getting into detention with him. Well, I hope not, I hope he just gets stuck with Nili and her friend.


    ¡°I think you should be on your way to your ss,¡± Mr. Jared told Xavier ¡°After closing, don¡¯t forget the janitor close¡± he added.


    Relief spread throughout my entire body as I moved away and let my brother pass. It¡¯s still so annoying how he would fill my locker with all those stuff for what I didn¡¯t do.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± Mr. Jared asked Seconds after Xavier had left.


    I blinked, at first, I forgot why I am even standing in his office until he narrowed his eyes to look at my face.


    ¡°I wanted to tell on the person that put trash in my locker but whops!¡± I chuckled nervously ¡°I think I will be on my way¡±N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    With a weird smile on my face, I turned like a robot and walked away. I didn¡¯t want anyone to bother me so I walked straight to ss, ignoring the normal but yet annoying stares from other students.


    Good for me, there was no teacher in the ss when I entered. I took thest empty seat which is at the from a roll. Since I started this high school, I never got to change seats, not even for a day. Sometimes I get to meet a new partner but the new one is worst than thest.


    ¡°Hey, sugar!¡± Nigel beamed at me.


    I went frozen for a second or more. My jaw dropped as I blinked and blushed badly. Although I am supposed to be worried about him calling me sugar but no one had ever called me that in the whole of my life.


    It¡¯s like I am invisible but he had decided to prove them wrong.


    I tucked a stray hair behind my ears and gave the brightest smile I could even have done.


    ¡°Hi, Nigel¡± I smiled harder.


    My heart began to pound heavily like it would jump out of my rib cage as Nigel leaned closer. His smile was broad and I can vouch that I felt like melting in anticipation of a new beginning until he lean past me.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect to see you, Eva,¡± he said sweetly.


    I was too embarrassed to be annoyed, well, the fact that he didn¡¯t notice I fell for it made me relief. I sighed deeply and forced myself self not to look back until I heard Nili¡¯s pitch annoying voice.


    ¡°Did you see that?¡± She asked ¡°She fell for it¡± Nili squeaks.


    Something strong told me that I was the person they were referring to but since no one mentioned my name, staying mute would be better.


    ¡°You don¡¯t believe it,¡± Nili said again ¡°Come check it, I have it all in camera¡± she added.


    Without being told I knew they might be trying to make me react but they won¡¯t get that from me today. Especially now that I don¡¯t want to be in a fight with them, seeing them might cause anything so I decided not to look.


    As they kept on exaggerating how their new video would get so much share, I chose to listen to one of my K-pop songs before a teacher entered.


    To me, it was fast, as in, the day went very fast and I found myself with my lunch in the school¡¯s cafeteria looking for a safe spot to sit and eat.


    ¡°Not again!!¡± I grumbled as I noticed that my favorite spot had been taken.


    I know you would be wondering by now why I need a safe spot. Since I started this school, I chose to be a loner and picked thest and abandoned table at the far end of the cafeteria when I know they were many other seats filled with nerds like me.


    After standing in the same spot for two minutes, I looked around to check if I would be able to sight any free space and join the school group of nerds but it was upied. The only free seat is the one next to my brother in the middle of the hall.


    His table seems to be the biggest and it¡¯s always crowdy, it¡¯s surprising to see one chair still empty when people hand around every other day including now.


    ¡°No way in hell¡± I sighed as I turned back and began to walk to a secret hideout.


    I call it a secret hideout because I found it three weeks ago when I was running from Gym ss. I just don¡¯t get why they would force us to do sports too.

 15

    It¡¯s not a nice ce but since I would have my rest of mind there, I would surely prefer to stay there.


    As I left it before, the ce is at the back of the school¡¯s cafeteria, you can hear whatever that is been said from inside.


    It looks like an abandoned basketball pitch, well it is, but just that it has green lemon grass. The blocks to seats were still there same as an old kiosk.


    ¡°Better to be alone and peaceful than with people and not peaceful¡± I shrugged as I sat down on one of the blocks under the shade and began to eat.


    I really haven¡¯t eaten half of my bacon when I noticed someone seating at the opposite end of my direction. The person was staring straight in my direction and it freaks me out.


    ¡°Not now!!¡± I muttered.


    I was about to ignore the person until I strain to see a familiar face. The scariest face I have ever seen and the next thing that came to my mind was to run.


    ¡°Devin Johnson?¡± I gasped.


    My brows connected as I wondered why he would be having the same surname as me. Slowly as if I don¡¯t want to get noticed, I held my tray and stop up slowly to leave the pitch.


    His gaze was still fixed on mine and I was sure something was going on in his mind. I stood up and hurried away, I could not contain how freaked out I was until I reached somewhere far from him and sighed.


    Well, I won¡¯t lie to you all, I am scared of him but at the same time, I want to know him better. It¡¯s the first time I am actually feeling like this for a person so I don¡¯t mind taking the risk of getting my neck snapped on an abandoned Basketball pitch.


    ¡®Who knows if we can really get along since we are both nerds¡¯ I thought aloud as I contemted what to do next.


    Slowly as if my legs could not carry me well, I walked back to the pitch. I first popped out my head but when I found out that he was no longer staring in my direction, I increased my pace and head toward him.


    His back was to me and I could not help but notice how broad his shoulders are. His arms were big just like Xavier¡¯s own, without even bothering to touch or ask, I know they would be strong and he will always be doing fine in gym sses.


    As I got a few steps closer, I noticed he stirred but didn¡¯t turn back. It could be that he doesn¡¯t want me to bother him or he doesn¡¯t want to even talk to me.


    What happenedst week when Xavier entered the library shed back. It was almost like it just happened and I had no choice but to feel embarrassed. I start to get every possible reason why it would not be advisable to start any Interaction with the weird loner.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    It didn¡¯t take much more time for me to start moving backward as quietly as possible. Immediately I was far enough, I turned and increased my pace until I convinced myself to just take onest peep at his back.


    His dull grey eyes were staring into mine like they were something interesting he was watching. It was not really much of a surprise to see his face free of bruises. His neck had a slight bruise that you would not notice until you look well. His clenched fist had bruises, if possible, I can vouch that this Devin of a boy punches the wall every morning.


    Over a minute has passed and I am still there, staring at his grey eyes while he just kept moving his eyes all over my body like checking me out. His shoulders dropped slowly as he turned away and tapped the space next to him.


    ¡°Come¡± He tapped the ce again ¡°Seat here¡±


    It sounded more like an order and I was beginning to get pissed. I held my lunch to my chest and clenched my fist, the only thing stopping me from yelling at him and walking out us the sparkles in his charming eyes that kept luring me to my doom.


    ¡°Please join me¡± a small smile appeared on the left side of his cheek ¡°Emily?¡± Devin said unsure as I moved closer.


    With a weird smile on my face, I nodded. I sat beside him expecting something else to happen but nothing happened. We were just staring at the pitch, for me, I was enjoying the emptiness and void.


    For Devin, I might say he has something else going on in his mind as his jaw bone kept moving. He kept cracking his knuckles, it appeared that the pop and bone-cracking sounds give him pleasure.


    His gaze was fixed as if he forgot to blink. From the corner of his eyes, I know he was watching me drool over him.


    Ew!


    What was I thinking?


    Frankly, I know he is handsome but that doesn¡¯t mean I should be checking him out. From what I observe so far, he seems to be the bad type. Not just bad, I mean literally bad and that alone is not a good idea.


    He always has bruises and that means either he is a fighter or he is always picked at. Mere looking at him, I don¡¯t think he might be bullied.


    Even the bullies would not be able to focus on his handsome face and deadly-looking grey eye. I have not seen him for long but I can tell that he hardly smiles, his face is always in a thin line and I am sure it would scare every one away from him.


    I stared at my bacon instead to keep staring at his face and making everything weird. Immediately I took a bite from it, I raised my head to see him staring at me. His face was clueless and I don¡¯t know what he wants, I might not even know especially now that he raised one of his eyebrows.


    ¡°Bacon,¡± I said as I gave some to him.


    For a sinct moment, he stared at my face then the bacon. His untrusting eyes stopped on my lips as if trying to see if I truly are it or was just using it to make him eat it.


    ¡°It¡¯s not poisoned¡± I muffled as I chew the bacon and swallowed ¡°If you don¡¯t want, I can eat it all¡± I began to eat my bacon again ¡°I love a few things but I don¡¯t joke with food,¡± I said in a matter of fact manner.


    Well, I won¡¯t lie, I love food, A lot. I like writing, K-pop, k-drama, Animies, and horror but I love food. Sometimes I wonder why I don¡¯t get fat and why people end up staring at me as if they have not seen a teenager that loves to eat just like the way Devin stare at me with his mouth open.


    For the first few seconds, I didn¡¯t get what he was starting at until he raised his hand and touched the side of my mouth.


    My cheeks grew hot and I began to blush badly. His warm thumb wiped the side of my mouth name I was sure that he was wiping away food particles.


    I was hoping that his hand would leave my face but it didn¡¯t. His fingertips brushed my lower lips as his gaze remain cold and clueless. He swallowed and licked his lower lips before lifting his gaze from my parted lips to my face.


    ¡°Uh?¡± I looked away from his luring eyes ¡°Hi?¡± I said not sure of what else to say

 16

    DEVIN¡¯S POV


    ¡°Bacon,¡± Emilia said as she gave some to me.


    For a while, I stared at the bacon them her pretty face. It¡¯s still a big surprise and joy for me that I am seating literally close to her.


    From the first day I saw her, I couldn¡¯t get my eyes off her. I know it¡¯s kind of weird but I enjoy staring at her all the time. The day she bumped into me looking like she had just done something I don¡¯t want to think about, I felt like killing the person.


    Ever since then, I can¡¯t get my mind off her, thinking about how reserved and beautiful she is. Unlike other girls, she never goes into the squad except with her brother that brings her to school and takes her back.


    It was just a coincidence that I happen to beat up an unfortunate boy that had the guts to say ill things about her. After making sure to give him ck eyes, I prepared myself to rest in detention for a while not knowing that I would meet Emilia.


    The way her pink lips moved slowly as she chew the bacon was so interesting. I can as well stare at her all day without getting bored and that is what I intend to do.


    ¡°It¡¯s not poisoned¡± Em muffled as she began to chew the bacon in her mouth and swallowed ¡°If you don¡¯t want, I can eat it all¡± She retrieve her hand and took another bite ¡°I love a few things but I don¡¯t joke with food¡± she added.


    The way her mouth moved was so good that I wish I could do something I had always been waiting for. I know it¡¯s illegal, she is a minor, and I don¡¯t want issues with Xavier but aside from that, I would have loved to make her my own and nothing else can stop me.


    I am sure that I didn¡¯t get anything else she was saying but seeing her eat and get her cute pink mouth messy is enough to make me lean closer. Let¡¯s not think about the rest because it won¡¯t happen, not when she is a minor and XAVIER¡¯S STEPSISTER.


    Before I could realize what I was doing, my palm was already on her chin as my thumb brushed the side of her lips. Immediately our skin touched, she flinched a little then began to turn a light shade of pink before getting worst to tomato red.


    My gaze homed on her slightly parted lips as I robbed of the tiny grease from the food. I could not get myself to remove my hand as the next thing I knew my thumb brushed her lower lips before caressing her chin with my fingertips.


    She swallowed nervously before looking away from my face. Something in me wants to hold her face back and im her lips but I had to be myself. I can not rush into things especially when I am nning on waiting for her to reach at least 18 before letting her know who she belongs to.


    By that time, Xavier would need toe clean!


    Slowly, I lean closer. I didn¡¯t know what to do at that moment but I can be able to peck her lips, I would definitely be the happiest person ever to live.


    ¡°Uh?¡± Emilia licked her lips as she looked away ¡°Hi?¡± She added unsure of what to ask.


    It was obvious that she was getting scared and I don¡¯t like that about her, not even a bit.


    ¡°I am sorry¡± I muttered as I moved my hand off her face ¡°It¡¯s the grease¡± I added.


    I tried to make a free face but each time I try, I always feel like I am not giving the right impression. My lips formed into a thin line as I looked at my wristwatch and sighed.


    Lunch is over and we might have to go to our sses which means I won¡¯t be near her for now until we meet again in detention. I smirked, although no one likes detention I am loving it. The fact that I have to be alone with her other than sighting her brother staring at her from a corner is so good.


    At times I wonder how they managed to get into the same family. The Xavier I know can be so bossy, mischievous, self-centered, and cute at the same time. It reminds me of years back in Florida, when we woulde back from school together and y video games till we get tired.


    At first, I thought I had the family I never had until he let me know I can not belong anywhere.


    When I was six, my parents died in a car ident. Since I was the only child they had, I was given to my uncle who ended up turning me into his drunkie vendor. He would get drunk, beat me ck and blue, and send me out to sleep in the cold.


    I thought the government would be of help so I happened to meet a man that took me to a foster home and abandoned me. For almost a year nobody wants me until my uncle came back with his wife this time. It happened that he had married in the space of that one year and had a son.


    Long story short, I became a punching bag for my uncle till I turn thirteen. For the kind of beating bi received and the heavy chores I do, I looked bigger than my age. Since I would not love to get bullied in the house and also outside, I decided to attack first.


    Whosoeveres my way gets a taste of my wrath and with time, I became a street fighter. When I had enough money at the age of fifteen, I ran off and collide with Xavier whoter did something I don¡¯t want to even remember.


    ¡°Are you always like this?¡± Emilia asked in her small voice.


    My brows lifted as I said nothing but stared directly into her endowing eyes. Frankly, this girl could be my doom and I can as well not regret it, not for one day.


    ¡°Are you always like this?¡± She asked again.


    ¡°Like what?¡± I looked away from her face, that alone is more than the greatest distraction.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know!¡± She shrugged ¡°You are kinda mean, evil-looking ¡± she paused for a while ¡°Are you ever nice?¡±


    My heartache. do I really look like this or is she just saying it because I had refused to smile.


    Slowly, a fake smile spread across my face as I ced my palm on hers and smiled sweetly this time. I caress her fingers, feeling how tiny and soft they are. She still even have food grease on them as she had finished eating, it¡¯s just a shame I didn¡¯t get to notice that on time.N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    ¡°You look better now¡± she smiled, her eyes moved to my neck as she drew closer ¡°A date tattoo?¡± She asked.


    My heart skipped a bit. Had she noticed this in Xavier¡¯s body and asked the same question or have not seen it at all.


    ¡°What about your overprotective brother?¡± I asked instead.


    ¡°I am right here!¡± Xavier¡¯s familiar angry voice thundered ¡°You fvcking bag of shit!¡± He increased his pace.


    My gaze was on Emilia who seem scared than shocked. She was rushing to Xavier who moved her aside and did what I have been expecting from him sincest week Friday at the old library.


    Xavier¡¯s fist connected to my face harshly before he pushed me to the ground and began to brain punches at me.


    I heard Emilia¡¯s scream as she jumped on Xavier¡¯s back and held his two hands.


    ¡°Please stop it, Xavier¡± she sniffed ¡°This is insane!¡±


    I didn¡¯t expect Xavier to listen, as I was expecting him to move her and resume hitting me while Iy still refusing to fight. He stood up with Emilia on his back and walked away.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Emilia panicked as Xavier kept moving ¡°Put me down¡± she attempt to jump down but Xavier held her thighs ¡°Let go of me, Now!¡± she demanded wiggling her legs.


    Xavier¡¯s cold gaze remained on me for a while before he dropped her, pull her by her arm, and walked away without saying a word.

 17

    EMILIA¡¯S POV


    My back and shoulders hurt like u were hit by a car. I stretched and rolled but fell hard to the ground, it then came to me that I had passed the night on a couch.


    ¡°Great!¡± I muttered as I got up and officially did my morning stretches.


    After what had happened at school yesterday, Xavier had always been around me. Not that he made sure everyone notice that I am his stepsister he is ashamed of, but they can all see how he was always ring at me.


    Everywhere I went, I felt his hard stare, burning unto the back of my head like a bullet. Even in ss, restroom, in my locker, and in detention, I felt watched. I felt paranoid like someone was after me oring to get me, of course, it would be Xavier, probably thinking of another prank for me.


    Cleaning school toilets is something no one would like to do, I won¡¯t even wish my enemies to do so. It was so strange how Devin was so cold, at first I thought it was because of what happened at lunch until I heard other kids at school whispering what I don¡¯t want to think about.


    ¡°He looks too good to be a street fighter¡± I heard someone mutter as I walked to my ss.


    After detention and Xavier dropped me off, he went out and didn¡¯te back. I know he was still angry over what had happened between Devin and me but he still doesn¡¯t have the right over me. He is just my stepbrother and nothing else, even though we kissed by mistake.


    The morning breeze still feels cold as it¡¯s still early. A huge surprise! I have never woken up by the time in a long time, thest time I did was when my Mum was moving out of my father¡¯s house.


    I asked her what the matter was but she even want to talk about it, not even to lie that everything would be alright as other mothers would do. For all these years I had been with My new family, I still wonder what a family crisis is like.


    Mom and my stepfather just look and act so perfect. The same way she was with my dad until she suddenly woke me up one early morning and off we went, to meet a strange man with his extremely Hot son. I couldn¡¯t tell if I overlooked the signals that my parents were not on good terms or they had been pretending all along.


    Still yet, Mum didn¡¯t let me get in touch with my biological father again. She changed my phone, gave me my step Father¡¯sst name, and prohibited me from talking about him much more referring to him as my father.


    At first, I freak out, I cried all day and locked myself in my room until I became a loner. I know that I am still a child but I deserve some exnations too, I have the right to choose if I want to stay with my Mum that hardly talks to me, or my biological father that gives me whatever I want.


    James, My biological father barely smiles at me much more and acts like he is proud of having me as his child but he made sure I get whatever I want even if I don¡¯t need it. He doesn¡¯t treat me like a princess like Charles, My stepdad much more getting to help me steal and buy my favorite hoodies and shorts.


    I know he is making me try to like him but I don¡¯t care. It¡¯s literally working and that shouldn¡¯t be a problem at least not now that I prefer to stay alone.


    The house seems so quiet.


    It could be that Xavier had finished preparing and is waiting in the car.


    On getting to the room, I noticed Xavier¡¯s bed looked rough, It means that he actually slept on it. I frowned when I knew what next I had to do, dress the bed and pick up his scattered clothes.


    I wish I can cancel the deal we had about me dressing his bed and doing some of his chores for the rest of this week so he won¡¯t tell on me. Even if Iplete this week¡¯s task, I have no idea of what to do for the next two weeks as my detention had been increased.


    I won¡¯t lie that the days haven¡¯t been going fast. It felt like yesterday was the day I knocked out Gabby and now, I am counting the second day in the second week.


    After making his bed look like where a human actually lives, I stepped off my shorts and removed the rubber I used in holding up my hair. It¡¯s been a long I washed it and it¡¯s a bit still too early to be at school, getting it washed and dry would be something that won¡¯t kill me.


    I was about to look for my phone to put on the hit track that helps me stay longer and conformable in the bathroom before I realize that I left it on the couch.


    ¡°Shit!¡± I bite my lips immediately.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    I am not the kind of person that cuss, especially not like Xavier who cusses like a sailor. At times I wonder what he gains in saying so many bad words.


    ¡°A Little fvck you, ¡®Fvck me¡¯ won¡¯t kill me¡± I grinned as I pulled my top off my head.


    Going to get my phone with my pants is something I would have done if Xavier is not around. But since he is in the car, getting to let him have a view of my fine butt and boobies would be Christmas for him and I can¡¯t give him.


    I squeezed my boobs and groaned in raw frustration at how small I thought they are. Both of them could make one of Eva¡¯s boobies, making me jealous and wanting to make it bigger. My butt was in good shape, I can as well proudly show them off.


    I grabbed my towel, put it over my shoulders, and pulled the bathroom door open. A piercing scream escaped my throat as I mmed the door close and hugged myself.


    I can¡¯t believe I just saw Xavierpletely naked and don¡¯t know what to do. The door burst open as I came face to face with Xavier, he was stillpletely naked, with water dripping down his hair and the rest parts of his body.


    His gaze locked with mine for a second before his hungry eyes began to roam around my body. Not even his usual smirk was on his in face as he moved a step out of the bathroom towards me.


    My eyes followed a sudden movement between his legs were something I didn¡¯t know I would ever see was pointing at me. He was so hard, long, and big that I couldn¡¯t take my eyes off it.


    ¡°I am sorry! I am sorry¡± I shuddered as I blinked, shaking my head was the only thing that brought me back to reality ¡°I didn¡¯t ¨C ¡±


    Before I could say the meaningless thing I have in mind, Xavier grabbed me by my waist and neck and then pulled me closer. Roughly, he smashed his lips on mine, iming it as it has always belonged to him.


    Hisrge palm caress my body until it got to under my boobs, He grabbed it and squeezed it gently. His lips didn¡¯t still leave mine as he braced me to the wall and lowered his palms to my waistband¡­


    ¡°Honieeee!¡± I heard Mom¡¯s voice from outside ¡°We are home!!!!¡± She added.

 18

    Immediately, Xavier moved away from me. We stared at each other for a while listening to get if the voice was just our imagination.


    ¡°Xavier!!¡± Mum raised her voice ¡°Can you pleasee to help me pull this inside?¡± She sounded distressed ¡°Dad is carrying something¡±


    I listened well to hear rattling sounds like she was trying to pull something inside. My heart skipped a beat and nearly exploded!


    ¡®What will she do if she sees us like this? Will she tell my stepdad?¡¯


    I can¡¯t even stand the shame toe as I felt like melting. It was like my brain had stopped working same as my heart as I felt my breath seize and I began to suffocate.


    ¡°Emily¡± Mom¡¯s voice sounds faint. It was like she had gone back outside or is in the kitchen ¡°Xavier?¡± She called again.


    Before I could open my mouth to say a word, Xavier¡¯srge palm covered my mouth. His expression was warning! He didn¡¯t want me to make a sound but that can never be possible when his free hand fingers picked my nipples before cing his index fingers in between his lips.


    Swiftly but yet gently, he pushed me into the bathroom and then closed the door. I couldn¡¯t tell what he was doing but I know he would be probably doing something to get dressed and calm his hard self.


    I rested on the wall and put on the shower, My body trembled as I hugged myself.


    In this state, I don¡¯t know what to think or how to feel. I don¡¯t know if I should still feel scared, confused, or strange. I didn¡¯t expect any of what just happened, not even when Xavier pulled me closer and imed my lips.


    After we kissed the first time, I could not believe I will make such a mistake again to the point of kissing him back. My fingers went on my lips as I imagined his lips still on mine, kissing me.


    The heat and sweet sensation burning between my thighs became something I could resist. The way his hard dick pressed against my stomach and hisrge palmpressing my boobs made me wet and hornier.


    The fact that Mom almost caught us made me scared, like, what could have happened if she had just walked in and saw us both naked and about to have sex.


    Yes!


    Xavier¡¯s hands were on my waistband and about to pull it down. If he had seeded in taking it off and having sex with me at the bathroom door, that would only mean I lose my virginity to my stepbrother who wouldter ssify it as a huge mistake.


    ¡°This can¡¯t be happening!¡± I pped my forehead ¡°Wake! Wake up, Emily¡± I cried.


    If I stay here all day, going to school would be something I wouldn¡¯t want to do. My hair wasn¡¯t wet giving me the option of thinking of washing it or just making sure tob it properly.


    ¡°I miss Daddy!¡± I sighed as I washed my body making sure not to wet my hair, I changed my mind.


    If I was still with him, getting to make my hair good would not be a problem. Not when I have people to help me wash and style it. My choice of dress too had never been my problem to settle until my Mom took off with me and here I am, standing in the bathroom I share with my hot stepbrother.


    The noise in the room had reduced, it could be that Xavier had gone to help out parents bring in whatever they were carrying. Even as at that, They are not supposed to be back until after two months as they said.


    ¡°It¡¯s not even up to two weeks¡±  I muttered.


    Slowly, I pushed the door open and took my head outside, Thest thing I wanted to see Xavier it let him see me naked again. My towel had dropped when I was making out with Xavier. Just thinking about it alone is making me blush and horny, I can bet that I look like a freaking tomatoes-faced sneaky girl.


    ¡°Good!¡± I said beforepletelying out.


    I rushed towards the door and locked it, what happened before can not happen again, well for the third time.


    Since getting an outfit had never been my problem, I took one of my favorite hoodies and a matching bica short.


    ¡°Urgh!¡± I shook my head in disapproval ¡°I wore thisst Thursday¡±


    I have literally repeated all my hoodies including the stolen ones. Not that I don¡¯t have nice gowns in my closet but getting to go on a matching shoes and makeup is something I would never do so instead, I went back to what I just pulled out.


    Ibed my hair, packed it in a messy ponytail, and walked out of the room. Without checking myst look in the mirror, I knew how ordinary and in I would look. With my brown oversized shirt, white bica shorts, and white sneakers, I should be more than glorified.


    I walked to meet my dad and Xavier setting the table while mom prepared breakfast. Funny enough, it was something we had never had in the morning for a long time, probably since I left my biological father.


    ¡®Why does everything reminds me of my father!?¡¯


    ¡°Hey baby¡± My mum was the first to notice me.


    Baby?


    What Mum rather call me is Emily and not with the kind of look on her face and the way she was walking toward me. Before I could get to respond, she pulled me into a tight hug and press my chin on her soft chest.


    ¡°I miss you so much!¡± She gasped.


    My brows connected as I looked up at her, her eyes were stormy, and that us so unusual of her. The look on Dad¡¯s face was also something I haven¡¯t noticed before, his usual cheerful smile looked worried. It was only Xavier that had his usual cold yet mischievous face.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± I looked at my parents suspiciously then moved a few feet away ¡°This is unusual¡± I folded my arms across my chest.


    Mum looked at Dad and smiled sweetly, she removed her cooking apron and handed it to him. Silently, he collected and tied it around his waist. Everything was so strange that even Xavier could notice the awkwardness in the kitchen, his eyes kept moving from me to our parents.


    ¡°Your hair looks like a mess!¡± Mom gasped as she pulled me away from the kitchen ¡°Let¡¯s get it done¡± she added.N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    ¡°No need for that,¡± I said ¡°I alreadybed it ¡±


    I put my fingers into it in an attempt to make it look better. Even at that, Mom wasn¡¯t getting it.


    ¡°Let Mummy fix you up today¡± Mom cooed ¡°I will park your favorite for lunch for you and drive you both to school,¡± she said cheerfully ¡°And we are having a family bonding outing after school¡± added.


    My heart stopped beating for a second, I looked at her face terrified and confused.


    ¡®What¡¯s up with all this weird behavior? What if she finds out about the detention and gets me grounded? And what is the family outing after school all about?¡¯

 19

    School went fast and before I knew what was happening I heard the closing bell. Kids rushed to their various homes while I sluggishly walked towards the toilet to start cleaning with Devin.


    Since what happened between him and Xavier he hasn¡¯t really talked to me. He just showed up after school that day with fresh bruises on his knuckles and I wonder how often he gets into a fight. it could be that he is always been bullied but the principal refuses to see that.


    One never can tell.


    Today would be another day, at least if the school hours went horribly, the closing hour might be good. I can as well try to talk to Devin to see if I can forget how Nigel made fun of me in ss today. He literally called my trash in from of everyone in ss just to make fun of me.


    If it was only that, I won¡¯t think about it. He called me a hoe and photoshopped a naked body to my face, with the way he did it one would hardly tell it was photoshopped except they have seen my body which would be only Xavier.


    Xavier!! That son of a¡­..


    Well, my mother is not a bitch so I won¡¯t say that.


    Xavier had seen everything about me even when I was still wearing my pants. I still can¡¯t believe I almost let him have sex with me.


    I raised my fingers to my lips and imagined his lips still on mine. Although his mouth still tastes like toothpaste but his breath smell like a fresh cigarette. I wish his hands cane back to my body and explore more, the way his fingers pinch my nipples is what I want.


    ¡°What am I thinking?¡± I whispered as I walked past the janitor close ¡°Xavier¡±


    I wasn¡¯t sure if he had started his punishment or had not evene. Standing in front of the door I contemted if I should go or check upon him. Not in the sense of knowing if he is doing well, I just want to see his face.


    All through the lectures today I ended up thinking about the kiss and what would have happened if Mum had seen us. With Xavierpletely naked and arge hard dick poking my stomach, the world would have ended. I can¡¯t imagine the disappointment on her face or how my stepdad would be if he finds out.


    ¡®Gosh! I am so stupid!¡¯.


    This has to stop and if I don¡¯t stop it, I know Xavier won¡¯t. He seems to be enjoying the forbidden passion forgetting that we are siblings even not by blood we can¡¯t do such. He can¡¯t keep using me to quench his hunger and call it a mistake atst.


    Deep down in my heart, I wish to go more with Xavier and at the same time, I want to kill him. It could be that I am thinking all this because I am horny and he is making me want to ¡®do it¡¯ each time I see him. I should do something before I lose my virginity to my stepbrother whom I hate so much.


    ¡®Yeah, I hate him but¡­.¡¯.


    I folded my fist and attempt to knock before I froze. No one ever knocks in the Janitor closet all you get there are working things and nothing. That even made me being to wonder what Eva and Nili had actually been doing here.


    The principal assigned them to clean sses but I often see them here always watching at the door.


    That shouldn¡¯t be my problem for now since they are having their own punishment and not around me, making me want to kill them every minute. I knew that they haven¡¯t started their work because I saw Nili taking pictures with some group of people. Anywhere Nili is, Eva is always there, it¡¯s just so annoying how they follow each other and never get tired.


    ¡®These are literally the kind needed to spread the gospel then¡¯.


    I noticed the door ajar. if I can find Xavier in, I will give him the piece of my mind.


    He would nevery his disgusting fingers on me again. Never again.


    After taking steady breaths before preparing for anything toe, I pushed the door open and walked in.


    ¡®Oh please! Dear gooad¡¯.


    That¡¯s can¡¯t be the sound of mobs or brushes.


    Sounds of pping and moaning filled the ce. My lips twisted in disgust but something in me what to see what they were doing. It could be that they were fighting or helping each other with something else I just have a dirty mind.


    ¡®One might be hurt and the other might be helping to clean it.


    I have watched porn videos in my free time and I haven¡¯t seen people having sex in person before. This could be the opportunity to get more experience to use when I get married.


    Slowly, I sneaked in the direction where the noise wasing from and got face to face with terror.


    Eva¡¯s skirt was lifted to her stomach right below her breasts, her pants to her ankle as she held the wall with her left hand and the right on the waist of the person moving in and out of her from behind. She looked red as if she was in severe pain, if she is I wonder why she kept screaming, moaning, and begging the person to do all sorts of bad things to her.


    The boy in question looked extremely evil. His emotionless and cold eyes were fixed on the wall while he barely made any sound.


    Just grunts.


    He bit his lower lips, and with both hands holding her well, he moved, smacking her with his might.


    Wait a minute?!¡­


    ¡°Xavier?¡±.


    I asked confused, it can be someone else ¡°Xavier!!!¡± My voice became hoarse.


    I could not move, nothing else came to my mind as I felt used and cheap. I can¡¯t believe Xavier would do something like this.


    What was I even thinking?


    We are freaking siblings. Help siblings but¡­


    Moreover, He didn¡¯t promise me anything, he didn¡¯t say he love me or had said any rtionship-rted words to me. We kissed each other in silence what else should I have expected.


    ¡°I- I hum¡± I shuddered ¡°I was ¡± I broke down.


    Before the tears could leave my eyespletely I rushed out mming the door. I can¡¯t let them see me cry, especially Xavier!All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    ¡°Oh no!¡± I kept saying as I ran to the toilet ¡°Oh no! No!! No!!!¡± I cried.


    I¡¯m done. I¡¯m done.


    I didn¡¯t turn back to see if he was following me and I didn¡¯t wish to have him follow me. This is more than I can chew, more than I can imagine as I ran Into the toilet and mmed the door. I bolt the door and rested my face on it crying.


    Since I was little, I have always preferred to cry in the school toilet than anywhere else. Freely I let my tears flow and cried out uncontrobly.


    ¡°Holy smoke!¡± I heard a familiar voice behind me ¡°What do we have here?¡±


    I turned back to meet Nigel buckling his belt and smirking at me. His eyes roam around my body for a moment before he moved closer and attempt to touch me but I moved. He attempt to touch me again but I did the same thing and pped his hand.


    ¡°What are you doing in the boy¡¯s toilet?¡± Nigel asked pointing around.


    I gasped, I had been in such a hurry that I fell into a deeper mess.


    ¡°I will be out now¡± I turned to go but he pulled my wrist, mmed me to the wall, and braced himself on me. His face moved closer to mine so that I could feel the heat of his bad breath ¡°get off me!¡± I cringed.


    I am screwed.


    If anything should happen to me I would be asked what lead me to the boys¡¯ toilet when what we always wash first is the girls¡¯ toilet. Even at that, school just dismissed and there would be a lot of kids in the restrooms.


    Like a hungry lion, Nigel smirked as he seized my left wrist. His other hand went under my chin as he raised my face to his level.


    Gosh! Why does he suddenly look so tall and terrifying?


    Nothing should happen.


    Please not now! I can¡¯t be doomed twice. What would I Tell my mom?¡­ daddy would understand but, the shame?¡­


    ¡°LET HER GO!!!¡± the voice sounded more like a growl.


    We both turn to meet Devin standing behind Nigel. Before the extra warning, he gripped Nigel¡¯s cor and punched him once in the face. He attempt to punch the second one when a loud bang came from the door.


    ¡°Emily¡± I heard Xavier¡¯s voice ¡°Open the door¡± he banged the door louder ¡°Fvcking open the goddam door!!!¡± He yelled.


    I stared at the door in shock, my heart beating fast as if it would jump out of my chest. I heard someone groan and I turned to see Devin¡¯s right palm still holding Nigel¡¯s neck. He wasn¡¯t even looking at the boy whose nose was bleeding.


    A loud gasp escape my throat as I watched Devin tighten his grip around Nigel¡¯s neck. He didn¡¯t release his hand even when Nigel began to make choking sounds and began hitting his arm.


    There is something different about Devin now. His eyes, his sweet eyes were no more.


    His eyes were dark, not ck but dark.


    His grey eyes didn¡¯t have the sparkle they had the day he touched me at lunch. He looked evil and with the way I was looking at him I was expecting a snap sound to indicate that Nigel¡¯s neck had been broken.


    ¡°You will kill him if y-y-you don¡¯t s-s-stop¡± I whispered.


    ¡®Oh!¡¯.


    As if his senses came back to him, Devin released Nigel. His eyes were still dark as he watched Nigel open the door and ran out.


    Before the door could m, the door was pulled as someone rushed in.


    ¡®Not Xavier again!¡¯ I cried.


    His gaze roamed around my body before he turned to re at Devin who stood in front of me.


    ¡°Hello Xavier,¡± Devin said ¡°Or rather, Hello Brother¡± he smirked

 20

    The Good news was that the principal called our attention immediately, all of us in the detention including Nili and Eva. He told us to leave the things he asked up to do that the Janitor would do it. Since he noticed we all liked the work he have us something he knew we do t like.


    In a ss room, he asked us to study for a text that woulde within the next Five minutes. If we have to do such emergency text all day till my detention is over, I would like be the most happiest person on earth.


    After text I walked to Xavier¡¯s truck, I was thinking and wondering how it would be able to sit in the same car with him after what happened. Good thing I didn¡¯t find it but my mum¡¯s car pulled over in front of me.


    ¡°Hey honey¡± Mum smile ¡°Xavier told me you guys stayed over for extra studies, I am so proud of you¡±


    Immediately, she came out amd pulled me into a tight hug. It¡¯s such a shame that I forgot our agreement in the morning when she was driving us to school. Soon we all were seated in the car driving home.


    With Xavier beside me staring at me all through out the ride, the only thing that kepting to my mind was to jump out the open window. I wasn¡¯t myself even when we got home to meet a new outfit on the couch.


    ¡°We got you the new design your favorite hoodie, joggers and sneakers¡± Mum said with a smile ¡°Get prepared, we are going for the family bonding trip we talk about in the morning¡±


    My cheeks dropped, I looked at my parents in total confusion before staring back at the cloth. With the way they are acting there could be two things involved: either one of them is about to die or both of them is about to die.


    Mum still looked tired that she haven¡¯t really rest enough from her previous journey now she wants to go on a family bonding outing. She had never had enough time to work or sort things out with my biological father because they are constantly wrangling.


    ¡®Could it be mum? Could it be that she have cancer or maybe heart failure and doesn¡¯t want to tell me?¡¯.


    I sighed, looked from my mum to dad before blinking back tears. I am not ready to lose another parent. Although my real day didn¡¯t die but I lost him.


    After so much contemtion, I cleared my throat awkwardly then moved closer.


    ¡°Which one of you is dying?¡± I blurted out.


    A faint smiled escaped Mom¡¯s lips, she walked to me and ced her hands on my shoulders then sighed.


    ¡°You are tired¡± I said before she could say anything ¡°Are you sick?¡± I asked concerned.


    As mum exined why she wants us to have some quality time so I can get to socialize with people amd quit been a nerd. She said I have my free day and I can order or get what ever I want today because today is our ¡®Yes day¡¯ who does that?


    My mum didn¡¯t answer my questions and it¡¯s making me really scared. I know that I am mad at her, I know we don¡¯t really act like mother and daughter because, she even know I am not happy that she took me from my father without a reasonable reason.


    Funny enough, My step dad has been quiet. I know he is sometimes scared of her but in cases like this, he need to talk. He need to say something not just look at my face and Xavier¡¯s face who seems to be staring at me the whole time.


    From the corner of my eyes, I see his gaze fixed at me. He refused to look away or blink and it was freaking me out. The next thing for him is to go to our room and if I fail to leave the house now, I would or might be stuck with him for hours.


    ¡°Can I go out alone today¡± I asked.


    It was the first time I am doing such, I barely go anywhere myself for it¡¯s either Xavier drive me to school and church or our parents does. I don¡¯t want to stay in the same room or pour out the tears that had been burning in my eyes for Xavier.


    ¡°We can go for the family bonding¡± I know I sound and look desperate ¡°You guys need to rest, if you look at the mirror you will see that you both look like¡­¡± I trailed off searching for the right word to use.


    ¡°Trolls?¡± Dad grinned.


    With a faint smile on my lips I nodded, obviously Dad ising back to his cheerful self. Where ever this man is there is happiness but with his son, it¡¯s sadness that¡¯s why I need to be off.


    ¡°Yes¡± I smiled again ¡°Fine trolls¡± I looked deeply to my Mom eyes ¡°I will be back 11 sharp¡± I grinned awkwardly.


    ¡°That¡¯s too far!¡± Dad half-shouted ¡°10:00 or Xavier goes with you¡± he wiggled his brows.


    Just like that, I found myself in a cab my parents board for me. I won¡¯t lie I have no ce in mind as I am very tired and confused. All I want is a ce that the great air would blow sense into my block head and at the end of the day, I would be able to cry till I get exhausted.


    What adults do is to drown their pain in alcohol but I am doing mine with a big bowl ice cream and before I knew what was happening, it was almost 9 o¡¯clock and I am drowning the second big bowl with thest money I had.


    I had spent more than half of the money Dad gave to me in cabs looking for where to go. Looking out to the dark street I sighed, I had no idea where I was and I am cashless.


    ¡°Won¡¯t be bad to treak for one hour¡± I shrugged.


    With my stomach heavy with ice cream, I stood up and walked out of the ice cream shop. Good thing I had my phone so I typed my address on it and waited for the navigator to direct me home on foot.


    I plunged in my earphones and began to y from my sad y list. No need by ck magic is not a bad thing except that I don¡¯t understand all of his lyrics.


    Soon I began to feel tired. My legs were shaking, I am sweating furiously and my feet were hurting. With my navigator, I am still thirty minutes away from home and it¡¯s almost ten o¡¯clock. If I don¡¯t meet up on time, my parents would never let me out again.


    My navigator was showing me two routes, it had been showing two from the beginning which were a long one and a short one. The first short cut I took was too dark and scary and I don¡¯t want to get into trouble. Now if I have to choose I will have to choose wisely.


    Either I follow the long turn band never get toe out again or I follow the short cut, might get lucky or unlucky.


    After standing on a spot for a minute, I decided my fate. After all I spent the money grieving over someone probably banging another girl someone else.


    I took the short cut and walked for sometime without meeting anyone. Although I kept hearing voices like cheers from far but it seems like I was never going to meet them until I burst out in the middle of an open air party.


    From there I have twenty minutes to reach home and my time limits still remains thirty minutes. If I stay a little, maybe five minutes or so, nothing would happen.


    I haven¡¯t been into a party before much more an open Air party. This could be my chance was the only thing that kepting to my mind as I forced my way to the front stage.


    To my greatest surprise, I walked into the middle of a fighting ring. Not literally the middle but I am close to the middle and can see what ever that happen.


    The stage had a shirtless young man, he looked like a thug with tattoos all over his body. He was bouncing, smiling and blowing kisses while the crowd cheer him up.


    ¡°His opponent tonight!!!¡± A very loud voice said ¡°Is no one but theeeee DEVIL!!!!¡± He shouted.N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    I was about finding my way out when I noticed a familiar face. Devin is the DEVIL!

 21

    DEVIN¡¯S POV


    The crowd this night seems more than every other night which means my money would be much. For them toe, more than half of them would bet for me to win, in that case I have to make beating my opponent badly a priority.


    After staring at his face for sometime, I couldn¡¯t recall if I have fought with him before. Everything about him seems strange even his tattoo.


    which writes ¡°gone so soon¡± on his left chest?!


    Sometimes I wonder whatdies sees in tattoos that makes them go gaga when ever I climb the stage. Someone just threw a pant over my shoulder and I know what she wants. That would have to beter as usual, right now, I need to break his ribs.


    Walking round the stage, I monitored my opponent¡¯s first move. If he knocks me down I would likely lose 3000$ tonight. Normally I have confidence in myself but tonight, I don¡¯t really feel like fighting. It¡¯s just I need the money, my rents is due, I need to go to the grocery store, and my school fees can¡¯t pay itself.


    Just walking round is making me get bored and I want to end the fight quickly. I moved closer to my opponent, dodge his first blows and grabbed his neck.


    My head connected with his hard sending him to the floor but as the fight was still fresh, he got up again. Still waving his punches, I punched him in the face thrice without giving him a space to fight back, I threw him to the ground.


    As I did expect, he didn¡¯t get up immediately. He rolled over with his hands over his broken and bleeding nose. I waited for me to get up so I don¡¯t get to make the fight too short and disappoint my fans.


    Immediately he stood up, he spat close to my feet. It was the mixture of saliva and blood and that was when I noticed I had broken his lips too. He spat close to my feet again and yelled, this time I know I have pissed him up and the next thing is for him to bring out any of his hidden weapons.


    I could hear the crowd cheering me, calling ¡®the Devil¡¯ even when I have told the countless times to call me just Devin. As I had expected, he brought out a very small dagger from his waistband, it was very small that I think I might be the only one seeing it. Since I prefer to fight shirt less, his eyes were roaming over my body staring at the previous scars I have gotten from fighting.


    Widely like a wounded lion, he began to move his hand around my lower abdomen. I kept dodging, I would not want to get a new scar much more staying longer here. He brought out another small dagger making it two.


    I know my opponents attack me with things but no one has done that with two daggers. This person doesn¡¯t look like he wants to fight me, he wants to kill me. I became more careful, evading all his attack until I was able to kick the dagger out of one of his hand.


    Suddenly, a fan removed her blouse and threw it to me. The smile on her face was priceless and even when I stare at her in confusion and wonder what to do with her clothes. It then ur to me that I can use it for situations like this.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    With the two edge if the cloth rolled on my palms, I watched out for his next attack. My opponent moved to his side then I caught glimpse of something, I saw Emilia staring at me from the front line of the crowd.


    My heart stopped for few seconds as I noticed the another person forcing himself to the crowds towards her. It was Xavier her step brother, rushing towards her even when it seems like he won¡¯t be able to make it.


    Had Xavier decided to bring Emily here like before? Had he chose to get back at him for calling him brother earlier today?


    My heart went nk, roaming around in confusion until I noticed Emily¡¯s eyes widened and her small palms covered her mouth. Before I could think of what must have made her do like that, I felt a stinging pain in my left arm.


    Without bothering to remove the dagger in my arm, I quickly gave my opponent an upper cut. I punched his jaw and mouth upwards together. Before he could maintain his bnce, I grabbed him and began to rain series of punches on his neck and face.


    Even when he fell to the floor, I didn¡¯t stop, I held his neck tight and kept punching his face. His blood stain my face, bare chest and fist and all that kepting to my mind was to kill him.


    I pulled the dagger from my wrist and and aimed at him, the crowd¡¯s cheering increased and I know they are waiting for me to stab him but someone special was watching. With my other hand wrapped around my opponent¡¯s neck, I looked into the crowd to see Emily staring at me in disbelief.


    With the way I look, I am sure that I look like a monster, or a serial killer. Her eyes were wide open as she hugged herself and began to move back gently until someone harshly pulled her arm into the crowd.


    I looked well to see her struggling with Xavier while he still pull her out. Seeing that she would make it difficult for him, Xavier threw Emily over his shoulder.


    I need to get off the stage immediately. I need to exin something to Emily but even as at that, what can be the possible reason that would make me best up a human being till plump.


    Even though he stabbed me first, it isn¡¯t enough to convince Emily with what Xavier must have told her.


    ¡°And our winner for today¡¯s game¡± I looked down to see my opponent looking dead ¡°Isssss Theeeee DEVILLLLLLLL¡±


    Even with the high cheering of the crowds anddies throwing their underwear at me, the only thing that keepsing to my mind was to get off the stage.


    I ignored the autograph section and ran to the back stage and as I did expect, I got 3500$ immediately. I took off immediately to get to the entrance of the arena only to meet a cab driving away.


    ¡°Damn!!!!!!¡± I yelled.


    This can¡¯t be happening again. Not again! Not just again!!!

 22

    EMILIA¡¯S POV


    I still can¡¯t believe what I just saw. Oh! That literally happened yesterday and I thought it happen today.


    Memories of how Devin had almost killed the other boy haunted my memories. Like, they were so cruel! It almost looked like they would fight to the death.


    ¡®What kind of people even cheerfortably to such!?¡¯


    I am still mad at Xavier for pulling me and carrying me over his shoulders like I was some kind of doll. Even up till this very moment, where I sat staring at the bathroom where he is taking his bath, I wonder how he found me.


    Still pleaded I won¡¯t have to tweak all those miles while I stare at Devin Kick a huge waste bin and Yelled in frustration or something that looks like that.


    With the way he looked, it seems like he wanted toe to break me and Xavier came to my rescue. He was initially mad that he didn¡¯t get me, if not, I would have been at the hospital with bandages around my neck.


    Yesterday was a day I would never forget to hate for the rest of my life. Many things happening at a go and I can¡¯t help but bite my lower lip and deeply inhale and exhaled to stop myself from sobbing.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    Eva! That slutty white-chunky doll!!!


    ¡°I hate her!¡± I whispered through clenched teeth.


    My browns flinched as I realized it wasn¡¯t her I was supposed to hate but myself, and Xavier. I literally let him toy with my heart and let him kiss me. If I haven¡¯t heard Mom¡¯s voice, only God knows what I might be talking about now! Maybe it would be thinking about how I had let my stepbrother put his big cock inside of me and then put it in Eva.


    Who knows where it had been and how many girls he had actually banged?


    The thought of My stepbrother having intercourse with me made me inwardly cringe as I let tears flow freely from my left eye.


    My parent¡¯s new characters are something I really can¡¯t tell about. The sudden love! Last night, Mum came to kiss my forehead and whispered goodnight into my ears. Something she hasn¡¯t done for years. My stepdad, I noticed he had somehow withdrawn.


    If only my Mum haven¡¯t cheated on my birth father with my step, nothing like this would have happened. I won¡¯t even know Xavier much more than sharing a room with him. Catching feelings for him to the point of letting him almost have sex with me made me want to puke on his face.


    Xavier is taking much more than required in the bathroom and I have to prepare for school as well. Almost two weeks out from my four weeks of detention and I don¡¯t know if I should be happy or sad. I hate staying in ss! All the kids make fun of me and I can¡¯t just keep trying to be a good girl.


    If I fight back, they must get hurt or I will. Literally, the same thing that happened to Eva and her groupies, and here I am, sucking! Trying to stop myself from pretending to be sick so I would actually miss school today.


    Thest thing I want is to spend another second with Xavier all Tue way to school. I can¡¯t even stand to see Eva without wanting to snap her neck or push her down the stairs, and that would only get me expelled.


    I can¡¯t tell if my family is poor now but to give them the unnecessary issues of getting me to another school would be hell for me too. If it was my birth father, I can tell him that I want to be homeschooled. I know he would do it even if he barely smile at me or look at my face.


    Soon, I realized how long I have sat doing nothing while Xavier stay longer in the bathroom like he was inbor. Normally, he is supposed to be down in the car or eating breakfast and not stuck in the bathroom.


    Seeing I can¡¯t just stay there, I decided it would be okay to eat while he decide to get his sorry self out. That led me to make my bed and Xavier¡¯s bed. I know how awkward it is but it¡¯s a deal, at least for the days we have agreed until I finally finish my Detention, he will have to cover up for me.


    As I walk to the kitchen, I remembered how he had lied about us deciding to take extra time to study and that made our parents proud. Clearly, Xavier was also trying to save his poor ass not just trying to cover up for me.


    ¡°Hey Mum,¡± I said to my mum in a low grumble as she made breakfast.


    She replied cheerfully and asked me to set the table. I couldn¡¯t help but smile when she set the corn kes and milk in front of my favorite chair. I know it¡¯s weird but I love the chair because it makes mefortable and close to my stepdad.


    Frankly, I took the chair because Xavier wanted it and I don¡¯t want him to have wanted ever he wants so I took it.


    Mum also set my lunch beside the te as well as two bananas and one apple.


    ¡°How was your night, Emily¡± Mum tried to make a conversation as we put the finishing touch on the table.


    ¡°Was fine ¡± was all I said.


    I heard her omit something that sounds like a grumble-yes before clearing her throat and smiling weirdly.


    ¡°Dad will join us soon,¡± She said as she began to eat from her mush potato. The first time we actually are a different meal at the same table.


    ¡°I don¡¯t feel impressed Mom,¡± I said dryly ¡°I can handle it, I am not a kid¡± I fought the urge not to roll my eyes.


    ¡°Dad and I thought about taking you to see an Anime since tomorrow is Saturday¡± Mum smiled ¡°Drinks and popcorn on me¡± She added in a girlish manner.


    I rolled my eyes mentally and suppressed a scoff. If not for the fact that I have corn kes in my mouth, I would want to yell at My Mum for being too secretive.


    ¡°Just tell me why you are doing this?¡± I know I sound scared. I won¡¯t be able to live if one of them dies.


    My dull eyes searched my mother¡¯s eyes but nothing came, it was just nk and scared. It left me wondering if she is sick at the point of death or if Dad is.


    ¡°Is any one of you about to die?¡± I said as tears filled my eyes ¡°Is it Cancer?!¡± My throat clenched.


    I dropped the spoon and pushed the te away from me. My gaze was fixed as I restrain myself from hitting the open milk bottle beside my left hand.


    ¡°Mom!!!¡± I raised my voice.


    ¡°No one is dying¡± I heard Dad¡¯s base voice.


    If not for the older rhythm, would have said the son and father share the same voice. Speaking of the devil, Xavier took his seat opposite me and made sure to avoid my face.


    ¡°Did you get dumped by a girl in your dream, son?¡± Dad asked Xavier ignoring my questioning gaze.


    Xavier grumbled his greetings to our parents before grabbing his te and dishing his potion of mush Potato. his Dark gaze moved to my suspicious Parents but he made sure to ignore and avoid me sitting in the middle.


    Their awkward silence killed me as they all kept giving me odd gazes. My parents talking to each other with their eyes is possible, I would have said they were mind linking but werewolves are just fiction. Xavier, on the other hand, was looking disturbed and worried, why am I even concerned about his worthless feelings?


    ¡°Dad!?¡± I called out unsure as I looked at my Mum¡¯s scared face.


    ¡°It¡¯s Dave¡± Dad blurted.


    I faint gasp escaped my lips as I looked up to my parents before stopping my gaze on Xavier¡¯s surprised face. He too didn¡¯t expect why he just heard.


    ¡®Why do I keep thinking about him!¡¯


    ¡°You mean -¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Dad interrupted me ¡°Dave Mill Johnson, your biological father¡± He cringes at the twost words ¡°He wants to pay a visit soon¡±.

 23

    My brows connected as I kept looking at my mum to the rest part of my family. Well, I just can¡¯t get what the tension is all about but I knew I didn¡¯t feel the same as I felt when I woke up.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing much, Princess¡± My stepdad tried to pat my head but I hit his hand away ¡°Common, let¡¯s get you to school¡± he stood up.


    My gaze remain on my Mum that refused to look at my face. She kept looking at my hands which were folded across my chest.


    ¡°When is heing?¡± I asked my Mum.


    Herzy gaze looked up to My stepdad who cleared his throat awkwardly. Although I didn¡¯t look back to see what he was doing, but with the way, My mum was watching him and I felt him closer, I knew he was walking back. To prove myself, I felt his warm palms on my shoulders as he squeezed them gently.


    ¡°Just one of these days and It doesn¡¯t really matter,¡± he said.


    ¡°It does matter, At least let me know what he wants¡± I frowned.


    For Xavier, it¡¯s more like something he is used to. You know, after getting to know the troublesome side of me, he knows what I could do so he just cleaned his mouth as he finished eating, check his watch, and fold his arms across his broad chest as he rxed.


    My parents kept giving themselves annoying nces while they left me drowning in suspense. This is what I hate so much, one thing about my mother that always make me wish to be an adult immediately.


    The first thing I would do is to p her face with a book of wisdom because that is what she needs. It¡¯s just so annoying how she had formed this irritating attitude of keeping things when talking is the only option.


    ¡°This is one thing about you, Mum¡± I yelled as I stood up ¡°You are always hiding things from me and that sucks¡±


    I pushed the chair back and stormed toward my room. Good thing Xavier was out so I dashed into the bathroom, took my bath, and came out not long after with one of my favorite ck hoodies and white shorts.


    I didn¡¯t bother tob my hair as I was extremely fussing and looking beautiful was thest thing I want at that moment.


    Xavier was no longer sitting with my Mum as she nurse her untouched te. My stepdad stood beside her, both hands on her shoulders as he tried to calm her.


    ¡°I would be studying after school so don¡¯te,¡± I said in advance just in case they were nning oning.


    Indeed they were, They both exchanged looks as my stepdad left Mum¡¯s shoulder and walked toward me. His expression is as mute as I had ever seen before and it¡¯s making me see the older version of Xavier.


    My lips twisted in disgust as I moved back as he tried to touch My shoulder. It¡¯s so annoying how he just lives touching shoulders and expecting me to calm down when he is what I don¡¯t want to see at this point.


    ¡°Keep whatever you have to yourself¡± I red at my mother ¡°I hope you find a way to sneak me out again just as you did thest time¡±


    Immediately, I turned to leave. I heard her gasps loud and I pictured her holding her chest sobbing. If Her husband wasn¡¯t close to me, I would have imagined them both, with him holding her shoulders as usual.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to talk to your mother like that!¡± I heard my Dad¡¯s voice.


    Even when I am already almost shutting the door behind me, I took a few steps back inside and stared at both of them in surprise. The way Mum¡¯s shoulder shook as she buried her face in her palms was so irritating and pathetic.


    ¡°Emily, You have to drop that act!¡±


    Even when I am not looking at his face, I could feel and hear the level of anger in his tone. He seems to be doing a good job too just that he now looks like the red and angry old version of Xavier his problematic son.


    His expression looked more like a huge threat to me so I had no option but to re back.


    ¡°So?¡± I intoned as I rolled my eyes ¡°Just because you made my mother cheat on my father with you doesn¡¯t make you less a random stranger¡± I scoffed ¡°To me, you are just a father figure and not my father¡±


    I didn¡¯t wait for him to recover from his shuck as I walked out. I made sure to m the door as hard as I could and I know it would make my Mum startle since she wasn¡¯t expecting any of my recent activities.


    The thought of riding in the same car with Xavier for the next few minutes felt like another help but all I did was bury my neck in my hoodie and climbed into the passenger seat.


    I ignored his intensive stare as waited for him to drive but he didn¡¯t move. I can¡¯t read minds but I knew for sure that Xavier wants to say something but¡­


    ¡°Emilia, I-¡±


    ¡°Just shut the fuck up and drive!¡±


    Yeah! I know how foreign it is to cuss for the first time. Well, I have cussed alone but have never thought of doing it in front of anyone. I looked at the entrance of our house and noticed our parents standing there holding themselves.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay¡± I heard Mum¡¯s small voice as she sniffed ¡°We heard what happened to Gabby and your detentions, just stay safe¡±


    My blood went cold in my vein. Frankly, I don¡¯t know what to feel if I should be relieved, scared of getting grounded, or Angry.


    For sure, she should have known for a long but I don¡¯t get why she enjoys keeping things secret.


    ¡°Thats what I wanted to -¡±


    ¡°Fu¡­.¡± I trailed off as I pulled my hair and groaned ¡°Don¡¯t fudge talk to me!!!¡± I yelled.

 24

    The whole day, I can say I didn¡¯t say a word. Lucky me, no teacher asked me one of their usual annoying questions like I am the only one covering their head in ss. At the time I wonder if covering the head affects the aid of hearing, another time, I wonder why teachers are the most pathetic humans.


    They would teach you, give your assignments, projects, and text and still give your exam! We trusted them enough and epted their teaching why won¡¯t they do the same and assume we already know the topic and don¡¯t see exams.


    Frankly, it¡¯s not a problem at all but it kind of annoys me at times. Setting up the same questions in different methods just to test our intelligence and some still fail.


    Good thing, not every teacher is like Mr. Matthew our mathematics teacher. I am extremely grateful I won¡¯t be needing the subject after high school if not, my next n would be to kill the person that Invented mathematics. He should be dead by now but breaking his already weak bone would make me feel better as all I want to do is punch Nigel right in the face for making face at me.


    The History ss is taking almost forever and Mr. Caylord doesn¡¯t want to even bother if all his students are paying attention to the generational history of the beginning of football in Texas. Like, who cares?N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    ¡®Emilia Johnson¡¯


    We are in Los Angeles and he is rather killing his old throat over what happened in Texas years back. If I am not mistaken, I would say the person alive to start the match would have been dead. Like what kind of courage do those twelve orphans have, the orphan coach is what I didn¡¯t expect tho.


    I was lost thinking about what their lives were like having nobody to care for them and¡­


    ¡°Emilia Johnson?¡± It sounds much louder than a normal call.


    I blinked and stared at Mr. Caylord in confusion. Without looking, I could feel over thirty pairs of eyes staring at me. The most annoying part Is Nigel, who had his palm caressing his zip area while his cold expression was fixed on my face.


    He should not better be doing what I am thinking!


    ¡°Emilia Johnson,¡± Mr. Caylord said for the third time ¡°Nigel here just gave us his reasons why football should be a ¡®very unique game''¡± He smiled weakly ¡°Just quote his words¡± He quickly said ¡°So,e exin to the ss why you think you rmend football as a teamwork that brings about respect and love¡±


    My jaw fell open.


    I stared at him in awe before looking at the kids in ss. With the look on their faces, they surely want to see me fail and I wasn¡¯t ready to let them have it.


    ¡°I N-never s-said any-th-thing as that¡± I stuttered as I stood up.


    I followed his gesture and walked to the front of the ss, my head bent low as if my neck could no longer hold work well. Nervously, I took a shaky breath as I thought about what to say or what football was all about.


    If only I had a useful brother, I would have known Little about football. Even, my stepdad wasn¡¯t the best either. Although he cares for me and does what no father might be able to do I still think he is trying to make me forget my real dad as he always sneaks me the recent wifi passwords to download my anime.


    ¡°This is extremely uncalled for¡± I raised my hand and let them fall, pping my side and making p words out from it ¡°I don¡¯t see why football is important to history?¡±


    I sucked in my lower lips immediately when I saw the unpleasant look on Mr. Caylord¡¯s face. For real, I know detention would increase, but maybe I will get to read more about boring football than work.


    Me. Caylord opened his mouth to talk but closed it back without saying a word. The frown deepened, making me realize how old he is, probably in histe whatever. He moved close to me, nodding like there was something interesting I just said.


    ¡°You gat this inch!¡± Nigel interrupted ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Devin wille again for-¡±


    ¡°Meet me after ss, Nigel Brooklyn¡± Mr caylord said.


    Although, I tried to suppress theugh but it wasn¡¯t working. I bit my lower lips and gave Mr. Caylord one of my cutest ocean eyes. Of course, he is an adult so what ever I do will not affect him of any kind.


    But for Nigel, I could see the anger and hate transparent on his face. His throat still had red marks from where Devin had tried to strangle him yesterday at school.


    The way Devin also punched the other guyst night made goosebumps spread all over my body. He is actually the Devil they call him.


    Ring! Ring!!


    ¡°Well¡± Mr. Caylord said as he watched the kids get up and arranged their books ¡°That would be for the next ss as we said¡± he removed his ss I never noticed he was wearing ¡°Don¡¯t forget what we said! You all work on the project in pairs¡± he shouted.


    His attention moved to me he stood confused. Like, when did they talk about all this that I had no idea?


    I looked away immediately our gaze locked only for me to Lock gaze with Nigel who sneered and red at me. He was walking to the door when he stopped after hearing his name.


    ¡°Well then, Brooklyn¡± Mr. Caylord walked to him and tapped his shoulder ¡°I see what¡¯s going on and I want the best for you¡± he grinned ¡°But to pass my ss, you must pass my project and that is why I am pairing you with Emilia Johnson¡±


    Look whose balls just dropped!


    Well! Mine just did. My ball just dropped badly and all I could do was stare at Mr. Caylord walk out of the ss leaving Nigel with me.


    At that point, I didn¡¯t know what to do as we kept ring at each other. No doubt, I am sure that I will fail this ss this year. First of all, I hate football, second, I have to be doing the project with Nigel andstly, I have no idea what the project is.


    ¡°Survey of a world history course,¡± Nigel said.


    I blinked, my tongue ran over my dry lips as I tuck stray hair behind my ears and kept staring at him.


    ¡°I know you didn¡¯t hear the topic when you were busy thinking about how you had your brother and Devin yesterday¡± he smirked.


    My blood went cold! I loud gasp left my lips as I stare at him in disbelief. It should be a mistake! Someone, I knew something was wrong with his brain.


    ¡°People saw you, Devin, and Xavier walks out of the bathroom sweating¡± He brought out his phone from his pocket ¡°No one would believe you due to your characterstely and I have a soundtrack and a blurry video with your face to do this job¡± he scrolls through his phone and showed the screen to me.


    I could only gasp as I stare at the phone. Sweat broke out from her face as he looked at the screen well before she began tough humorously.


    ¡°This is trash¡± I scoffed as I fold both hands on my almost t chest ¡°It¡¯s fake!¡± I stated.


    Nigel just shrugged and looked back at his phone. He didn¡¯t say a word for a while as he licked his lips.


    ¡°See you tomorrow, Partner,¡± He said as he walked out.

 25

    It¡¯s Friday, Officially the second week of my detention. The worst week of my life and the week I wish I could delete from my memory but it can never happen.


    Sessful, I have ignored Devin and Xavier for the past two days. Good thing, we were asked to study extra hours on subjects we were not good at. Mine was history, so frustrating Mr. Caylord postponed the project because the majority of the ss was not ready.


    That means, another time together with Nigel. The least I want is to keep getting his annoying and mischievous nce. I don¡¯t know how to put it but he seems more to me like Devin now with fresh bruises every day.


    After the nose bleeding and Neck bruises, Nigel came to school twice again this week with broken lips and a small cut on the nose. It¡¯s a huge surprise that I haven¡¯t heard much or seen anything about the video he threatened to post online. Sometimes, I would feel like asking him about it just to mock him and then I remember that he is not Xavier.


    For Xavier, I can push him to the wall, and yet he won¡¯ty a finger on me, maybe I can say his father raised him well. At times, I would do things that I would kill myself if I wasn¡¯t me.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    It¡¯s indeed a huge surprise that I had been able to cope with Xavier for two days in the car. Our ride to school had been extremely silent, not even a smirk from him as he acts as if I wasn¡¯t in the same car with him.


    For what so ever reason I am yet to decide on, I wish Xavier would apologize. I wish he would change the fact that I saw him having sex with Eva and promise never to do it again. I wish he would apologize for touching another girl and stick only with me.


    But h!


    I need to wake up and realize Xavier is my brother, half or not. The fact that I have some ill feelings for him doesn¡¯t mean I shouldn¡¯t wipe my tears and stand up from the bathroom floor I had been sitting for almost an hour.


    School won¡¯te to me, I have to go to school, and just like every other day, I need to face my punishment. My parents haven¡¯t been in their best moods since I gave them the tip of my feelings and I don¡¯t me them.


    Even my Dad, the step one actually. Many times, I would catch him fixing the toaster with the wrong tool just to have him lost in staring at my face. Mom hasn¡¯t been the best either, she had gone too lean and stressed out. She works too much, hides things too much, and spends so much time working on her makeup.


    Last night, I overheard her yelling and crying on phone and when I peeped, I saw dad hugging her. I know we have not been I great terms but seeing her crying to the point of having ck eyes and covering them with makeup breaks my heart.


    At times, I wish I can just make everything better with the twinkle of an eye. Stepping out of the bathroom with my towel wrapped around my chest, I think all this is somehow connected to me like I haven¡¯t known well since I arrived in LA.


    Today I just don¡¯t feel like doing anything. All I want is toy on my bed and cover my head with my favorite duvet. I don¡¯t want to see my secretive parent¡¯s faces, I don¡¯t want to see Xavier¡¯s handsome but yet betraying face, and I also don¡¯t want to see Devin¡¯s dark eyes, boring into the back of my head every second we spend in our detention sses.


    I just wish I could be the old Emilia that had nothing to worry about and not the one that keeps thinking about people that don¡¯t care about me.


    On reaching my bed, I decided to check the door to see if it is locked or open. On turning, my gaze locked with Xavier¡¯s.


    ¡°I have been waiting for you to turn around for centuries,¡± he said in pure satire.


    Slowly, I looked at him in grave silence for a while before holding the towel around my chest with my shaking hands. My head felt light as I looked at the open door and back at his face, I kept wondering what he might have done if the door was closed.


    His brown hair was neatlybed back. His shirt hugged him perfectly same as his matching faded jean trousers. His eyes were luring the same as his lips, tempting me! Wishing they would im my lips even if it¡¯s just once.


    Piss off!


    I scoffed, turned back, and tried to somehow sneak my undies inside my clothes as I tried to take them to the bathroom. I refused to look at his face even when I heard the door close then noticed him walking close from the corner of my eyes.


    With my clothes pressed against my chest with my right hand, I held the handle of the bathroom door with my left and hesitated. I want to tell him things, tell him that I don¡¯t know why I feel so much for him and no longer literally hate him as my stepbrother. I knew all that would be a lot and more than I would be able to controlter so I kept quiet.


    My heart skipped a beat and nearly exploded as I felt Xavier¡¯s warm palm on mine. The butterfly that had been trying toe out of my throat went back into my stomach and woke up the rest living in me. I felt the activeness of his touch, spreading like wide fire mixed with electricity.


    ¡°Let go of me, Xavier¡± I forced myself to say ¡°Xavier let go!¡±


    I tried to move my hand but his grip tightened, making me re at his face.


    ¡°I know you have feelings for me, Emily,¡± Xavier said with a smirk on his face.


    For the next ten seconds, I found myself opening and closing my mouth like a goldfish. If not for the fate that I am afraid my towel would fall in of leaving it and my other hand is been held, I long to punch Xavier hard in the face.


    ¡°I know you¡­¡± He hesitated for a few seconds ¡°I know you lo-like me¡± he bite his lower lips.


    A small chuckle escaped my throat as I stared at him in disbelief and narrowed my gaze.


    ¡°You are a clown,¡± I said calmly at first ¡°A freaking clown¡± I moved a step closer and red at him, our breath fanning each other¡¯s faces but I don¡¯t care at this point ¡°I hate you with pass-¡±


    I felt been dragged as my lips smashed against Xavier hard, hard enough to draw blood. One of his hands was on my waist while the other was at the back of my head, restricting me from moving back. Slowly, I became calm and did what no one might have expected¡­ I kissed him back.


    I rxed in his grip while Xavier did his wonders. His hands left the back of my waist to cup my bare but beneath my towel, as a faint groan escaped his throat driving me crazy.


    I am literally crazy! My eyes went wide as I pulled away and did the next thing that came into my mind. I pped him.


    Xavier didn¡¯t move. His gaze was fixed on my lips as he sucked his. His eyes were still dark with want as he moved closer but I moved back and made sure to p him again, this time hard.


    ¡°You can p me all you want,¡± Xavier said ¡°I know you have feelings for me¡±


    ¡°Go to hell with your feelings,¡± I said in midst of tears with my teeth clenched and fist also clenched by my left side ¡°In your dreams!¡± I added.


    ¡°Then why did you kiss me back?¡±


    Huh?


    ¡°You heard me¡± Xavier moved back as his fingers moved into his hair ¡°Why did you fucking kiss me back?¡± He raised his voice ¡°You can¡¯t just go ahead and toy with my feelings be-¡±


    ¡°Toy with your feelings?¡± My brows connected ¡°Do you ever listen to yourself?¡± I held my clothes and towel firm on my chest and moved a step toward him ¡°You have been the one toying with my feelings and even went ahead to do whatever with Eva!¡±


    I saw Xavier¡¯s Adam Apple move as he swallowed nervously. His tongue ran over his lips before he moved back his covering his face with his left palm and clearing his throat.


    ¡°Emily, I can exin,¡± He said calmly ¡°I tried to exin but you have been ignoring me, Emily¡± he paused for a few seconds ¡°Do you have any idea of what you are doing to me?¡±


    Although I could see something different in his eyes but yet, I told myself that looks a lie.


    ¡°I know¡± I scoffed ¡°Giving you enough time to screw as many vaginal as you want¡± I added, nodding like I understood what I am even saying ¡°So you can maybe have sex with many more of them and add me to the line¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t want to say that!¡± Xavier shook his head ¡°I did whatever I do because i-¡±


    The door burst open. Normally, I won¡¯t have expected my parents until I scream for help to my stepfather before he shows up. And I also didn¡¯t think they would be another person, a familiar face for that matter.


    The familiarity was too much that I dropped my clothes. Good thing my towel was tight because I won¡¯t have known what to do if it had fallen.


    ¡°Emilia Johnson¡± the third person smiled broadly.


    I still couldn¡¯t believe my eyes.


    ¡°Daddy?¡± I gasped.


    My real Daddy! My birth Father is here after all these years, more than seven years.

 26

    Frankly, I didn¡¯t how all this adds up somehow without me knowing from the start. It was just yesterday that stepdad told me about this and here I am looking at him. Flesh and blood after all these years.


    I stood rigid, watching my current parent¡¯s faces before looking at my dad who has a high smile on his face. With his hands wide, he pulled me into a tight hug which was kind of a bit awkward as all I did was a standstill.


    James (my real dad) pulled out before he cleared his throat clumsily. He both sides of his lower lips with his index and thumb before turning to my Mum with a wide grin on his face. He licked his lower lips before throwing his hand up and letting it drop, pping it hard on his sides.


    ¡°My baby!¡± He shouted, ¡°Emilia is a big girl and I don¡¯t even know how old she is¡­¡± He trailed off as he turned to look at my face ¡°Are you fourteen you know it¡¯s been years¡± he paused for a while to study my mute and emotionless face ¡°Thirteen or-¡±


    ¡°I am sixteen¡± I interrupted rather rudely.


    My cold gaze did not look away from him for even the slightest second. He mouthed ¡®Oh!¡¯ Without a saying a word as his gaze fixed on My stepdad¡¯s hand which is around Mum¡¯s waist as she stood with her face buried in his shoulder.


    Although they were no longer married and I can bet it¡¯s been quite a long time since their dispute started but there was something like a glint in James¡¯s (my real dad) eyes. There is the possessive look that for a moment, I thought he might want to tear My stepdad apart with his bare hands.


    As if he had also noticed the awkwardness in the room, Jame folded his arms across his chest as a weird grim appeared on his face. His gaze looked at me for a while before going to Xavier then his Dad.


    ¡°That¡­¡± He trailed off.


    No doubt, he was desperately trying not to do or say anything funny but his best wasn¡¯ting up as he let out a deep sigh.


    ¡°Yes! That is Xavier my Son¡± My stepdad said ¡°You already met our daughter, Emily¡± he grinned.


    For the first time since I woke up, I felt good. Like I could actually breathe well with an assuring smile from my stepfather as life support. It¡¯s such a miracle I haven¡¯t dived under my bed or burst into tears as the feeling is way more than I can imagine.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    I could feel the awkwardness and heard the anger in James¡¯s voice as he gave a horrificugh. He cleaned both corners of his lower lips as he cleared his throat noisy and someone walked inside with a big pink box.


    ¡°You are my daughter, Emily,¡± he said as he gestured at the person with his head ¡°please ept the little token of love from Daddy¡± he added.


    From what I am seeing, I think he is trying to get something or cause something but I won¡¯t let that happen. Not in a million years am I going to cry which is what I am about to do.


    The look on Mum¡¯s face broke my heart because it seems like she could feel my pain. She had left her husband¡¯s chest and is now standing in front of him with both hands on her chest as If she is protecting her heart in a kind way.


    Her lips moved, she was trying to say something but I still can¡¯t get it. Not when I couldn¡¯t get the exact way the lips moved as my eyes were moist.


    The ground shook as I looked at Xavier who had his fist clenched to his side as his jaw moved. If I was closer, I bet I would be able to hear the sound of his teeth gnashing together.


    The only person looking like the anchor is Dad! When I say this I mean my stepdad. His eyes were fixed on mine with a meek smile on his face. Now I see why my Mum fell in love with him, he is such a sweet man that would be rather for anything just like now.


    ¡°I need to get dressed for school,¡± I said in a whisper.


    Xavier nodded slightly before leaving the room as the first person. I know he would be probably waiting for me in the truck while I get prepared. My parents, both Dad¡¯s and Mum stay for an extra minute in silence before slowly turning to leave.


    I felt shaky. Like there was something hiding somewhere in the room and once my parents are out, it woulde for me. I just don¡¯t feel so paranoid in general but it¡¯s something I can¡¯t exin like I am trapped in a dream. Yes! My whole life had been a dream and having me hope for things I definitely can¡¯t get just like happiness, Family, and Xavier.


    ¡°Dad?¡± I said in a tiny shaky voice.


    My Dads turned back to me with their mouths open, making me suddenly realize I should have differentiated the particr Dad.


    ¡°My stepdad¡± I cleared my throat thereafter.


    I could see the disappointment in James¡¯s face as he red at my stepdad before finally turning to leave.


    ¡°Thanks for the gift, Mr¡­¡± I paused.


    My Stepdad¡¯s brows bent and almost connected as looked at me. Obviously, he disapproved of what I wanted to say so I followed his silent instructions. I followed what he mouth even my I sound like I swallowed a life frog.


    ¡°Thanks for the gift, Dad?¡± I mumbled.


    Immediately there was no one in the room, I fell into My stepdad¡¯s arms and buried my face in his chest. He didn¡¯t say anything, he just stayed still with his palms on my back and the back of my head. He kissed my head countless times before moving back a few steps to look at my face and smiling at me.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Emily,¡± He said  ¡°You can do it, just as I always taught you¡± he added.


    ¡°I am scared and worried Dad¡± I cried ¡°Why did hee? Why now? Why didn¡¯t hee all this while?¡± I barely gave him time to talk¡±.


    My stepdad hugged me again, this time tight. He let go of me and then walked to the box.


    His eyes were on mine as he silently asked for my permission to touch the gift. With a slight nod from me, he did touch it and beckoned me toe closer. He took my small palm in his and ced it on the box. At first, I wanted to pull out but when I realized that I have my friend with me, I became calm.


    ¡°Everything happens for a reason, Princess¡± He muttered ¡°I know how hard it is for you now but I believe you can make a change¡± he smiled ¡°Give him a chance and let your heart choose for you¡± he added.


    Almost feeling better, I process tearing the wrapper when I noticed a weird grim on my stepdad¡¯s face.


    ¡°Do not let it control you tho¡± he said I tear open the box to review another ck box ¡°Don¡¯t just see the outside of people. Don¡¯t make the same mistake I made¡±


    With that, he stood up, pressed a kiss on my forehead, and walked out. I know he what he wants and I will make him proud even though he is just my stepdad. He had been there for me all this while and made sure I get what I need even if he wouldn¡¯t give Xavier.


    He had taught me to be a strong Princess, a warrior Princess.


    ¡°I won¡¯t let my guard down!¡±


    This is what My stepdad would always tell me to say whenever I feel like I couldn¡¯t do anything well. He would let me know my worth and how to put people in their ce. He also taught me how not to rush things as what I would do is to go to school ande back for the best drama.


    ¡°I hope by then, I would be ready¡± I muttered to my reflection in the mirror as I packed my hair in a rough ponytail.

 27

    Even though feeling awkward After what I had done with Xavier and meeting my real dad in the morning, the idea of just vanishing became the worst thing ever thought of.


    Back at school, I would be ready to meet again with my extremely annoying project partner Nigel. I haven¡¯t even settled my mind when I felt someone breeze past me.


    With the way the warm body touched me, I knew that fe did it intentionally. I look to see the only person I surprisingly expected.


    ¡°hey junk, remember our project is today?¡± Nigel interrupted my thought.


    Immediately without saying anything, I looked away. Thest thing I wanted is any more shit, and trust me, if not for the fear of calling my parents or getting my detention extended, I would live to kick this¡­ chuck in the ball.


    Grumbling what I had no idea of and looked up to find the freak still waiting for a response.


    This can¡¯t be happening¡­. not now!


    A sly smile appeared on my lips as I pretend to search for someone then giggled.


    ¡°Oops! I totally forget to tell you¡± I wiggled my brows ¡°Can you perceive that? It smells like a rotten Nigel¡±.


    I knew Nigel wasn¡¯t expecting that from me since we had been two mice in a boot, eventually for no good reason heughed dryly.


    ¡°What¡­?¡± He asked a bit weird ¡°There is no such smell as Nigel your butt hole¡±.


    ¡°Grow the balls¡± I scoffed feeling irritated ¡°It¡¯s Asshole you mother fucking bag of pushy pussy!¡±.


    Dead drop.


    I took shaky breaths as I haven¡¯t cussed so badly in my whole life. I won¡¯t say Xavier is a bad egg.


    Fine, he is a bad egg and I learn every bad thing from him. But the look I gave Nigel as he tried to control his anger is what I have no idea where I learned that from.


    ¡°Hold your diaper, Divk head¡±.


    I made a short and quick movement as if I wanted to hit him. Funny enough Nigel flinched, and his red face went darker.


    Looking at the empty chair beside me I tapped on it.


    ¡°Get your butt here or we both fail our¡­¡±.


    Damn!


    We haven¡¯t started and our teacher is in ss?


    Looking at us all, he dropped the things he came with.


    ¡°Today your projects are to be submitted before leaving,¡± he said before noticing a student waving at the back.


    ¡°Can we be sure our project works out well if only our patterns are good too¡­?¡±Nigel said looking in my direction.


    I don¡¯t get it, like, I don¡¯t understand what he meant and I bet our teacher doesn¡¯t understand. His brows were crooked as his lips went open in disbelief.


    ¡°I gat no idea what you are trying to say but in all, you should figure out that yourselves dear,¡± he said calmly.


    The rest of the ss went well with the project with me and my enemy.


    Each time, Nigel would prefer to stare at me instead of the work. I can¡¯t tell what he was feeling but I know it was not hated.


    Nervously, I raised my hand that is not close to him a bit and sniffed my armpit.


    ¡®I smell like Xavier¡¯ I thought ¡®Oh, like his body oil¡¯.


    When he pushed me back into the bathroom, I did not wash well. I just let the water down my head.


    ¡°What the hell are you looking at¡± I whispered ¡°Try it again and I have this pen inside your eyeball sockets.


    Nigel did look pissed or surprised as before, he just smiled tly and when on with the project but still, that didn¡¯t stop him from staring.


    How can I make him stop?


    He can¡¯t know what Xavier smells like, does he?


    My lips zeroed as I thought about it being normal. You know, we are siblings and we might be just, maybe just, oh snap!


    We still don¡¯t have to smell the same. Ok fine¡­ I don¡¯t need to freak out, it¡¯s just for today and this butt head staring at me would forget.


    Butt hole.


    Did I call him that?


    A sly smirk appeared on my face as I imagined his head as a butt, it looks kinda cool.


    Or what if his butt has a huge hole, he would definitely be a very big Ass hole.


    I feel calm.


    So thinking about bad things against people makes one calm? That means, whenever Xavier starts, I would feel like killing him.


    I would imagine slicing his dder and liver bit by bit. Then after that, I would bring out his heart, draw it, and put it back.


    His lungs would be fine, I might just have to fry those ones and¡­


    ¡°We are done¡±.


    I blinked. My jaw dropped as I stare at ourplete project. Damn, it looks perfect even without me doing anything.


    ¡°Omigad¡± I pped my cheeks ¡°How far was I gone?¡±


    ¡°As far as the teacher about to leave the ss¡±.


    Nigel can¡¯t be real. He can¡¯t just change from being an asshole to someone so nice?


    I stared at him in silence as he went to submit our project.


    I could be daydreaming right, even to the point where he came back to seat in front of me.


    ¡± It¡¯s almost closing and we should see after you know.  what would you want?¡± Nigel asked with a wink ¡°Anything¡± he added?All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    Urggh!


    That¡¯s disgusting!


    Rolling my eyes the way I least expected, I cleared my throat and smiled.


    ¡°I would like to shove a ck donut down your throat!¡±I yelled.


    Time flies, Seconds ago I was yelling at Nigel. Now, I am putting back my things in my locker preparing for detention.


    Can a day go nice! I turned back to see the evil Chucky doll, Eva.


    Before I coulde up with something to say, Nili rushed to her, jumping like a kid at Christmas.


    ¡± Holy ribbies, Eva¡± she squeaked  ¡°That Dave is here, the Dave that asked us to¡­¡±.


    She paused. Her wide eyes red at me before she moved closer and poked my chest.


    ¡°Dave seems to be more into you¡± She scoffed ¡°He gave us 500$ each to tell your whereabouts and we gave him your home address¡±.


    I didn¡¯t react.


    Even if my biological was having sex with them it shouldn¡¯t be my problem since I hate them all. But the fact that they actually gave him my address to destroy my family is hell.


    They have no idea how my mum would be crying by now, and Dad, he would be sad.


    Now Dave is here, to do what?


    To tell the whole school that I am his lost but found child? Hell no.


    I looked at the two girls I hate so much in my life and scoffed.


    ¡°The Dave is my Dad¡± I smirked ¡°I won¡¯t be surprised you have let him bang you both in his limo¡±.


    I also found myself walking in the direction I had seen others pass through to see for myself what I was missing out on.


    Eva and Nili didn¡¯t do anything, they just had to stare at me like leftovers.


    Standing in the middle of what I didn¡¯t have any of what would happen, I sighted Dave looking around maybe for me to pick up of course.


    ¡°What is he doing here?¡±, I scoffed.


    I totally forgot that it was part of our agreement earlier this morning toe to pick me upter after school that day.


    ¡°Silly me¡±, I said to myself.


    He can¡¯t know I am in detention for the rest of the week and next! And where the heck is my stepdad, I want him, I need him.


    Blinking back tears, I frown as I walked up to him.


    The state of my face might give him a clear response if he is that wise. Before I could get closer, I bumped into someone.


    ¡°Excuse me.. jerk¡±, Nili smirked looking at me with a careless expression on her face.


    I thought I left her behind? Where the hell is she evaporating from?


    Probably waiting for me to me up as she has expected but I had to turn the offer down for another reasonable day, I had to meet up with Dave now.


    The smirk vanished as I walked past her with an emotionless expression on my face swinging her hair back and front.


    I know how stupid this is but that¡¯s their thing, swinging hair in people¡¯s faces. She should count herself lucky that I had moved a bit before I did it.


    ¡°Hey dad¡±, I said hugging Dave with a straight smile on my face.


    He Hugged me tight, pressing his jaw on my head shouldn¡¯t be a problem until I realized that was how my stepfather use to tell me how short I am.


    ¡°How are you doing, Princess?  hope you did well all today¡±, Dave asked looking at me smiling with a very bright face.


    Urgg. I want to puke on his face.


    ¡°I¡¯m good¡±, I said looking at his shirt hoping that I won¡¯t bete for today¡¯s after-school ss in the detention room.


    ¡°You came to pick me up right?¡±, I said listening to myself sounding boring.


    ¡°Of course dear, why are you asking.. is anything wrong?¡±, he asked trying to sound concerned.


    ¡°I have an unfinished project to do after school today, I¡¯ll be back immediately I¡¯m done with it¡±, I rapped to avoid any further questions.


    ¡°That¡¯s ok dear, you just be careful,¡± Dave said and moved a bit from the car.


    I didn¡¯t get what was happening until the car started.


    ¡°You don¡¯t mean to say you will wait for me?¡± I yelled.


    Before he could answer, I smiled and begin to open my bag.


    ¡°No!¡± I bit my lower lips ¡°I will be studying with Xavier too so I am safe¡±.


    His brows were crooked as he looked at me in silence.


    ¡°My stepbrother is Xavier¡±.


    His wave and two kisses, made me want to pull his hair and scream. The worst he said.


    ¡®One for me, one for mum¡¯.


    What the hell! What mum? Which woman is he talking about?


    Jackpot, Dave left after giving me lots of disgusting kisses on my forehead.

 28

    EMILIA¡¯S POV


    I felt calm then as lying to him felt better than being with him and that was with ease. Heck! remembering my section in detention made me sick almost immediately.


    I avoided some group of students who were looking at me for no good reason, maybe I didn¡¯t know.


    Walking to the detention room, looking tired and helpless but still looking straight up and healthy, I wish I could just give up.


    Worst still, I overheard that Gabby is now feeling better which means, she might likely resume soon.


    Sleeping my forehead as I took my seat, ignoring the killing stare I am getting from everyone including my stepbrother almost made me want to vanish.


    Gosh! Staying in a room with the people you hate the most can be as frustrating and painful as waxing your Vjay area. Once they are gone, you feel well again.


    Most of the time, You would just want to kill them over every little thing they do even if is for them to breathe. To blink would be like stalking you in the heart. What about talking, hell no¡­ I would snap someone¡¯s neck today.


    That would be if¡­ if¡­ if my detention won¡¯t get worst.


    Damn, I have 9 more school days to spend.


    Fine.


    I won¡¯t keep ignoring the fact that I have been staring at Devin.


    ¡®He is indeed such a devil¡¯.


    The way he hit that kid, I can¡¯t tell if they had something personal or just fighting to¡­ feel belong.


    What if he is in a gang! And they want him to maybe kill someone by beating him to death.


    I can¡¯t be thinking straight, those people out there will not let it happen. Not all of them are in gangs.


    It made me start wondering what might have gone wrong between him and my stepbrother. Could it be that he beat Xavier up?


    A small giggle escaped my lips as I pped my mouth before looking around.


    Damn.


    Mere thinking about Xavier is making me feel funny. I could feel something wet down there, it¡¯s kinda a bit different from how I used to feel them before but I just shrugged.


    You know, it might just be a different way of wanting to f*ck your stepbrother!


    Oh dear God, I am a living mess.


    I can¡¯t keep my head focused when all that keepsing to my mind are ungodly things.


    Maybe staring at Devin would help, which it actually did help.


    Noticing how his knuckles and fist look so broken, I wonder what would be of thed¡¯s face.


    I could barely see his eyes, his face looked like a rainbow and I am sure his teeth might as well be missing some tooth.


    Too bad, my gaze locked with Devin. He didn¡¯t blink, he just stared nkly at me for a while not saying and making any move.


    The look in his eyes. It seems like he wants to say something, maybe to exin why on earth he would be hitting the cramp out of someone by that time of the night.


    His left eyes look moist like he wants to shed tears but doesn¡¯t.


    I shook my head and sighed. I can¡¯t keep feeling bad for him? He was merciless when hitting a fellow human, he even came as the devillllll.


    Turning over the page of the book I am reading, I scoffed as I heard a low squeak from Nili and Eva behind.


    It could be that they areughing at me, who knows? They just want to make sure I get frustrated but I won¡¯t let that happen.


    How I wish I had my phone at hand to take a record of her sex video with Xavier. I don¡¯t care if he would feel bad, after all, he won¡¯t know that I did it.


    With my fist clenched and my eyes closed, I tried to endure the continuousughter of Nili and Eva. They looked up at me and smirked broadly.


    ¡®Piece of shit¡¯ I muttered through clenched teeth.


    The teacher here isn¡¯t helpful. She just asked up to read boring books and see questions for us to answer. Where the hell on earth does she want the knowledge to remain?


    ¡°Alright everyone, this is your girl Eva and Nili live¡±.


    I heard Eva whisper and I don¡¯t need to be told that she just started one of her lives in detention. I bet she would not let them know, if not, who would want to be in such a live.


    There is one thing to roll your eyes randomly and another to roll your eyes to avoid hitting something.


    At least they have stopped their live or they just want to go for a mute one. I could only hear their muffled giggles and notifications alert.


    ¡°You never can tell when you have those unwanted visitors¡± Nili chipped before I could take in another deep breath ¡°Even when we don¡¯t like them, they stille¡±.


    E.


    How could they be talking about boys so shamelessly?


    The sh of what Eva was doing in the janitor closet the other day reyed itself making me shriek inwardly and turn to Xavier.


    Yes, I know it¡¯s not supposed to be so but I find myself wanting him, and the fact that he had another girl made me want to stab him with my pen.


    I could really be able to look at him without feeling weird if he stop ring at me¡­ well that eye direction is not faced towards my direction.


    Devin?


    Why would he be ring at Devin?


    Is it about the fight or just because he found me there?


    The fact that he found me there is still shocking. Well, I didn¡¯t receive his calls, or did I text him to tell him my particr location but he found me.


    Oh, snap, he had been stalking me.


    That some of a urgghh has been stalking me?


    I looked left to Devin to find him staring at Xavier. His expression seems clueless.


    Beneath that in face, I could see put hate. I didn¡¯t want to think about the say that before you can gate something, you will have to love it first but, were they in some kind of rtionship?


    They can¡¯t be lovers?


    Ohh¡­ now I get, Devin took Xavier¡¯s exst few months.


    I know I didn¡¯t get to see them all or witness the drama but, the news was something every kid in school knew.


    Popr Xavier.


    The fact that Nili and Eva keptughing makes me want to get up and smack the shit off their in faces.


    ¡°Can you please keep it down?¡± I asked them without looking back ¡°Like take it down¡±.


    I heard one of them gasp. Not sure of which but since they both almost sound the same, I can just put it on any one of them.


    ¡°And here she is fans,¡± Eva said, ¡± The star of the show asking us to take a better view ¡°.


    What the heck are they talking about?


    Slowly I turned back to them to see Eva¡¯s phone held up with her camera facing me. She moved her face away from the phone and nced at me.


    ¡°Smile bitch¡± She wiggled her brows ¡°Do you want to give any tip on how to keep the monster at bay?¡±.


    They don¡¯t expect me to answer that.


    With my eyes in total shock and disbelief, I turned to look at the teacher who I don¡¯t even know her name.


    She just looked serious about what she was doing with her phone.


    The smile on her face shows that she literally doesn¡¯t give a damn about what is happening in the detention she is asked to watch.


    How about the exam given to us, does that mean she would have no idea if we just google out the answer at the end of the day?


    ¡°Act mature Eva¡± I rolled my eyes ¡°Just leave me alone already¡±.


    Before I could turn, I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket but I ignored it. I was too deep in thought, thinking about how I would stab Nili In her neck and Eva in her eyes with my pen without getting caught.


    Obviously, since the old library could have a hidden camera even when not used, what would be the probability that there is one here?


    ¡°How about you knowing how to keep yourself clean when you get mature?¡± Nili replied.


    Just then, I felt my phone vibration before it starts ringing.


    I was startled as I look at everyone shaking. My hands shook as I brought out my phone slowly using the opportunity to avoid the look of everyone.


    ¡®Xavier?¡¯.


    I looked up my phone and turned sharply to my stepbrother to see him pointing at his phone harshly.


    ¡°Breath, Gum drop, breath before you open the next message¡±.


    Maybe I need to breathe because I can¡¯t really breathe at this point. My heart skipped a beat and nearly exploded when I opened the next message.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    ¡°DON¡¯T PANIC, JUST STAND UP AS SOON AS I GET TO YOUR SEAT. YOU ARE BLEEDING¡±.

 29

    XAVIER¡¯S POV


    From where I sat, I saw Emilia shake. Her face went colorless as she fumbled with her table before turning back to look at Eva and Nili with tears in her eyes.


    As I stood up and pull off my shirt, Ignored the teacher¡¯s shocked face. She gulped as she opened her mouth and closed it back without saying anything a word.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    Emily looked drenched in her own sweat as I walked close to her and stood directly behind her chair.


    ¡°Fuck off!¡±.


    I pped Eva¡¯s phone as she kept struggling to get the full footage of Emily¡¯s stained dress as she got up.


    Let¡¯s say I expected a bit of it but it¡¯s just so crazy as Eva didn¡¯t respond. She just stared at me with her mouth open and licked her lower lips.


    My hands went around Emily¡¯s slender waist as I tied both hands of my short sleeve shirt on her waist.


    ¡°What is going on there?¡±.


    Oh! So she can talk?


    I looked up from Emily¡¯s hips to see the nk face of thedy in front of me.


    Wow! How did she leave her seat so fast without making a sound? Even Emily flinched in my grip as she noticed the closest of something that isn¡¯t supposed to touch her.


    I feel so guilty and at the same time, more aroused.


    ¡°Howe?¡± The teacher asked.


    ¡°Miss Vanessa, this pig forget to check her date¡± Nili chuckled.


    Normally I would want to me Emily, all the girls I have dated know their dates, even I know them. What is it that she could not remember?


    I looked at Miss Vanessa who looked towards the door and smiled at me. Without hesitation, we hurried out. Or let me say


    She has a cute smile but not as cute as my gumdrop.


    Wait! Did I just personalize Emily?


    Yeah, she is my gun drop but making her mine is forbidden and I want it.


    ¡°Breath, Emily, breathe¡±.


    I reminded my stepsister as I walked after her out detention. She had obviously forgotten how to breathe as her chest stayed up more than required.


    Normally I know that it¡¯s supposed to rise and fall but it¡¯s not. It¡¯s a huge surprise that she could hold her breath for so long.


    ¡°I am done!¡± Emily muttered, ¡°I am done¡±.


    The best thing to do is ignore her because at this point, I know she is not feeling well. Her brain is not even working well at this point that as soon as we entered the female toilet, she rushed and start banging at the upied doors which were only two.


    My brows flinched as I witness a boy and two girls walk out the door.


    ¡°Wow¡± I smiled looking at the sweating dude ¡°This is crazy¡± wiggled my brows.


    Bet he would understand, because for a few seconds he look a bit proud until he saw the personing out from the second toilet alone with her phone.


    ¡°What¡¯s up with kids and recording these days?¡± I rolled my eyes.


    With my lower lip in my mouth, I watch the door bang. I can¡¯t tell if Emily said anything but¡­


    I felt a sting on my left chin.


    ¡°Ouch!¡± I held my face ¡°What was that fo¡­¡±.


    Before I could finish, Emily pped me again on the same chin but because my hand was there, her soft palm met my hard knuckles.


    She moaned painfully as she watched her palm for a few seconds before growing mad again.


    ¡°Fuck you!!!¡± She yelled as she rain punches on my chest.


    The fact that she is cussing for the first time baffled me to the point that I could not even hold her wrist together withoutughing.


    If she really wants to fuck me so badly, she should have said it long ago.


    Damn it! My stepsister is in¡­ should I call it pain or confusion?


    ¡°Emily, Rx¡± I finally got both of her hands in one of my palms ¡°Rx¡±.


    Emily coughed out a dryugh as a sly grin appeared on her face. With her eyes red and swollen a bit, her nose also red, and a weird smile on her face.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± I asked with my arms crossed my chest.


    ¡°Rxing¡± Was Emily¡¯s straight response.


    My brain was puzzled. I dropped my arm and shrugged totally speechless.


    All she did was look at me¡­ and I look at her.


    A few seconds have passed and it seems like forever.


    ¡°You gat to be fuc-kidding me¡± I half yelled in frustration ¡°That doesn¡¯t look like rxing to me¡± I began to walk around ¡°That face looks broken¡±.


    To my surprise, Emily giggles for a few seconds before bursting into tears. Frozen on a spot, I ced both palms on my waist and stare.


    ¡°You get the point. You get the fucking pOINT!!!¡±.


    Oh! That¡¯s my innocent Emily cussing again.


    ¡°I am really broken!¡± She yelled.


    From where I stood I can see saliva spilling out her mouth. Kinda gross but that doesn¡¯t mean I will not kiss her again.


    I will kiss her till her pink soft small lips go red and swollen. I will kiss her till she gets addicted.


    ¡°I am just sick and tired of everything, Xavier¡± Emily pped her forehead ¡°I am sick of you, of school, if dad!¡± She paused to swallow saliva ¡°Of my dad, not yours and I just wish I can end it all and you know the first thing I want to do? It¡¯s to delete you from my goddamn life¡±.


    She didn¡¯t just say that!


    With my left palm now on my chest, my jaw dropped. I stared at Emily wondering why she would say something like that.


    This isn¡¯t the first time someone so dear to me is telling me this and it hurts.


    ¡°You don¡¯t mean that¡± I chuckled trying to hide the pain stabbing me.


    ¡°Oh yes I do¡± She proved me wrong ¡°I want nothing more at the point but to delete you in my fucking life!!!¡±.


    Now she means it.


    I bit my teeth together hard as both sides of my jaw moved. Even with my eyes clear, I knew how broken I am and how bitter I will be after here.


    I recall the day my birth mother yelled this to me. The fact that she gave birth to me when she wasn¡¯t ready doesn¡¯t mean I should be deleted.


    ¡°Emily, you are just seeing your period and I understand ites with mood swings but¡­¡±.


    ¡°No, but Xavier¡± Emily scoffed as she walked close to me and poke me with her index finger on the chest ¡°I want lots of things in my life now but the most important is to delete you,¡± she said to my face ¡°With that, I can tell there would be 60% possibility of you not banging me in the bathroom one day¡±.


    Leaving me shattered, she removed my shirt from her waist, walked into one of the doors, and yelled.


    ¡°I wish I never meet you!¡±.

 30

    The fake smile that has been on my face vanished. Nothing could rece it not even my signature smirk as all I want is not to cry.


    I don¡¯t need to ask her if she meant it again.


    ¡°Great¡±.


    I picked up my blood-stained shirt as I walked out of the toilet. Good thing the school seems dey as no one heard or saw me walking out.


    Looking at the stained shirt, I shrieked inwardly, reminding myself not to wear this shirt again even if I love it so much. Thinking about it alone made me chuckle as I walked to the detention calls back.


    Opening the door with my head down as if it could no longer stand, I walked in bare. I ignored Devin¡¯s stern look, ignored Eva and Nili¡¯s disgusting gaze in my nipples, and walked to my previous seat.


    ¡®I want nothing more at the point but to delete you in my fucking life!!!¡¯.


    Emily¡¯s words came, pierce into my heart like a dagger.


    I fought the urge not to cry as I grab my pen and before I knew it, the next thing I am staring at is my own broken into two.


    Quickly, I looked up to see everyone staring at me in¡­


    I must look pathetic! I know my face would be red by now and with my clenched fists vibrating, I want nothing more than to just leave.


    Turning to my left, I caught Devin gazing at me. The memory of the day he had to poke me in the chest and told me he wished he could delete me from his life shed back.


    Looking away immediately, I picked up my book and began to fan myself.


    Am I this bad?


    I just can¡¯t get why where one hates me so much. Well, I can¡¯t tell you about my father because all through my life he had made sure he gets what I need stand by me.


    He listens to me, guide me, and took me in even when my birth mother calls me a liability.


    Slowly, I turned my head to face Devin. It was so slow that I thought it took me centuries topletely turn my head only for me to behold Devin¡¯s unforgiving eyes gazing at me.


    I flinched. Immediately, I arranged my things into my bag as I stared at Emily¡¯s table with her phone still on it.


    Contemting what to do each time I look up, I get the teacher buried in whatever she has been doing with her phone.


    Well if I don¡¯t make a move, she is definitely not making hers.


    ¡°Miss Vanessa?¡±


    ¡°Yes, you can¡± She blurted out without looking up.


    Ok, this has to be another weird joke today.


    I blinked as I looked at the faces of the rest three surprise enemies in the ss they shrugged.


    ¡°Miss Vanessa I was wondering¡­¡±.


    ¡°Yes, you can¡± She repeated again as she slowly looked up to face me ¡°You can arrange your sister¡¯s things and go home¡±.


    Oh! How to understand.


    Quickly before she changes her mind, I rushed and packed Emily¡¯s things in her bag.


    ¡°Thank you¡± I gasped as I walked towards her with my bag and Emilia¡¯s own ¡°The text, I can repeat it in your presence tom¡­¡±.


    ¡°You can do it home and send it to your ss teachers¡±.


    Gosh, thisdy damn knows well how to interrupt.


    I wonder if she reads minds or if she is just being kind and Emilia is on her menstrual cycle.


    ¡®Emily¡¯.


    My eyes popped open as I rushed out the door. Such a shame I couldn¡¯t get myself tough as I heard Nili and Eva grumble as I left.


    That can as well forget their dates and have someone feature them on a live screening and are how it feels. Even if they both grow sick and apologize, I will still make life unbearable for them.


    Walking down the dry passage, there was no sign of Emily, not even when I called out as many times as I want.


    I won¡¯t lie I became scared.


    I have seen movies and heard stories about what happens to people that might have been left alone in an empty ce.


    ¡°Emilia I am sorry!!!¡± I yelled as I walked around.


    Still, yet no sign of her, and that is beginning to freak me out.


    If I eventually don¡¯t go home with her today what will I tell our parents? That she just mad at me or what?


    I haven¡¯t walked far when I noticed someone walking behind me, I turned back to see my father with a bright grin on his face. He held out a cup of ice coffee from the three he is holding and scoffed.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°What happened to your shirt, Kiddo?¡± He asked.


    Oh, snap. I forgot about it. I didn¡¯t get to answer before he looked down to see the bags with me.


    ¡°She ripped your cloth?¡± He gasped as he moved closer ¡°Oh my God I am so sorry¡± he moved closer with his arms open and grinned.


    Yeah, I know how it sounds but, I need what he is offering. Won¡¯t lie that he is just offering me for the first time for as long as I can remember.


    ¡°Want a hug, son?¡± He made it clear as he hold out the second cup of cold coffee and squeezed in ¡°I j ow you need this son, stop being tough¡±.


    My eyes went close as I let him squeeze me. Although he smells like my stepmother¡¯s perfume and sweat I don¡¯t mind. I just closed my eyes and let the tears flow down uncontrolled.


    After hugging for as long as I can¡¯t tell, I broke the hug to show him my shirt. His eyes went wide as he noticed the bloodstain but with one look on my calm face, Dad frowned slightly.


    ¡°Damn, where it is?¡±.


    ¡°I can¡¯t tell¡± I shrugged as we began to walk towards the principal¡¯s office ¡°But where are you going?¡±.


    ¡°To make an announcement¡± Dad replied casually ¡°She must be so scared and I can¡¯t have my baby crying all¡­¡±.


    ¡°Dad?¡±.


    We both turned back to see Emily walking toward us. Her eyes were swollen and she looked like she had been crying.


    ¡°Daddy¡­¡± Emilia burst into tears as she ran into his arms spilling the cold coffee on our body ¡°Dad they made a video of me¡±.


    She didn¡¯t mind her soaked in coffee, she just squeezed him more as she sniffed unattractively.


    Dad on the other hand just shrugged and hugged her back.


    Looking at them, I quickly wiped the dry tears off my face. I wish I could just hug her too, to show her that I care and I am ready to change.


    I want to tell her how sorry I am for all that I have done. I didn¡¯t mean to rob her of her privacy or innocence. I wish I could hug her tight too, kiss her on the face and let her that I will be here for her no matter how she wants me dead.


    ¡°Dad I hate it here¡± I heard Em muffled sob ¡°I just want to¡­¡±.


    ¡°Kill yourself¡± Dad interrupted ¡°No problem dear¡±.


    What the heck!


    My brows flinched as I stared at Dad inplete shock till he looked up at me and then wink an eye.


    ¡°No problem princess, Daddy gat your back¡± He moved Emilia out of his hug and kissed her forehead ¡°But first, we have to steal more of Xavier¡¯s favorite hoodies, buy more oversize tee shirts, and binge-watch Korean Drama¡±.


    Oh, that¡¯s it.


    I don¡¯t know why I felt so rxed as I see the sweet smile on her cracked face. My fingers itch to wipe out the rolling tears from her cheeks but all I could do was smile like an idiot.


    ¡°We need mummy now¡± Dad moved his fingers into Emilia¡¯s hair ¡°You smell like leftover pizza and cold meat¡±.

 31

    EMILIA¡¯S POV


    This is what I need now, mom¡¯s hug. I just buried my face in her shoulders and cried.


    At this point, I can¡¯t tell what I am crying for. Is it my real dad showing up when I least expected him, or the fact that I am having something to do with Xavier and feel guilty? What about having to deal with detention when I am not supposed to.


    Okay, let¡¯s cry over the visible one. I can¡¯t just go crying because I hate my birth father.


    ¡°They have my face on camera¡± I sniffed as she pats my back ¡°They have it on camera¡±.


    Mom sighed, she kisses my neck and shush me.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, you are just a woman and people do make mistakes even though I did the same¡±.


    I froze.


    Yeah, I get my mum has always been Mrs perfect. She never gets to do any mistakes and I wonder if she is even human at times.


    When cleaning, she woulde to spot dirt in the sparkling sink you just cleaned. Do you want to talk about how she brings out cobwebs from my wardrobe when I obviously find none?


    I cleaned my nose with the back of my wrist as I let Mum leaf me to the room.


    Noticing how she looked back at Xavier and Dads, both of my dads, I realized she didn¡¯t want them to hear.


    ¡°It¡¯s a woman¡¯s secret¡± She whispered as we walked faster.


    I didn¡¯t push further, I just wait for her to close the door before rushing to the bed. One look on her face and I remembered I wasn¡¯t supposed to sit or I am prepared to wash the duvet which I am not.


    Walking to my closet, I let mum pick out my outfit. I bit my lower lips as her hand stopped on her favorite gown.


    Damn! She got that dress for me when I was 15, now I am 16 and I can count wearing it twice.


    It just doesn¡¯t have enough breathing space, has a touch of pink and blue. We should talk about the roses on it!


    Ew I hate roses, I hate flowers in general.


    I felt relieved when her hand went past it and kept looking around. Yeah I know she has been against me wearing shorts, baggy trousers, and an oversize tee shirt and I will have to wear what she wants today.


    Double humiliation I gest.


    ¡°When I was eighteen, I had to graduate from high school,¡± Mum said as she pulled out a hanger with cloth ¡°A very big day of my life where I had nned to lose my virginity at an orge party with my friends¡±.


    She turned towards me and scoffed.


    Hell no.


    I had always thought mum to be a disciplined person, but at an orge party, you might not even remember who you had the sex with.


    ¡°I was young and stupid¡± She scoffed and pulled out another cloth ¡°Just like you¡±.


    What?


    My eyes popped open as I held my chest and gasped. I blinked twice as she closed my mouth by raising up my fallen jaw and pinching my nose.


    ¡°How could you cry¡± she hit me on the head.


    Putting thest cloth on my face as she pushed me to the bathroom, she made sure to put her fingers in my hair and wiggled it.


    ¡°You are a woman for crying out loud¡± She yelled from out the bathroom ¡°And I didn¡¯t raise a cry baby so make sure you wash that tears off your face and grease off your stinking hair¡±. She giggled.


    Silent.


    No one said a word.


    I was just surprised to the point that I don¡¯t know if I should be pissed or happy that mum literally gave me my BEST outfit.


    Xavier¡¯s hoodie I stolest two months, the baggy shorts Dad broughtst for me, and NO bra!! Just clean pants and tampons.


    ¡°You better don¡¯t get too excited¡± Mum knocked twice before walking off.


    I could tell she walked away because I didn¡¯t hear anything from her again and her footsteps became faint.


    Hugging the outfit, I squeaked and smelt them. Today¡¯s n would be to get fresh, get lost in them, and never be found out of my bed where I would pretend to still be sad.


    I just want a day off, not even ready to see my birth Dad now. For all, I care they should all wait.


    ¡°You can also stay in if you want¡±.


    Ouch!


    I groaned as I hit my head on the switch of the tap. No doubt my head might be broken or with a bump.


    ¡°Did you die?¡± Mum yelled snorting.


    It¡¯s obvious she is trying hard not tough but is terribly failing.


    ¡°My bad¡± She forced herself to say inaudibly, ¡°Dave said he can take you out for a¡­¡±.


    ¡°No thanks,¡± I yelled.


    Oops.


    I pped my mouth as I listened to my Mum¡¯s silence. I bet age would be trying to maintain her fake smile on her face and try not to see me out of the bathroom, Now naked.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I was talking about your father,¡± Mum said gently to my surprise ¡°You will be fine, Emily, it¡¯s just a daughter and father bonding trip¡±.


    With my arms across my bare chest, I bit my lower lips so I would not yell at the top of my voice and tell my mum 209 reasons I don¡¯t want to go out tonight, much more on a father and daughter bonding trip.


    ¡°You are going to be fine, if you don¡¯t want to go, I can help you tell him that you are not feeling too well¡±.


    A.


    I can¡¯t be so much grateful.


    Slowly, I opened the door to see mum standing beside the door with her hands behind her.


    ¡°I SINcerely appreciate¡± I grinned ¡°Tell him that I have cramps, headache, I need to do my homework, and, mood swings¡±.


    Mum scoffed.


    She rolled her eyes and twisted the door handle open.


    ¡°Alright, princess¡±.


    ¡®Wait did she just call me!¡¯ I giggled.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let that get into your head, Prince Emilia¡± she walked out ¡°Moral from my graduation story¡± She yelled as she walked further ¡°My friends Mary and Bebe, one is in prison for killing the boy that impregnated her and rejected it while Bebe is diagnosed with Aids¡±.


    Yep! That¡¯s me close g the door as gently as I could and shaking.


    Mum just has a way of spoiling things, just like how she gave. I a pink pants.


    ¡°Those girls are doing fine,¡±  I told myself as I let the water down my head ¡°She is just making it up¡±.

 32

    Good thing no one came to bother me. From the bed Iy, I could clearly hear what they were all saying.


    Dave¡¯s voice seems to be the worst, extremely loud.


    Mum never talk about him and when I asked, she simply said it was an agreement and she had to talk to me.


    Ok, let me get this straight.


    My birth father agreed to let me go and here he is? What the hell is he doing here.


    Straining my ears, I realized I could only hear three voices. Mum¡¯s voice was the one with authority, Dave¡¯s loud voice, and my step Dad always trying to be the cool dad.


    My stomach doesn¡¯t hurt that bad.


    I can still feel it whine like my internal organs are getting tied together but I am used to it.


    I just have to have it at the very front of my mind that I will ha e to get this every month for four days until I am 40.


    ¡°Gosh this is so humiliating¡± I rubbed my face as I tossed in bed.


    Everything is just so humiliating and as for Eva and Nili, I swear I will break them.


    I will hurt them to the point that they would want to leave the school.


    My brows arched and almost connected as I checked the screen of my phone and noticed the date still there.


    How could I have forgotten about it?


    I literally forgot the name I see every day.


    ¡°He did good tho¡±.


    I shrugged as I recalled Xavier getting up for me. I won¡¯t say it¡¯s the first time because he had never let anyone hurt me except he wants to hurt me himself.


    His abs.


    His perfect body.


    His arms.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    Now I get why Eva had agreed and have sex with him then in the janitor¡¯s closet, he is just so irresistible.


    My stomach grumbled for the first time in an hour reminding me that I have refused to eat anything since I came back from school.


    If I go down now, my dad would see me.


    ¡°Urgh!¡± I rushed off the bed to the door ¡°I am not scared of you¡±.


    It took me about seven minutes to open the door and sneaked to the kitchen. Good thing my instincts had ordered me to peep before entering and the first thing I saw is my Dad and Xavier ring at each other.


    Mum and my step-Dad were busy pickings on their te ofsagna and chicken sauce.


    So this is what I am missing because I just don¡¯t want to see my birth father?


    Damn!!


    Slowly, I began to move back. Even as my stomach groans, I just don¡¯t want to see their faces, especially Xavier and the person he is ring at.


    Quickly I brought out my phone and messaged Mum, a slice of leftover pizza and milk won¡¯t hurt right?


    Laying patiently after eating the cold pizza mum had brought to me, I had toss the ce and cup under the bed andy on my back. The ceiling became the most favorite thing to watch and I indeed before to watch it.


    A notification alert on my phone made me lose my staring contest to the ceiling.


    ¡°Holy ribbons¡± I gasped as stared at my phone in fright ¡°That whore!¡± I groaned through clenched teeth.


    My eyes won¡¯t just leave the irony caption boldly written in uppercase letters.


    ¡®You can tell a dirty whore when she forgets her p day¡¯.


    My lips quiver, not to cry, but out of anger.


    I want to scream, to throw my phone against the wall and jump off the window. It¡¯s not like I use the phone for anything aside from listening and watching the k-series.


    ¡°Fuck you, Eva¡± I sniffed finally ¡°I swear¡­.¡±


    Quickly, I turned over and bit into my pillow. Holding it tight I pressed my face on the bed a let out a muffled scream.


    I screamed, doing it over and over again feels so exhausting but I think I feel better.


    Picking up my phone, I noticed so many morements again.


    I didn¡¯t brake note of the forestment but I know there is a huge difference.


    Slowly, I hesitated before clicking on thement section with my eyes closed and after settling my breath, I opened it.


    ¡®I can¡¯t wait to be inside you again, Eva *Smirks* This time, we will try a different position, seven styles in seven minutes is too fast so if you don¡¯t mind which I know you won¡¯t, I want to see you in the boys¡¯ toilet twenty minutes after closing. The same toilet you meet Nigel¡¯.


    This can¡¯t be real.


    I blinked and rubbed my eyes to get hold of thisment well. Xavier can not just write this!


    Looking at the profile, I got to see Xavier¡¯s update staring back at me.


    ¡®Did he just tell the whole world that he had sex with her and wants to have another one?¡¯.


    Sweat broke out on my forehead as I began to imagine how Eva would feel now. Over a thousand plus people are against her and the worst part is that her attackers were once her fans.


    ¡°This is so sweee-¡°.


    My heart skipped a beat and nearly exploded as I heard footsteps approaching. It can¡¯t be Mum, she told me that she won¡¯t be back till Dave left and I can still hear his loud voice in the living room.


    Not sure of what to do, I quickly threw my phone under my duvet andy still.


    Immediately he walked in the fresh smell of his cologne and cigarette.


    The fact that Xavier smokes baffles me and I wonder if our parents are too busy to notice.


    For a very long time, I didn¡¯t hear any sound and that freaked me out. I am sure he walked in, his cologne still smells fresh and I¡­ I can¡­ I can feel him closer¡­


    Suddenly, I felt his warm kiss on my chin.


    ¡°I fucked up,¡± he said ¡°There is nothing I can do to change the past but I can do better¡±.


    I was too stunned to say anything. I just held my breath and hear his footsteps retreat.


    The sound of his weight making the bed grumble filled the room followed by a deep groan.


    ¡°I know you are awake but you don¡¯t have to answer¡± Xavier continued ¡°Just know that I love you Emily, sister or not¡±.

 33

    For no reason I see this as nned work, if not, how would Xavier leave me to oversleep. The creepy part of it is that he is the first thing I see immediately after I opened my eyes.


    ¡°We arete¡± He grinned.


    I bent my neck to get a good look at him fully dressed. Don¡¯t tell me he is putting on one of his tee-shirt I have nned to steal but never find it.


    Stretching, I rolled over to check for my phone which I found right where I had kept it, under my duvet.


    Double-checking the time, I looked out the window and then back at the screen.


    ¡°Dadddddd!¡± I screamed, ¡°I amte!!!¡±.


    Jumping off the bed and dashing into the bathroom I stripped off my clothes and let the water pour down my head.


    If not for my period, I swear I would have gone to school without having my bath.


    I won¡¯t want to smell like I just murdered a fish.


    Making sure to wash well, especially my V area, I looked around to discover that I have made a huge mistake.


    ¡®Damn I didn¡¯t bring a new tampon and pants¡¯.


    At this point, I don¡¯t know if I should be mad at myself for not bringing them or mad at myself for waking upte and not organing myself.


    With my arms around me, I stood still shaking as the water began to dry from my body. A sharp but mild pain I am quite used to hit my lower abdomen and I felt it, that thick clogged blood moving down my thighs.


    ¡°Oh no,¡± I rolled my hair into a messy ponytail ¡°Not now¡±.


    At times when having my bath, I love toe in with my phone so I can change the songs to repeat my favorite song and text mum to ask what¡¯s up for breakfast.


    I know it¡¯s weird for a white girl like me, a sixteen-year-old American to like a ck man¡¯s song. Mind you, I am not racist, I love everyone with a good heart and my celebrity crush aside K-pop.


    Reggae all the way.


    ¡°I can help you, Emily¡±.


    Xavier just doesn¡¯t mean to say that, does he?


    Acting like I didn¡¯t hear him made me more embarrassed, I hate all this kind of awkwardness. I wish Mum and Dad could get a very good job and rent another apartment where I won¡¯t have to share my room.


    In silence, I just stood there watching the blood roll down my thighs. It¡¯s actually more on my left than the right, it¡¯s getting to my ankle and if I eventually let it dry up, I am sure u won¡¯t forgive myself.


    My eyes narrowed as I began to hear noises, like the sounds of scattering something. A pang of rage hit me as I groaned, he better not be letting out his anger on his things.


    Yeah, I know but remember our deal is still on.


    The deal is I have to do what he wants while he covers up for me about being in detention.


    Since we haven¡¯t been saying much to ourselves since yesterday morning, I just assume I will just do anything I feel he wants me to do.


    ¡°I am going out¡± I heard Xavier¡¯s shaky voice ¡°And I have packed your pants and tampons on the floor¡±.


    He knocked twice on the food and waited. I swear I heard him sigh, he better not be getting frustrated because he is going to be a father to whosoever he marries and he will have nerd girls too.


    ¡°I brought six, two double colors each¡± I bet he should be counting ¡°Two pinks, two of something that looks more like purple or¡­ I can¡¯t tell the color, and two white¡±.


    Listening, I heard his footsteps retreat.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how many you will have to use¡± he sound worried ¡°You know yesterday it was kinda much and I thought you might bleed to death and¡­¡±.


    ¡°Leave!¡±.


    I just can¡¯t keep hearing his¡­ rubbish at this point. I thought he knew better when he yelled at me for not knowing my date now here he is thinking I will bleed to death.


    Upon not hearing anything, I twisted the door handle a little. I didn¡¯t really hear the room door open or close but I don¡¯t k ow why I think he is gone.


    Bringing out my head, I stretched to find Xavier seating on his bed with a bottle in his hand. Rolling my eyes, I noticed something on his thighs.


    ¡°I am sorry, I just think they would be good for your cramps¡±. Xavier shrugged.


    This can¡¯t be happening!


    I snatched the tampons, pants, and the towel he had kept on the floor in front of the door. Getting myself ready as I walked out fresh with the towel around my chest, I looked around to see the room empty.


    Can¡¯t tell how I feel but I didn¡¯t want to meet him and at the same time, I had wanted to thank him.


    Eww


    If I thank him, he will just tho k we are on good terms and who knows what would happen next.


    Walking out with both Dad and my mum can be depressing, especially when I see mum crying.


    I know it¡¯s hard to see your ex that you don¡¯t hate but never talked about together with the one you love and always talk to. I had wanted to assume she is being so dramatic until Dave walked to his Lamborghini and turned to Xavier who was walking over to his truck.


    ¡°Hey!¡±.


    ¡°It¡¯s Xavier¡± My stepbrother replied ¡°Don¡¯t think I aming in that¡­ Lambo¡±.


    Dave grimed, he looked at my stepdad then back at Xavier who looked confused.


    ¡°Your dad wants you to enter¡± Dave smirked ¡°Or you walk to school because I ripped out the tubes of your tyresst night¡±.


    What!


    The guts!!


    I looked to find out Dave wasn¡¯t lying. The proud look on his face when he looked at Mum and smiled sweetly which actually looks annoying made me want to hit him in the balls.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    Mum moved a step forward but her current husband held her shoulders. He softly kissed her neck and stare up at Dave who wouldn¡¯t stop ring at him.


    ¡°You are fixing that before 12 today or I¡­¡±.


    ¡± That won¡¯t be an issue, My queen¡± Dave replied ¡°I can get a new one if you want¡±.


    Now I see why mum never talks about him, he is an annoying asshole and I can¡¯t believe I will be riding to school in a car with two people I hate so much.


    Hesitating, I walked up to mum then my step Dad and hugged him.


    ¡°Should I be worried about them killing each other in the car?¡± I whispered.


    My parents looked at Dave and then Xavier for a while. Clearly, they were worried but they don¡¯t want that to be too obvious.


    I followed Mum¡¯s gaze outside the yard to see three ck SUVs parked in front of the house. Each has two mean in ck choky suit and ck shades.


    ¡°Hell no! What the fuck is this?¡± I whispered.


    ¡°Your Dad is taking you and your brother to school with his yes-men so you don¡¯t have to be worried,¡± Mum said through clenched teeth ¡°Second, I hadrd that, so you are going to be grounded for a day¡±.


    Seriously!


    Grounding me in times like this?


    What¡¯s the crime in using a little f word.


    What if she had found out about the four weeks of detention that I only served two weeks, what would she do? Ground me for life?


    ¡®Perfect!¡¯.

 34

    This can¡¯t be happening, not when the two people I will prefer to kill over a million times are seated in the same car with me. Worst still, Xavier was seating right beside me, our bodies can literally touch and no matter how I try to move away, I feel he doese close to me on purpose.


    My head was still against the chair I was seating on but was turning on the inside together with my mind.


    Inside the car was really annoyingly loud; listening to the music James had on the car¡¯s radio, Xavier¡¯s loud headset, and his android sending and receiving messages.


    It was 7:17 and I wasn¡¯t feeling too rxed in the car even though I was calm.


    Looking at my phone for a time now and then made me think we were going backward in time. Still in all that shit, to me, the vehicle was as silent as ever until James made a remark that got my attention.


    I first pretend not to hear him or notice him even saying anything at all but when I looked up, I found him staring at me through the front mirror.


    ¡°I had always felt like driving whenever I found myself in this car, but not with Xavier¡±, James rolled his eyes ¡± Tell me one reason, just one why I won¡¯t drive us off a cliff now¡±.


    Since James came back, life had been going wrongly and mom wouldn¡¯t even think about my well-being or upbringing.


    It¡¯s just a day, just a fucking day and all I care about is doing what will not make my regrets for the rest of my life. Dammmmmmm! Why can¡¯t killing be legal, I have lots of people to kill.


    All I care for was for me to be that dummy they had always known..¡± but no!¡±, I screamed aloud in my mind slightly holding my head to avoid questions from anyone.


    Xavier and I almost looked at each other but were stopped by dad¡¯s voice.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t want to be caught in a vehicle with that brother of yours called Xavier, you know why baby¡±, James asked looking at the main road referring to me.


    I looked at him and then back to Xavier who didn¡¯t look up but seemed to be most interested in the matter dad had on the table. Before I can couch that I saw him, clearly from the corner of my eyes staring at me till this son of an arrogant annoying shit hole opened his big mouth.


    ¡°Your big head-small brain bro makes it a crime for me¡±, he said stealing a nce at me from the car¡¯s front mirror.


    ¡°What for James?  He¡¯s not just a¡­ uhmm. Fact, he¡¯s my bro even if we are not biological he¡¯s always got my back¡±, I said feeling pissed already without letting it seen on my facial expression.


    I felt like stabbing myself immediately after I noticed that sly smirk on Xavier¡¯s face. I can bet you he looks like an over ripped pineapple.


    ¡°You think so?¡±.


    Uhmmm, what was that?


    I looked at James who just said something questionably. My brows lifted as my lips gave me the best expression with their twisted look.


    ¡°You think this¡­ Xavier always has your back?¡± James asked looking both at Xavier and me this time feeling pissed even though he was trying to hide it from showing.


    Those thin lines on his forehead, disappearing and appearing again.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you know what you are saying, sweetheart¡± James scoffed ¡°I don¡¯t even think you mean it either¡±.


    He paused for a few seconds, clear his throat then red at Xavier through the front mirror. Looking at Xavier and James, the only thing that kepting into my head is to jump out of the moving car.


    ¡°The fact alone that you look more like¡­¡± He hesitated as he looked at me ¡°You are hot with what a man would always want, that dummy back there wants you to feel his forbidden urge¡± James snapped, sharply turning the steering to his left.


    Xavier wouldn¡¯t still speak up, maybe for the fear he had for my dad or¡­ for the hate. I felt so irritated and ashamed of myself and this man said to be my father. Another fact hit me and all I kept seeing is the truth, the fact that Xavier always wants me because he thinks I am hot.


    After all, he has seen my body and there is nothing he has not seen.


    ¡°You know what¡­ I¡¯m out! Stop the damn car¡±, I said in fierce anger waiting for him to stop the car.


    ¡°You¡¯ve gat to be joking, Sweetheart¡±, James said making me feel like hitting him with the under of my iPhone I was already holding too tight to subdue my anger.


    ¡°Stop the damn car Mr.!¡±, I yelled holding the door¡¯s handle trying to force it open but gently yelling at the top of my voice.


    It then seemed as though my yelling brought Xavier back to reality from his phone.


    ¡°Open the door and let me out of here or else!¡±, I yelled almost in a piercing scream banging the door and threatening to jump down if he won¡¯t stop the car.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter with you guys?¡±, Xavier asked.


    I only looked at him from the car¡¯s mirror from the corner of my eyes. He should be kidding! He can¡¯t just act like he just came back from the space¡­ oh, his goddamn headphone.


    ¡°Ok fine¡± James said calmly ¡°Is that what you want right?¡± He said in a silly low tone looking straight on the road.


    Since school wasn¡¯t far, I felt extremely grateful that he stopped the far. Even if I walk for twenty minutes, I won¡¯t die.


    Coming down from the car wasn¡¯t hard afterall, I mmed the car¡¯s door behind me forgetting it was only a car and not our house wooden door.


    Maybe I wasn¡¯t supposed to leave the car at that very moment as I noticed a familiar figure from afar.


    ¡°Hey¡±.


    His bass voice weakened me to my bones. For a while I felt so disoriented that all I did was swallow and gasp after some seconds.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    He began to walk towards me, fast. Fast enough as if he had been waiting for me toe down or had being waiting to see me alone for a long time.


    ¡°Emily, I can exin what you saw¡± Devin said.


    As I set my eyes on him everything everywhere was slowlying back to normal in my mind all at once, but I was still furious in the inside.


    I turned to rush into the car, but I only walked few steps backwards slowly to the car and opened it, got in, and  mmed it immediately after.


    ¡°Let¡¯s keep going¡±, I said immediately I entered the car.


    ¡°Come on, keep driving!¡±, I yelled this time pathly looking through the window trying to avoid Devin meeting up with us.


    Xavier looked even more confused as I entered the car immediately breathing hard but slowly, as little sweats came rolling down my cheeks.


    James wouldn¡¯t listen to me as it seemed as though he was also waiting for something to happen.


    ¡°I think I¡¯ve seen that kid somewhere around your school once¡± James said looking through the window straight at Devin who was almost at the front of the car.


    ¡°Hey boy,¡± James sounded politely looking at him seeming to scan his face behind his hoodie and fist.


    ¡°Hi sir¡±, Devin replied dad without taking a look at me but looked back at Xavier who red back at him.


    ¡°Anha, I remember you now boy!¡±, James said to Devin in a manner of them been seven miles away from each other.


    ¡°At the school packing space when some holes were trying to make a better use of your battery¡±, Devin sounded in a likely student¡¯s manner.


    ¡°Oh yeah, you would like toe along with us¡±, James said to him then looking back to Xavier and then to the empty seat next to him.


    Devin looked at me for once since he had been with us since he was closer to me standing by my window from which he was talking to dad.


    ¡°You would mind filling in with us right¡±, James said to Devin trying to open the door from where he was seating.


    ¡°Can we just stop the drama and keep moving?!¡±, I yelled in frustration.


    Dad, Xavier and Devin couldn¡¯t help but looked at me at once all in different facial expression and question.

 35

    You bet I would not be able help myself but almost explode in anger, suffocating in my own sweat. Heated from rage and disgust I clenched my fist and screamed inwardly.


    ¡°Like seriously?¡±, I said out of deep frustration, referring to no one in particr.


    Well, who would I be talking to?


    Xavier only looked at me from the car¡¯s inner mirror of the car with an emotionless re. His face went back to his phone and for a moment I can¡¯t help but think he is probably watching naked girl twerk.


    Looking at my father who has a big grin on his face as he stared at Devin through the front mirror. His eyes moved to me for a few seconds and I can bet I saw him smirk.


    ¡°Oh son, you were really wonderful¡± he started ¡°like .. I am saying you were super strong handling those kidsst I saw you¡±, James said in a praise Worthy manner to Devin who replied with silence.


    What the heck are they trying to do? Make me piss? Perfect!


    ¡°I would like to alight now pls!¡±, I said interrupting them in a likely rude manner and looking at the door handle.


    ¡°Really?¡±.


    Oh! Did Xavier just talk?


    ¡°Would you want to show off now that we are cool already?¡±, Xavier announced referring to me.


    Hearing Xavier¡¯s voice made me feel like smashing his face on the phone he was holding, but, I just had to smile to myself looking straight into his eyes through the mirror.


    ¡®Fuck you¡¯ i mouthed.


    I could literally see his face, but his tension made it clear he was bing pissed off already due to the behavior he had noticed.


    I should be the one pissed. Devin and Xavier are always, devils, and seeing them cool, like can stay in the same car makes this want to look like a suicide mission.


    If they are, I am not. I was never ready to spend any more seconds seating ufortably in a car I don¡¯t want to share with some people at this very moment. Rather, Walking to school won¡¯t kill me, would it?


    Devin wasn¡¯t even concerned about anything going on in the car, and neither did dad wants to act as though he noticed.


    ¡± I will jump out of this car¡± I snapped ¡°I swear!¡±.


    Oops!


    That was the moment I knew I fucked up as they all turn to look at me in silence. Even Devin looked at me for the second time since he had entered the car. Although I could see so many unspoken things in his eyes but he just sighed and continued with the nothing he was doing.


    Really?


    That wasn¡¯t what I was expecting! A little argument would have been fine and that is what I want. I was about to scream my lungs out if the door would not be open in a few seconds time but I was scared to even rest well on the door.


    Like, who is not scared to die?


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna throw myself out of this freaking car if you don¡¯t stop now¡­ and you gonna pay for that!¡±, I sounded making thest few words more loud and understandable.


    h-h-h.


    No one said a word or acted as though I had said something not even thinking about my presence in the car with them, which made me feel like smacking them all.


    For more than three minutes, silence took its ce right in our midst sending everyone to a longer length of quietness.


    Xavier couldn¡¯t and wouldn¡¯t just help but re at Devin and then at me, making the silence even louder. If he wants to punch someone in the guts he should do it now and I will appreciate it.


    ¡± I wasn¡¯t really expecting any normal kid these days,¡± James said ¡°Am talking to you¡­¡±.


    ¡°Devin¡±.


    ¡°Sounds like the devil¡± James chuckled.


    He looked deep into Devin¡¯s eyes who just shrug and looked away.


    ¡°Amma call you Devil¡± James Blurted out  ¡°You know what kid, I guess you made a good expression keeping my car safe dear¡­ I own you one¡±.


    I bet James would be having his head bigger than the car door as I hate that look on his face.  Surely that older asshole is feeling like a king been his favorite knight smiling from ear to ear.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    He looked at Devin and then back to me. I don¡¯t know what he might have in mind but, that isn¡¯t what I am expecting.


    ¡°That isn¡¯t more like sir, I¡¯m not exactly what people may have in mind about me.. but..¡± Devin said been interrupted by James¡¯s newment.


    ¡°Emma you-¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Emilia¡± I snapped.


    He doesn¡¯t even know the name! Who the heck is Emma? My step-sister?


    ¡°Okay. Emmie, you wouldn¡¯t want to believe this but the kid that was punched on by this cool little man over here initially fainted?¡± James eximed with an annoying surprised expression on his face.


    Who doesn¡¯t know? Devin is the killer.


    ¡°He was super cool you know?  I couldn¡¯t let that talent go to waste, so,  I had to tell the school authority that the kid was at the back of my car and I hit him!¡±.


    The way James yelled thest part made me want to remind him that we are in the car, not a warehouse.


    I only made a facial gesture to help him feel better.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t see the boy after then so I paid the principal 1000$ and the boys around then 250$$ each to stay quiet and stay clear with the case¡±.


    Is James really serious?


    I can just decide to tell someone about it and boom James will be off my life good. Moreover, The story was just bing too annoying and boring for me to keep listening to instead of having a smooth day.


    Even as I was walking down the hall, I feel like my ears still have some of James¡¯s stories but good things, I am at school and no longer in his car. I was heading for my school locker and about to get ready for the day when I saw Nigel descending the stairs case.


    Dear lord!


    ¡°Hey Emmy, I was thinking you weren¡¯ting to school today¡±, Nigel yelled.


    Did I tell you Nigel seems extra loud and suspicious today. Why the hell is he looking like he just¡­


    Fine! I have a bad mind but his hair seems rough, his shirt rough, his lips look swollen and his eyes¡­. a bit ck.


    I hope he is not the kid Devin punched.


    ¡± I wasn¡¯t gonna miss out on school on a day like this¡±, I decided to y along.


    Normally I would sub him but with the look on his face, he seems like he wasn¡¯t expecting it.


    ¡°That was weird¡± he muttered ¡°But, I was thinking about telling you something before you left the cafe yesterday and¡­¡±. He trailed off.


    Impatiently, I twisted my lips as I slowly brought out thest book I would need. Even after locking it, I still haven¡¯t gotten a reply from Nigel.


    ¡°On with it, Boy¡±, I half yelled


    ¡°What¡¯s it?¡±.


    Nigel seems taken back. His eyes popped open as he licked his lower lips and rubbed his palms together.


    ¡°Was just wondering if you would like toe with me for a party this evening at¡­¡± He trailed off ¡°Somewhere, I mean a ce you wouldn¡¯t want to miss out on¡±, he said in a shaky tone this time trying to smile as I was just looking at him with a straight face.


    Someone shot me!


    ¡°Thats a NO¡±, I blurted out boringly ¡°Shush away, Now!¡± I growled.


    I didn¡¯t feel pity for him or had any sign of remorse cause that was always what I had been waiting for, to make him feel stupid as he always is.


    Walking away I smirked and clear my throat.


    ¡°You have to find better half to fill in with you ok? not me¡±, I half-shouted.


    And I am still mad!


    You know I can¡¯t tell him I am made because of my ride to school making him pay for it isn¡¯t the best way either.


    ¡°Freaking tuat!¡± I muttered.


    I haven¡¯t even taken the next turn to my ss before I noticed something. Those evil eyes. Devin.


    He would stare at me then Nigel, dame I know how evil he can be but with that look on his face as he smirked at the sad Nigel, I just can¡¯t let him have that victorious look.


    Dang, it!


    I turn back to see Niger standing on the same spot and this should be my moment. I walked to him and gave him the biggest smile I have ever made.


    Without thinking twice, I pulled Nigel into a hug. Although I felt irritated but with the new facial reaction of Devin, I felt fulfilled. My lips curved into a sly smile as I whispered.


    ¡°What time will youe to pick me up?¡±


    Although thest word I heard was pm, I still don¡¯t get why my heart is beating this loud especially as I can¡¯t stand the people I am staring at.


    Why are Xavier and Devin ring at me?


    Where the hell did Xavier evene from?

 36

    The rest of the school period went well, just that I was thinking about why I wanted to let Devin see me and hug Nigel. Fine, I won¡¯t lie about the little feelings I am just having towards him as well as the hate but I things it¡¯s normal.


    I can remember vividly two years ago, Mum told me about infatuation. From my point of view, I am just seeing nothing but a sixteen years old girl falling for what she is not sure of. And about Xavier, I can¡¯t tell, I just don¡¯t want to talk about that¡­ that¡­ damn!


    I think I am in love with my stepbrother!


    Walking down to detention, I fan my face with my left palm as I blinked rapidly. I can¡¯t let those tears drop, never!


    ¡°Why does it hurt so much?¡± I sniffed.


    Not even that he had ever told me that he loved me, nor have I told him that I love him, I still don¡¯t get why I am feeling this hurt.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    I know he is trying to makeup but it can¡¯t work, not when all he wants is to just have my face against the wall and bang the shit out of me.


    The ssroom wasn¡¯t as bad as I had expected and thank God, my detention will be ending in two days. I won¡¯t get to see these worthless faces, especially Eva with her make-up-baked face. I wish she knows how horrible she looks with those long eysh extensions.


    I know Gabby seems to be the center victim but I am also the victim here, worst, that evil bitch came back without serving her own term. That¡¯s not fair, I think I need awyer right this moment.


    Nili isn¡¯t much more of a stress today, not when she is busy flirting with Devin who wouldn¡¯t look up his book. I could not see all that she was wearing from where she sat but I can tell she seems a bit pretty today.


    The only front seat left was the one between Devin and Xavier. And trust me, I am not making that mistake, never in my life. With the look on Xavier¡¯s face as he seems like he wants me to seat there which I won¡¯t.


    Not when Nili is sharing a seat with Devin I can¡¯t handle to see.


    Walking to thest. I mean the extremest seat and made myselffortable.


    My stomach hurts.


    My back aches.


    My head hurts.


    Even my heart aches but I can¡¯tin.


    I am a woman, and women have to be strong. Even when the teacher Ms. Vanessa got in, she didn¡¯t really make much eye contact with me.


    She was the same one yesterday and I can¡¯t help but feel greatly embarrassed for bleeding.


    I can¡¯t stop it.


    I could have just been watchful and known when it wasing.


    Watching her write Mathematics on the board with a marker, I brought out my both and began to stare into it. Even though I have no idea about what bi am doing but still want to try, Nili¡¯s annoyingugh just seems to piss me off.


    At least she canugh quietly or less loud to make her less like a monkey.


    Turning front and back on the same page, I just can¡¯t cope. With my eyes closed, my head aching, my stomach hurting, and my patience running short, the only thing stopping me from going over to Devin¡¯s seat to m Nili¡¯s head against the table is another detention week.


    cing my head on the table, I kept hoping something would happen. I wish I had taken any meds but as usual, I don¡¯t. I let my period cramps go on it¡¯s own but this time, I can¡¯t tell why I am just getting frustrated over everything.


    Thatughter!


    I want to just¡­


    ¡°Take the next seat, Nili¡±.


    I looked up to see everyone minding their various business including Ms. Vanessa. I am sure she said something, I am sure she must have but she looks so engrossed in what she is reading.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want an extra week to be added to your detention¡± Ms. Vanessa looked up her book ¡°Get off that ce and join me in front. Now?¡± She added.


    A sly smirk spread across my face.


    If she eventually ask Nili to exin why she breaths, I bet the dumb girl has no reply.


    Although I wasn¡¯t expecting Nili toply until I noticed that look on Eva¡¯s face as she looked at Nili. So annoying, does she have to take an excuse for that¡­ that¡­ rat?


    ¡°Nili?¡± Now Ms. Vanessa seems very angry but with a calm face.


    Slowly, Nili stood up, good the only thing she had on the table which is her phone, and went to the seat I would have sat on.


    ¡°Can I stay here instead?¡± Nili asked.


    Ms. Vanessa just looked at Nili, the seat, at Devin who didn¡¯t even raise his head and shrugged.


    ¡°If I hear you sneeze, two more weeks¡± She snapped ¡°I mean it¡± she added.


    Even I know she really meant it. Not with that calm but burning look on her red face.


    I thought all has gone back to normal until I began to have this weird feeling, that feeling you get when you are being watched.


    Not him! Not Devin this time!!


    Looking up, I got to feel his gaze, his hot gaze staring at me. I can¡¯t tell if he is ring or just gazing as I could see his jaw born moving.


    Blinking and shifting nervously on my seat, I tried to act like I wasn¡¯t staring back. Like his gaze didn¡¯t have this strange effect on me or the other person staring at me wasn¡¯t making me feel awkward and not safe.


    ¡®Assholes¡¯.


    The fact that they had been ring at each other seems better than them now staring and ring at me like I did something bad.


    I don¡¯t know what I did but immediately regret it. Not me coughing and feeling the clog dropping.


    ¡°Fuck¡±.


    I panicked as I slowly raised my weight off the chair. Even after feeling Xavier and Devin stare at my forehead and when I look up I find them ring at themselves, nothing just keeps adding up.


    Only I can rte, or rather, onlydies can rte. That awkward moment when you cough during your period and you feel like¡­. no time to take chances.


    Quickly, I began to search inside my bag. I am sure I did put an extra tampon in my bag this morning but where did I keep it. A rxing smile spread across my face as I found it, ced it next to my pen, and closed my bag. Before I could raise my hand I looked up to meet Ms. Vanessa¡¯s stern face.


    ¡°You can go,¡± She said.


    Bless her heart!


    Immediately I grabbed it and began to rush to the bathroom. I didn¡¯t bother to look back at my seat for the fear of getting embarrassed by staining it again so I just go it, ignore the girls I saw, and mmed the door.


    Pulling my trousers down to my hips, I gasped at the perfect timing. The tampon is really full and thank goodness it didn¡¯t stain my jean.


    ¡°Maybe today is my lucky day after all¡± I chuckled.


    A faint gasp escaped my throat as I heard the girlsughing horribly.


    ¡°I bet it is,¡± one of them said ¡°Hey Emily, did you see the video of your cute ass bleeding to death?¡±.


    I didn¡¯t get to see their faces and it would be better to avoid another detention. If I had, immediately ie out from here, I would make sure to make all of them suck my blood pussy but¡­


    ¡°Holy shit!¡± I eximed.


    ¡°Did you miss something?¡± Their annoying voice rang out again ¡°We can be of help¡­¡±.


    I wish they would but I know they can¡¯t. Not when I am seating on the toilet seat after pulling my tampon out. I can still feel blood drop into the closet as hot sweat breaks out my forehead.


    I had carried my pen instead of my tampon!

 37

    DEVIN¡¯S POV


    If you ask I still have no answer. I turned back to see Emily rush past me holding her pen, funny but strange. What the hell would she be doing with her pen out or is she trying to¡­ no way.


    My brows lifted as I stared at the object on her table and if I am not mistaken, the small thing in the pink wrap is a tampon. As long as I am concerned, I know girls are always insecure when theye to this time of the month and nothing would make them leave their material put unless they want to change it.


    ¡®Oh fuck!¡¯ I clenched my fist ¡®She missed it¡¯.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    My gaze moved to Xavier who kept staring at the door where she had gone. Really, I don¡¯t understand why I feel Xavier has something forbidden doing with Emily.


    If not, I can¡¯t exin how obsessed he has been or toooo caring. The Xavier I know would not do anything like that, not when he has no respect for girls.


    My gaze went to Ms. Vanessa who raised her brows at me. I see she noticed what I noticed but what do I do?


    She is not making any move, not even trying to be the nice female teacher and take it to the poor girl probably locked in the bathroom. Why do I even look surprised when Ms. Vanessa is not the normal female teacher you can get in a high school.


    I have literally had sex with her lots of times in the backyard and she would just adjust her cloth and walk away without saying a word. Frankly, I will say she is a freaking psycho.


    She even watched me walk up to Emily¡¯s table and grabbed the tampon. Turning back, I meet everyone¡¯s eyes on me including Xavier who kept ring at my hand in my pocket.


    It¡¯s 20 minutes to our closing time and I bet she might want to be a mean bitch and say no but immediately I walked toward her she red at me for a few seconds and looked away.


    ¡°Can I use the bathroom?¡± I asked.


    Looking away from her book, she stared at my face nkly before putting her index finger in her mouth. Applying a little saliva, she touched the book she seems lost in and turn over to the next page.


    ¡°You gat one minute¡± she muttered.


    I can¡¯t tell how grateful I am, even when I know she would want to have sexter on today at her ce. Instead of maybe waiting to listen to the way she hushed Xavier and asked him to go back to his seat, I rushed out. Not long l, I found myself in front of thedy¡¯s bathroom.


    ¡°What do I do?¡±.


    I can¡¯t just go in and tell Emily ¡®Oh, hi. You left your tampon¡¯.


    She would kill me, and I know she would never be able to look at me the same again. As I stood there waiting for what to do or see if anyte walker would pass by, I began to hear sounds in there.


    They sound like girls, what else was I expecting?


    That doesn¡¯t look like my Emily in distress yelling and telling someone to go away. Her voice sounds hoarse and it sounds like she is crying.


    Trying to open the door, I realized it was locked. Pissed, I kicked the door once and¡­ well I was expecting the door to burst open and that¡¯s happening.


    Meeting two mean-looking girls, the way I red at them alone just made the move off the way and I pass through. Gosh! I still feel like killing them for making Emily cry.


    Knocking gently, I nervously brought out the tampon from my pocket.


    ¡°Emily, it¡¯s Uhmm¡±.


    If she knows it was me, I bet she didn¡¯t want toe out. Who am I kidding! She knows my voice already.


    ¡°I saw you forgot your tampon so I was wondering if¡­¡± I paused.


    My heartache to hear her sniff, only God knows what those mean girls have done.


    I just hope no other video of her is online, damn! Thest one was hell, even Eva confirmed the choking.


    Oh!


    That wasn¡¯t mentioned.


    After Emily¡¯s bloody video appeared online, I met Eva. She thought I wanted to have sex with her in her goddam house! Imagine that bitch?


    She fucking has everything why can¡¯t her wide pussy just stay one ce?


    Don¡¯t ask me how I know it¡¯s wide, I have fucked her once. I regretted it and I won¡¯t do it again! Damn! Her moan was too loud, pussy as wide as¡­ what should I call it? Never mind.


    It wasn¡¯t just what I was expecting.


    ¡°Emily?¡± I knocked again ¡°I know you are still in there just have your tampon I know you need it¡±.


    Still no reply, not even her low sobs or sniffing.


    Trying to open the door wasn¡¯t the best idea but it was what I did next and unfortunately, it didn¡¯t work. She had locked the door from I did and I just don¡¯t know what to do.


    ¡°I know you know it¡¯s Devin¡± I sighed ¡°it¡¯s okay to hate me but¡­¡± I paused.


    If I must have my first normal conversation with her, I must be at least good. I must be the least reasonable and not just justify my reason of punching the hell out of a poor guy because I need the money to pay for my remaining high school bills and use the remaining for my rent and upkeeping.


    Slowly, I bent and ced the tampon on the floor.


    ¡°Amma roll it over¡± I rolled it inside ¡°And I will walk away¡±.


    Getting up, I hesitated before walking toward the door. I know she had picked up the tampon because I heard her tear the wrap open followed by what I might want to call a low moan and¡­


    ¡°Thank you¡± She whispered.

 38

    Did she just apologize?


    I can¡¯t tell how happy I am. Standing by the door, I waited patiently like a groom waiting for his bride. The annoying girls were nowhere to be found and I feel so grateful that they had eventually decided to get a life.


    Secondster, I hear the door unbolt before the squeaky sounds of an opening door. The sound of water gushing followed and I won¡¯t lie, it took like forever for me to hear her footsteps.


    This is extremely strange because I can¡¯t tell why I just suddenly care. Why I just want to see that she is okay and should give a smile on her face instead of a red nose and a bit¡­ what¡¯s that on her neck.


    Fuck it looks like a love mark. Better not be that Xavier had hot kissed her or something.


    That¡¯s yucky!


    Walking toward me, her gaze was fixed on mine. Our eyes locked for a while and as she was walking straight, all I thought was that she woulde to give me a hug, kiss me, and tell me how great I am.


    ¡°Emily I¡­¡±.


    I felt her breeze, she smells like strawberry and Xavier. Ew, she is wearing Xavier¡¯s perfume.


    That even pissed me more as she didn¡¯t spare me thest gaze as she walked out. Her shoulder bumped against mine which happened because I moved towards the doorway but she didn¡¯t stop. Her sad face just heads straight.


    With my fist clenched, I grind my teeth. I want to follow her, to tell her that I am not a bad person and that the fight she had to see was a mistake. I want to tell her that I kinda don¡¯t know what is happening to me and I can¡¯t stop thinking about her.


    I want to tell her that I want her to stop being so cute and consider nothing going to the party to which I wasn¡¯t invited. Thest time I was invited to a party, I ended up fuvking the host¡¯s girlfriend in his parents¡¯ bedroom and that was it.


    Thest time I ever got it.


    Before then, I would always beat up people, even the host or celebrant at their party.


    Turning back to see Emily walking away, I just couldn¡¯t take it. It¡¯s hard, it¡¯s not a good idea but I did it. I ran to her, pulled her into a hug, and squeezed the life out of her.


    With her arms pressed to her sides, her head under my jaw which made her chin automatically on my chest, I took in a deep breath. This is what I gave being thinking of and I have it. I have her in my arms, and no longer a dream.


    ¡°Devin?¡± Emily whispered, ¡°Devin what the fudge are you doing?¡±.


    Fuck!


    She is so cute! She doesn¡¯t even want to curse.


    Inhaling deeply, I held her tighter, that¡¯s the only thing keeping me the same until the worst. She wouldn¡¯t just stay in one ce and let me hug her, she kept struggling to get free while her abdomen caresses my hard dick.


    ¡®This is so humiliating¡¯.


    I know I get erections but not whole hugging people. Not when I am nning to be a good guy and avoid this look. The kind of look she now gives me as she realizes my raising dick.


    ¡°What are you¡­¡±.


    I could let her ask, I just did it.


    I grabbed her face with both hands and before I knew what I am doing I am kissing her. It was rough but I like it. That¡¯s how I want it rough.


    Moving a step forward, I brought her more Into my arms. With one arm around her slender waist and the other holding her head back in ce, I kissed her as if I would never live to do it again.


    I wasn¡¯t surprised when I felt her rigid for the first few seconds. It was like she was trying to believe what is happening.


    Damn! She tastes like honey.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    I can¡¯t hold it, can¡¯t contain the kind of pleasure I am feeling. It feels more like Paradise, like honey mixed with freedom and happiness. I know you can¡¯t taste that but how will you exin it when your dick wouldn¡¯t stop raising, it keeps threatening to rip out my zipper to get where it wants to be.


    I respect Emily, but I want her.


    I didn¡¯t want to make her do what she would regret but I can¡¯t help but hold her against her will. She kept struggling to break out until I slowly let go of my tight grip on her waist still not breaking the kiss.


    It was like a dreame true and I didn¡¯t want to believe it at first. I didn¡¯t want to believe she kiss me back.


    She fuck kiss me back.


    A faint moan escaped her throat as she copsed on me. If you ask, I can¡¯t tell how she managed to slip her hands up but I found them on my chest, holding my shirt tight.


    I felt her move up, short girl.


    Bending to meet her want, my fingers moved into her hair yanking it back a bit rough.


    I see the fear, the surprise in her eyes and I immediately regretted my action.


    Fuck!


    She might have probably not been treated like that before. Those big innocent eyes stared back into my eyes, hunting for the little courage I have left.


    I just couldn¡¯t get to have enough of her swollen lips and cute big eyes. I can¡¯t get enough of her nipples slightly poking at my chest beneath her oversize tee shirt. Now I see why she enjoys hiding it, keeping them safe from eyes like mine.


    ¡°I am so¡­¡±.


    It happened so fast. I felt Emily being hurled away from me and before I could think of saving her, I felt that punch on my face.


    What the hell?


    Before I could even get to rub my palm on my nose and look at it, I received another punch on my face. The person grabbed me by my cor and tossed me to the floor.


    ¡°Get the fuck away from, her!¡±.


    Xavier! That¡¯s unbelievable.


    I won¡¯t lie, I didn¡¯t expect any other person to sign his death wish until Xavier decided to make me the bad person.


    Does he want me to be the hit him back?


    To punch the shit out of his face and tell him that I hate him with passion.


    ¡°It¡¯s such an honor for you to grace me with your presence, Xavier¡± I smirked.


    That¡¯s it! At that moment, I knew I fucked up but I remain calm. I let him punch me again, again, and¡­


    ¡°Stop it!¡±.


    That¡¯s what I am waiting for, her scream.


    Her tiny hands wrapped around his neck as she pulled as hard as she could. She didn¡¯t stop screaming at top of her voice and her eyes were moist.


    ¡°What are you doing Xavier?¡±.


    Getting to his feet and giving me some time to get to my feet too, a sly smile spread across my face. I moved my tongue around in my mouth and spat out saliva mixed with blood.


    My eyesnded on Emily who had her arms now across her breast as she stood behind Xavier.


    ¡°Keep your fucking hands to yourself deepshit!¡± Xavier groaned as he grabbed her arm and walked away.


    ¡°Nice to meet you too, Xavier¡± I yelled back ¡°I still don¡¯t like you¡±.

 39

    Laying on the bed and watching the ceiling, I traced my finger on my lower lips. It¡¯s been hours but I still feel it, feel those soft lips on mine. Funny enough, my nose still hurts from Xavier¡¯s punch but I feel I will let that pass, especially when I am in a good mood.


    Clenching my fists, I groaned as I rolled to a sitting position. The fact that I have let Xavier hit me more than once seems enough to show Emily that I am trying to be a nice guy.


    ¡°Fucking son of a bitch!¡±.


    Walking to the bathroom, wash my face, and stared at my reflection in the sink mirror. This isn¡¯t the life I wanted, living alone, with no parents, no friends, no family.


    The only family I thought I had was Xavier, and that¡¯s why I hate him so much.


    ¡°Fucking son of a bitch!¡± I muttered again.


    Before I could realize what I was doing, I found my fist in the mirror. My fist hurt but it wasn¡¯t anywhere close to the one in my heart, mind you, I am not talking about my nose.


    For years, four years ago was thest time I ever saw Xavier before now. We use to be like brothers, inseparable. We would do and n everything together until I meet her, Amelia.


    I was fourteen but I loved her. I can vouch she loves me too until Xavier found out about my feelings for her.


    Fine, Boys can be boys but, we are buddies. He didn¡¯t just tell her how much of a scum I was, he didn¡¯t just tell her I am an orphan who ran away from my foster home because myst foster parents returned me for beating up their nephew.


    I know I was a skinny-looking orphan, brought into a family camouged to be their son when I had to sleep in the garage all night.


    No one expects me to be all happy, always smiling like I won a jackpot only to eat dry bread and sleep alone half-naked in the cold dark garage every day.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Shit happens.


    Shit happens that¡¯s why I spend almost the good part of the evening nursing my fist and taking out the trash. I will have to get a new mirror, it¡¯s such a shame I have changed that seven times this month already.


    Walking back to my bed, I grabbed my phone and began to just scroll through social media. Lots of tits popped up but I don¡¯t need that now, not when I have something to face.


    No fight tonight.


    Yesterday wasn¡¯t better because the fight got disqualified. I didn¡¯t just knock out my opponent, I knocked down his friend who threw dirty pants at me.


    I hate pants, when I want to have sex with any bitch, I just rip it all out and do whatever the fuck I want. I have touched enough pants already, I have washed a lot, I have seen a lot and I don¡¯t want to see them again.


    A notification of Nigel¡¯s party popped up. Although the video seems blurry I can see lots of them are wasted already. If I am not mistaken, the party started an hour ago.


    ¡°Stupid kids¡± I muttered as I dropped my phone on the bed and walked towards my closet.


    Grabbing my favorite ck hoodie, I made sure to carry my finger-size dagger. Since I escaped that train years ago, I have never been so sure about anything. Not when I got stabbed thrice and got saved by a very naughty woman who¡­


    That vibration sound.


    Looking back at my phone, I fought the urge not to roll my eyes after seeing the caller.


    ¡°Martha¡±.


    ¡°300$,¡± she said.


    Silent.


    I know I need it, if not now I know I will need it soon.


    ¡°Who?¡± I growled.


    That to me a lot of courage and patience to say.


    Did I tell you that I am originally from nowhere?


    I have no idea where I am from just that I found myself in an orphanage where I was told to be abandoned as a baby. Who would look at a baby with hazel eyes, blonde hair, and a cute smile and still abandon him?


    That woman is my mum, the woman that left me under the mercy of the merciless world.


    Martha is nothing but part of the evil I have ever known. A 40 years woman who made me have sex with her for two years to be able to get a life for myself. She got me a permit to stay in Los Angeles, got me back in school, made me a birth certificate to be her nephew, and sent me off with 300$ two years ago.


    ¡°Who is it, Martha?¡± I asked impatiently.


    ¡°A friend of mine¡± she replied ¡°You fuck her real good and you get a bonus¡±.


    Gosh!


    I wish I can just squeeze something!


    ¡°I will pass¡±.


    I won¡¯t lie I didn¡¯t almost regret my response. I could hear them talking in the background but I don¡¯t care. This woman exposed me real fast, at Sixteen, I am already sexually active.


    ¡°She said 350 bucks¡± Martha intoned ¡°You know these offers don¡¯tst¡±.


    ¡°I¡¯ll still pass,¡± I said ¡°I am graduating next month I am trying to keep my reputation good for a schrship I am applying for¡±.


    The silence at the other end of the phone didn¡¯t bother me a bit. I just want Martha and whosoever she is with to do what they want and get the heck off my life.


    Putting the phone on speaker as I pull the hoodie over my head. Lazily, stepped into my sneakers, pull the hoodie cap over my head, and picked up my phone.


    ¡°Are you there?¡± I asked as I walked out my door ¡°Martha?¡±.


    ¡°No problem¡± She muttered ¡°Wish you the best of luck on your attempting schrship¡± she added.


    Humming, I locked my door and waited for her to end the call which she did. The breeze seems cold and I have just one wish in mind, to have my arms around Emily but¡­


    I just need to walk anywhere my leg leads me.

 40

    XAVIER¡¯S POV


    I sat unbothered on the couch staring at the screen of my cell phone. I wasn¡¯t sure what exactly Emily was asking her mum but I could hear my name. I didn¡¯t want to get involved in extra responsibilities, Emily already had me worrying about her enough.


    I uncrossed my leg on the couch and walked over to the kitchen where her mum stood. Their voices became louder and soon, I got the point.


    Emily wanted to go to Nigel¡¯s party alone.


    Was she alright? She had no idea what that motherfucker was capable of when it came to minors like her. Especially the naive ones that just want to make their stepbrother jealous.


    ¡°Mom I said I¡¯ll be fine. I don¡¯t need Xavier around me all hours of the day. Mom, I¡¯m not a kid.¡±


    ¡°You are sixteen Emily sweetie.¡±


    ¡°Sixteen isn¡¯t six or twelve mom,¡± She replied in a huffy manner.


    I stood there leaning against the cream-painted wall. It was high time the wall paint got changed but that wasn¡¯t my problem. My problem was why Emily wouldn¡¯t stop being a stubborn kitten and let me go with her. I couldn¡¯t help but wonder why she didn¡¯t want me.


    Was she nning on making out with Devin? That fucking asshole. My skin twitched and my blood repulsed at the thought of Devin tracing his hands on her skin.


    ¡°It¡¯s final Emily. Xavier must go with you if you have to go.¡±


    mother turned back to filling the jar with homemade juice.


    ¡°Mom, please? Can you stop treating me like a child? I don¡¯t want him with me.¡± Emily whined.


    How sweet!


    Clearing my throat noisily didn¡¯t help so I decided to say something .


    ¡°Can I have some of that? I asked acting oblivious of the conversation I walked into.


    ¡°Sure,¡±  mom smiled and poured some into the ss.


    She handed the almost filled ss to me and I thanked her. Emily¡¯s phone buzzed in her bag and she brought it out.


    ¡°Mom can I go alone?¡± she asked for the hundredth time but Mom was keen on not letting her go.


    ¡°I said no.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± My dad asked at that moment.


    ¡°It¡¯s Emily,¡± her mother started. She wants to attend some party but she¡¯s arguing with me about who takes her to the party.¡±


    What a shame? When her favorite person has this disapproving look on his face as he shook his head. His gaze homed on Emily for a while before it shifted into a wide grin.


    ¡°That shouldn¡¯t be a problem, I can take them.¡±


    Hell no way!


    I turned to Emily who in turn was staring at me like we both didn¡¯t just heard the same thing. She cleaned her sweaty palms on her body as she clumsily wiggled her fingers through her hair.


    ¡°Dad? Oh no, Xavier is taking me already. Right Xavier?¡± she asked giving me a puppy eye.


    I hate that look and the effect it had on me. Damn Emily! I want to kiss your lips till it¡¯s swollen .


    ¡°Right,¡± I said wearing a fake smile.


    Now see who is desperate to have me by her side. If we had much time, I won¡¯t have let her beg me more till I reluctantlyy agree but who knows if she would want the old man to follow her instead?


    ¡°Uh, we should leave already. Nigel is outside. He texted me a while ago.¡± Emily said as she wiggled her fingers through her hair.


    Was she being serious right now? I haven¡¯t even finished my juice and I wasn¡¯t dressed. My eyes caught her clothes, she was in a red bodycon gown with an open back.  She fucking needs a bodyguard with that clothes.


    I can¡¯t let her walk pass with that curvy assof hers and is her cleavage showing? Oh shit, I can feel my dick raising already!


    Changing into a white T-shirt, and ck trousers and wore a jean jacket over it. I am not much of a dress, especially when I have to just be her body guard to protect that ass I am wat as we walked out the front doo.


    When we got to where Nigel was waiting, Emily leaned over to greet him but flinched almost immediately. I moved closer and realized he was drunk.


    ¡°Really?¡± I huffed.


    This was the guy she wanted to drive her down to the party, he could get them killed before they arrived at the party. Kids are so wasted these days! Fvcking genz!


    ¡°Get back,¡± I ordered and grabbed his keys from him.


    I wasn¡¯t expecting him to just stay cool because I feel like punching his nose but you know I can¡¯t just punch him for no reason.


    ¡°Th.. an.. ks buddy,¡± he hupped and lowered himself in the passenger seat.


    A missed punch!


    Emily opened the door and sat behind, rolling her eyes most of the time. She didn¡¯t want me ruining her happy moments but I couldn¡¯t help it; I mean thos jerk came to pick her up drunk. If I am not mistaking, I am sure they would be dead before their ghost make it to the party.


    We got inside the building and swayed our bodies in. The music was loud enough, with red and blue strobe lights.


    ¡°Stay where I can see you,¡± I instructed Emily. ¡°Don¡¯t do anything funny.¡±


    That¡¯s the brother indeed.


    My cupcake Emily looked at me in a wry manner before someone grabbed her hands inviting her to their table to get a drink.


    ¡°Come on, I¡¯ve got some friends I want to introduce you to.¡±


    Did Emily have any friends? I am vouch she is a loney bullied girl who had no one except me! Now I beginning to feel like something is off with this party.


    A smile formed on her lips and she walked behind the blonde girl. Unlike the blonde, Emily didn¡¯t wear anything revealing sensitive parts. I wouldn¡¯t even let her cross the door if she did and the funny thing is her mom would be grateful I¡¯m being a protective brother when in reality, I was jealous of anyoneing in contact with her.


    I turned my gaze to the corner where she walked and saw Nigel with some girls. A red-headed girl alongside a brte. They were chatting and drinking when Emily joined them. He gestured a ss of wine to her but she rejected it. Good thing she knows when to say no.


    After a few trials, he drank from the cup and offered it to her. Emily took a ss and took a sip from the ss.


    What point was he trying to make? Asshole.


    I needed to rx and not overreact. If I ruin her night, she would never let me go with her again. As much as it was tasking to do, I enjoyed watching her do her things.


    I looked around again, surveying for any perceived danger. When the whole ce looked safe, I walked to the barman and ordered a ss of whiskey.


    Maybe a harbor because he looked barely 18.


    I could feel some girls checking me out by my sides but I wasn¡¯t really interested in flirting with any of them.


    ¡°Hey, handsome. Want to dance?¡± one of the girls asked.


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Here,¡± The barboy called and handed me a ss of distilled whiskey.


    I tossed some change into his hands and gulped the ss.


    ¡°Why not? We can y too if you want.¡± She came closer, touching my shoulder.


    E!


    ¡°Get your hands off me.¡±


    ¡°Easy man,¡± she grimaced and left.


    I wasn¡¯t in the mood to y, I needed to look out for my baby sister. Frankly, I wish we were not rted. I would have make her love, make herself reasons why she should be mine because I will do a lot of bad things with her. Her sexy lips would finally see usefulness in sucking my hard divk and I am sure she will love it too.


    ¡®Damn it, I am going crazy!¡¯


    The music became louder and people kept dancing some rocking. I walked back to the direction Emily originally sat but I couldn¡¯t sight her, I looked at the other seats and Nigel wasn¡¯t there either. My blood boiled as I thought of possible scenarios that could be happening.


    Did he drug her?


    Was he kissing her already or was he about to fvck her?Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Shit!


    ¡°Fvck it,¡± I breathed heavily and folded my hands in a fist.


    I med myself for trusting Emily to take care of herself. I just gave her breathing space and look what it caused. I searched for my phone and dialed her number but it was forwarded. I needed to look for her before something happened. As I turned to leave the dancing floor, I saw Devin.


    Herees the handsome devil.

 41

    Devin¡¯s eyes locked with mine for a minute before he turned his gaze to the girls crowding him. I turned my face from his stare and continued walking. I needed to Ignore his stupid self and continue searching for Emily.


    He¡¯s done more bad than good and I couldn¡¯t risk having him ruin my Emily.


    Wait, did I just call her my Emily?


    I meant my baby sister but she really was mine. My Emily, I¡¯d k*ll anyone thatys a filthy hand on her.


    Devin was still standing at the corner of the barboy. He was on a ck padded shell bomber jacket and fitted ck jeans. He was quaffing and looking at him turned my tummy. His ck hair was neatly cut and it fell on his sides.


    I kept moving without direction as Devin distracted me and made me swell with so much anger. I stood for a minute and sat at the barboy¡¯s stool ordering a ss of distilled whiskey. I was letting Devin get me overly irritated and it sucked.


    ¡°You have no idea.¡±


    ¡°I think they fucked,¡± the red-headed girlughed pouring the drink into her ss. ¡°Like they fucked in the bathroom during break.¡±


    ¡°Oh my, Little Emily loses her virginity to the school fighter, Devin.¡±


    That¡¯s not true! Calm down, Xavier!


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t even make an interesting headline, that girl is so boring.¡±


    ¡°At least the boring girl is no longer a virgin.¡±


    ¡°You bet,¡± The first girlughed and took a sip from her ss.


    My blood twitched the moment I heard their conversation. It was the girl who was checking me out and her friends. What the fvck does she mean by Emily losing her virginity to Devin?


    She must be fucking joking and I¡¯ll kill Devin if he keeps making these bitches talk about Emily like that!


    I hated it when they made a mockery of her like that, it itched me badly I could get their faces all disfigured but the only thing Dad taught me was never to hit a woman, it sucked that these ones would escape my wrath. But guess who wouldn¡¯t?


    I stood up angrily and clenched my hands in a fist. It was a reflex action that happened whenever I was mad.


    I was beyond mad, I was boiling with anger.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    I walked back to the corner where Devin sat and took a few steps toward him. I went to his face and let my hands out.


    ¡°Listen, Devin, you better stay away from Emily. I don¡¯t want to hear any shit about her.¡±


    ¡°Look who is here¡± Devin smiled with a low smirk forming on his lip.


    I hated him so much and would throw fisted blows on his face if he kept making such faces. He obviously had no idea how irritated I was and how much I wanted to kill him. I swallowed the lump that anger formed in my throat and looked him dead in his eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m not joking. Stay the fvck away from her.¡±


    Devin didn¡¯t reply, he just kept sipping his drink and it irritated me that he was ignoring me. I ran my hands in my brown hair and bit my lower lip.


    ¡°Ain¡¯t you ashamed of yourself Devin?¡± I asked without expecting a reply. ¡°You¡¯re using Emily because you can¡¯t get any girl for yourself after Amelia.¡±


    I saw his jaw twitch and he raised his face to me. He hated talking about Amelia and he knew what I was saying about Emily.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you fvcking-¡±


    ¡°Emily is a minor. Stay the fuck away from her.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not using Emily,¡± he fired back in a huffing manner.


    He dropped the ss he had on the table and returned his gaze to me.


    ¡°Fvck it, bro, you are. Don¡¯t mess with my sister, Stay away.¡±


    I was warning him and wouldn¡¯t mind fisting my hands to his face as a sign of warning if he made me.


    ¡°And if I was using her? At least I get to fvck her freely and not get tempted to stuff her mouth with clothes in the middle of the night while hitting her from behind cause she rejected me.¡±


    He knew what he was doing, he knew how mad I would get with a statement like that. Devin is an asshole and the type who says whatever he wants just to get you pained.


    ¡°What the fvck did you just say?¡± I asked stepping forward and closing the gap between us.


    ¡°You heard-¡± he tried to say before I clenched my fist and smashed it into his face.


    He staggered for a second. ¡°Fvck you,¡± he blurted.


    He was already bleeding from his nose. The intensity of the blow broke his nose and I was d. The fucking school fighter was bleeding from just a blow. He whirled back and swings his hand, aiming for my face. I dodge at first and he throws a punch at my rib.


    How the fvck didn¡¯t I see iting?


    Fvcking hypocrite. Emily wasn¡¯t here to call him a good guy so he chose to reciprocate the energy. I found myself back and turned my gaze to his face.


    He was still bleeding from his nose due to the force of my blow. I pull back and hit him again. He threw another blow and before I could get a bnce from dodging it, he sent a sloppy kick to my knee that got me on the floor.


    ¡°Fvcking hell,¡± I growled in pain.


    He has fought for half his life. He knew the game of fighting so well but I couldn¡¯t afford to let him win this one, Not today. I got on my feet and turned back to him. I could hear the grunts escaping from his lips.


    I could also hear the cheering noises from the background.


    Everyone was focused on the fight and wanted to see who won between Devin the Devil or me.


    I arched my brows in anger and craned my neck. I stood up and threw a fist. He didn¡¯t see iting, it caught him where it hurt the most.


    Blood sprawled on my jean jacket, he was bleeding. My face was concealed in bruises and my lip already had a tear. My muscles ached but I ignored what I felt. Devin moved back and spat out bloodied spit. He growls and attempts to fight back but I blow all his blows and shove him to the side of the room.


    His legs pushed a table and spilled with the sses breaking.


    ¡°Don¡¯t fvck with my Emily, Devin. I¡¯ll kill you.¡±


    ¡°At least I am not the one fracking her right now,¡± he growled with stters of blood diving out of his mouth.


    And¡­. is that a smirk on his face?

 42

    Devin didn¡¯t struggle to get out of my grip as I hit him onest time. Onest time not because I was tired but because of the noiseing from the second hall. The rowdiness of the room caught my attention and left me wondering what had happened.


    Why does he have this annoying smirk on his face whenever we are fighting?


    I paused and released him, turning my face in the direction to see what was happening. At that point, the anger in me vanished as I remembered I hadn¡¯t found Emily.


    ¡°Damn.¡±


    I quickly took hastened steps to the hallway, leaving Devin behind. Devin stood for a while trying to stretch before walking behind me with a smirk on his face. The noise was of people making fun, screaming, andughing.


    I swayed my body in the crowd till I got to where some people gathered. I looked over the shoulder of one of the guysughing and saw Emily on the floor. What was she doing on the floor without her clothes?


    Is this supposed to be my point of distraction or something else?


    ¡°Fvck,¡± I muttered, unable to think properly.


    It was Emily, and she was on the floor kicking Nigel away from her. She had her hands covering her breasts. Nigel was with the gown she wore from home and was whirling it whileughing.


    ¡°Oh my God, she¡¯s so adorable.¡±


    ¡°Fucking small tits too, how does Devin like those?¡±


    ¡°You have no idea. Take a picture.¡±


    I had no idea what I was going to do. All the girls had their phones out and they were all taking humiliating pictures of Emily. I clenched my fist tight. My hands were bruised but it didn¡¯t stop me from fisting them.


    Someone ran into the scene and before I could agnize who it was, he was covering Emily.


    It was Devin and his arms were wrapped tightly around Emily. This was what should have done instead of standing and getting ready to punch someone in the gut.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine Emily, I¡¯m here now,¡± Devin muttered.


    He held her tightly against himself with his huge body covering her. He used his hand to tuck her hair and patted her gently. She was crying and shaking in his arms.


    ¡°Hey, you¡¯ll be fine,¡± he patted her. ¡°Rx Emily, I got you.¡±


    Using one hand to hold her, he used the other hand to gently remove his jacket. ¡°Here, I got you.¡±


    He wrapped it on her and remained still.


    I was done looking at the scenario. Not that I was angry that he took care of her, I was angry that she was being humiliated and there was nothing I could do.


    I turned back to Nigel who still had a sardonic smile spread on his lips. Screw him! I¡¯ll teach him a lesson.


    Now I get the reason he was so sweet and asked her out for the party. So he could humiliate her!


    Enraged, I walked toward him and threw a blow to his face. He staggered and I drew him closer, swinging another punch to his rib. I swooped him to the floor and continued raining punches on him. It was what he got for messing with Emily, for humiliating her, for manipting her into believing he was a good person, and for everything he was yet to do.


    ¡°Nasty asshole,¡± I growled as I punched his jaw and he started bleeding.


    He howled in pain and tried to hold my hands but I pinned his hands to the floor and just looked at his bloodied face for a minute. I didn¡¯t care how many teeth he lost, I just needed to get the anger boiling in me out. I knew I would probably get another detention but I could face it. I would face anything for my baby sister, Emily.


    ¡°Don¡¯t kill him, please.¡±


    I raised my head and it was Emily crying. Why on earth was she feeling empathetic? Did she have any idea what this motherfucker was doing to her? To her reputation? And of course, if I¡¯m not being self-centered, my reputation.


    ¡°I¡¯ll kill you if you ever mess with my Emily again.¡±


    Everyone scorned with fear and disgust at how his face looked. It¡¯s been a hell of a day, from fighting with Devin to beating the hell out of Nigel. He needed stitches and some needles to be able to talk again; I made sure of that.


    I stood up from him and cleaned my hands on my trousers.


    ¡°Emily are you okay?¡± I asked looking at her. It was the first thing I was saying to her since I came in here. I was extremely angry to even ask about her and if she was okay. d Devin got his clothes on her because I had no fucking idea what to do.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± she replied with a nod. She had dried tears on her face and it messed up the mascara on her eyes. She looked like she had been crying endlessly for days.


    After confirming she was okay I turned to Nili, Eva, and Gabby.


    ¡°Delete the videos now!¡±


    ¡°Delete what video?¡± Eva asked.


    ¡°Don¡¯t fucking y with me Eva. I saw you guys taking pictures and videos of her.¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Give me your phones right now.¡±


    ¡°Why the fuck would I do that?¡± Nili asked rolling her eyes.


    ¡°You have no idea what crime you¡¯remitting,¡± Devin chirped, still holding Emily gently against his chest.


    She looked so traumatized, she just heaved and remained calm.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    My lips twitched as I turned to the Queen Bees. ¡°Because I can have you trending on social media too.¡±


    ¡°Tell us how, big brother Xavier,¡± Gabby teased.


    She wore fis leggings and they looked good on her despite her being and having a horrible personality.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think it would make a headline knowing you had a threesome with our teacher?¡± I asked knowing their little secret meant something to them.


    Gabby turned to Eva and Eva in turn tilted.


    ¡°Not just that, I¡¯m sure you know it is illegal under federalw, to produce, distribute, receive or possess any child pornography. You¡¯re a minor and I¡¯m also sure you know the punishments. I don¡¯t have to tell you about those too, do I?¡±


    I saw their faces twitch with fear. Nobody wanted to get imprisoned and be on a sex offender list. It was a serious crime and was enough to threaten them.


    ¡°Fine,¡± Eva blurted and handed her phone to my open hands. I turned to Nili and Gabby waiting for them to do the same.


    ¡°Fvck it,¡± Gabby said in an undertone and hurled the phone at me. Her pouch was a pink teddy, so feminine and disgusting.


    ¡°Here.¡±


    After dropping thest phone, she took a step backward and leaned over the door.


    I took the three phones and smashed them against the wall one after the other. They all deserved to be taught a person and messing with my Emily was going to teach them that lesson.


    My Emily.


    She was still in Devin¡¯s arms.

 43

    I turned back to the direction she was in and walked to her. Her green eyes looked like they had seen death. She remained still with dried tears on her face. I had already retrieved her dress from Nigel and ced it on my shoulders before.


    ¡°Come here, Emily.¡±


    I stretched my hands to get her and in a bridal style, I lifted her. Her hand wiggled at my back as I walked outside. I needed to get her out of the party hall. Devin¡¯s jacket was still on her and I was grateful he was this huge and tall; it made his jacket a lot bigger to cover her up. Her brown long hair was rough and scattered on my arms.


    I loved how close she is to me.


    I can literally feel her inside me and I want it to continue. I want her to always let me hold her like this but not after she had been humiliated at a teen party.


    ¡°I got you, Emily,¡± I managed to say and she gave a faint smile. I wanted her to be proud of me, it just irked me that I couldn¡¯t kill Nigel. He was a jerk and jerks don¡¯t deserve pity. Emily was such a soft and fragile girl, she showed empathy even when it wasn¡¯t needed. It only meant one thing; she was humane and capable of feeling.


    I got Nigel¡¯s car key and strutted it in. I lowered her down to the passenger seat and remained there with her for a while. I was bruised and had a blood-stained jacket but I couldn¡¯t care less.


    I watched her peaceful face as her green eyes went dull. She was traumatized and I understood it. I couldn¡¯t imagine what it must have felt to be in an attempted rape situation. I removed the strands of hair from her face and tucked them behind her ear lobe.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be okay.¡±


    She didn¡¯t respond and I didn¡¯t mind. I only needed her to know I was here and that I was going to protect her. I felt mad at myself for letting Nigel hurt her. I felt ipetent in my duty as a big brother.


    Putting her dress down her head, I took her hand slowly like she is so fragile and would break if I pull it hard. Since it¡¯s not asplicated dress, getting it to her body wasn¡¯t difficult. Even when she was putting on a bra I wasn¡¯t bothered because her breasts are okay for me they fit well in the dress.


    Although I dealt with Nigel and the bitches who tried to humiliate her, I wasn¡¯t okay knowing Devin wrapped his arm around her and protected her.


    Ew! I hate him so much!


    If it doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯m selfish, then I wanted to be the only one capable of protecting Emily. I hated to see Devin do it. Nigel deserved more than I hit him and the thought of that made anger rush through me. I should finish up what I started. I only stopped because Emily asked me to, I didn¡¯t want to add to her trauma by giving her images of his terrified bloodied face. Now she was here, I could deal with him.


    I knew she was a virgin. Those girls just kept spitting trash and rumors. She didn¡¯t have sex with Devin. I bet he would be feeling like a celestial glorified fighting sociopath.


    At the thought of it, I wondered if Nigel touched her. It couldn¡¯t be, I would kill him if he deflower Emily.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    I turned back to her, not wanting to meddle in her business. She was my baby sister after all and I had the right to know if Nigel forcefully had sxx with her.


    I swallowed the lump in my throat as I raised the dress. She was naked, neatly shaved, and fair.


    I couldn¡¯t get hard from looking at her, I touched between her thighs and when I pulled my hands out, there was no blood.


    I heaved a sigh of relief knowing she wasn¡¯t bleeding, that would have only meant he got into her. I still needed to beat that asshole.


    ¡°Emily,¡± I called and she gently opened her eyes. ¡°I¡¯ll be right back okay?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t go..¡± She said in a whisper but I couldn¡¯t return home without knowing I left Nigel.


    Mom and Dad would be so pissed if I returned home with Emily passed out. It was the main reason I apanied her, and look what happened. ¡°Fvck it,¡± I growled in an undertone.


    ¡°Emily I¡¯ll be back.¡±


    I perked up and walked back to the hallway. Most people had left the party but few people remained.


    I took angry steps into the hallway, and my breathing increased. I was going to kill Nigel.


    When I got to the exact room everything had happened, I heard groans.


    Devin was sitting and throwing punches at Nigel. He had beaten the shit out of Nigel and Nigel was close to being unconscious. It served him right, he deserved all the ill humane treatment. Devin stood up from him and turned in my direction. I stood in the doorway looking at him.


    Now Nigel almost looks like all those people he normally beat for money. Sometimes I wonder why he does not hit me so badly with a satisfied look on his face.


    Celestial glorified psychopath!


    I didn¡¯t want to get involved with Devin again so I looked around, checking for nothing in particr.


    My eyes caught a glimpse of ckce in Devin¡¯s hand. I knew what it was from just looking at it because Emily washed her ck pants a lot and hung them in our bathroom.


    Devin held the pant tightly in his hand and my lips twitched. I turned to leave but paused. I couldn¡¯t take Emily home without her pants, that would be the craziest thing to do especially when mom and dad were around.


    I had to get the pant from Devin but that would mean talking to him and I was ignoring his ass. I paused and turned back to him. His face was filled with blood as he went on a wild catch. It didn¡¯t freak him anyway, he was used to feeling and tasting blood as a fighter. I couldn¡¯t imagine what guy on earth chose to be a fighter to pay his bills. There was no need to imagine when one was standing right in front of me.


    ¡°I need Emily¡¯s underwear,¡± I announced pointing to thece in his hands.


    He looked at me for a second before grabbing my shirt. Fvck it, this was what I was avoiding. I can¡¯t have this dude punch me again because I am too exhausted for his problems. Moreover, does he derive joy in beating the sh*t out of people because if we are to throw any punches, I can vouch that he would break me.


    That look doesn¡¯t look good, not with his calm smirk on his face before slowly letting it fade away.


    ¡°You know what you¡¯re doing is wrong. I see how you look at her too, she is your sister and it can¡¯t work.¡±


    ¡°Get your fvcking hands off me,¡± I huffed as he held me.


    How the hell did he know I had feelings for Emily and my actions weren¡¯t just because she¡¯s my baby sister?


    I¡¯d be doomed if anyone else felt the same way. I hid my feelings under the umbre of being her big brother. A big brother is expected to take care of his baby sister and that was what I was doing but Devin saw beyond it.


    ¡°What the fvck are you saying?¡± I asked acting oblivious to the fact. He was right, I couldn¡¯t have anything to do with Emily. She was my sister and it was wrong to have feelings for her or be sexually attracted to her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t y dumb, you know exactly what I¡¯m saying.¡±


    ¡°I-I don¡¯t. Emily is my sister and I have to protect her, if it means beating your ass and his,¡± I pointed to Nigel who was still growling on the floor. With that, I pushed his hands off me.


    Walking back out with Emily¡¯s pants in my palm, I stopped. Turned back and red at him for what seemed like an eternity. For no reason will I let him have thatst effect on me, not anymore even if I know he has it already.


    ¡°You should get out and look for someone to kill for 400$,¡± I finally said looking into his eyes.

 44

    DEVIN¡¯S POV


    The smell of coffee permeated the air. After getting home, I needed to drink something hot so I brewed coffee.


    I loathed having to leave Nigel but I had to if I didn¡¯t want to be charged with murder. He irked me and I sincerely wished I killed him. He hurt Emily and that was beyond painful. I hated seeing her cry, it made me feel this weird sensational pain like my chest was being squeezed.


    ¡°Emotions sucks¡± I muttered.


    I took a sip of coffee from the cup and dropped it on a small table by my side. My house was not the exact luxurious house boys my age lived in but it wasfortable enough. I had about two faux fur couches, a small table, dining made for four, and a space I carved for exercises.


    I didn¡¯t need a mansion before having my small personal gymnasium. My rent expires in two days and I still had no idea how to get the cash I needed. Life wasn¡¯t getting any easier but I wasn¡¯t about to back down.


    I ran my hands through my hair, thinking. I saw the way Xavier looked at Emily and anyone who observed would know it isn¡¯t just the bullshit of being her elder brother. He keeps saying it¡¯s because Emily is his sister but I know too well when a guy has ulterior motives.


    I know Xavier too well and I hate to think that he might actually be having an affair with his baby sister, Emily.


    E!


    Damn, Emily. shbacks of how she curled in my arms yed in my head. She is such a fragile girl and deserves all the protection from assholes Nigel.


    I walked to the bathroom to wash my face and was met with the broken mirror. I was yet to rece the mirror, I didn¡¯t have any little bucks to spare.


    ¡°Fuck it, man,¡± I huffed and turned the tap on. The water rushing touched my bruises and I flinched that second, trying to ignore the overpowering pain.


    I may need to get treated and not have the injuries infected. The fight I got into with Xavier wasn¡¯t nned. I just got triggered the moment he said I was only using Emily because I couldn¡¯t get any other girl after Amelia.


    As much as I hated him talking about Amelia, I hated it more when he made me feel like a bad guy around Emily. I wasn¡¯t as bad as he was anyway.


    When we used to be fourteen, Xavier and I would sneak into some girl¡¯s house and do nasty kinds of stuff. We started watching pornography quite early and felt the need to practice what we saw.


    At first, we were only raring kids wanting to know what we would feel from having our dick sucked, and in no time, we became real sex addicts.


    The thought of nasty things we did growing up turned my tummy.


    ¡°Is Xavier having an affair with her?¡± I asked himself in soliloquy.


    Anger filled me again and i hurled the cup of coffee away, making it break and having its content on the floor.


    ¡°That was my favorite cup¡± Iined.


    I am dealing with anger issues and Xavier is the cause. To distract myself from the anguish I feel, I picked up my phone and called Rage the fighter. He was the owner of the fighting club, I wanted to know if there was any fight tonight.


    Staying at home would do me no good especially as Xavier¡¯s immersed way of staring at Emily filled my head.


    ¡°Hey,¡± Rage answered the moment the call connected. ¡°What¡¯s up, man?¡±


    ¡°Hey man. Was wondering, is there any fight tonight? I cane over.¡±


    ¡°Oh, none. The list had been cleared, there¡¯d be no fights until three days.¡±


    ¡°Oh, thanks then,¡± I replied and killed the call.


    Fvcking hell!


    I am broke!!Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    I needed some cash as well as something to help me escape my thoughts.


    As I kept howling around my room, my phone jittered.


    ¡°It better be Rage saying there¡¯s a fight.¡±


    I reached for the phone and blurted a cuss when I saw the caller. It was Martha, the olddy from earlier.


    I took the call and ced the phone on my ears.


    ¡°She¡¯s offering 400$ Devin, you don¡¯t want to miss this.¡±


    I wanted to say something but a lump already formed in my throat. She was right, I couldn¡¯t afford to miss it even though I hated what I was about to do. Spank some old pussy and have her moaning my name.


    It was all part of the hustle to keep kicking, I was going to regret this.


    ¡°Martha I-¡± I tried saying before she interrupted me.


    ¡°What Devin? Why are you so skeptical about this? Your dick is so good and if it wasn¡¯t, I wouldn¡¯t refer you to her.¡±


    She missed the whole point, I wasn¡¯t skeptical because I felt insecure about my head game or stroke game. I sure did know how to have ady curling her leg but I do not wish it to be old women.


    Come off it.


    C*If there was any reason I was taking it, it had to be because I needed toy off bills.


    ¡°Are you uptoor it?¡± She asked with some finality in her voice. I knew if I didn¡¯t take it now I may lose it.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m ready.¡±


    ¡°Good boy, I¡¯ve always known you¡¯re a good boy,¡± she giggled most irritatingly ever.


    I scowled, still holding my phone by my ear.


    ¡°When does she want me?¡±


    ¡°As soon as possible sweetie.¡±


    That was it for her. So easy to say, but it was a deal after all.


    ¡°Where do I meet her?¡±


    ¡°Pleasured hotel isn¡¯t a bad choice. Be punctual sweetie, don¡¯t keep her wet for so long.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    I ended the call before she had another chance to say something else. I lowered to pick up the shred of ss on the floor. I spent some extra minutes cleaning up and when I was done, I walked into the shower to run a bath.


    If I was going to fvck some olddy, I should smell nice too. Nothing turns a woman off more than a bad smell. The main reason I bought a new set of Cologne, is I always want Emily to say I smell nice.


    The shower kicked on and I scrubbed my bare body, tracing some scars on my body. I once thought of using a tattoo to cover up the scars, everyone close to me knows I fight for a living. I¡¯m the school fighter and I punched people¡¯s faces for some bucks.


    I got dressed in a ck T-shirt, sweatpants, and a face cap. I stormed out of the house and locked the door behind me.

 45

    As I got to school, the way she touched me kept ying in my head and it made me feel nauseated.


    Eww!


    She was a little over fifty, with grey hair and wrinkled skin. She had two missing teeth and it made her look weird whenever sheughed. When I got to the address, I parked by the driveway and met her in the room. Martha wasn¡¯t there, it was a bit awkward at first having to exin who I was but her memory must have been good enough.


    ¡°Are you the guy supposed to fvck me? Come here sweetie, I¡¯m Teresa.¡±


    My lip twitched that moment, she wasn¡¯t only trying hard to appear sexy, she was older than my grandmother wherever she was.


    ¡°Yeah. Devin,¡± I replied, avoiding eye contact with her.


    She readjusted on the king-sized bed, revealing the lingerie she was wearing. Good lord.


    ¡°I saw this reel and I¡¯ve been dying to try it out since, do you eat ass?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± I scowled unbelievably. I was never going to eat her ass even if she made it 700$.


    ¡°I said, do you eat ass? Do you give head?¡±


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t,¡± I said bluntly not wanting any more questions. ¡°I¡¯m- uh I¡¯m in a hurry-¡±


    I was trying to recall what she said her name was but I couldn¡¯t. ¡°Theresa,¡± she reminded me.


    I got her wet by kissing her neck, fingering her, and saying nasty things. Lord knows how hard I tried not to vomit.


    There was no way on earth I¡¯d be doing something this awful again.


    ¡°Sweetie you¡¯re so huge,¡± sheplimented wearing back her bra.


    I failed to look at her, all I needed was my money and brainwashing.


    Received.


    *****


    My phone buzzed and it was a text from the house owner, he had received my rent payment.


    I was lost in my thought that I didn¡¯t notice the Literature teacher was here. She was dressed in an ocean blue turtle neck gown. It was a knee-length gown and so her legs were unted in a slink back heel. She had her hair styled in the same way Emily styled her hair that night.


    At the thought of Emily, I looked around searching for Xavier. I didn¡¯t see him in ss when I walked in and he wasn¡¯t in English ss either.


    Maybe he was being a jerk and wanted to miss school. It was almost break time and I was starving, I stood up heading to the cafeteria. I took the longer route only because I wanted to pass Emily¡¯s ss to check up on her.


    I took slower steps, tilting my head to the right.


    A guy was standing at the front of her desk, leaning against it but Emily wasn¡¯t there. I looked back to where Nigel usually sat and he wasn¡¯t there either. I quickly grabbed a drink from the bistro and went back to ss.


    ¡°You all seem to be excited about your project,¡± Mr. Caylord imed.


    Nobody was excited about shit, I had no idea who my team members were even.


    During detention, he turned to the empty seat and squinted. ¡°Xavier¡¯s parents called, his little sister is feeling a little sick.¡±


    ¡°Ough,¡± I howled in an undertone. I knew Emily wasn¡¯t alright, not after what urred. But why did Xavier stay back? Was he her caregiver?


    I didn¡¯t give much thought to the asshole, Jerk.


    ¡°Your detention has been abruptly terminated due to an intercessor pleading.¡±


    My jaw clenched, who could that Intercessor be? Good thing it got canceled.


    The rest of the day left me in oblivion. As soon as sses ended, I clutched my bag on my shoulder and left. Walking and wondering if I should see Emily, I had absolutely no idea what I was going to tell her if I saw her.


    I felt the urge to see her and hold her in my arms but I couldn¡¯t risk it. My strides appeared calcted, I knew how many steps more I had to take to get home.


    I turned sideways to see headlights turning in my direction. It was an SUV and it was driving towards me. I paused and the driver whined the screen down.


    ¡°Hey man, I can give you a lift.¡±


    I know this man.


    I¡¯m not so bad with guesses and I could guess he was in histe forties. He gave a quick smile gesturing for me to get in the car but I stood still.


    Yes! It¡¯s Emily¡¯s father but the is why should he act like he does not know me? Well, of he wants to act, I feel like I don¡¯t know him myself. So let¡¯s all imagine I have never seen him him my life.


    ¡°No thanks.¡± I blurted.


    ¡°Common buddy, I don¡¯t bite.¡±


    ¡°Still no.¡±


    ¡°Not like I¡¯m going to kidnap you or anything. You¡¯re muscled and I trust you¡¯d throw your fist at me before I attempt to.¡±


    With that, I let out a smallugh.


    ¡°Right,¡± I replied and opened the passenger seat.


    ¡°So where are you heading?¡±


    ¡°Downtown.¡±


    A moment of silence followed as I remained calm observing the stranger¡¯s demeanor.


    Sure he is a stranger since I am pretending not to know him.


    ¡°I¡¯m James,¡± he started, still looking straight. ¡°I asked the principal to end the detention, you know my daughter is so precious to me.¡±


    My eyes widened in surprise, was he saying Emily was his daughter?


    ¡°Emily is your daughter?¡±


    ¡°Yes, buddy. You know she¡¯s a fragile innocent girl uh?¡±


    Indeed.


    I nodded in approval. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Devin.¡±


    I was still processing the information he gave. After a few minutes, we got to a driveway and I called his attention.


    ¡°Uh, I¡¯m good here.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± he replied and came to a halt.


    My house was only a few steps away, I turned to thank him again before flinging open the passenger door.


    ¡°Can I get a drink at least?¡±


    I don¡¯t trust him one bit.


    My eyes furrowed at his request. Was he being a Samaritan to get something in return?


    ¡°I¡¯m just thirsty,¡± hepleted, reading my facial expression.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have expensive shxt home,¡± I announced before stepping out.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine, I just need a drink,¡± I heard him say behind me.


    I didn¡¯t think it was a good idea to bring a stranger I just met to my house but as he said, I¡¯d throw my fist at him if he attempted anything funny.


    I pushed open the door and let him in, his gaze fell on my couch as he nodded and sat. ¡°Happy to disappoint you,¡± I blurted and walked into the kitchen. I came out shortly with a ss of water.


    ¡°Here,¡± I handed it to him.


    ¡°Thanks but I¡¯ll pass.¡±


    My eyebrows arched. ¡°Here, this is 1000$,¡± he said tossing some notes to me.


    Hell no. Which strangeres into a person¡¯s house for the first time and hands him 1000$?


    ¡°Take it, buddy.¡±


    ¡°Not if there¡¯s no exnation.¡±


    ¡°Rx buddy, I know you,¡± he readjusted on my couch. ¡°You¡¯re a good guy and I just need you to do a job for me and I¡¯ll pay you 1000$ monthly.¡±


    ¡°What job?¡±


    ¡°A clean job.¡±

 46

    I needed to see Emily. I stood in front of the door and rang the doorbell. I took a deep breath, waiting for an answer. Shortly after, ady opened the door. She was the replica of Emily and so I knew she was Emily¡¯s mom.


    ¡°Hi, can I help you?¡± She asked the moment she saw me.


    Now I know I shouldn¡¯t have worn something other than this 49ers shirt, now she won¡¯t stop staring at my muscled arm with scars.


    ¡°Yeah, uh¡­ I was wondering if I could see Xavier, we¡¯re friends from school,¡± I managed to finish.


    She stood by the door frame giving me a nk stare as if analyzing me.


    ¡°Oh,¡± she muttered. My son isn¡¯t feeling too well, I don¡¯t think he wants to entertain visitors.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, he texted me.¡±


    I wasn¡¯t sure what else to say, she looked like she was keen on not letting me in.


    ¡°Can Ie in?¡± I asked raising an eyebrow and looking inside, I mean that¡¯s supposed to be how you wee a guest.


    ¡°Sure,¡± she replied and gestured me in. ¡°I was taking a minute because I don¡¯t recall Xavier saying he has a friend here.¡±


    Oh please. I looked on as I stepped into the well-furnished apartment. It wasn¡¯t like mine, it was spacious.


    ¡°Have a seat, what¡¯s your name? I¡¯d tell him you¡¯re here.¡±


    ¡°Devin.¡±


    ¡°Okay. So how long have you known my son?¡±


    As I was about to figure out what to tell her, a man walked in.


    ¡°Hey, Hunny.¡± He turned, throwing a nce at me. ¡°We have a guest?¡±


    Now I can see where Xavier got his charming look from. Even at this age, he look so¡­ good and I respect him for that. Just that the smiles a lot.


    ¡°Yeah, he says he¡¯s Xavier¡¯s friend from school.¡±


    ¡°I see. Hey man, what¡¯s your name?¡±


    ¡°Devin,¡± I repeated giving a quick smile.


    ¡°You mind having a drink?¡± He asked sitting on the sofa opposite me.


    I gave a nod, ¡°Sure.¡±


    He handed a ss to me and poured some into the ss. ¡°It¡¯s surprising to know you are Xavier¡¯s friend.¡±


    I furrowed my brows, it came as expected, critiques.


    ¡°You don¡¯t look like the kind of boy Xavier would keep as a friend, correct me if I¡¯m wrong but you look like a gangster, like uhh, a bad boy.¡±


    That¡¯s it! I look I get all the time.


    I wasn¡¯t sure how much more I could take but the best thing was to y along till I saw Emily, she was the main reason I came here.


    ¡°So how long have you known Xavier?¡± His wife asked, cleaning her hands on her blue apron. I must have interrupted her cooking process.


    ¡°Since the beginning of high school,¡± I smiled, I couldn¡¯t say I had known him longer than that because it would sound fake knowing we¡¯ve never contacted each other outside school.


    ¡°Hmm, I see.¡±All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    ¡°Well since you¡¯re here I bet you can tell us what happened that night,¡± he opinionated.


    This can¡¯t be happening! Why did u even get myself into such mess.


    ¡°Yes. What happened to Emily?¡±


    Fucking hell. How do I go about exining that Nigel almost raped her and her stepbrother being obsessed with her beat the living hell out of Nigel and I joined hands to beat him because he deserved it. No, there was no way I was telling them thatplicated story.


    No one would want to know I held their daughter¡¯s pants for a while and felt like keeping it.


    I thought of saying I had no idea but it wouldn¡¯t favor me either. I was trying to buy their parent¡¯s trust and like. I had to tell them something.


    ¡°Uh,¡± I started. ¡°Emily and I were at a table and she had some drinks. I failed to check the percentage of alcohol before letting her have it. She was a little tipsy at first and while talking, I wrapped my hands around her waist to wedge her from falling. Xavier walked into us and thought something else was happening.¡±


    Did I do well?


    I perked up to discern the look on her mother¡¯s face and it was nk like she wasn¡¯t buying my story.


    ¡°He read a different meaning to my arms on her and punched me hard. We got into a fight and yeah,¡± I managed to lie perfectly. ¡°I only came here to apologize to Xavier. I understand that he¡¯s trying to be the best big brother and uh, look after his baby sister. He¡¯s my buddy and thest thing I¡¯d do is to be shitty around his sister.¡±


    Pffffff!


    Wasn¡¯t so hard.


    He gave a nod, he believed me and that was what I was hoping for. I needed to heave a sigh but it would look like saying all that was tasking and make it feel like a lie.


    ¡°I feel you. I¡¯ll just get him for you man. He¡¯s a good guy and I¡¯m proud of how much he loves and takes care of Emily.¡±


    Indeed.


    I gave a nod, he was everything but a son to be proud of, fucking asshole.


    The moment he left the sitting room, his wife walked to where I sat and gave me a displeased look. I wasn¡¯t sure I could win her mind even, she looked rigid.


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you,¡± she blurted. ¡°I don¡¯t believe your story. Why do I feel like you¡¯re lying?¡±


    I just looked at her without saying anything. I didn¡¯t know what to say at that point.


    ¡°You¡¯re a bad boy and I can feel it. Don¡¯t mess around with my daughter and don¡¯t influence Xavier. He¡¯s a good boy and I can¡¯t deal with having him around someone like-¡±


    She was interrupted by footsteps. We turned in the direction of the footsteps and it was Xavier. His eyes furrowed as he saw me but he knew he had to y his card well.


    His father coughed, ¡°There he is. He says he¡¯s your friend and wants to apologize.¡±


    ¡°You never mentioned you have a friend here,¡± His mother chirped.


    ¡°Uh yeah. Devin is my good friend, I just haven¡¯t had the time to bring him home.¡±


    ¡°Also heard you both got into a fight, that must have felt tough as friends.¡± His mother chipped in. Why on earth does she want me out?


    He turned to look at me and I stood up.


    ¡°We¡¯ll fix that, right buddy?¡± I gave a quick smile at Xavier and he nodded.


    He gave me onest look and I understood it. He wanted us to have a private conversation. The moment we got outside and were sure his parents were no longer listening he scorned.


    ¡°And what the fuck do you think you¡¯re doing?¡± He yelled.


    I took a step back and asked him to rx. If he needed us to y the game well, he had to do away with his anger issues.


    ¡°Rx man, just checking up.¡±


    ¡°Checking up? Bro, I don¡¯t fucking need you in my house.¡±


    ¡°I know. You missed school and Emily too-¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s obviously the reason you¡¯re here but I need you to get the fuck out of here right now.¡±

 47

    EMILY¡¯S POV


    Pretending to be asleep hasn¡¯t been the easiest job. It hurts my eyes that I keep forcing them close when all they want to do is gaze at nature¡¯s smokefall. I rolled to the side of my bed and remained under the nket. It was cold outside and I could feel it from the window. Xavier left the window open and I couldn¡¯t close it because I was pretending to be asleep.


    I was trying my best to avoid any conversation with Xavier because I didn¡¯t have the balls to exin what happened with Nigel. I knew he was not going to ask me anything yet but the thought of what was going through his mind was enough to make me nervous.


    ¡°I¡¯ming,¡± Xavier replied to his name. He stood up from his reading table and stormed out to answer dad. Dad called from the door saying there was someone outside for him.


    I honestly didn¡¯t have so much energy to think or be curious. Ordinarily, if I wasn¡¯t pretending to be asleep, I would have asked Xavier who he was expecting. I didn¡¯t have the strength to be curious, what happened that night already drained me enough. I couldn¡¯t believe I was stupid enough to trust Nigel and be a victim.


    The moment I noticed he was acting all flirty around me, I tried to move away but I was too tipsy. He tore my clothes and threatened me. I felt so scared and helpless.


    When I saw Xavier walk into the room, I felt a flush of relief. His eyes were fuming with anger but his body was still. I bet he was gobsmacked and needed a minute to understand why the heck I was on the floor naked.


    Someone ran to me almost immediately and threw his arms around me. The moment I perceived the familiar scent of his cologne, I raised my head to see Devin. His arms were wrapped tightly around me as he kept assuring me I was going to be fine. I sobbed in his arms, wore his jacket, and remained on the floor with him covering me. I was sure Xavier would defend me but I didn¡¯t think Devin would try to protect me.


    Devin.


    I¡¯ve always been afraid of Devin, he has this scary demeanor, I can¡¯t describe it. I only know having a reputation as a fighter earned you more respect and fear than you may deserve. I sprawled up from my bed and slid my legs into the V-cuff slippers by my side.


    I felt so dirty like I disgusted myself so much. I walked into my mom and dad talking. I barely heard their conversation. Dad turned to see me standing by the door frame.


    ¡°Emily,¡± he called. He was dressed in a grey shirt and loose trousers.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°Dad.¡±


    ¡°Come here sweetie,¡± he gestured and dropped the popcorn he was holding. He held me tight against his chest and patted me softly.


    Dad didn¡¯t say anything but I knew I had failed them in some way. I shouldn¡¯t have gone to that party in the first ce. I felt like a cheap girl who could¡¯ve avoided the situation but chose to fall. If Xavier and Devin weren¡¯t there to help me, I don¡¯t know what could have happened. I probably would be trending as the talk of the school.


    ¡°Do you care for some?¡± Dad asked the moment he broke the hug. He took a handful of popcorn and poured it into his mouth.


    ¡°I¡¯m good, thanks.¡±


    Is he not going to be mad at me? Won¡¯t he just yell at me?


    ¡°Dad? Please don¡¯t be mad at me. I know I probably have disappointed you but I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°Emily,¡± he said turning his gaze to me. ¡°It¡¯s fine Sweetie, I¡¯m d you¡¯re okay. That¡¯s all that matters right now.¡±


    ¡°Mom.¡±


    She turned to me and gave a quickly faded smile. ¡°Like he said Emily, we¡¯re just d you¡¯re okay.¡±


    ¡°Am I-¡±


    ¡°Yes you¡¯re still double grounded,¡± Dad chirped. ¡°You and Xavier are grounded for two weeks. No more parties, no outings.¡¯


    My jaw clenched as I nodded. I obviously deserved to be punished and I wasn¡¯t going to plead my way out. Xavier didn¡¯t deserve his punishment though, he did nothing wrong aside from trying to kill that perverted asshole, Nigel.


    I have seen my brother angry, I have seen him irritated, jealous and possessive but that night is still a shock. He threw relentless punches at Nigel¡¯s face and he kept coughing blood. That was truly a traumatic experience I never want to experience again.


    ¡°What¡¯s for lunch?¡± I asked stepping closer to my mother. I had a loss of appetite but the aromaing from mom¡¯s kitchen caused me to salivate. ¡°Can I have a taste?¡±


    I loved the fried chicken and I could see some in a bowl. She handed some to me and I smiled sheepishly.


    ¡°Where¡¯s James?¡±


    I noticed he wasn¡¯t around the house. Since he came around, he¡¯s been looking suspicious. I was afraid to say I felt unsafe around him.


    ¡°He stepped out, I think he will be staying in a hotel.¡±


    ¡°Hmm,¡± I managed to say after seconds of thinking.


    ¡°Is there any problem, Emily?¡± Mom asked.


    No there wasn¡¯t but I didn¡¯t feelfortable enough. I had no idea why he showed up but I hope he leaves faster than he came.


    ¡°Why¡¯s he here?¡± I inquired with so much disgust in my tone.


    ¡°He¡¯s just visiting,¡± Dad replied with a cold stare. ¡°Why are you worried?¡±


    I was d it was obvious that I was worried, I mean why wouldn¡¯t I when this man was breathing the same air with me in the same city?


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe James is just visiting,¡± I answered. ¡°It feels like he¡¯s here for an ulterior purpose. I just feel very ufortable.¡±


    ¡°Emily.¡±


    ¡°Dad, is heing to get me? I just feel like he wants toe get me.¡±


    My mom stopped what she was doing at that moment and took closer steps toward me. She could see I was sobbing already, I felt a rush of different emotions and the outburst was as expected.


    ¡°Emily, will you go with James if hees to get you?¡±


    She was asking it like she didn¡¯t know how much I hated that man. There was no way in earth I was going to choose him over my dad and Xavier.


    ¡°Never,¡± I gasped. Dad ced his hands on mine and squeezed them. ¡°He¡¯s not taking you, Emily, not from us.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got you, baby.¡± He pulled me into a warm hug and I rxed on his chest for a minute. They are my family, the ones who stood by me in my hardest times.

 48

    I woke up feeling slightly tired. Last night was a long night with bad dreams having me wake up at intervals. Saturdays are always stressful with mom asking me to help her out in her small garden.


    I pushed the nket out of my face and yawned, I turned to the side of my bed and found Xavier¡¯s bed empty. Lord knows how tough it has been for me since that night. I¡¯ve tried to see if I can remember the details of what really happened but all I remember is getting drunk.


    I do not want to keep thinking of it, it¡¯s crazy that whenever I try to remember, it¡¯s Xavier¡¯s fuming eyes and the way he carried me I can remember. I also remember Devin¡¯s cologne and his arms wrapped around me. I can¡¯t seem to think of anything else.


    I finally got the courage to leave my room since I woke up. I have to help mom in the garden, she loves it when I do. I¡¯m sure she must have begun before I get there but I can join her in making breakfast. I get my robe and wore it over my singlet and pants. it sat loosely on my body, leaving no space to visualize.


    I stepped out of the room with the of checking for mom in her room. When I got to her room, I shove open the door and found the room empty. The bed was dressed and the light turned off. My face twitched as I scanned the room for Dad but he wasn¡¯t there either.


    I locked the door back, I should probably check outside. Walking to the door, I sighted Xavier in the sitting room. He was sittingfortably with one of his legs on the couch. He looked like he had his bath and I just wondered for a minute if I really some up sote.


    I had so many questions to ask Xavier but I didn¡¯t know how to. I want to ask him what really happened so I can fill in the details of what I don¡¯t remember but I know Xavier too well, he wouldn¡¯t tell me. I want to ask about the guest he had yesterday, if it was a girl he has something with and if he has slept with her before. I want to ask why the fvck I have this migraine and if he can help me get something to eat.


    His head turned in the direction of my shadow. I knew I couldn¡¯t leave unnoticed anymore.


    ¡°Hey,¡± I greeted raising an eyebrow. It¡¯s been the first since that night. Whenever he¡¯s in the room with me, he does his best to avoid me, he sleeps backing me and most times wakes up earlier to do a few things so we don¡¯t get caught up doing the same thing in the same ce.


    Since our chores were shared, he did his earlier and just stayed on the couch with his phone on his face.


    ¡°Hey,¡± he replied and turned back to the TV screen.


    It was so obvious he was trying hard to ignore me. I hate that I feel weird because of it but I can¡¯t force him to talk to me, not when we¡¯re facing the consequence of my action.


    He wore his favorite shorts, the blue checkers, and an ash hoodie over. He held his phone with one hand and performed multiple tasks.


    ¡°You slept well?¡± I managed to ask again.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± he nodded. He didn¡¯t even return the question like courtesy would demand of a gentleman. Although I do not see Xavier as a gentleman and all, he wasn¡¯t the type of guy to fvck you and leave you stranded. He would drive you back home and probably never call again if the sex was that shitty.


    ¡°Xavier?¡± He turned. ¡°Yeah?¡±


    ¡°Are you mad at me?¡±


    ¡°No. Why?¡±


    ¡°It feels so.¡±


    ¡°Strange.¡±


    Exactly, it was strange. I would admit right now that I love it when I catch him staring at me. It used to be so awkward at first, but I grew to like it. He¡¯d give a quick smile and say ¡°You¡¯re beautiful when you¡¯re asleep.¡±


    I¡¯ve heard countlesspliments but Xavier¡¯s still manages to top them all.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°Where¡¯s mom?¡± I inquired changing the subject. I was yet to see her and her room was empty. If she was in the garden, I¡¯d have heard her voice calling for Dad. She liked him around as much as she liked me helping her.


    I had to ask Xavier because he didn¡¯t sound like he wanted to keep talking about his strange behavior.


    ¡°Drove out.¡±


    ¡°And dad?¡±


    ¡°Apanied her.¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯d they go to?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, to meet up with James or something.¡±


    At the mention of James, my jaw clenched and my phone buzzed. My rm was ringing an hourte. I snoozed it and shoved it into my pocket.


    ¡°Are you fine?¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    He was acting strange. I needed to understand what was happening. Did it have anything to do with that night and Nigel? Detention? The queen bees?


    ¡°Fvck,¡± I muttered under my breath.


    I couldn¡¯t recall everything but I knew Gabby, Eva and Nili were there. I could possibly check on their socials to see if they posted anything about me.


    My heart raced faster as I checked Gabby¡¯s ount. She was the social butterfly in the group and had all thetest news on her timeline.


    I checked and there was nothing. ¡°Really? I asked myself. Unable to patch things together, I raised my head from my phone.


    ¡°What happened that night?¡± My silvery voice shook as I asked.


    He threw a nce at me and studied my face for a minute. ¡°I¡¯m serious Xavier. Tell me what happened that night, what happened to-¡±


    ¡°Stop it okay? Nothing happened.¡±


    He threw a frowning nce at me and a furrow appeared on my forehead. He knew he had to say something. He was hesitant at first but heaved a sigh and he rolled his eye.


    ¡°You got drunk, really really drunk. You were trying to dance but slipped and fell.¡±


    I nodded, not sure I could buy his story or exnation. His attempt at lying wasn¡¯t wless, he couldn¡¯t even look me in the eyes. I¡¯m quite good at lying and I definitely know when someone isn¡¯t in their truthful state.


    He continued looking at the TV screen without enthusiasm. I had no idea why he was pretending to be engrossed in the TV show when he had no interest in shows.

 49

    It was sunset and I was still sitting in ufortable silence with Xavier. He spent his entire day watching boring TV shows and ying video games.


    I had no idea if he had lunch, I only know he had some pancakes in the morning. I stole nces at his face whenever he was not looking, he had no idea how it was killing me to be ignored.


    I¡¯ve never had Xavier ignore me this way before, he always yed silly pranks and although they were all annoying, it made us bond.


    His eyes flickered to me and he turned his face the moment my eyes held his. My phone jittered in my hands and I epted the call, it was mom.


    ¡°Hi, mom.¡±


    ¡°Emily. How are you? How¡¯s your brother?¡±


    I looked at him, ¡°he¡¯s fine. I am too, You and dad have been out all day.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, we didn¡¯t want to disturb your sleep.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    Not sure of what to say, I grinned and moved my fingers through my hair and waited in silent.


    ¡°Your dad and I won¡¯t being home tonight.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡± I asked, my curiosity getting the better part of me. ¡°You guys went to meet James too.¡±


    ¡°We just had a brief chat with him, Sweetie, your dad and I just have to finish up here.¡±


    That doesn¡¯t sound good. Mom always tell me what¡¯s happened even if its a bit, she did let me know and even on time.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°Okay.¡± I gave up.


    ¡°Make something for dinner, there are a few things in the fridge.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t try to sneak around, James¡¯ bodyguards are outside and would let us know if you try anything,¡± Dad added from the background.


    Imagine.


    James creeping around isn¡¯t enough, right?


    ¡°Right, I know we¡¯re grounded,¡± I rolled my eyes. ¡°Uh, bye, I¡¯ve got to make dinner, remember?¡±


    ¡°Love You.¡±


    ¡°Love you too mom,¡± I replied and the call disconnected.


    ¡°What did they say?¡± Xavier asked for the first time in 10 hours.


    So he can talk? Was thinking something cut his tongue or he forgot to brush and was scared of killing me with his bad breath.


    ¡°They¡¯re noting back, I should, well we should make dinner.¡±


    ¡°Hm,¡± he murmured. ¡°And something about not sneaking out?¡±


    ¡°Right,¡± I replied. My phone buzzed again and I let out a sigh. ¡°What now? Make breakfast too?¡± I asked returning to where I dropped my phone.


    It wasn¡¯t Mom¡¯s call, it was James. ¡°Fucking hell.¡±


    I picked the call up and when it connected, I stood still waiting for him to talk.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Emily?¡± He called when he heard my voice. I was so pushed to call him James in response but I didn¡¯t.


    And why the hell is he not sure of my name? I can sense that, it was almost as if he was thinking well before trying not to make mistake.


    ¡°Emily, are you fine?¡±


    ¡°Obviously, do I sound otherwise?¡± I snapped.


    Good thing my stepdad is not around, he would see every good reason to tell me not to be rude even if I was abandoned. Well not technically abandoned, I left with my mum and he never called or tried to reach me.


    ¡°Not really. I was just wondering, thought of checking up on you.¡± James said after a few silent.


    ¡°Good thing you know how to,¡± I replied belligerently.


    ¡°Can you just give me a chance? I know I haven¡¯t been the best but I can make it up.¡±


    ¡°Right, you haven¡¯t been the best,¡± I replied bluntly.


    ¡°You seem unhappy with me. Would you considering to visit me? We can get along better if we¡¯re alone.¡±


    He didn¡¯t mean that. If he did, then I could swear on his balls that he was just trying to be a hypocrite.


    And moreover, I might go to rehab if not jail for an attempted murder of he survive.


    ¡°Emily I can change your school if that¡¯s what you want, I can get you a car too, to drive to school yourself.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have a license and I don¡¯t fucking need anything from you.¡±


    The words came out meaner than I originally nned but I didn¡¯t care. He had no right to disappear,e back when it was convenient for him, and try to take me from my family. I wasn¡¯t a property that could be moved whenever its owner came around, there was no way I could stand him.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about a license, I can deal with that. Just make a car choice,¡± he blurted. Of course, he blurted because he had no idea how stupid he sounded.


    ¡°You know what?¡± I started. ¡°You should forget about me and deal with your problems, I¡¯m sure you have so much of that in your life to take care of.¡±


    ¡°Emily.¡±


    ¡°I have to go, I need to get back to what I was doing.¡±


    I ended the call before he could say a proper goodbye and tossed the phone away. Talking to him was the exact thing I needed to switch my mood.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t have to talk to him like that, he¡¯s still your dad,¡± Xavier chirped looking at me.


    Was he being serious? And who the fuck asked for his opinion cause right now, I don¡¯t remember ever asking.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you want to talk to your Dad? Is he that bad?¡±


    I took a step closer to Xavier who was already standing and my jaw clenched. I couldn¡¯t deal with any more questions. ¡°Good night,¡± I grimaced and walked out.


    ¡°No, wait! you have to make dinner, I¡¯m starving.¡±


    ¡°Then make it yourself!¡± I fired from the room. I walked straight to my bedside and threw myself on the bed. I wasn¡¯t sure why I felt a turbulent flow of emotions but I needed to breathe.


    I remained on the bed, with tears flowing down my eyes. I turned to face the wall so Xavier wouldn¡¯t have to ask any more questions than he was already asking.


    I couldn¡¯t force myself to sleep as I had done in the previous days. Insomnia came at me when I needed a break. I kept turning ufortably till I decided to see a boring show till I fell asleep.


    I walked to the sitting room. Xavier wasn¡¯t there and I had no idea where he was. I shoved my hands into my hoodie to keep my tits warm. I turned to scan the room but I heard a door squeal. I walked in the direction of the sound and it was my parent¡¯s room. my eyes caught the door, it was opened.


    I had no intentions of sneaking around but since I was having a hard time sleeping and getting some peace, I could just whirl away time here.


    My stares caught a brown envelope on the bed. I bet I didn¡¯t see it when I initially came into the room earlier.


    I walked to the envelope and picked it up.


    ¡°Sneaking around has never been right,¡± a voice called.


    I flinched and turn, it was him. His face didn¡¯t look as bruised as it was that night, he was closer to me than he has been in days. I swallowed the lump that formed in my throat. ¡°Stalking isn¡¯t a good thing either.¡±


    ¡°Who says I¡¯m stalking? Heard footsteps and here we are,¡± he defended himself.


    I hated the tension I felt with him. It was love and hatred mixed together, the type of emotion that made you p and kiss a person.


    I didn¡¯t reply to him, I had absolutely nothing to say to him. I hurled the envelope back on the bed and walked out on him. He stood still, his eyes following me.

 50

    Xavier knows how to ask the most annoying questions. I wasn¡¯t even sneaking around, I just wanted to check what it was. He was the one sneaking around and stalking me.


    I flung open the door and turned to my bed. I forced my eyes to close, I was trying hard to sleep but the moment I opened my eyes, I met Xavier¡¯s stare on me. His eyes were fixed on my face and I just fretted.


    A furrow appeared on my forehead but he didn¡¯t move, he just kept staring. I wasn¡¯t looking attractive, I knew because I was always conscious whenever he was close to me. I still had dark circles beneath my eyes because I cried for nothing earlier today. I wouldn¡¯t really say it was nothing, my feelings can¡¯t be regarded as nothing. I just had a mood swing that got triggered by speaking to James.


    Why the hell is Xavier staring at me like that? ¡°Cunt,¡± I cussed in an undertone.


    I used my nket to cover my face and shortly after that, I fell asleep under the nket.


    Now I was dreaming about Xavier. I have no idea what he¡¯s saying but he¡¯s gently huffing my stubborn hair away and smiling at me. I want to tell him I¡¯m so mad at how he¡¯s been ignoring me and then act as if nothing happened. I attempt to open my mouth but he closes them with his hands on my lips. I swallow the lump in my throat and the butterflies all dance in my tummy. He¡¯s asking me to be quiet and I nod because I do not want to spoil the mood either. I remain calm looking back at his dark eyes. He raises his brows and a strand of his brown hair covers his forehead.


    He says I look beautiful and wants to kiss me. I smile knowing how much I¡¯ve wanted him to say it. I give him permission to and when he brings his lip close to mine, I open my eyes.


    ¡°What the heck, Jesus. Duck!¡± I screamed the moment I opened my green eyes.


    Xavier wasying down on my bed and he was faced to me just the same way I saw it in my dream.


    ¡°You must be kidding me.¡±


    I sprawled up, kicking my feet in the air.


    ¡°What the actual duck? you¡¯re a freak, Xavier.¡±


    ¡°I know but why the hell are you talking in your dream? You called my name.¡±


    Oh no! Did I?


    Even if, I can¡¯t admit that one bit.


    ¡°Hell no, I didn¡¯t,¡± I huffed at him. I was already away from him but still close to the bed.


    ¡°Sure?¡± He was still in the position I found him, talking effortlessly.


    ¡°Look, even if I did. I was probably screaming at you to leave me the fvck alone. Why are you on my bed?¡±


    I tried pushing him out of bed. The moment I realized my strength couldn¡¯t match his weight, I grimaced and walked away.


    ¡°I was only checking if you¡¯re alive.¡±


    What the¡­


    ¡°Of course I am but guess what? Now I¡¯m scared you¡¯d stab me and suffocate me in my dream sometime,¡± I replied hands crossed on my chest.


    ¡°Maybe.¡±


    ¡°Why would you be staring at me while I¡¯m asleep? And on my bed, right in my face!¡±


    ¡°I already told you,¡± he reluctantly replied. ¡°To check if you were still alive.¡±


    ¡°Jesus! just get lost!¡± I blurted and stormed out of the room. He was unbelievably the most annoying person I ever met. I walked to the sitting room and waited there to cool off. When I gulped a ss of water and rxed, I figured he didn¡¯te after me


    If I¡¯m being honest, I thought he was going toe behind me but he didn¡¯t.


    Who gets a girl angry and fails to follow her to apologize? Definitely my brother.


    Stepbrother.


    I doubt he had the slightest idea he got me scared and pissed. It all looks normal to him when in reality that was a freaky thing to do.


    When I waited in the sitting room for some extra minutes, I decided to check what he was doing. I tiptoed back to the room and peeped through the unlocked door. Xavier was still on my bed with his face pressed on it. He used the nket I threw on him to cover his legs. The moment I got inside and touched him, he flinched.


    He presumably wasn¡¯t expecting me back in the room but it was our room for crying out loud and he was on my fucking bed, sleeping.


    ¡°What the fvck?¡± He flinched the moment I touched him.


    ¡°No, what the fvck??¡± I screamed back.


    If there was anyone who needed an exnation, it was me. Why was he acting all calm, dovey, and whatever when he was ignoring my ass and giving me monosybic replies all day?


    He didn¡¯t move, he just looked at me and turned his head back to my pillow.


    I should tell Mom I needed my privacy as a girl. We should probably move to another apartment so Xavier and I don¡¯t need to share a room. Sharing the room with Xavier was already enough stress for me and I couldn¡¯t afford to share my bed with him.


    Our room was in, I only had a few pictures of me hung on the wall and that was it. Two beds positioned opposite each other, a ceiling fan and a bulb we hardly used because we both preferred to sleep with the lights turned off.


    Mum may not understand how much space I need as a girl but I think Dad will. I¡¯ll just discuss it with them and have us move out.


    Xavier wasn¡¯t deeply asleep. If I said anything, I was very sure he¡¯d hear it and smirk like the jerk he is!


    I moved around the room thinking of an alternative. The couch in the sitting was an option but the temperature there was high and I don¡¯t think I could cope.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    I took the bare floor and had a sheet spread on the floor. I took one of my pillows from the bed and dressed it on the floor. It was going to be a night longer than usual but I¡¯d rather sleep here than stay on the same bed with a guy who I hate and love.


    He almost kissed me in my dream or was it my imagination? Whichever but the point is I couldn¡¯t resist and I couldn¡¯t stand my ground that he annoyed me. At that point, all I wanted was him and if I stay on that bed, it won¡¯t be any different.

 51

    I woke up to the sunlight blocking my eye. Fuck it, where Iid was close to the window. Monday morning and all I could think of was to get ready for school. I got into the bathroom and kicked life into the shower. I poured some shampoo into my hands and washed my hair. I loved the floral scent of the shampoo, it made me smell so feminine.


    When I finished bathing, I got dressed and was about to sneak out of the house. I couldn¡¯t afford to wait for Xavier when he¡¯s been acting strange. I¡¯d rather walk to school than be stuck with him in his truck, wondering if I should ask him what was wrong with him.


    I was about to open the door when my mother walked in from her room.


    ¡°Oh, mom.¡±


    ¡°Hi sweetheart, missed you.¡± She pulled me into a hug and brushed my hair with her fingers.


    ¡°You smell nice.¡±All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I smiled back. That was the perfectpliment to get on a Monday morning.


    ¡°I-¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s Xavier?¡±


    Oh, Christ. I really hoped she didn¡¯t ask.


    ¡°Uh, he¡¯s still dressing. He¡¯s going to take so long so I was about to head out. I don¡¯t want to miss my first ss so I¡¯ll take the bus,¡± the moment I replied to her, my stare fell on what she was holding. It was a little package in a gift box.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± I asked raising my eyebrow.


    ¡°It¡¯s a gift for you, Sweetie.¡± She saw the expression on my face and continued. ¡°James had it delivered for you.¡±


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t need whatever it is.¡±


    ¡°You haven¡¯t even seen what it is.¡±


    ¡°Exactly. I do not want to see or receive anything from James,¡± I replied politely. ¡°Mom you know what? I¡¯ll just catch a bus since Xavier isn¡¯t ready. You can return the gift too, I don¡¯t need it.¡±


    She stood still, unable to argue with me. I walked out and she heaved a sigh.


    The day had barely started but it was already filled with craps. The moment I stepped outside I saw Xavier leaning on his truck. He was dressed and looked like he was waiting for me. He wore a hoodie over his trousers and clutched a bag.


    Mom caused this. If she didn¡¯t keep me for some extra minutes, I would have been able to storm out with Xavier catching up with me.


    I twirled and saw James at the other ending down from his vehicle. This couldn¡¯t be happening! Having to deal with this much when all I wanted to do was escape.


    ¡°Emily darling,¡± he waved and locked his door.


    He took cautious steps forward and gave a quick smile that I ignored.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± I asked him.


    ¡°I came to say hi.¡±


    ¡°You called for the same thingst night,¡± I said in a belligerent manner.


    ¡°I know Emily. I brought you a gift.¡±


    ¡°I saw it and I don¡¯t need it. I¡¯ve asked my mom to return it to you, you should expect it back.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s parked over there,¡± he announced pointing to the direction where he parked a brand new Coro.


    ¡°You got me a car?¡± I asked surprised.


    ¡°Yes, baby.¡±


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t need it either. I¡¯m sure I told you that.¡±


    He took steps forward and paused. ¡°You did, I also know you¡¯d reject it so I gave it to your mom instead,¡± he exined. ¡°I¡¯m also d you want to wait before you collect it. I¡¯m okay with that too.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe this.¡±


    ¡°Your driving ss starts today after school. I cane to pick you up or send a driver to-.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s this act for? You think I have no idea?¡± I huffed and a furrow appeared on his face.


    He looked dibobted but he understood what I was saying.


    ¡°Emily-¡± he tried saying but I interrupted him.


    ¡°No, tell me what the fuck you take me for. You think I have no idea that you¡¯re doing all these to win me back?¡±


    ¡°Listen, James, you lost whatever right you had over me the moment you walked out. You can¡¯te from nowhere and impose your decisions on me.¡±


    ¡°Im not imposing decisions on you Emily. I just want to be here, in your life.¡±


    ¡°Fucking hell!¡± I held my head and took a deep breath to be able to reply to him.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mean to sound hostile but I don¡¯t give two fucks if I sound so. I know what you¡¯re trying to do okay? And I¡¯ll rather be an orphan than let you get me. I can¡¯t be in your custody, quit the act already.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t say that Emily.¡±


    ¡°Well, I already did. I¡¯m not even joking, I¡¯ll sleep on the streets if it means you don¡¯t get to have me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sixteen for crying out loud and I have a life. I¡¯m not six neither am I twelve.¡±


    My mother was already standing close. She must have heard everything I said and I do not regret it because I¡¯ve never meant anything more than this. I walked to my mother and grabbed the keys from her, she was still with the gift box the keys came in so I took that from her too. ¡°Here,¡± I huffed throwing the keys at James.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need it, take your gifts away!¡±


    Gosh I hate all this crab! Why can¡¯t I just be for once? Is this really how a teenager¡¯s life should be?


    Well, I can¡¯t wait to be an adult and get pass all this. One thing is sure that I can¡¯t let my kids suffer like this. Especially not having a hot stepbrother that would want to fuck you and dump you the next moment.


    ¡°Emily!¡± My mother called, I know she was obviously angry but I couldn¡¯t care less.


    I turned back to James and wore an angry look. ¡°Shove your wealth in your ducking butt.¡±


    ¡°Emily don¡¯t you dare-¡± My mother warned.


    ¡°I¡¯ll happily be grounded, mom.¡±


    With that, I angrily left and walked over to where Xavier stood. I know I said I wanted to use a bus to avoid Xavier but I can¡¯t even walk this angry.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± I said screaming.


    Xavier frowned but didn¡¯t say anything to me. He opened the door and lowered himself into the car.


    My chest heaved with anger. I turned to look through the window and just fixed my gaze on nothing. I can¡¯tpare conversations with James with being stuck with Xavier.


    James makes me wish I own a pistol but Xavier doesn¡¯t. I may have mixed feelings for Xavier but I¡¯ve never thought of hurting him. I just wish I could p and kiss him sometimes. It was toxic to think, but that exined our rtionship better.


    Xavier kept driving. I could feel he wanted to say something but didn¡¯t know if he should. Well, he shouldn¡¯t because I would likely jump out of the moving car than let him add to my injury.

 52

    I didn¡¯t say anything to Xavier all through the drive. The moment we got to school, I walked into the building and then to the ss.


    Odd, but I kinda like it.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    When I got to ss, some lockers were empty including Nigel¡¯s. I had no idea why I was searching for Nigel but a part of me wanted to know the intensity of his injury.


    I sat on my chair and brought out my cell phone from my bag pack. I logged into my socials and scrolled down. I saw a reel and since my phone was connected to my ear pod, I decided to y the video. I giggled while watching it, it was a video of my favorite tiktokers.


    ¡°Look who¡¯s in school,¡± a voice announced and a cheering noise followed.


    Not now!


    If I didn¡¯t know Gabby well enough, I¡¯d have thought she was excited to see me but that wasn¡¯t the case.


    ¡°Girl you¡¯ve got really small tits, how the hell did Nigel enjoy sucking those?¡±


    At the mention of Nigel¡¯s name, my jaw clenched and I felt a rush of adrenaline.


    This isn¡¯t the first time they are making fun of me so I still doubt how on earth I let this affect me. Thest time, they said I had sex with Devin in the janitor closet and then the bathroom.


    ¡°You looked so adorable crying for your big brother to save you.¡±


    ¡°But why did you have to stoop so low to have Nigel fuck you with just a bottle of vodka?¡±


    ¡°He did not fuck me!¡± I defended. I could have anyone say anything about me and tolerate some shitty things but not a rumor of Nigel having sex with me.


    Sex in all annoys me.


    ¡°Aww, you¡¯re so adorable. I¡¯m sorry your first sex was a total mess,¡± Eva chirped.


    Gabby and her girlsughed and continued making fun of me. I honestly wish I can m her face with a huge book and make her pass out but getting another detention would be a mess.


    ¡°You¡¯re lucky my phone got smashed. Your tiny tits would have made a headline already,¡± Gabby added.


    It took me a minute to process what she said. The reason I didn¡¯t find anything on her timeline was that her phone got smashed but who smashed it? I won¡¯t believe it.


    I know these girls for a long time to believe anything they say so¡­


    ¡°Get seated!¡± A voice ordered, trailing me off my thoughts.


    Everybody settled down and soon the lockers got upied except Nigel¡¯s own.


    The teacher stood in front of the ssroom holding a book and a marker. He stood up straighter and walked to the board. All I kept staring at was his t back head and the next thing I knew was finding myself in the next ss.


    The next three periods went faster than I prayed. At the end of thest period, I snatched up my backpack and pushed myself out of the desk. I marched to the door ignoring everyone. I was d Gabby and her girls didn¡¯t say any more humiliating sentences since the first period.


    I was more than ready to leave this hole called school. My tummy made a grumbling sound and I got the message.


    Mac and cheese would be so goooooood.


    I should have had breakfast before leaving but I was too focused on getting to school without Xavier that I forgot.


    I didn¡¯t even have a cup of coffee and now I¡¯m facing the consequences alone. I got to the hallway and scowled at the crowd. I wanted to know if Xavier was outside already because I didn¡¯t have all the patience to wait for him. I stood for a second staring at the faces that walked out of the various sses. Instead of Xavier, I found myself looking for Devin. I just realized I hadn¡¯t seen him since that night at Nigel¡¯s party. When I got tired of looking out, I walked out through the doorway.


    I still had detention and I needed to get it over with. I walked into detention but found nobody. I got a little confused and wondered why nobody was seated in there or probably dressing up to work.  I stormed out and ran into someone.


    ¡°Dear lord,¡± I said in an undertone when we hit each other. I raised my head and it was Xavier.


    ¡°Detention ended already.¡±


    I scowled at him and picked up my backpack from the floor. I wasn¡¯t going to listen to Xavier, he could be possibly ying another prank on me.


    I walked out on him and headed to the second ss to see if I would find anyone but there was none. The ss was empty. Was Xavier saying the truth?


    ¡°Told you,¡± he huffed behind me. ¡°Your stubborn ass never listens.¡±


    Was he looking at my ass for real? Never mind.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go home already,¡± I said avoiding his eyes.


    ¡°Meet me outside.¡± He walked out and I just scoffed. He was a pin in my ass and that was in no way pleasurable.


    I hated the way couples hung around after school, taking all the spaces and sit-outs. I rolled my eyes and walked over to where Xavier parked his truck.


    ¡°Fudging hell,¡± I cussed the moment I saw Xavier wasn¡¯t there. I was hungry and he was nowhere to be found.


    I wish I knew how to drive, I wouldn¡¯t be stuck here waiting for his silly ass.


    I shoved my phone from my pocket and dialed his number. It kept ringing but he wasn¡¯t taking his calls. I angrily kicked the truck¡¯s tire.


    ¡°Here,¡± he announced walking over to me.


    I wanted to scream at him and ask him why he took so long until I caught a quick nce at his face that I was avoiding since. His angr jaw was satisfactorily defined but his hair looked rough. That wasn¡¯t how I saw him a few minutes ago.


    I took a second to study his face before turning away. I knew the reason he took so long in the morning was that he was trying to apply some of mum¡¯s makeup on his face to cover up his bruises.


    He had dark circles beneath his left eye and the scratch on his forehead traced to his brow. There was also a cut on his lips but it was only obvious when he talked.


    Before I could say anything else, he pulled open the door and lowered himself into the car. When I saw he wasn¡¯t going to ask me to get in, I flung open the passenger seat and slid in. I fastened my seat belt and rxed my back on the seat.


    He wasn¡¯t saying anything, he just kept his hands on the steering wheel and mmed his foot on the elerator.


    The moment he sped off, I let out a shout. He was driving like a madman and I wasn¡¯t ready to get killed. Not like this, not with him.


    ¡°What the heck are you driving?¡± I asked with a squeal.


    He kept his gaze fixed on the road and took sharp turns. Breaching the speed limit I kept shouting at him to stop being an asshole and take me home safely.


    ¡°Xavier you need to stop this or I¡¯ll use a bus!¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t you hear me? You¡¯re going to get us killed.¡±


    He didn¡¯t reply to me and I had no idea what else to say.


    ¡°You¡¯re an evil asshole,¡± I finally said and made an attempt to open the moving truck¡¯s door.

 53

    Mom wasn¡¯t home by the time Xavier and I arrived. My face was still full of frowns and I was heaving in anger.


    ¡°Hi Dad,¡± I said without waiting for a response. I walked in straight to the room and mmed the door behind me. I heard Xavier¡¯s voice shortly after, Dad was asking him if I was fine and if school went okay. Guess what he said?


    ¡°School went fine and yeah, she¡¯s fine. Should be her period mood swing or something. ¡±


    This boy was getting on my nerves and I could explode just thinking of everything he had done. I undressed and changed into a big polo. I found it in my bag and decided to put it on. Mom wasn¡¯t back from wherever she went and I wanted to borrow her gloss. Not for today but tomorrow, I may need a gloss just in case I bumped into a guy again.


    The day went fast right from school and before I knew it, it was nightfall.


    ¡°Mom, hi.¡±


    She walked in when I was turning some fried eggs into a te. I was starving and the pizza I had when I got back didn¡¯t do anything. ¡°Emily, how was school?¡±


    ¡°Fine,¡± I replied, leaving out details of how I got ridiculed in a ss by Gabby and her girls. I also left out the details of Xavier trying to get us killed by driving like he was insane.


    ¡°Good to know.¡±


    She looked a little worried or was it stress? I can¡¯t say exactly cause I had no idea what was having her all worked up. After dinner, I returned to my room and just sat on my bed to hasten digestion. Two hours had gone and I was still unable to fall asleep. I also forgot to ask mom for the lip gloss because I got caught up with wondering what got her worried.


    I hurled my phone to the side and just stared at my notebook. I had some assignments to do but I didn¡¯t have so much energy.


    My phone buzzed and I ignored the call. Whoever it was could wait till the next morning since it was 10 pm already. I continued writing on the note, flipping through pages and biting my pencil. I was sure If I counted properly, the phone had buzzed four times already. I turned to the other side of the bed and stretched my hands to pick up the phone. It was James calling.


    ¡°Why¡¯s he calling me thiste?¡± I asked referring to no one.


    I contemted picking up the call and shouting at him to leave me the fuck alone but I decided against it. Maybe I should hear what he had to say, just this once.


    I picked up the call, ¡°Yeah?¡±


    ¡°Emily?¡± he called. ¡°Sorry, I¡¯m ringing your phone at this time of the night.¡±


    ¡°Sure. What can I do for you?¡± it took all the politeness in the world for me to sound like that.


    ¡°I just wanted to see you, to have a little chat. Can we see?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± I replied, yet to understand why he¡¯d call me thiste to ask me to meet up with him. ¡°Right now?¡±


    ¡°Yes, right now. I¡¯m outside your house.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible, I can¡¯te out.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because it¡¯ste and I can¡¯t get out without being caught. Why don¡¯t you ask my parents to let you in if you must talk to me right now?¡±


    ¡°No no, that¡¯s not a good idea. Your mom believes you hate me and asked me to give you some space but I know you don¡¯t hate me, Emilia. Hate is such a strong word and you¡¯re just mad at me.¡±


    He has absolutely no idea. I hated him actually, it was a strong word to him but not to me. I used to think my mom was the bad partner and the one who made James go away. I hated her for making my Dad leave and med her for being unable to keep a man. I was wrong, so so wrong after meeting my stepdad.


    I realized my mom wasn¡¯t the problem, she couldn¡¯t keep a man who didn¡¯t want to stay. She was there and James just did whatever he did. I was 9 when he left and would cry myself to sleep asking when he¡¯de back. I hated having toe back to his empty room and even threatened to run away if he didn¡¯te back. I was so young and it was thest time I saw him, well up until he showed his face recently.


    ¡°I can¡¯te outside, the doors are all locked,¡± I replied.


    ¡°I can help you sneak out through the back door Emily, just give me one chance to have a moment with you. It won¡¯t take long I promise.¡±


    I stayed silent for a while and thought of giving him that chance. Not a good chance thought, I just want to break it down to him how useless he had been in my life, and doing it alone might not get me grounded.


    ¡°Okay,¡± I replied.


    ¡°Thank you so much, Emily, this means a lot.¡±


    With that, the call disconnected and I stood for a second wondering if I should trust him. I was going to get in a lot of trouble if mom caught me because James said she asked him to give me some space.


    I turned to my wardrobe and picked out a ck hoodie from the hanger. I wore it and packed my hair. I shoved my phone in my pockets and picked up a torch light from Xavier¡¯s table. I could borrow his torch for some minutes, I needed to have a torch.


    Xavier was in the sitting room seeing a movie, I was going to take the back door so he doesn¡¯t see me and ask questions. The moment I got out of the room all dressed, I was met with a shadow. It was Xavier¡¯s.


    ¡°What the hell is he doing here?¡± I scoffed.


    He took steps forward and looked at me. Anyone who saw me would know I was up to something with the way I was dressed.


    ¡°Where are you going to?¡±


    I paused, I had to tell him the truth in case I didn¡¯te back early as expected.


    ¡°James.¡±


    ¡°James?¡± he asked. He needed an exnation and not just a name.¡±


    ¡°James asked me toe outside, he wants to have a chat with me?¡±


    ¡°By this time?¡± I gave a nod.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t hee in?¡±


    ¡°He says mom asked him to give me some space.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s crazy. Do you want to see him?


    ¡°Maybe.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll follow you.¡±All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    That was so chill but I have to admit I loved that he wanted to.


    I picked up my phone and called James to inform him I wasing with Xavier.


    ¡°Hey,¡± I said.


    ¡°Emily, are you there?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ming with Xavier.¡±


    He took a second and then replied, ¡°Don¡¯t bother if you¡¯reing with anyone.¡±

 54

    I figured I could use a set of shampoo that had a fresh mint scent. I picked it up and walked into the bathroom. I was going to run a quick bath because I needed to get to school early for my test.


    I didn¡¯t finish up my assignmentst night but it was the least of my worries. While taking a hot shower, I used my hands to trace my body. I pushed open the door and walked in on Xavier. I didn¡¯t want to say anything to him, not this morning .


    I took a step forward and walked away but gripped my arms and stood behind me.


    ¡°Emily.¡±


    My heart beat increased and I swallowed hard the lump that formed in my throat. I could feel him behind me and it drove me crazy to think of how nasty we could get. I tilted my head to him.


    ¡°What?¡±


    He closed the gap between us and used his fingers to tuck back the wet strands of my hair. His touch sent electricity to my body because the only thing on me was the towel.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± I asked the moment I saw him staring at my lips. I knew that look and I knew the effect it had on me too.


    He held my face and dived his lips into mine. He tasted so chill, like mint. The adrenaline rush that flushed through my body was only a reminder that we could get caught making out.


    I could feel him get hard and my breathing increased. He raised my towel with his hands and grabbed my ass.


    ¡°Damn¡±.


    I moaned into his mouth. I was getting wet and I knew this wouldn¡¯t end well. It would only feel like the icing and never the cake.


    ¡°Stop,¡± I instructed, breaking the kiss and trailing his hands from fingering me.


    He was all hard under his shorts, if I knew how I¡¯d have considered giving him a blowjob but no! I can¡¯t start having an affair with Xavier.


    I see that a lot online, I see that in movies too and I sometimes sneak to watch porns too.


    ¡°Do you want me to stop?¡± He asked brushing my ear lobe with his lips. I feel his hot air on my neck and it tickled me.


    ¡°Yes. We can¡¯t keep doing this.¡±


    I hate myself for saying it.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± He asked and attempted to kiss me but I used my hands to stop him. What part of stop doesn¡¯t he understand?


    ¡°This is because of Devin, isn¡¯t it?¡± He red.


    I always knew he was jealous of Devining close to me but he never admitted it.


    ¡°What if it¡¯s because of him?¡± I huffed. ¡°You make me feel like what we have started is a mistake. You fucking called our first kiss a mistake. Maybe you shouldn¡¯t have called the first real thing we had a mistake.¡±


    He looked on at me, I could see the anger in his eyes gradually fading. His jaw clenched and he took a few steps forward toward me.


    ¡°Listen, you¡¯re not a mistake. I¡¯m sorry if I made you feel so but I really like how I feel around you.¡±


    I fixed my stare at him and he continued talking. ¡°Emily I always want you, I can¡¯t think straight when you¡¯re not with me and when you are, I just want to kiss you¡­ Like now.¡±


    His mouth was vicious and needy, he was kissing me everywhere he could reach and I couldn¡¯t hold back the moans. His hands were in between my thighs and I could feel my pussy yearning for him.


    I could do nothing but sumb to him. He shoved me to the wall and I gasp. All of a sudden, my hands are finding it¡¯s way into his boxers.


    I feel his hard dick and at that moment, I just want him. I just wanted to enjoy the moment knowing I can¡¯t fuck Xavier and that what we have can¡¯t go past kissing and smooching. I wish it could though because I¡¯ve never wanted to lose my virginity this bad before.


    The electricity jolts in me and I get a grip on his hardness. He moans in my mouth and that has to be the sexiest sound a man has ever made.


    Our intense kiss is trailed off by footsteps. I get my hands out of his boxers, shoving his turgid dick away.


    I tried to push him off but he was too deep in the kiss to get off me. I couldn¡¯t afford to get caught with Xavier half-naked. I thought of something quick to do and I kicked him between his legs.


    Just then the door flung open and revealed James in the doorway.


    ¡°Why the heck didn¡¯t you knock?¡± I red the moment I realized he must have caught us.


    He looked at me from head to toe and then at Xavier who was bending. He was probably feeling pains from the kick but that served as means to hide his erection.


    ¡°What the fuck?¡± He started. ¡°I need an exnation.¡±


    I tried regting my breathing pattern. ¡°An exnation on why you barged into the room without knocking?¡±.


    ¡°No. An exnation on why I heard you moaning and why the hell you¡¯re on a towel and he¡¯s erected.¡±


    Oh no! This can¡¯t be happening! For a moment, I felt I would pee on myself but I have to be strong and not let my clear show on my face.


    ¡°You¡¯re saying bullshit. Moaning to what?¡± I almost stammered.


    ¡°I should be asking you that,¡± he replied belligerently. ¡°Xavier, are you sleeping with your step-sister?¡±


    Dear lord! Save me! Xavier is not even saying anything. He is not trying to cover up.


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Fuck, he¡¯s not. Do we look like we¡¯re having sex? Jesus Christ!¡±Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Emily I need you to shut up. I heard you moan, what else tells the story better?¡±.


    What would? I am sure he heard my moan. I am sure he knows how all these work because he is more experienced than me but what do I do?


    ¡°A sex tape?¡± I said unsure of what else to say ¡°If you caught us on camera then that tells the story better but if not, then you¡¯re saying shit.¡±


    I should have probably gotten a dress on before mom and dad arrived but there was no time.


    Xavier straightened his stance and his boner was still visible. James was growing mad, he looked like he was going to throw a fist at Xavier if care wasn¡¯t taken.


    Holy freaking smoke! What do I do?


    ¡°You have a boner, Xavier.¡± James walked to Xavier and repeated himself. ¡°I said you fucking have a boner.¡±


    Xavier didn¡¯t reply, he just clenched his jaw and looked around. He looked at me and I could see he was apologizing for getting us caught. We could have avoided this whole shit but we wanted each other too much to realize it.


    ¡°I promise I¡¯ll teach you a fucking lesson if you don¡¯t say something,¡± James threatened. He was clenching his fist already and I knew for sure he was going to throw that fist.


    ¡°Say what?¡± Xavier asked for the first time since James walked in on us.


    ¡°Tell me what you¡¯re doing with Emily. Do you realize she¡¯s your sister? And worse of all, she¡¯s a minor and my only daughter!¡±

 55

    The whole situation got heated when James reached for Xavier¡¯s neck and gripped it tightly. I wouldn¡¯t forgive myself if anything happened to Xavier. I turned sideways peeking to see if I could figure out something but my mind was totally nk!


    ¡°Answer me!¡±


    Xavier doesn¡¯t reply to him, he just stands still with a clenched fist.


    ¡°You¡¯re a fucking asshole!¡± James red and threw his fist at Xavier.


    Xavier staggered for a minute and when he got himself, he remained there. His face was ckened due to Jame¡¯s angry punches.


    James held him by his shirt and threw another punch at his jaw and he growled. I was screaming, asking James to stop but he wouldn¡¯t listen. All my pleas fell on deaf ears and that was harder.


    Xavier turned to look at me and I could read all the unsaid words in his eyes. He was guilty and wanted to take all the pain but had no idea how to save me.


    I had no idea what to do to save him either. He was getting punched real hard for a kiss we both shared. I felt embarrassed and guilty. I was still on the towel and it would be very easy for anyone who walled in to believe James¡¯s story.


    ¡°Stop! James let him go!¡± ¡°You¡¯re going to kill him, stop!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll teach you never to look at my daughter like that!¡± He barked and pushed him to the wall.


    Xavier¡¯s face had suffered so many punches. In all these, he said nothing. He looked like he wasn¡¯t going to attempt to save himself and that sucked. He just howled in pain and looked at me.


    The howling noise attracted my parents. They ran inside and the moment they saw James holding Xavier and throwing punches at him, they demanded an exnation.


    James exined in the best way he could. ¡°I walked in on them being all sexual! She is still on a towel and he was erected.¡±


    Mom¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. They couldn¡¯t believe what he said but I was sping a towel around my chest.


    ¡°Get him,¡± James ordered and the two bodyguards who walked in behind my parents nodded. They raised Xavier from the floor and had him stter blood on the floor.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    ¡°It¡¯s a lie mom!¡± I tried defending. ¡°I was having my bath and the tap got bad, I had soap in my eye and I couldn¡¯t rinse off. I sped my towel and asked Xavier to help me.¡±


    ¡°It was probably the screams James heard and presumed it was sexual. I can swear that he didn¡¯t catch us doing anything.¡±


    ¡°Emily?¡±


    I wasn¡¯t sure how I sounded but I really hoped I sounded believable. I wasn¡¯t lying though, aside from the moan sounds, the towel on my chest, and Xavier¡¯s erection that was no longer visible, there was nothing to hold against us.


    ¡°Dad, believe me.¡± I looked at him but he turned his face away, asking that this was a prank.


    ¡°I¡¯m not a child Emily, I know what I heard. Why did you get mad when I got in?¡±


    Ouch!


    ¡°Because I could have been naked, like stark naked James, and every normal human being is expected to knock,¡± I red at him raising my hands. ¡°Was I supposed to be happy that you barged into my room without knocking?¡±


    ¡°What the fuck is going on here?¡± My mom asked unable to understand.


    He turned back to look at Xavier who was being held by the bodyguards. They had his face bruised and his arm injured. They gripped him by his arms and made sure he was held firmly.


    ¡°He had a boner when I walked in.¡±


    ¡°But there¡¯s no boner right there, is there?¡± I asked pointing in the direction where Xavier stood.


    Their eyes follow my line of vision andnded on Xavier¡¯s shorts. Truly there was no boner and I was d his dick gotid.


    ¡°Emily.¡±


    ¡°James,¡± I replied looking him in the eyes. ¡°If there¡¯s anyone who¡¯s making things up, it¡¯s you.¡±.


    He didn¡¯t say a word, he just stood still and kept heaving.


    ¡°You are just jealous, ain¡¯t you? You¡¯re pained you can¡¯t have me and the next thing you do is to frame my brother.¡±


    ¡°A brother you¡¯re sleeping with?¡±


    E!


    ¡°Fuck it, I¡¯m not sleeping with Xavier. He¡¯s my brother for crying out loud and it¡¯s incest if we fuck.¡±


    ¡°d you know that,¡± Mom huffed, holding Dad. She was having a hard time processing everything that just happened.


    ¡°I have a test I can¡¯t miss, give me a fucking break.¡±


    I picked up my clothes from my mattress and stormed out of the room. They could have the room to themselves but the one thing I needed was to breathe.


    I got dressed in the ck gown and wore a jean jacket over it. I walked into the bathroom and poured water on my face. I needed a moment to process everything as I turned off the tap and dried my hands on my clothes. I walked into mom¡¯s dressing room and stood in front of the mirror. I stared at my reflection and wished nothing of all these happened at all. I hate to think of the possibility of getting monitored whenever I am with Xavier. That would suck, knowing we can¡¯t have privacy anymore.


    James was just a fucking cunt. I hated him and his overprotective measures. If he didn¡¯t leave in the first ce Mom would have still been married to him and I¡¯d have gotten to kiss Xavier however I want and even fuck him!


    I kick the chair out of frustration and looked around. I needed to get to school, with or without Xavier. My test was important to me, I¡¯d figure something out.


    Sighing in frustration, I stretched and grabbed the red hairbrush from the basin in my mom¡¯s room and ran it through my long hair. I repeated the process till It released little knots and tangles on the hair. After I brushed my hair, I ited it in a knot and did my edges. I took the gloss from mom¡¯s desk and applied it to my slim lips.  The only thing I missed taking was my perfume and that would only mean I wouldn¡¯t wear my favorite cologne to ss.


    In a few minutes, Xavier came out. He had tried to wash his face and applied some makeup to hide his injuries.


    I swallowed the lump that formed in my throat and tried to remain calm. I had no idea what I was going to say to him, not after the shit we just got into.

 56

    If I had known the day was going to be a scorcher, I probably wouldn¡¯t put on clothing this thick. I sat on the bench on the basketball court, staring nkly.


    I couldn¡¯t help but think of everything that had happened. I looked around and everyone was busy with their stuff. Sometimes I regret not having friends, I would have been talking to someone now, telling them how shitty I feel for falling for my brother and making out with him.


    I heave and shove out my phone from my pockets. I stared at the screen for a while, nothing interested me.


    ¡°Hey.¡±


    I turned sideways to see Devin standing by my side. He¡¯s on his usual ck hoodie and ck trouser. He seems to love ck more than anyone I have ever met.


    It takes a second to realize his bruises are healing too, he doesn¡¯t look that bad. ¡°Hi,¡± I managed to reply, not wanting to make a fool of myself by staring hard.


    You don¡¯t get it, Devin just has this aura, and his cologne too. Reminds me that I forgot to wear some before leaving the house. He looks around too before he finally asks.


    ¡°What are you doing out here all by yourself?¡±


    ¡°Meditating.¡±


    If that was I¡¯m the right word to use, I had no idea. I was thinking of how I had no friends and how I almost got caught smooching and grabbing my brother¡¯s dick.


    ¡°Meditating, I see.¡±


    My lips twitched. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to disturb you but I usually sit out here, it¡¯s kind of been my spot for months.¡±


    I raised my brows to him and a furrow appeared on my forehead. This was my favorite spot too and if he says he sits out here then maybe we¡¯ve got something inmon.


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, but you¡¯re here already so I¡¯ll just let you do your shit and get going. I should have a few things to do.¡±


    Was he willing to give up his space for me? Well, I got here first but he found here first.


    ¡°I¡¯ll see you sometime, be good yeah?¡±


    He said that and turned to leave but I stopped him. ¡°No no, wait.¡±


    He paused and I stammered before getting the right words blurted out. ¡°I uh¡­ I mean we could share here. We don¡¯t have to talk, just meditate on our stuff.


    I saw the smile form on his lip as he gave a nod. ¡°Right, meditate on our stuff.¡±


    He took a sit on the bench and ced his bag by the side of his legs. I continued staring nkly at the environment, wondering what else I could meditate on that wasn¡¯t ¡®smooching your stepbrother and getting caught.¡¯


    There was a brief silence, I enjoyed the silence but I hated being unable to know what people around the thought. I liked hearing people speak because that way you get a hint of what they think of. I plug in my earphones to distract myself but take them off shortly after.


    ¡°You think I¡¯m a bad person?¡±


    His voice trailed me off my disorganized thoughts. Why was he asking me that?


    ¡°Yes,¡± I replied and regretted why I didn¡¯t take a second to think of my reply.


    He frowned and arched his brows, obviously wondering why it didn¡¯t take me a second to give that reply.


    ¡°No no, it¡¯s not like that. I don¡¯t mean you¡¯re a bad guy yunno, I just feel so sometimes.¡±


    I was being truthful, I was more scared of Devin than I was of anyone else. Although I saw another side of him that night where he wrapped his arm around me, I still feel scared of him, not just much.


    Sometimes I wonder what it would feel like if he falls in love. Would his girlfriend be scared of him too? Or was it because I didn¡¯t have a personal rtionship with him?


    His gaze is still fixed on me, waiting for me to exin what I meant. All I wanted to say was that he may be scary and not a bad guy but  I just feel he is a bad boy.


    I had a messy way of expressing myself, like a disorganized way of exining things and that sucked. I actually meant he was a bad guy not because he¡¯s done anything bad to me but just because I feel so.


    ¡°I don¡¯t get what you mean, Emily.¡±


    ¡°Uh, what I mean is I just feel it. I didn¡¯t say you¡¯re a bad guy because you¡¯ve done anything bad to me. It¡¯s just what my mind feels.¡±


    ¡°Maybe your mind is scared of me.¡±


    He was right.


    ¡°Are you a bad person though?¡± I asked and got him smiling.


    He licked his lower lip and gosh, that wasn¡¯t supposed to have any effect on me.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know but I know I can be a good guy,¡± he replied with his stare fixed at the court. I followed his line of vision and met with what he was staring at. ¡°Do you want to see the good in me?¡±


    I wasn¡¯t sure how good a person can get, he already proved he could be good whenever he wanted that night. And to think of it, he never mentioned anything from that night or mocked me like Gabby. He acted as if nothing happened and that made me feel a littlefortable.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    He turned his body to face him and now he was looking at mepletely. ¡°I asked if you wanted to see the good in me.¡±


    I heard you the first time Devin, shit.


    He smiled at my silence and shifted closer. I felt his hands on my hair, He was tucking away the stubborn strands out of my face. I remained still, letting his hands touch my face.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got something on your face,¡± he said and huffed. He blew on my face and I remained still. He was trying to get something out of my face but the way he was close to me made me crave his lip.


    I heaved and my chest moved in a rhythmic pattern. His face was this close to mine and the next thing I did was close my eyes.


    I was expecting his lips, to possess mine like Xavier¡¯s lips does but I don¡¯t feel anything yet.


    I wait for a second longer and I feel something on my lips, only that it wasn¡¯t Devin¡¯s lip.


    It was his hands. I opened my eyes and met him staring over my shoulder. I couldn¡¯t ce what it was that got his attention but I just remained still.


    ¡°Xavier is here,¡± he finally said.


    Fuck no.

 57

    I sat in the dining with my books. Life orientation test wasing up and I needed to get good grades ¡¯cause I already fvcked up on the first test.


    I nod my head, flowing with the music being yed. It was Kanye¡¯s song and I knew how much Xavier liked his songs. He was ying music when he knew I was reading but I couldn¡¯t say anything about that because I was enjoying the jam too.


    Mind you, I like kpop but¡­.


    Actually, the reason I didn¡¯t say anything is that I find talking to him awkward now. It feels like I have nothing to say that wouldn¡¯t sound weird. I looked at the textbook on the table and ce my elbow on the table to support my cheeks.


    My tummy made that grumbling sound again and I rolled my eyes. I was starving but decided against going to the kitchen because it would only mean being with Xavier. He was doing the dishes and ying a song.


    Xavier walked out of the house and my eyes followed him till he was out of the doorway. I didn¡¯t ask where he was going, I just returned my gaze to my note.


    The door squealed and Xavier stood in the doorway with a box of pizza. I raise my head to him and remain silent waiting for an invitation at least. He walked towards me and paused.


    ¡°For lunch, Mom dropped it.¡±


    I was d it was mom who sent it because I didn¡¯t know how to ask Xavier for some despite starving.


    ¡°Here,¡± he said and dropped it on the table. He walked to the fridge and got two carbonated drinks out. He dropped one of the drinks on the table and opened the other, gulping it.


    ¡°You should eat, there¡¯s a lot of time to finish up your school work.¡±


    I turned my face to the cab and hoped he got the message and left me.


    He dragged a chair and sat on it only for him to stand up and walk toward me.


    ¡°Emily,¡± he called, crouching.


    I tried avoiding his eyes but he held me still. ¡°Xavier leave me alone.¡±


    ¡°Calm down Emily,¡± he requested and brought his head close to mine. I pushed him at that point and stood up from the chair. What was he doing? We almost got caught two days ago and now he was trying to kiss me?


    ¡°What do you think you are doing? Stay away Xavier, you already got me in enough trouble.¡±


    His brows pulled together and he just straightened his stance. ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not acting like you know, Xavier.¡±


    ¡°Emily you have no idea-¡±


    I turned to him, pointing my fingers to his face. ¡°No, you have no idea. Do you even think of how hard it is with you? Knowing I can¡¯t even have you? Yet you keep showing up in my face and making it hard to swallow the fact.¡±


    I didn¡¯t mean to waver as I spoke but my voice already failed me.


    ¡°You know what¡¯s funnier? Getting us in trouble and not saying a word about it. You¡¯ve been acting as if nothing happened.¡± Before I knew what was happening, I was whimpering.


    ¡°What would you have me say? Remind you how I wanted you so badly and had us in trouble? Common! It¡¯s all my fault and I get it. You


    don¡¯t have to cry Emily, I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    I was whimpering and the reason was that I hated how I felt. It was so way to be mad yet crave him. It was like I felt two things at the same time and If this was love then I¡¯m afraid I¡¯m also in love with Devin.


    ¡°Come here Emily, Mom and Dad won¡¯t being home soon.¡±


    After his sentence, I felt a surge of a familiar emotion. I was mad at what he meant by that.


    Out of anger, I raised my hands and pped him. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare tell me that!¡± I red.


    His eyes flickered and he held his cheek for a second. He never saw me get this violent and it dawned on him that his choice of words didn¡¯t sit well with me.


    ¡°What the fvck Emily? This isn¡¯t you! I know Devin is getting into your head,¡± he red up clenching his fist.


    I took a step back and stood to catch my breath. I didn¡¯t mean to p Xavier but I wasn¡¯t expecting him to try to kiss me and tell me our parents weren¡¯ting home soon.


    ¡°What has Devin got to do with this?¡± I asked with my gaze fixed on his clenched jaw.


    He hesitated and then turned, ¡°Really? You¡¯re asking that?¡±


    Of course, I was asking that because he just believes Devin was the reason for everything I did that wasn¡¯t kissing him. It sucks because Devin and I barely talk about anything extra. Xavier was just being a jealous jerk and it irritated me.


    ¡°And so what I and Devin have a thing?¡± I asked him without taking my eyes away. ¡°Is he the reason we are always fighting? Of course not, Xavier. It¡¯s not and we¡¯ve never fought because of him but because of you.¡±


    He didn¡¯t answer and he didn¡¯t move. He remained still, leaning on the wall.


    ¡°Xavier our fights are because of us, because of you and not Devin.¡±


    I didn¡¯t mean to defend him but I was already doing so and it didn¡¯t feel wrong.


    ¡°We can¡¯t keep ying hide and seek with our hormones, Xavier. It isn¡¯t reasonable because it wouldn¡¯t work. If I could, I truly want to do it with you but I can¡¯t. That¡¯s the reality, I can¡¯t.¡±


    Xavier¡¯s eyes furrowed after my sentence. He looked like he has always wanted to hear me say I want to fvck him. I didn¡¯t hesitate to and I wasn¡¯t lying either. If I could, then I¡¯d go naughty with him but it wasn¡¯t going to happen.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Emily-¡±


    ¡°You know James sensed it right? He knew we had something going on even though he didn¡¯t catch us in the act. He was this close though.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care, Emily, James is only jealous and pained.¡±


    ¡°Of course, you don¡¯t because you just tried kissing me again. You ain¡¯t thinking of what could have happened if he saw us smooching and doing all that?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m thinking okay? Fvck it, Emily, I¡¯m thinking!¡± He huffed. He did a 360 turn to face the wall and then gently hit the wall.


    ¡°Emily you have no idea. I want you so badly that I¡¯d kiss you in their front and tell them I love you. Why don¡¯t you get it? I love you, Emily!¡±


    My jaw dropped, Xavier confessed to being in love with me.

 58

    I have no idea if it¡¯s Xavier¡¯s confession making me feel this emotion or if it¡¯s the reality that no matter what he thinks he feels, we can never be together. I hated the way I randomly thought of it; I could be doing just anything and I¡¯d get hit with it, that no matter how extensively we kiss or do stuff, it wasn¡¯t in our favor.


    The library was the only quiet spot I could get so I walked there and gave the librarian my ID. I dropped my bags and put my phone in my pocket. I needed to think so I took a seat and pretended like I wanted to read a book.


    I walked to the end of the shelf and searched for a book cover that caught my interest. I stretched and picked up a book on Teenage hormones.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Duck it,¡± I blurted.


    I turned from the shelve and picked a seat. I sat at the outright end and fixed my gaze on the book. I flipped through the first pages and just paused when my eyes caught the word Infatuation. I was thinking of Xavier, the definition matched what I felt for him but more than it fitted him,  it fitted Devin. Trust me, I was confused and didn¡¯t need someone to exin that to me.


    I honestly couldn¡¯t believe he confessed to being in love with me. My jaw dropped open when he said it. I stood shocked and was unable to move. I still can¡¯t find the right reaction. After he confessed, he grabbed me and kissed me. I found myself right now, I was touching my bruised lips and reminiscing about his possessive kiss.


    His lips possessed mine and he kept saying he loves me so much. To an extent, I regret not kissing him back, I was so scared about getting caught that I didn¡¯t kiss him as I needed him. Xavier was everything, his stare on my skin made me feel like I was on top of the world.


    Whenever he held me, I didn¡¯t want him to leave me, whenever I slept, I wanted to wake up to him staring at me. Crazy but whenever I touched myself, I moaned his name imagining it was him fvcking me. It was that bad, my thoughts of him touching me turned me on.


    Everything felt crazy when our certainty hits. It always reminds me how impossible it was to have Xavier despite my cravings for him.


    ¡°I¡¯m not rted to Dad.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s married to her but didn¡¯t birth me. I¡¯m not his blood. Right?¡±


    I didn¡¯t realize how loud I said that till the girl sitting across me gave me a nk look, I was obviously talking like I was insane and disturbing her read.


    ¡°Ourgh, sorry,¡± I mouthed and turned my gaze back to the book. I raised it and used it to cover my face. I was pretending to read when I couldn¡¯t focus.


    Since Mom was only married to Dad and he wasn¡¯t my father, I thought of the likelihood of being with Xavier. We could elope after college or maybe, we could wait till we get a job and then get married. That way we would be adults and have a say in what we wanted.


    What if Mom divorced Dad and got back with my birth father? I¡¯d be able to have something with Xavier.


    I couldn¡¯t believe I was thinking of the possibility of Mom going back to James. If she went back to James, she would get everything she wanted because James was rich. He had everything and wouldn¡¯t hesitate to give her the world.


    If James took me then he would have my mom too; there was no way mom would let me stay with James alone. Jack¡¯s n was to get me, toe back and have his daughter and I was seeing the possibility of that now.


    ¡°If I let him take me, mom woulde along, and then¡­ Fuck, no!¡± I said in an undertone.


    ¡°How about mom leaves with James? That way I¡¯d be left alone with Dad and Xavier.¡±


    My thoughts were getting more chaotic but I was getting interested in what I had in mind. I nned to get mom to ept James then that way, her marriage with Dad would get dissolved and I¡¯d be able to have an epted rtionship with Xavier. That way, Xavier would no longer be my stepbrother.


    A smile crept on my lips and I let out a content chuckle. I took the note from the desk and returned it to the shelve. I checked my phone to see if Xavier texted but he didn¡¯t. After we kissed yesterday, he promised to make sure I was fine and said he¡¯d text me at school.


    At the thought of the kiss, I touched my lip. It felt sore and reminded me of how his kisses passionately owned my lips.


    His grip was tight and threatening, I couldn¡¯t move. I swallowed hard the lump in my throat. I was unable to stop my chest from rising and falling so rapidly. I didn¡¯t know what was going to happen but I knew I wanted him as much. My fingers dug into his back in response to the hotness he made me feel between my thigh.


    He made me crave him and I couldn¡¯t help it. What Xavier made me feel was powerful. His effect on my body was mind-blowing, my nipples hardened under my clothes and I gasped impatiently. I didn¡¯t want the moment to end but it ended rather too quickly.


    Now I¡¯m sitting down regretting why I didn¡¯t kiss him back and get his hands in my clothes. I loved it when he held my waist and held me tight against himself. I felt him get hard standing between me and I swallowed hard. We were ying games with our hormones and sooner orter we¡¯d face the consequences.


    Mom and Dad didn¡¯t weren¡¯t rich. I mean if they were, I wouldn¡¯t be sharing a room with Xavier and being tempted to sumb to his forceful passionate kisses. Our apartment was spacious but it wasn¡¯t the ideal house we should be living in. Mom was working two shifts and Dad was trying his best too but we just weren¡¯t there yet.


    Xavier was thinking of starting a shift while attending school. I never thought of that because I was still pretty young.


    I was lost in my thoughts, thinking randomly and staring at the book.


    ¡°Emily.¡±


    ¡°Emily?¡± a voice called after I felt his touch on my skin.

 59

    DEVIN¡¯s POV


    I moved past the whole ss looking for Emily. I wasn¡¯t sure which ss she had but I knew she was around. When I met her ssmate, she said Emily may be in the library. I grimaced wondering what she was doing in the library and just went looking for her.


    When I got into the library, I showed the blonde librarian my ID and tilted my head, searching for Emily. I hadn¡¯t seen her since the day began and had no idea what she wore. I just hoped I found her quickly.


    When I took a turn to the other side of the shelf, I found her sitting at the outright end. She was staring at a book and I just paused.


    I walked over to where she sat and called her but she was lost in her thoughts. She was obviously thinking and not reading.


    ¡°Emily.¡±


    ¡°Emily?¡±


    How could everyone else hear and totter their heads but she didn¡¯t?


    I touched her and called her name onest time. ¡°Emily.¡±


    She flinched at my touch but I could see her chest fall when she saw it was me. She looked beautiful¡­ Just a little worried and her face, her lips were bruised. I frowned at the thought that it could be a love bite.


    ¡°Devin,¡± she replied, in a rxing tone.


    ¡°Hey, I didn¡¯t know I¡¯ll meet you here. Just turned around and caught a glimpse of you.¡±


    It was obviously a lie, I knew I would see her here and that was the reason I came here.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, didn¡¯t mean to scare you or disturb you.¡±


    I could see the scared flick her face gave when she saw me. ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­ Uh, yeah,¡± she stammered.


    ¡°What are you thinking of? You didn¡¯t look like you were reading when I walked in.¡±


    ¡°Nah¡± she waved her left palm, ¡°I was reading. I was till I got oblivious of my surrounding.¡±


    Indeeeeeed.


    ¡°What book are you reading?¡± I asked gesturing to the book in her hands.


    ¡°Oh, this?¡± She implored, turning to the book. ¡°It¡¯s just a random book on Hormones.¡±


    My brows furrowed. Why was she reading a random book on hormones?


    Was she feeling something and was wondering if it was her hormone?


    I took the seat beside her and sat down. The next minutes werepletely silent. She barely said a word and I could tell she waspletely ufortable with me around.


    I should probably leave her but I¡¯ve felt the urge to see her since I met her father. I felt a surge of emotion, Emily made me feel something that I never felt. It felt like with her I didn¡¯t care what anyone thought. I just wanted to be myself around her and more than anything, I wanted to bepletely straightforward and honest.


    This feeling felt strange but if I was asked to exin what I feel for Emily, I¡¯ll only say I think I¡¯m in love with her. There was a problem though, Emily is a minor and how was I going to exin I was in love with a minor? Fuck it.


    Emily continued looking down at the book. It was visible that she was just staring nkly but her view was so perfect. Her hair was ited in a bun behind and some strands just fell on her face messily. Everything about her made me smile except the bruise on her lip.


    ¡°What got you bruised?¡± I asked.


    She raised her head to me and for a second, she said nothing. When she finally thought of something she said, ¡°it wall our kitchen wall, I was dizzy and got bruised.¡±


    I don¡¯t know if she wasn¡¯t hearing herself but she sound so unbelievable.


    ¡°You suck at lying, Emily.¡±


    ¡°But I¡¯m not lying,¡± she dragged.


    ¡°Maybe, but you¡¯re not saying the truth either.¡±


    ¡°Maybe.¡±


    I loved that she was finally sincere. I wasn¡¯t a kid, anyone could easily guess it was a rough kiss. I felt my skin prick the moment I thought of who could have kissed her. Was it Xavier? Of course.


    I tried removing the thoughts from my head as I stared at her. She was so adorable, I would want her too if I was her father.


    James exined he wanted Emily back, and he would do anything to have her. I understood his feeling and wondered if my parents would have done the same if they were alive or of I knew them.


    James was doing what every father would do, he was just doing his in a wrong way. He paid me to date his daughter and have myself turned in for dating a minor. ording to him, he¡¯d then file a case saying her mom wasn¡¯t taking care of her and ask for custody of her. That way, she¡¯d be taken away from her mother.


    I can¡¯t say I know much but I know Emily loves her mother and would never think of leaving her. James wanting to take her from her mother was just going to be a hard one for Emily but I couldn¡¯t do anything except take the job.


    I wasn¡¯t going to pretend about loving her because I already did. She made me care so much for a person who wasn¡¯t me. I just hated that I was already ying games that I was trying to avoid. I epted the job and money from James because I needed it not because I wanted to but Emily.


    ¡°I only came to check on you..¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah, thanks, Devin.¡±


    She wasn¡¯t sounding dismissive but I knew I needed to give her some time to think and possibly give myself a minute. If I had to do a clean job for James, then I needed to make the whole thing believable. I wouldn¡¯t just recline in silence with her this minute and ask her to be my girlfriend the next minute.


    I thought of something that I could say or do to release the tension between us.


    ¡°Will you be freeter today? For a walk or something.¡±


    I wasn¡¯t sure of her reply but I had to give it a try.


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    A content smile crept on my lips. She didn¡¯t even need a minute to think and that was a good one for me.


    ¡°Sure?¡± I asked re-confirming her reply.


    ¡°Yeah, sure.¡±


    I adjusted on the seat beside her and closed the gap between us. Her hair strand waszily falling on her face and I stretched my hands to tuck it behind her hair. At that point, she turned her head with her gaze falling on my face and her lips touching my hands.


    She looked so beautiful, adorable, and innocent. Her lips called mine but I couldn¡¯t afford to kiss her. I regret taking the job from James.

 60

    When we agreed on a spot, I left the library feeling euphoric. I walked into the restroom and just turned on the tap to wash my face.


    Everything about Emily made me happier, she was like a drug. I washed my face for some minutes and when I was done, I turned off the tap.


    I straightened my stance and looked at my reflection in the mirror. I brushed my hair backward with my hands and paused when I saw a reflection that wasn¡¯t mine.


    What the fuck was Xavier sneaking up on me?


    ¡°Look, I don¡¯t want to fight you, just get away from me.¡±


    He pulled away from the wall he leaned on and stood straight.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to fight you either.¡± He started.


    Pffff! That was a huge relief.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± I asked the moment I turned to meet him.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    ¡°I just came to talk.¡±


    What the hell did Xavier want to talk about? It obviously had to do with Emily. I knew he saw us the other day at the basketball court but I didn¡¯t do anything.


    Odd, right?


    ¡°Devin I need you to stay away from Emily,¡± he started. ¡°She¡¯s my sister and she¡¯s a minor.¡±


    Was be hearing himself? He was the one who was kissing his sister and having shit with a minor not me. I¡¯ve never touched or kissed Emily. The other day at the basketball court, I badly wanted to but I stopped myself knowing she was a minor. I respected that and ignored what I felt the urge to do.


    Okay fine, I have kissed her before but it was brief.


    The only time I can count I really touched Emily was the night at Nigel¡¯s party and I was only trying to protect her.


    ¡°Xavier I-¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± he interrupted me. ¡°I know I messed things up with you and Amelia. I also know I haven¡¯t been the best friend in the world but please leave Emily out of this.¡±


    He was out of his mind. Did he think I was going to use Emily as a revenge? Hell no!


    ¡°Don¡¯t y games with Emily, just leave her. Stay the fvck away from her, that¡¯s all I¡¯m asking.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t be serious Xavier.¡±


    ¡°Devin I¡¯m not fvcking joking. If there¡¯s still anything about Amelia, please put it aside. I don¡¯t want to hurt Emily, she¡¯s still a kid.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t stand the bullshit he was saying so I walked out on him. He knew she was a kid but went ahead to bruise her lips with a motherfucking kiss?


    So annoying!


    I wasn¡¯t ying games with Emily like he thinks. He sucks that he thinks I¡¯m like him. I was way over whatever happened with Amelia and the earlier he realizes that, the better.


    My strides paced faster as I walked out in anger. Xavier used to be that buddy I called whenever I needed anything. He was always there too, we drank, smoked, did all the nasty stuffs and still went to school. He knew the nature of my job and the reason I had to work there as a fighter. I took him a as a family till he fucking betrayed me.


    He knew how much I loved and cared for Amelia, he knew how I also wanted to be able to provide for her. Heughed when I took more shifts and fought more just to get the bucks and spend on Amelia. He also knew I was trying to hide my job from her because she had a phobia.


    All these he knew and still brought her there. The memories shed back and I just clenched my fist. Despite all these I tried to forgive him and get us back to normal but it never worked out.


    As usual, I ended my deep thoughts with ming my mother who dropped me in that fucking orphanage. I paused when I realized I had reached the spot where we agreed on. Emily wasn¡¯t there yet so I just took a seat on one of the benches.


    Shortly after, I raised my head to a figure approaching. It was Emily and she was walking hesitantly. When she sighted me, she gave a quick faded smile.


    ¡°Hey.¡±


    ¡°Hi,¡± she replied.


    ¡°Thought you wouldn¡¯t make it.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, uh.. I just had to do a few things beforeing.¡±


    I nodded in understanding. ¡°Let¡¯s take a seat.¡±


    I gestured to the bench but she looked nervous and ufortable. ¡°No, thanks.¡±


    I raised my brows wondering why she was feeling so ufortable. Am I that scary? Was she afraid i¡¯d hurt her?


    Not again.


    ¡°Listen,¡± I said and turned to her. ¡°It¡¯s fine if you want to go home because you feel ufortable around me. I understand okay? You can go home.¡±


    Her eyes flickered and she went mute. Why was she looking like she didn¡¯t hear what I just said?


    ¡°No it¡¯s not-¡± she tried to exin but I cut her short.


    ¡°I get it. Go home, Emily.¡±


    I closed the gap between us and ced a kiss on her forehead. I turned and walked away.


    She didn¡¯t move but I didn¡¯t turn back. I didn¡¯t have to make her do things against her wish. If she wasfortable around me or felt any slight thing for me, she wouldn¡¯t be so skeptical and nervous around me.


    I headed home, taking the short route where I met Jack the other time. I plugged in my earphone and listened to Polo G ¨C Hall of fame album.


    I was listening and walking when the music went off and a vibration followed. I checked the caller ID and it was Martha. What the hell did she want from me? My jaw clenched as the call connected.


    ¡°Hey hunny.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Common, you should see how great she talks about you. She says she¡¯d love to have another night with you. This time all night.¡±


    Her voice irked me, I could throw up just talking to her.


    ¡°I¡¯m not fucking interested.¡±


    ¡°Aww, that¡¯s the same thing you said thest time. You should really make up your mind, isn¡¯t this like your business or something?¡±


    ¡°Fvcking old folks isn¡¯t my business!!¡± I red up.


    ¡°She isn¡¯t even that old. Still about sixty-eight.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s older than my mother bitch.¡±


    ¡°But not older than your grand mum. Listen Devin, no one really cares who she¡¯s older than. I¡¯ve done so much for you already, all I need is for you to fvck my friends whenever I call you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll rather die.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t get me angry Devin.¡±


    ¡°Or else what? I could have you turned in for Statutory rape.¡±


    ¡°Quite ying, you fuck them on consent.¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t change the fact that I¡¯m 18 and you¡¯re 45.¡±


    ¡°Devin.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t even say it. You haven¡¯t done shit for me aside from stealing my innocence. I was only 15 Martha, fucking 15! Return my innocence and I¡¯ll pay you off.¡±

 61

    I¡¯ve been battling insomnia for some days. It just makes me stay up all night doing nothing. Sometimes I watch a movie to keep myself busy, y games, or likest night, stalk Emily.


    I stayed on my bed with my phone in my hands. I was trying to get Emily¡¯s social media ounts. I wanted to talk to her and tell her what happened earlier was fine and I wasn¡¯t mad but I had no way to contact her.


    I tried using her real name to search her up on Instagram but she didn¡¯t seem to have an ount or she just didn¡¯t use her real name. When I finally found an ount with her name, it had no pictures of her.


    I growled at the effortless effort and hurled my phone away. The only way to see her pictures was to check Gabby¡¯s ount. She made fun of her a lot and must have uploaded her picture. I got dressed for school and clutched my bag. I headed outside and put on my hood over my head.


    The purpose of the hood was to keep your head warm and shit but for me, it was to hide my face. I randomly thought of getting a bike or car. Walking to school every day was aggravating, I had no idea if I could continue till myst day in high school.


    I couldn¡¯t afford an expensive car but I could afford something simple like the truck Xavier drove. At the thought of him, I saw hime to a halt and Emilying down from the truck. She was dressed in a blue zip-up hoodie and skinny jeans. She wore a pair of sneakers and carried her bag pack.


    My eyes followed her as she climbed down from the truck and locked it behind her. She didn¡¯t wait for Xavier, she just headed straight to the entrance. I wanted to talk to her but I couldn¡¯t, her pace was fast and I wouldn¡¯t meet up except I shouted behind her and I really didn¡¯t have that energy. I waved the thought off and just twitched my lips the moment Xavier¡¯s gaze fell on me.


    I held his eyes with mine till he looked away and walked inside. I hated what we had turned into, we used to be friends and it was all lovely. I couldn¡¯t afford to sulk over our past friendship when I had a ss to attend. I moved inside and took the stairs. There was no way we could fix our issues now.


    Not when we¡¯re in love with the same girl. We can never go back to being brothers or buddies or whatever we used to be before Amelia.


    I got into the ss and took my locker. The teacher was yet to be in ss and I had about ten minutes more. I pulled my phone out of my sweatpants and checked my texts. I saw the notification box notify me of a new text and so I opened it.


    Him: I haven¡¯t seen you with Emily yet. Any sess with your ns or do you need some money?


    I looked at the text wondering why the hell I epted to get involved with him. It was James¡¯ text.


    Me: I¡¯m in ss.


    The moment I replied to him I shoved my phone back into my pocket and raised my head. I turned to the corner to catch a glimpse of Xavier but he was on his phone.


    The fourth period started with the teacher, Mr. Matthew asking way too many questions. I had no idea what I was being taught. He kept doing his calctions on the board and I just wondered when I¡¯d get the hell out.


    I passed thest Maths exam and I was overawed because I don¡¯t know shit about Trigonometry. When the ss finally came to an end and it was time to go home, I packed my bag into my bag and walked out of the ss. I went to the washroom and washed my face again.


    It was a habit and I bet that was why Xavier knew where to find me after school. I washed my face repeatedly and put water in my mouth. I spawled it out and looked at my reflection in the mirror. My phone jittered and when I looked it was another text from James.


    Him: I¡¯ll see you after school.


    I removed the text and walked out of the washroom. I walked back and met James at the exact spot I first met him.


    ¡°Hey son,¡± he called, waving from his car. He didn¡¯t look angry he just wore a nk expression and his sunsses hindered me from seeing his eyes.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    I took a few steps forward and got into the passenger seat with him.


    ¡°What¡¯s up, kid? I sent you a text.¡±


    ¡°I was in ss,¡± I huffed.


    ¡°Alright. Why haven¡¯t I seen you with Emily yet?¡±


    ¡°Because I haven¡¯t been with her.¡±


    ¡°Do you need me to send in money?¡± He asked. ¡°Okay text me your Cash app or PayPal, and I¡¯ll send you 500$.¡±


    I turned my face to the front door ss and just remained quiet. He was making it so hard to back off. James knows I need this money and he¡¯s offering to pay half the money just to have me be with the girl I love.


    ¡°Devin I¡¯m serious, I need this job done.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± I managed to reply. He wanted his daughter and I wanted his daughter too. We literally wanted the same girl for different reasons. He wanted Emily because he¡¯s her father and I wanted her because I was falling for her and it drove me crazy.


    ¡°You can get her interested in you with the money,¡± he suggested.


    Everything but that could work. Emily wasn¡¯t going to be moved by my money. She must have thought I was not rich and would wonder where I got the money from.


    I didn¡¯t want to impress her, I just wanted to be myself around her. That¡¯s how I know I feel something sincere. I don¡¯t want to unt anything or buy her gifts to get her interested in me. When I was in love with Amelia, I did things for her without her asking because wanted to impress her and make her love me but with Emily it was different.


    ¡°Emily isn¡¯t interested in my money. She¡¯s scared of me too, she knows I¡¯m a fighter.¡±


    ¡°Ohh.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, so that can¡¯t work.¡±


    ¡°We just have to work on your appearance. How about I change your wardrobe? That way you¡¯ll appear less intimidating.¡±


    Was he serious? Damn.

 62

    I¡¯ve started at myself in the mirror for over fifteen minutes. I look good but I feel awkward. Wearing Light colors have never been my thing yet James suggests we should try it.


    I huffed and adjusted my bag. It felt crazy to not wear a ck hoodie and pull the hood over my head. I wore a white pique polo shirt and a pair of blue jeans. The Nike shoes on my feet looked too good and expensive to be mine.


    I wasn¡¯t used to spending this much on clothes and shoes and it just makes me feel different.


    I walked into the school hallway with lockers and everyone turned their head in my direction. This has to be the hardest thing in history.


    I saw jaws drop while others touched the nearest person to them to turn their attention to me.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    I would have looked if I wasn¡¯t me. Seeing Devin the fighter without a hood covering my face and wearing new expensive clothes that were bright colors. Everyone could bet I was up to something.


    I couldn¡¯t keep walking with the whole gaze fixed on me so I turned to my right and headed to the restroom. I needed to catch a minute without these guys staring at me.


    I pushed the door open and sighed. A guy walked out of the restroom but nced at me in that weird way before he left. I signed up for this man, it got me nauseated.


    Walking in, my gaze met with Xavier who was washing his hands. He studied me from head to toe and let out a humorlessughter. I turned to the other sink and just washed my hands there. I was trying to avoid Xavier and his petty talks.


    ¡°Did you just walk in here to wash your hands or cause you feel ufortable in what you wore?¡±


    I ignored his question, still washing my hands.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to be sincere with you Devin, you look awful on that. Looks like you got beaten by a rainbow.¡±


    I swallowed the lump in my throat and just turned off the tap. I was trying to ignore him so he could leave but he looked like he had other ns.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have time for this, man.¡±


    I tried taking him off but that got him more interested in telling me how bad I looked in bright colors.


    ¡°You should have just stuck with your dark life. Trying something different doesn¡¯t suit you.¡±


    ¡°That shouldn¡¯t be your worries. You should watch out and cherish the moments you have with people you love.¡±


    He let out a soft chuckle and walked closer to me.


    ¡°And why are you being a motivational speaker?¡±


    He didn¡¯t let me reply before he walked away. I heaved a sigh of relief ¡¯cause he finally left but I felt insecure about how I looked wearing the clothes.


    A part of me didn¡¯t want to listen to Xavier but I knew he was saying the truth. I just didn¡¯t want him to get in my head but he already got in before I could control my thoughts.


    I walked to the mirror and looked at my reflection. The scars on my neck weren¡¯t visible but if you looked closer, you would catch a glimpse.


    sses already started by the time I got inside the ss and my lips twitched. I was d the teacher didn¡¯t make any fucking statement and so nobody threw those awkward stares in ss.


    When the bell rang, I checked my wristwatch. It was time for gym ss and I felt an excitement in me. I wasn¡¯t excited because gym ss was all fun but because I¡¯d get to see Emily and probably see her reaction to my new dress sense and choice of words.


    As I walked into the hallway, I kept my eyes fixed on nothing but my front.  I saw a little crowd gather at the corner of the hallway. To hell with them, I didn¡¯t want to look or get involved till I saw Gabby and her friends walking out from the crowd. The next thing I thought of was Emily and so I tilted my head searching for her.


    I found Emily leaning on her locker. She had an expression that looked like she was about to cry. I didn¡¯t need anyone to tell me Gabby and her girls bullied her. That was all they did, pick on Emily because of her petite body or for some reason that should probably fvck them.


    I walked closer to Emily and realized the reason they made fun of her was because of her wrong choice of clothes.


    Who the hell wears an ombre burnout tank with an overall?


    Fucking hell.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you should mind them,¡± I said leaning on the next locker. ¡°They¡¯re bullies and probably need someone to hit sense into them.¡±


    She gave a quick smile and said nothing. ¡°You look good.¡±


    I wasn¡¯t sure if I heard right but Emily just said I looked good and that was all I needed to feel certain about my clothes.


    I returned the smile and said a simple, ¡°Thank you.¡±


    She used her hands to cross over her chest and I could see she was feeling exposed. The least Xavier could do was to ask her to wear something else or get her a jacket. Although I said it was the least he could do, the best he did was to bruise Emily¡¯s lip ande threaten me.


    ¡°Are you okay? You can have this,¡± I suggested tossing my hoodie to her. I kept the hoodie in my bag in case I needed to wear it but she alreadyplimented me and made me feel I could go about wearing the clothe confidently.


    She raised her eyes to me. ¡°Devin,¡± she called and before I could say anything, she was throwing her arms around me.


    She hugged me so tight, that it took a second to return the hug and hold her back. She had this floral scent and it made me want to keep sniffing her.


    I used my hands to hold her hair and gently stroke it. She remained in my arms and I just raised my head to the figure standing across us.


    It was Xavier and he looked like he was going to shoot me if he had a Glock


    ¡°Thank you so much, you always kinda save me.¡±


    Emily¡¯s voice was cracky, it sounded like she was about to cry.


    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t cry,¡± I replied stroking her hair. I turned my stare back to Xavier and smiled at him.


    It wasn¡¯t the best thing to do but I loved that he saw Emily hug me. That way he¡¯d know I didn¡¯t force myself on her.

 63

    When I got back home all I could think of was Emily¡¯s hug and how she scented like a flower. I made up my mind not to wash the shirt because it¡¯s my good luck shirt. I sniffed it randomly and smiled.


    After eating, I realized that I needed to get some groceries. I stood up and picked the same white pique polo and wore it over my sweatpants. I picked up a matching baseball cap and wore it. I slid my legs into my palm slippers and headed to the mall. I was out of groceries and needed to get some things.


    When I picked up everything I needed, I walked to the counter and handed the cashier my card.


    ¡°Thank you, sir, see you next time,¡± she smiled.


    I gave a quick nod and rolled the shopping cart out, so the next customer can be attended to. I gged a taxi and was getting my things in the trunk of the car when my phone buzzed. It¡¯s been only one person texting me since these days and it was James.


    I read his text and gave a quick smile. It felt like after Emily hugged me I began smiling at everything and anyone.


    Him: The new color sense was a good idea.


    It was till Xavier said all those petty shit in the bathroom. I was this close to pulling my hoodie over my head because I was insecure. d I met Emily whoplimented and hugged me and saved my ass.


    Me: Yeah it was.


    I shoved my phone back in my pockets and lowered myself into the backseat. The ride was going to be a long one.


    In less than two minutes, I received another text.


    Him: I guess you know what to do next.


    What was he thinking I¡¯d do next? Ask her to be my girlfriend already?


    ¡°That¡¯s not how this works,¡± I muttered.


    Me: I know but I can¡¯t do that yet. I need some time, we need to take things slowly.


    I pressed on the send button and heaved a sigh. James wasn¡¯t serious, he couldn¡¯t be.


    Instead of a text, a call came in. When I saw the caller was James, I swiped up and ced the phone on my ear.


    ¡°Yeah?¡±


    ¡°What the hell do you mean by you need some time?¡±


    ¡°Rx,¡± I first said when I sensed he was pissed. ¡°I meant it wouldn¡¯t look real if I asked her to be my girlfriend or just kiss her from the blues.¡±


    ¡°I need this job done as soon as possible.¡±


    ¡°It has to be a clean job. If I rush Emily she¡¯ll only run away from me. She¡¯s already scared of me and anything else can trigger her uncertainty about me.¡±


    ¡°Do I look like I fucking care? I don¡¯t have all that time Devin! I don¡¯t have forever!¡±


    ¡°I know, I know. Can you stop shouting and just listen to me?¡±


    I heard him huff over the call and I just kept asking him to calm down.


    ¡°I have this all figured out, all you have to do is trust me and of course, be patient.¡±


    ¡°I do not have that time Devin. I came to you because you¡¯re the hottest and most feared male. You don¡¯t think I¡¯d have anyone else do this if you weren¡¯t my top pick?¡±


    I remained mute. Such apliment.


    ¡°I chose you because I know how easy it would be for girls to fall for you. I need you to get Emily for me.¡±


    Why the hell would he be so desperate? Other fathers would yank me away from their girls but him?


    ¡°She hugged me today. I just need her to befortable before I can attempt to say or do anything.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care if you kiss her already, you should be doing your job.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t just kiss her like that, it doesn¡¯t make any sense.¡±


    Seriously, I was beginning to feel scared for Emily. I need the money but who knew what this man really wanted to do with his child.


    ¡°I need Emily before the next term begins.¡±


    ¡°I do too,¡± I whispered, making sure he didn¡¯t hear that part. How was I going to tell him I was interested in getting Emily as much as he was?


    He sees the whole plot like it is just a n to get his daughter for him but it wasn¡¯t. What I felt wasn¡¯t a joke and I wasn¡¯t acting based on his script. I felt something for Emily and it made me crave her badly. I craved her touch, her voice, her lips, and every single thing about her. It drove me crazy to be this obsessed with a person, but I didn¡¯t hate what Emily made me feel. She made me feel alive and that was more than whatever amount James was paying.


    ¡°You have no idea how I need Emily,¡± James¡¯ angry voice exined.


    ¡°James I know that.¡±


    That wasn¡¯t meant to sound so rude but damn, it did anyway.


    ¡± you don¡¯t. You¡¯re only acting all considerate when in reality you¡¯re wasting my fucking time. If this was Xavier¡¯s job I can bet on my life he¡¯d have had her lips bruised and had a visible boner too.¡±This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    ¡°I-¡±


    Before I could say anything, James disconnected the call. I let out a deep breath and shoved the phone back.


    I knew Xavier had been up to something since I noticed how he started possessively at Emily. It was like he could kill anyone who came close to her.


    After seeing Emily hug me, I could see the fierceness of his eyes and how his jaw clenched. I loved how I made him feel but I hated how I felt knowing he bruised her lips and had a fucking boner.


    James must have seen them for him to be able to say it. The thought of it irked him. Xavier was Emily¡¯s brother. Even if they weren¡¯t rted by blood, the marriage between their parents was supposed to bond them in some sort of way.


    I angrily got down from the cab when it reached my destination. I offloaded the things I bought from Walmart and paid the driver. I got inside and took the grocery inside the store.


    I couldn¡¯t control how angry I felt, I stormed outside and stopped a taxi. I told him my destination and he gave a nod. I needed to see Emily and Xavier but I needed to have a n.


    I stopped at the movie house and bought three tickets for me, Emily and Xavier. I shoved the tickets in my pocket and walked outside. I took the cab waiting and headed to their house.


    My previous visit had their mom staring at me like a criminal. She doubted most of the things I said and always looked for a way to make me feel like she was not buying my story.


    I waved off the thoughts and tried to focus on something else to keep myself in check. I couldn¡¯t afford to appear there angry, I could get triggered and throw a fucking fist at Xavier.


    The moment their mom opened the door, I swallowed the lump in my throat.


    ¡°Yeah?¡±


    ¡°Good day ma¡¯am. I¡¯m here to see Emily and Xavier. We¡¯re supposed to see a movie together,¡± I raised the tickets so she could at least believe it.

 64

    She looked at me for a second and gestured me in. she wasn¡¯t wearing that nk expression that made me wonder what the heck she was thinking. She looked tired and just wanted to get some rest. I sat on the couch hoping I don¡¯t get involved in interrogations like thest time.


    I took a moment to look around the house. The wall was painted in a cream colour and it looked like it needed a retouch. Aside that everything else looked pretty okay. My eyes caught Emily¡¯s baby picture hung on the wall. The picture looked like it was taken in a birthday party because she held balloons in her hands. Her blue ball gown looked fitted and she wore a matching hair band. She wore a big smile and held her mom. The resemnce was striking and I could point where Emily got most of her features from.


    My observation was trailed off with Xavier walking in with Emily behind him. Emily had same look I saw on her mother¡¯s face, like she was tired and couldn¡¯t wait to get good rest. I felt the urge to throw my arms around her but I couldn¡¯t since her mom was there and Xavier was standing right in front of her.


    My eyes fell on her clothes and I frowned when I saw she was wearing Xavier¡¯s hoodie. I know it¡¯s his because I¡¯ve seen him on it countless times. Xavier wore a ck Jacket over his shirt and trousers. We all coincidentally dressed in ck and all of a sudden I was wishing Emily never returned my hoodie and she kept it.


    ¡°Aww, you guys look like siblings,¡± She said out loud.


    My lips twitched with herpliment. There was no way I wanted to be Emily¡¯s brother. It would be so hard being siblings with the girl you¡¯re in love with and that would mean never having something real.


    Emily¡¯s mother walked right to where we stood and took off her apron. I didn¡¯t see the apron when I first came in, it must have hidden. She was always cooking, serving or just doing something in the kitchen.


    ¡°E,¡± Xavier mumbled. He said it an undertone so his step-mom didn¡¯t hear but I did.


    ¡°I really wanted triplets,¡± She added. ¡°I used to find twins really cute and wanted one for myself.¡±


    I had no idea what to do with that information but I gave a quick smile, hoping the story ends.


    ¡°When I found out I was pregnant I hoped it would be twins or even triplets.¡±


    ¡°Tada, you got me,¡± Emily added interrupting and rolling her eyes.


    ¡°Yes Sweetie, I got you and your big brother.¡± She moved closer to Xavier and touched his cheek. Their father walked in from the doorway. He was wearing a shirt over his shorts. He held a tool box in his hands and I could guess he was doing some home maintenance.


    ¡°Look who we have here,¡± He teased, gesturing to me. ¡°Hey.¡±


    I waved and wore a smile. He didn¡¯t look like he was in a hurry to get back to his maintenance and that made me huff.


    ¡°No drinking guys.¡± He turned to Xavier and then to me. ¡°I don¡¯t want you three drinking. Is that understood?¡±


    I nodded and gave a quick reply before Xavier could say anything. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure of that, sir. Emily and Xavier will have just water.¡±


    ¡°I hope so, these kids are a handful sometimes.¡±


    ¡°I need you guys to get back home before 11,¡± Their mom added.


    ¡°Okay. Can we go now?¡± Emily asked clearly tired of hearing the rules.


    ¡°Sure Sweetie. Take care of your sister, Xavier. Boys take care of yourselves.¡±


    Xavier wore his fakest smile and we stormed out of the house.


    It wasn¡¯t sunset yet, we walked to the driveway and Emily stopped walking all of a sudden.


    I turned back to see her standing and asked what happened.


    ¡°What¡¯s this about?¡± She asked. ¡°I can barely remember nning a movie date plus I¡¯m sleep deprived.¡±


    ¡°I was going to say same thing,¡± Xavier added.


    ¡°But you didn¡¯t.¡± She was folding her hands. ¡°Listen Devin, I can¡¯t have someone wake me and find out we¡¯re seeing a horror movie at the cinema. Tell me what is going on.¡±


    ¡°We are not seeing a horror movie since you¡¯re scared of horror movies.¡±


    ¡°So what are we doing out here?¡± Xavier asked me. Before I could reply, he was already asking a bunch of annoying questions. ¡°You¡¯re up to something, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Xavier can you stop asking questions and let him tell us.¡±


    ¡°I already know. Devin works for notorious men and gets paid. He probably wants to share the money with us, I¡¯m all in as long as I don¡¯t get involved in shit.¡± My heart raced faster as soon as Xavier finished. Did he have an idea I was working for James?


    Was he going to do the same thing he did with Amelia? Fucking hell. Before I could think of anything to say in my defence, Emily pped her hands together.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind either. I don¡¯t care who he fights, as long as he doesn¡¯t hit me. I really need a bowl of ice cream.¡±Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    A smile crept on my lips knowing Emily didn¡¯t care about the nature of my job. I felt a flush of relief and I smiled harder.


    I looked at the two of them and cleared my throat. ¡°I¡¯m not up to anything, I just wanted us to hangout. It was kind of a surprise till I had to exin to your parents.¡±


    ¡°Right. Can I get an ice cream?¡± she tilted her head to me. ¡°And popcorn.¡±


    ¡°Of course you can.¡±


    I stopped a cab and we got in. I saw how a furrow appeared on Xavier¡¯s forehead when he saw I was entering the backseat with Emily.


    He jealously pulled open the passenger door and sat in. He was obviously not thinking straight because he didn¡¯t fasten his seatbelt.


    ¡°Xavier,¡± Emily called from beside me.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Your seatbelt. Fasten your seatbelt already.¡±


    He huffed and looked at the side mirror where our eyes met. He looked at me and I held his eyes. He broke the stare and fastened his seatbelt. The ride was silent till Emily started watching a reel on her phone and showed it to me. I smiled in response to the video, I knew how pissed Xavier already was because I was sitting next to her.


    ¡°I actually love pets,¡± she randomly added after watching four videos of dogs.


    ¡°Me too.¡±


    I wasn¡¯t lying but I wasn¡¯t saying the truth either. I had never thought of pets before but now that Emily mentioned it, I was going to give it a thought.

 65

    XAVIER¡¯S POV


    The lobby of the theatre was quiet when we walked in. Devin walked to the movie ticket counter and showed them our tickets.


    ¡°What¡¯s showing?¡± Emily asked him.


    ¡°The final days started between twenty to twenty-five minutes ago. We can make a pick, After starts in theatre four in ten minutes.¡±


    My jaw squeezed hearing that. I didn¡¯t know how to feel about letting Emily see a romantic movie with Devin.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that like a romance movie?¡±


    Devin turned his head to me and gave a nod. I was going to tell him to make another pick but Emily insisted we saw the movie.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine with a romance movie. I can¡¯t deal with horror or any other thing you have in mind, Xavier.¡±


    We got into the theatre and sat down. I couldn¡¯t help but feel a surge of jealousy whenever Emily stayed closer to Devin. It was like she was feelingfortable around him and that sucks.


    We saw the movie and Emily randomly wore a big cheesy smile and gleamed. I could notice her blushing cheek even in the dark theatre because of her little snorts.


    The hood covered most of her face but I could still catch a glimpse of her.


    When the movie was over, we got back home; Emily and I. Devin offered to drop us but I declined and reminded him I could take care of my sister.


    We got inside the house and met mom in the sitting room. She had a nket around her shoulders and ushered us in. Asked if we had fun and checked us to see if there was anything she could hold against us.


    Luckily we didn¡¯t smell like alcohol or weed or whatever she was expecting. She wished us a good night¡¯s rest and retired to bed.


    Iy on the bed after a shower and kept staring nkly at the ceiling. I never noticed how the shapes in the room were all analogous.


    I turned to the other side of the bed to look at Emily but she was fast asleep and had the duvet over her. I couldn¡¯t sleep, I justy on my bed.


    BThe door opened and I saw mom taking a peek into the room. I pretended to sleep and she looked around and left. It was the third time in just 4 hours. I hated that she found it necessary to sneak up on me and Emily to see if we were up to anything.


    I felt the urge to yell at her to leave us alone but I couldn¡¯t. Everyone including mom now sees me as the bad guy they have to protect Emily from. It was crazy that Emily even felt morefortable with the real bad guy, Devin.


    *****


    I got dressed for school and grabbed a cup of coffee while waiting for Emily to get ready. She was taking a lot of time but I didn¡¯t mind because I was tired of Gabby bullying her and having her hug Devin, fuck it.


    When she was ready, I stood up from the chair and we walked outside. My truck had a battery problem and so we couldn¡¯t use it.  We nned to catch a bus we got outside but we saw James¡¯ car parked outside. He was leaning over his car with his shades on.


    Emily and I turned to look at each other and then returned our gaze to him. ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± Emily asked in an undertone.


    I observed for a second and then replied to her, ¡°I have no idea.¡±


    ¡°Emily,¡± James called walking towards us. He wore a wide smile that made me squeeze my jaw.


    Emily didn¡¯t respond to her name, she just stood still as if waiting for an exnation of why he was there.


    ¡°I came to get you to school,¡± he announced. ¡°You both.¡±Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    He didn¡¯t look at me, he just focused on Emily. I hated the way he grinned while talking to her. Images of how he threw his fist at me filled my head and I just huffed.


    ¡°I¡¯ll rather walk.¡±


    James turned his head to me and then to his right. I followed his line of vision and saw he was looking at mom.


    ¡°Xavier?¡± she called.


    Fucking hell, I would honestly walk to Arizona and back if it meant I didn¡¯t get to seat in his car. He irked me and I couldn¡¯t bring myself to ept his ride.


    ¡°You are going to get grounded if you disobey me and walk.¡± Her voice was cracky as she spoke.


    I swallowed the lump that irritation formed and just clenched my fist. I looked at mom and then at Dad. She was leaning on him for support and he wrapped his arms around her shoulders.


    BBI noticed the dark circles under her eyes and the wrinkles on her forehead. Her face looked pale like she had the flu. I had no idea, I would possibly me it on sneaking up on me and Emily all night. She barely had a good rest and that was due to herck of trust.


    Emily looked at her mother with her facial expression changing. Why was mom going to ground us for not wanting to follow James? I mean, wasn¡¯t she the one who said Emily needed some time and James should leave her alone?


    ¡°Get in the car now,¡± she ordered, pointing to the Lexus parked across from where we stood.


    ¡°I need a break.¡± Emily rolled her eyes and took hesitant steps to the car.


    I was the one remaining, I had my hands fixed on the pockets of my hoodie. ¡°Fucking hell,¡± I muttered and joined Emily in the backseat.


    James and I held our eyes for a second and then I walked away. I lowered myself beside her and just looked away. She sat quietly not wanting to say anything.


    I could tell she was pissed but was trying to remain calm. She curled the hem of her clothes around her fingers.


    My stomach grumbled and I felt a sharp pain. Hell no, the waffles I had didn¡¯t digest. I felt like jumping out of the car but I couldn¡¯t. I just held my stomach hoping that James drove faster so I could use the restroom.


    My earphone was plugged into my ear with Kanye¡¯s album ying. I took deep breaths and just remained calm, listening to the music.


    Emily did the same, she remained calm and asked James no questions. When he asked her, she responded dismissively and continued looking at the reels on her phone.


    She was watching a video of dogs and I couldn¡¯t help but remember when she showed a simr video to Devin during the ride.


    Pfffff! Girls and dogs.

 66

    Getting back from school and I could still feel my tummy make that grumbling sound. I walked to the kitchen to get a ss of water but stopped halfway when I heard sobs. I tiptoed to the door and ced my ear to the door so I could eavesdrop.


    ¡°I¡¯m so scared, she¡¯s all I have. I can¡¯t lose her.¡± She hupped and continued sobbing.


    It¡¯s mom but I don¡¯t understand why she¡¯d be crying about losing Emily. Does it have something to do with James and did he want to take her away?


    ¡°Listen, you¡¯re not going to lose Emily, just rx okay? We¡¯ll figure this out.¡±


    ¡°How do you think we will? Child service wants us to get Emily out of here and take her to a good environment. How do we do that? We don¡¯t have the money.¡±


    ¡°I know. I know that.¡±


    ¡°James is behind this. He¡¯s using what happened with Xavier to try to to get her. I can¡¯t believe he¡¯s trying to take my baby girl after rejecting her.¡±


    I swallowed the lump in my throat. He was obviously up to something but I never thought it would be to take Emily from her mom. I thought he only wanted to be given a chance in Emily¡¯s life and not take all the chances.


    ¡°I regret signing that contract.¡±


    I paused and listened carefully. What Contract was she talking of?


    ¡°If I didn¡¯t ept and sign that contract to he his wife I wouldn¡¯t be in this mess. I just needed the pay and I got stuck with Emily¡¯s pregnancy. She was a mistake and I didn¡¯t want to get pregnant for James. I tried to keep the baby and I begged him to ept her for ten whole years. Fucking ten years!¡± She yelled and sniffed.


    Damn!


    Dad wrapped his arms around her and tried calming her down. I couldn¡¯t believe all I just heard. Mom just called Emily a mistake. It could have been Emily standing here and eavesdropping. What happens when she finds out that aside wanting twins and triplets like she made us believe, she didn¡¯t n to have Emily.


    Fucking hell, this was more than I expected.


    I leaned on the wall and closed my eyes. I felt a sensational pain, I could feel my heart physically breaking.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay hunny,¡± Dad reminded her. ¡°I told you what I could do. I¡¯ll put the car up for sale and take a loan.¡±


    ¡°What the fuck?¡± I mistakenly blurted out.


    The moment I realized my mistake, I stared at my phone and pretended it was my phone that made me exim that.


    Their head turned in my direction. Mom was so tensed and hurriedly wiped the tears away from her eyes.


    ¡°Xavier?¡±


    I pretended not to hear them. I was d to still have my earphones plugged into my ear so it looked real.


    Mom let out a deep breathe and just walked closer to me. Dad walked behind her.


    ¡°Have you been standing there for long?¡± She asked.


    ¡°I PROMISE I DIDN¡¯T FART,¡± I screamed, pretending to be listening to loud music.


    She gave a relieved smile and turned to Dad.


    I held my tummy and screamed, ¡°OH FUCK, I MAY IF I DON¡¯T LEAVE.¡±


    I stormed out and got into the restroom. I locked the door behind me and leaned on the door.


    What the hell was going on? This was too much to process.


    First Emily was called a mistake, then I heard mom say she was in a contract marriage with James, then Child service needs Emily to be kept in a safer environment because of me?


    Not just that, Dad was going to put his car up for sale and take a loan. This wasn¡¯t the kind of way I wanted my evening to go. I couldn¡¯t think straight, I just kept sniffing to hold back the tears.


    Whoever said men don¡¯t cry probably never been in situations like this. This was hell of a messy situation to be in.


    Dad selling his car and taking a loan wouldn¡¯t even provide Emily the kind of house child service may want.


    It just gets me crazy to think that there was a whole lot to do.


    I remained in the restroom without the need to be. I just wanted the quiet space to think. What was I going to do?


    My pay wouldn¡¯t help, it could only get us meals if it got so bad. My mind thought of Devin and I tried waving him off my mind.


    Why should I ask Devin for help?


    That was the silliest thing to think of but I had no option. I couldn¡¯t help but think of how much money he has made from fighting. No, I wasn¡¯t thinking of bing a fighter but I was thinking of asking him to help me.


    With some cash? I needed as much as I could get. I love Emily and I can¡¯t stand seeing her get taken away. It would kill and haunt me to know I could have done something.


    I can¡¯t possibly start apologizing to him for what happened with Amelia. I already gave him the closest thing I could the other day at the school restroom when I asked him to leave Emily out of this.


    I couldn¡¯t just wrap my head around the idea of apologizing to Devin.


    Four years ago is a long time and he should be over it if he wasn¡¯t a jerk.


    I flushed and flung open the door. Since I was acting, everything I did had to look real including the fake usage of the restroom. I washed my hands and went out.


    When I got to the sitting room, Mom wasn¡¯t there. I picked up my jacket and wallet from the couch. I slid my wallet in my back pocket and wore the jacket on my shirt.


    I had fifteen minutes left before it was my shift time and I just had to storm out without seeing Emily. I couldn¡¯t stand a chance to look her in her eyes and not get somewhat emotional.


    It was crazy thinking of how it would be if she was taken away. I took the shorter route and started walking to Starbucks. I worked as a barista there but would rather take tea.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    I hated the stereotype that said all baristas were caffeine addicts. I wasn¡¯t one, in fact I couldn¡¯t be. My speed increased when I realized I had been slower and was running out of time.


    I heaved a sigh and just continued driving faster till I got to the building. I pushed open the vague door and got to the back door. I needed to change into my uniform.

 67

    I took off my shirt and wore my uniform, It was an orange polo T-shirt. I wore my jacket and headed to the counter. ¡°Hey,¡± the barista on duty waved, taking off his uniform. ¡°I made it early,¡± I brushed him off. Heughed and wish me a good night.


    As I walked over to the counter where the queue was, a blonde approached the counter and smiled at me. ¡°Hey handsome.¡±


    I wasn¡¯t used to flirting on duty or let¡¯s just say what happened earlier already messed with me and I was having a bad evening. I raised up my head to her waiting for her order. When she saw I wasn¡¯t returning her flirtatious pleasantries she grimaced and made her order. ¡°A cup of dark coffee.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± I replied and handed it over to her. She dropped $5 on the counter and pushed it to me. I gave her a faint smile and turned my head to the next customer. ¡°Cappino, please.¡±


    I nodded and got her order. She whispered a ¡°Thank you.¡±


    By the time my shift was over, I changed back into my clothes and picked my keys. As I walked over to the counter where the queue was, I sighted Emily sitting at a friendless table with Devin. My shift was to end in three hours and I was grateful time went faster.


    Immediately I saw Devin, he saw me too. He gestured Emily to look at me and she did. Turning her head to my direction I realized she was on something different. She wore a one shoulder green gown and packed her hair in a messy bun. Her face looked brighter than usual and it irked me to know it was Devin making her smile hard.


    My lips twitched as I looked at her. I took few steps till I was at the table. ¡°What the hell are you both doing here together?¡±


    I didn¡¯t care if I sounded possessive or whatever, I just wanted an exnation as to why they were together and not just in a random ce, in my working ce!


    Emily looked at me for a second and replied, ¡°We came to see you. We¡¯ve been waiting for a while.¡±


    Waiting for me with Devin? What was she saying??


    ¡°Emily you-¡±


    She trailed me off and held my hands. ¡°Come and have some, there¡¯s enough waffles.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± I wasn¡¯t going to have any of that, not when it was the reason I got a runny stomach in the first ce.


    ¡°Hey Man,¡± Devin called and brought his hand for a handshake.


    Since when did I be his friend and let him take my sister on a date? I ignored his hands and turned back to Emily.


    ¡°You are supposed to be home, Emily.¡±


    ¡°But I¡¯m here, not like we won¡¯t go home together.¡±


    I hated how she was able to turn words in her favour. Fuck, she knew what I meant. She wasn¡¯t supposed to be here with Devin.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get out of here, I¡¯m leaving already.¡± I stormed out before Emily had the chance to say anything. I got to where I parked and got inside the car. I turned on the ignition and Emily appeared. ¡°Why are you acting strange?¡±


    I didn¡¯t owe her any reply so I ignored her question too. I waited so she could get in the car but she was ying around and I was losing my patience. She pulled open the passenger door and got in. Devin took the back seat and my lips twitched. I ran my hands through my hair and drove away.


    I remained silent throughout the drive and it made them both ufortable. I didn¡¯t have anything to say them, I was more worried about the situation at home. I pulled into Devin¡¯s driveway and held the brake. He sure as hell wasn¡¯t expecting me to take him home with us, was he?


    What did he take himself as? A sibling like mom called him or what?


    ¡°Xavier I told your mom I was going to return Emily.¡±


    My jaw clenched and I just couldn¡¯t wait to have him out of my car. He got the message and stepped down from the car.


    ******


    Mom was so good with hiding her problems. She dished some baked rice into the te and handed it to me. ¡°Thanks,¡± I managed to say.


    Emily was sitting beside me but wasn¡¯t paying attention to any damn thing. She kept smiling at her phone and I just fisted my hands under the table. I ate a little and lost my appetite. I just yed with the fork and turned it in circles on my te.


    I couldn¡¯t hold it so I peeked at her phone¡¯s screen. A message popped on the screen and it was Devin who sent her his pictures. I dropped my fork on the te and stormed out of the dinning.


    ¡°Xavier?¡± Mom called but I was too angry to stop. ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°Did something happen?¡± She asked Emily.


    I didn¡¯t wait to hear Emily¡¯s reply, she was obviously going to say nothing happened.


    Of course it was nothing to her but hanging out with Devin was something. Overhearing our Parents conversation about child service, the car, the loan and James was enough to make me lose my appetite and get moody. It was definitely enough trouble.


    Emily was fast asleep on her bed. I stared at her from where I sat and turned away. She texted all evening and even slept off texting. I walked to my table and picked up the lighter there. I used the backdoor and stayed out. As I was about burning the tip of the cigarette on my lip, I noticed his shadow.


    I turned to his direction and stood in front of him. ¡°What are you doing here thiste?¡±This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    ¡°I should be asking you that,¡± James responded, leaning on the wall.


    ¡°No you shouldn¡¯t. This is my house and I have the right to be here, you¡¯re the one who shouldn¡¯t be here.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡±


    ¡°Well ¡¯cause it¡¯s bad to sneak into people¡¯s homete at night.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s also bad to be smoking out here, two wrongs don¡¯t make a right Xavier.¡±


    ¡°Who fucking cares? I¡¯m eighteen and old enough to make my choices.¡±


    ¡°You are but it doesn¡¯t make it right either.¡±


    ¡°I need you to get the fuck out of here,¡± I  replied belligerently.


    ¡°Or else?¡±


    ¡°Or else I¡¯ll throw a fist at you and tell them you came here to kidnap me.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to lie Man.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be here.¡± I looked him straight in his eyes and made sure he left.

 68

    Xavier¡¯s POV


    My night was short as hell. I rolled to the side of the bed and used my hands to block my face from the sunlight. I yawned, stretched, and stood up from the bed.


    Emily¡¯s bed was empty and then it dawned on me that I overslept. Izily slid my legs into the slippers and walked into the bathroom. I brushed my teeth and ran a quick bath.


    I got dressed in a ck tank top, a zip-up hoodie, and sweatpants. I brushed my hair with the brush I found on the table. It wasn¡¯t mine and since it was a purple brush, I could easily guess it belongs to Emily.


    I picked the crocs from the shoe rack and headed out of the room. I got to the dining mom. She was facing the wall and sniffing. She looked like she had a breakdown while serving breakfast. I stood there for a second contemting if I should say something or hug her or act like I didn¡¯t see her.


    I once read that sometimes when people cry, they¡¯d rather you don¡¯t ask what happened. I can barely remember where I read that from but that line just remained in my head.


    Before I could decide on which option to take, she noticed my presence and began wiping her eyes. She turned in my direction and wore arge smile.


    If I didn¡¯t see her crying a minute ago, I¡¯d have never thought she was going through anything. She was good at hiding behind that beautiful smile of hers. She still looked pale and her eyes wet but she was wearing a wide smile and acting like I didn¡¯t just see her cry.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Hey Xavier,¡± she called. ¡°Have some.¡±


    I nodded and sat on the chair. I stretched and got some of the roasted rice into the te. She was pretending like she was fine and I was going to pretend I didn¡¯t see her cry.


    I didn¡¯t see Emily around. I ate and thanked her for the meal. I stormed out and looked around. I was supposed to wash Dad¡¯s car but I overslept. I checked to see if he washed it himself but his car wasn¡¯t where it was parked. Instead, he and mom stood beside her old car.


    I huffed watching them try to start the abandoned car. It wasn¡¯t starting and mom just stood there with her hands on her waist. She used her hand to wipe her forehead and exhaled.


    I walked toward them and handed Dad my keys.


    ¡°Here, you can use my truck.¡±


    Mom turned. ¡°But you and Emily-¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll catch a taxi or something.¡±


    Emily approached us and I just gave a nod to Dad.


    We entered a Taxi and rxed in the back seat. I was still somewhat mad at Emily. I barely talked to her and even when she randomly asked me questions, I yed deaf.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Dad¡¯s car? Is it bad or something?¡±


    ¡°No idea.¡±


    I didn¡¯t say more than that nor did I engage in her stories. When we got to school, I paid the driver and walked away before she could ask me anything.


    I knew what was going on in her head. She was wondering what got me pissed, asking herself if it was the outing with Devin or the picture I saw.


    I walked into the empty ssroom and crouched at my desk. I have to give myself a break from thinking. The teachers came in and I just sat with my elbow on the table wedging my face. I gently stepped on the paper beneath my legs.


    I couldn¡¯t help but think of a possible solution if I made it up to Devin. I shoved my phone back in my pocket and sat down still. I was contemting if it was the right decision to make.


    I finally made up my mind to talk to Devin. I stormed out the moment the bell rang and went in search of Devin. I checked the restroom but couldn¡¯t find either of them, checked the cafeteria and then the back of the school.


    As I got to the back of the school, I noticed some guys.


    ¡°You can have all of that for just $500.¡±


    ¡°No man, let me get it for $300. I just want to get high and shit.¡±


    I stood right behind the door a   listened to their conversation. I wasn¡¯t going to judge them because the supplier probably needed the cash for something like I did and selling drugs was his way out just like apologizing and making It up with Devin was mine.


    When they turned to me, I acted like I didn¡¯t hear shit. I bent my head and looked at the screen of my phone before walking away. Thetter guy supplied drugs to students. It was illegal and fucking wrong but it wasn¡¯t my business and I had no right to be in their business.


    I howled at how stressed I was searching for Devin and I hated how aggravating it was because I had no damn idea where he could be. I thought of asking Emily since they¡¯ve be best of friends in such a short time and he probably would have texted her today.


    I waved the thought that they could possibly be together and that was why it was this hard to find him. ¡°That better not be,¡± I blurted in an undertone.


    My stomach grumbled as I walked back to the school. I used the hallway and headed to my locker. I needed to drop my books if I was going to search for Devin till I found him. It was a matter of urgency for me and I couldn¡¯t back down. I pulled open the locker. The blue school locker was one foot wide, one foot deep and six feet tall.


    I dropped my books and a few things in the locker before locking it. I knew where to find Emily, she was that predictable.


    I walked to the library and showed the blonde woman my ID card. She was dressed in a Ran sleeve with a grey high waist skirt. I didn¡¯t have much time to look at her, she was way older than I was.


    I got inside and looked around for Emily. She didn¡¯t have a particr chair so it made it harder to spot her immediately. I got to the end part of the reading area and took gentle steps to the row. When I finally saw Emily, I clenched my fist.


    ¡°Fuck it.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t just Emily but she was with Devin and he was kissing her.

 69

    Xavier¡¯s POV


    Anger prompted me to action and I just dragged Devin away from Emily.


    ¡°What the fuck are you doing?¡± He asked the moment I grabbed him by his shirt.


    ¡°About to beat the hell out of your ass.¡±


    He zips from his seat and smashes into me. His body is heavy and hard, and I yelp as he knocks me from my chair and we crash to the floor. His hand wraps tightly around my throat as crushes me to the dirty concrete and I squirm, desperate to break free.


    Emily got scared and tried to stop me but I already made up my mind to beat the shit out of Devin. I held him for a second and threw a fist at him. He was in a close grip so he couldn¡¯t dodge it. He growled in pain and leaned back. I wasn¡¯t started with him yet, I knew he was going to try to act like a saint because Emily was here.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    He was a hypocrite and it disgusted me to know he wanted to win Emily¡¯s pity. When I wasn¡¯t expecting it, a punchnded on my face and threw me off bnce. I wailed for a second and turned to look at Devin. He was holding his jaw and looking at me dead in the eye.


    ¡°Can you guys stop!¡± Emily yelled.


    Devin threw another punch in the air and I dodged it. I wasn¡¯t a skilled fighter like he was but I could definitely leave some remarkable scars on his body.


    ¡°What the hell is going on here?¡± A teacher asked walking towards us. ¡°Three of you, Detention!¡±


    I stopped at the sound of that. The voice was familiar only because I¡¯ve had her moan my name countless times in bed. She was porcin skinned with a red full lip. She was dressed in a peplum gown with ck ankle strap heels. I often wondered howdies walk with that but it wasn¡¯t my concern at the moment.


    ¡°Follow me now!¡± She ordered.


    We got ourselves detention and remained locked in a room for questioning. When I turned, she wasn¡¯t there anymore. I could feel her eyes on me when she stood some miles away but she presumably felt ufortable and left.


    Emily sat alone at the end of the room with her face touching her lifted knees. I felt bad for her for a second. Devin and I fought and got the detention we deserve but she was dragged into it.


    On second thought, she deserves it because she was the reason we fought. She was kissing Devin in the library and she had no idea how fucked up it was. I ran my hands through my hair and let out a snort.


    ¡°You¡¯re an asshole Xavier, always getting us into trouble.¡±


    I raised my head and turned my face to Devin. He was going to get a punch in his face if he didn¡¯t shut the hell up.


    ¡°What the fuck do you mean by us? I¡¯ve told you to stay away from Emily. If you weren¡¯t just kissing her when I walked in, this fight wouldn¡¯t have happened.¡± I huffed and continued.  ¡°I¡¯ll tell it to you over and over if it means breaking your nose multiple times.¡±


    ¡°I wish you could, but all you do is pry around and look for shit to do to get you in trouble.¡±


    ¡°Better than fucking old folks.¡± I blurted belligerently and smirked at the way it hit him that his little secret was out. ¡°I know man, I know how you fuck those old folks old enough to be your mother.¡±


    His brows furrowed that minute but he immediately brushed the expression off his face. He was good at hiding facial expressions, fucking asshole.


    ¡°Old folks taste better. I should try fucking your momma too. Her pussy may not be tight but I could have her scream my name in bed.¡±


    I clenched my fist. ¡°You fucking piece of shit.¡±


    He didn¡¯t have to drag my mama into this but since he did, let¡¯s y it his way.


    ¡°How about that? They all say I fuck them so good so how about your momma try a good dick for once?¡±


    I scowled and kept my fist tight. ¡°You should try. I¡¯ll love to see you try Devin.¡±


    ¡°You would?¡± He smirked and parted his lips in a grin.


    ¡°Of course. I know my mom okay? She¡¯d beat up your fucking ass before you could undress. She doesn¡¯t need a child like you.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s crazy. No woman would do that when the dick is right. Listen, Xavier, all I have to do is lick her pussy and eat her out. She¡¯ll deny ever raising your ass.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t dare me.¡±


    ¡°Else what? I could suck your dick if you want.¡± Devin spat.


    When he saw the reaction on my face he paused and then turned to me. ¡°Your dad¡¯s too if he still gets a boner.¡±


    I felt my chest burning. If I wasn¡¯t in detention already, I¡¯d have stomped him and had his blood sttered on the wall. It squeezed my chest that I didn¡¯t have aeback to him sucking my Dad¡¯s dick. He was trying to get in my skin because he was fucking straight and just enjoyed fucking old folks.


    I thought of what to tell him and just thought of making him the bad guy since Emily was still there.


    ¡°And how do you feel saying these in front of Emily?¡±


    He turned his head in her direction and a sudden surge of regret flushed over him.


    ¡°You said all those shit not minding if she was here. You didn¡¯t consider her and you im to love her? Devin you just messed with her head and do you realize how tough that could be?¡±


    He swallowed hard and I continued. ¡°Whenever you try to kiss her, she¡¯ll remember you¡¯ve had that mouth deep in olddies pussy. She can never trust you because she heard you say all those shitty things.¡±


    When I was done, I knew I already influenced the way Emily thought and saw him. She looked like she was having a hard time processing it.


    That was okay, I wanted her to have a hard time believing and realizing the kind of asshole she¡¯s been sneaking around with. That way the work of pulling them apart would only be easier.


    ¡°You caused this shit!¡±


    ¡°No, you did. Who was caught kissing my sister?¡±


    ¡°Who felt jealous and got violent?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a fucking piece of-¡±


    ¡°Can the both of you stop!!!!!!!!!¡± Emily screamed from where she sat.


    I turned to the empty bench and sat on it. I was done making Devin look like the bad guy. Now I have to think of how to get myself out of this mess.

 70

    It was three hours after school and we just walked out of detention. Emily looked pale and just held her bag pack tightly. Devin hadn¡¯t said a word since Emily yelled at us to shut up.


    He was trying to y the good guy and I didn¡¯t care. We saw James¡¯ car pull up in the driveway. I had no idea how he knew the exact time toe but I was d he did. Walking closer to the car, I noticed it was one of his men. I sighed in relief ¡¯cause I wasn¡¯t just going to start exining shit to James.


    I opened the door and Emily entered inside. I sat in the backseat with her and rxed on the seat. Devin opened the passenger door and sat in front. I saw the expression on his face and I was d he felt it.


    It was the same thing I felt the other night when he sat beside  Emily and was so close to her. I turned to Emily who was already sobbing gently. She hardly made sounds but her eyes were watery and her face red.


    I thought of offering my handkerchief to wipe her tears and letting her rest her head on my shoulder. Emily was pretty mad at detention and I didn¡¯t know if she¡¯d want it. I decided to try at least, the worst she could do was yell.


    ¡°Come here,¡± I said turning to her and gesturing her closer to me.


    I was expecting a rejection but it didn¡¯te. Instead, she shifted closer and let me wrap my arms around her. I held her warmly against me and gave her the wipe. She took it and snorted. She wiped her nose with the wipe and used her hands to clean her eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, Emily.¡±


    When she gave a nod and rxed her head on me, a content smile crept on my lips. I liked it when she felt thisfortable around me.


    Devin didn¡¯t say a word, he seemed to be regretting everything he said in anger. James¡¯ driver came to a halt and when I looked out through the window, I saw we already got home.


    ¡°We¡¯re home,¡± I whispered and she flinched. She adjusted from me, picked up her bag, and opened the door. I did the same and turned my state to Devin. We looked at each other for a second before the driver sped away.


    The moment we got home, Emily ran to the room. I swallowed the lump in my throat and took off my jacket. Emily was still feeling bad and I understood her. I just had no idea what to do in this situation. Was I supposed tofort her and tell her Devin didn¡¯t mean what he said?


    Hell no, I wasn¡¯t going to do that. I thought of calling my best friend but I hadn¡¯t talked to him in a while. I was a jerk and it wasn¡¯t nice to only call when you needed something.


    I checked the kitchen for Mom but she wasn¡¯t there. I poured some of the fresh juice in the fridge into a tumbler. I drank it all and then walked out.


    I took hesitant steps to the room and paused in the doorway when I saw Emily. She was hugging her legs and whimpering and sniffing. I walked in and dropped the jacket on the bed.


    She needed some time to think and I could give her that. I left without saying a word and strolled to the kitchen. I was starving and I knew she was too. I thought of easy food to prepare and decided to make scotch eggs. It was the easiest meal I could make in twenty minutes.


    I got 300g of good-quality pork sausage, ck peppercorns, cooked ham, apple & onion stuffing mix, and chopped sage, and took a second to think of what next I needed.


    ¡°Fuck yeah, flour uuh, oil, and thyme.¡±


    I learned how to cook from my biological mom. She didn¡¯t cook as much as my stepmom did but I had to always be around her, so I learned faster with her.


    I got the frying pan and poured the eggs into the pan. I left it to simmer for a few minutes then scooped it and ced it on a t te.


    I grabbed the rest ingredients and turned them into a small bowl, I blended them tobine them, then divided them into six equal balls. I rolled the sausage meat around the egg and then repeated the process with the rest five.


    When I was done with the tedious process, I lowered as many eggs as you I could into the oil, and allowed it to cook for ten minutes. When it got crispy and golden, I seeped it on kitchen paper and left it to cool a little.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Emily better like this ¡¯cause I made her some delicious scotch eggs. I turned it into a tray and added a ss of fresh juice. I was hyped and wanted to scream Chef Xavier but I wanted it to appear as a surprise.


    I took the tray and carefully walked back to the room. She was no longer sobbing and not in sight. I looked around the room and couldn¡¯t catch a glimpse of her.


    As I stood wondering where she could have gone, I heard water sshing from the bathroom. I felt the sudden need to bathe. Not just to bathe but to bathe with her and help her scrub her back. I dropped the tray on the table and took a few steps toward the door.


    I stopped when I thought of the possibility of getting caught and getting into trouble. Dad wasn¡¯t around and Mom could make it back at any time. It was better to stay safe since they already had suspicions about my rtionship with Emily.


    I stormed out of the room and went to the back door. I locked the back door and smiled. There was no way I wouldn¡¯t hear the door open if someone tried to open it. I walked to the front door to lock it too but the doorbell rang.


    ¡°Damn it, they¡¯re back.¡±


    I blurted under my breath and opened the door.


    ¡°Hey.¡±


    Devin was standing in the doorway with a box of pizza. I had no idea why he was with a box of pizza but I felt like tossing it to his face.


    ¡°Can Ie in?¡± He asked raising his brows.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    I didn¡¯t want to get into a fight or anything. I just wanted him to exin what he was doing here and get back.


    ¡°I want to apologize.¡±

 71

    I stood there looking at him. What was he thinking? That he would kiss my sister, make me hit him, get us detention and then show up with a box of pizza and carbonated drinks?


    I let out a chitter and then looked him dead in his eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m no fool, Devin. Don¡¯t try to act like a good guy. You¡¯re shitty and you have to get out of here.¡±


    ¡°At least let her tell me that to my face. Don¡¯t stop me from apologizing ¡¯cause you want to make me look like the bad guy.¡±


    ¡°Shut the hell up and get out of my house.¡±


    ¡°Get out of my way Xavier.¡±


    ¡°What games are you ying? How did you get so interested in Emily? It¡¯s unreal. I know that and I¡¯ll kill you if you try anything funny.¡±


    I threatened him because I needed him to know I wasn¡¯t going to let him go scot-free if he hurts Emily. We kept exchanging words till I walked out and he came in. He dropped the box of pizza on the chair and heaved.


    ¡°Say sorry and get the fuck out.¡±


    I went inside to get Emily but met an empty room and an empty bathroom.


    EMILY¡¯S POV


    I couldn¡¯t stand both of them. They kept looking for ways to fight themselves and it sucks to be the reason for their feuds all the time.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    I stepped out dressed in a short and polo. I saw the meal Xavier prepared and left on the table. I gave a quick smile when I realized it was his way of apologizing. I wasn¡¯t exactly mad at him, I just hated the way he was possessive and always got violent around Devin.


    I went out in search of him to thank him but heard voices. The moment I walked into the scene, I saw he was by the doorway with Devin. Devin held a box of pizza and drinks.


    Was this a joke? Why did they find it necessary to apologize with food? Hell.


    I stood there unnoticed and when their voices got louder I just ran away. I needed some peace and both of them kept doing what they knew how to do best; take my peace!


    I ran as fast as my legs could carry me to no location in mind. I just wanted to be away from them and that was what I was doing.


    When my legs felt shaky from running, I stopped to catch my breath. I slowed down and kept walking. Turning to the familiar building, a shback of Devin fighting with a bloodied-looking man on the stage filled my head.


    I took hesitant steps inside and looked around. The ce wasn¡¯t as filled as it was that day. In thetitude, I can hear faint cheering and chanting.


    I follow it and it gets louder and rougher until the rock I stand on vibrates beneath. I wanted to catch a glimpse of what was happening so I climbed a small rock.


    It looked like a fight was about to start and my heartbeat increased. I got scared all of a sudden when I saw smoke fill the air. I wasn¡¯t this scared thest time because Devin was there¡­


    My thought is interrupted by a huge man calling on me and asking if I was here for a bet.


    I swallow my anxiety and brush off my hands. ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Then get out of there.¡±


    I nodded and walked to the corner instead. I leaned on the wall watching some men gamble and share their ss of distilled whiskey.


    Beside me, a man cleared his throat, startling me. I flinched and my lips twitched. ¡°Want to try?¡±


    He was asking if I wanted to try betting and more than ever, I felt the urge to say yes. Xavier wasn¡¯t here to monitor me and Devin wasn¡¯t around to ask me if I was in my right senses.


    I gave a quick nod and shoved my hands in my pocket.


    ¡°Fuck.¡±


    I wasn¡¯t with my phone and I just realized it. I had nothing on me to bet with. I raised my head back to the man. ¡°Sorry, I¡¯m not with anything.¡±


    ¡°You better not y with me like that, girl.¡±


    The weather suddenly became gloomy and there was an unexpected downpour. The heavy fall of rain caused everywhere to get darker and the noises just kept increasing.


    I remained quiet and realized the fight had just started. I couldn¡¯t see anything because of how short I was and the light only reflected in a particr area.


    I thought of how stuck I was and needed to get home. ¡°Maybe I should take a taxi,¡± I thought but immediately debunked the thought when I remembered didn¡¯t have any money on me.


    I hastily stormed out, running into the rain. It was so dark and I could hardly see but I needed to get home else I¡¯d be in deep trouble.


    My heart began pounding the moment I realized how unsafe it was to be outside at this point. I wiped the raindrop out of my face and continued shivering while walking.


    I became overly conscious when I heard footsteps that weren¡¯t mine. I wanted to run but my legs hadn¡¯t recovered yet.


    ¡°Stop there.¡±


    My pulse jumped in momentum as I heard the husky voice. My tummy clenched as I confirmed they were referring to me.


    The two boys were dressed in a simr ck T-shirt and wore a ncava


    ¡°I.. Uh¡­ I.¡±


    ¡°What are you doing out sote?¡±


    ¡°I just wanted to-¡±


    Before I could finish my statement he trailed me off.


    ¡°Bet of course. Give me the money on you.¡±


    I took some steps back when I figured they were bad guys and I was in some sort of shit.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t hurt me.¡±


    Heughed and signaled the other guy toe closer to me. My breathing pace hand increased and I was boiling in fear.


    ¡°Get her.¡±


    I opened my mouth to protest, but he mped his hand over my lips. He shoved me to the corner and looked at my hard nipples that got sensitive from the cold.


    ¡°Look whose titties look good,¡± he smirked and kept his eyes fixated on my boobs.


    I swallowed the lump in my throat and turned to my side. I was leaning against an old fence and the other guy stood at the end.


    When I saw the chances of escaping I pushed his hands from my body and ran as fast as my legs could take me. I didn¡¯t pause to catch my breath, I kept running till I ran into him and realized he caught up with me.

 72

    EMILY¡¯S POV


    I closed my eyes the moment I mmed into him. I was expecting a push or a hard p but instead, I got a hug.


    My brain processed the hug and the familiar cologne. I raised my head to Devin. He looked so worried and just held me tightly against himself.


    That instant I felt safe. I didn¡¯t feel the need to keep running or hide. Devin was here and I knew he was going to protect my ass.


    I held him right and he brushed my hair wet hair away. He raised my face and kissed me under the rain. Everything else stopped and the only thing I could think of was his lips ok mine. His kiss was hunger filled with fear. He tasted like atte and I loved it.


    He broke the kiss and kissed my forehead. ¡°Xavier is waiting, let¡¯s go.¡±


    I gave a nod and turned behind me to see if the bad guys were in sight but I didn¡¯t see them.


    He put his hands around my waist and we walked to the end of the road. When Xavier saw us, he hurriedly walked toward us.


    ¡°Emily,¡± he worried called and wrapped his hands around my wet body. I exhaled and remained in his arms, regretting why I left.


    ¡°Where the fuck did you go to? You got us scared.¡±


    I remained quiet and watched him scold me. I kinda deserve it so I just squeezed my jaw.


    He ignored Devin who brought me, but I couldn¡¯t say anything. Thest thing I was to listen to them exchanging words.


    When we got home, he gestured me inside and we walked to the door. The moment I stepped in my mom sprawled up and ran to me.


    ¡°Oh my god, Emily. Where did you all go to?¡± She turned back to me, ¡°You got me worried, I thought I lost you.¡±


    She squeezed me tighter than Xavier did and I just closed my eyes for a moment.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry ma¡¯am, we just thought of going on a joy race.¡±


    ¡°And what the hell is that?¡±


    ¡°Uh, running under the rain. I¡¯m sorry, we should have told you but we thought we¡¯d make it back on time,¡± Devin lied.


    My brows furrowed at his lie. Was he trying to save us the exnations and trouble? He lied so perfectly, mom already believed him.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you know that wasn¡¯t a smart thing to do,¡± Dad chirped. ¡°Anything could have happened and it isn¡¯t safe. Don¡¯t try this next time.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re sorry Dad,¡± Xavier pleaded.


    Dad gave a nod and we all got inside. I was still shuddering and got all cold from the rain.


    ¡°Here,¡± Dad said offering me a jacket. It was Xavier¡¯s denim jacket. I collected it and wore it. He didn¡¯t offer any to the boys, he just left them to freeze.


    ¡°What about me?¡± Xavier asked Dad. He was expecting Dad to offer him a jacket too.


    ¡°Be a man, Son. Your friend is shivering too.¡±


    Momughed and I joined her. It was funny seeing Dad ask him to remain cold to prove he was a man.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get you something.¡±


    Mom stood up and entered the room. She returned shortly with nkets and gave it to them.


    Devin smiled in appreciation and thanked her. ¡°Thanks.¡±


    He took off his wet jacket and wrapped the jacket around his shoulders. Xavier did the same and sat on the chair. Mom gave Xavier a cup of hot tea to keep him warm and handed the second cup to Devin.


    Devin sipped the tea gently so it didn¡¯t burn him. I turned my head to the table and saw the box of pizza he brought earlier. I frowned, trying to understand what was happening.


    Xavier made me lunch and shortly after, Devin pulled up with a box of pizza. Were they ying games with me? Was this a prank?


    I couldn¡¯t help the thoughts that clouded my head. Why were they acting so calm? Xavier ignored Devin and Devin didn¡¯t say any word to Xavier. I sat on the chair wondering what they could be up to when Devin announced he was leaving.


    ¡°I think I should leave already, it¡¯s getting prettyte.¡±


    I turned my head to where he sat. I wasn¡¯t going to say anything, I just looked at him. Xavier did the same as if expecting him to leave already.


    ¡°No no, it¡¯s still raining outside and it¡¯s unsafe.¡±


    ¡°Are you driving back?¡± Dad asked and he shook his head in disapproval.


    ¡°No, but I¡¯ll take a cab.¡±


    ¡°I really can¡¯t let you go under the rain Devin, stay over for the night,¡± Mom offered and he looked at me. I returned his surprised look and then turned to catch a glimpse of Xavier.


    ¡°She¡¯s right,¡± Dad added.


    ¡°If you can¡¯t stay over then I¡¯ll let you leave only if your parentse to pick you up.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re nevering,¡± Xavier blurted without minding if he sounded Insensitive.


    He wore a nk expression but I could see beyond the expression. I knew he was feeling Jealous because mom asked Devin to stay over. He hated that Devin was going to stay in our house and possibly share our room with us.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    Mom threw a nce at him and raised her brows in surprise. She didn¡¯t understand why Xavier would say such a thing.


    ¡°Uh, I don¡¯t know my parents,¡± Devin casually stated. ¡°Basically an orphan.¡±


    Devin broke the silence with an exnation of what Xavier meant by that. He gave a faded smile to cover up but I knew what Xavier said hurt him.


    ¡°Oh my god, I¡¯m so sorry,¡± Mom empathized walking closer to him. ¡°I didn¡¯t know about your parents.¡±


    ¡°Me neither, It¡¯s fine,¡± he replied brushing the sympathies off. He didn¡¯t want to be pitied and I understood it. I just kept looking at him hoping he saw how much I wanted to hug him.


    My thoughts were fulfilled by mom giving him a warm hug. He wasn¡¯t expecting it and just stood without moving. He didn¡¯t know if he should return mom¡¯s hug or not.


    I turned to look at Xavier and he looked like he was going to vanish. I wondered why Xavier couldn¡¯t even feel some form of Empathy. It was a natural feeling but he barely acted kike he cared.


    ¡°Sorry about your parents, Buddy.¡±


    Dad patted him on his shoulder and he gave an appreciative nod. I had no idea what to say. Was I supposed to tell him sorry too? This was harder than watching him stare at me.


    His eyes turned to me and my lips twitched, remembering his kiss.

 73

    My night¡¯s rest was a peaceful one. Devin slept over but chose to sleep on the couch instead of sharing the room with us. I suspected he did that so Xavier wouldn¡¯t be mad. Before I fell asleep, I was watching a movie on myptop. I was engrossed in the movie that I saw four episodes.


    Xavier was busy doing his thing, I barely looked at him long enough to know what he was doing.


    I continued seeing the movie and when there was a kissing scene, I blushed. I couldn¡¯t think of anything other than Devin¡¯s kiss under the rain. It wasn¡¯t my first kiss but i somehow wished I could delete every other kiss from my head.


    Wait, including Xavier¡¯s first kiss?


    The one he called a mistake?


    Hell no. I wasparing how good they both kiss and my cheeks reddened. My phone jittered and I turned to look at it, it was a text from Devin.


    Devin: Are you still awake?


    Me: Yes, why?


    Devin: Nothing, was just wondering. Why haven¡¯t you slept?


    Me: ¡®Cause I¡¯m seeing this movie and I¡¯m trying hard not to sleep.


    Devin: I see. Goodnight Emily.


    Me: ¡­¡­¡­


    My eyes flickered as the light tortured my eyes. I rolled to the other side of the bed and yawned. I set an rm but I must have missed it because now I was staring at Xavier¡¯s empty bed.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t Xavier wake me?¡±


    My mind raced to Devin. ¡°Fuck, is Devin still around?¡±


    I jumped out of my bed and headed to the sitting room. The couch Devin slept on was empty, he must have left.


    I checked my phone to see if he left any message before leaving but there was none. Thest text was when he said goodnight and I slept off while typing.


    I turned back to the room and got inside the bathroom. It was gettingte and I needed to prepare for school. I removed my pajamas and entered the bathtub. We hardly used it but I felt like it at this point.


    As I poured the body wash on my body and used my hands to trace the bubbles, shbacks of Devin kissing me filled my head. Electricity jolted me and I could feel my hormones asking for more. I gently traced my fingers down till I reached my cunt. I touched myself and let out a soft moan. I kept touching my vulva till I found a pleasurable spot.


    ¡°Fvck,¡± I moaned momentarily teasing my cunt.


    I heard footsteps but couldn¡¯t stop, or didn¡¯t want to stop rather. I swallowed hard the lump that pleasure triggered in me and continued stroking myself. I imagined how it would feel if it was Devin fingering me. I felt his hardness against me when he held me tightly and kissed me. Lord knows how badly I wanted him, I couldn¡¯t stop thinking of his hands on me.


    ¡°Emily?¡± Dad¡¯s voice called.


    I ignored his first call till he called again and knocked on the bathroom door. ¡°Emily!¡±


    I let out a frustrated sound, I know I was runningte but couldn¡¯t I at least get some pleasure?


    ¡°Dad I¡¯ll be out soon!!!¡±


    ¡°Be quick Emily, you¡¯re runningte. Xavier is all dressed up.¡±


    ¡°I said I¡¯ming, Dad!¡±


    I let out a growl and discontent filled my body. I wasn¡¯t getting the exact euphoria I was expecting to feel. I just felt all worked up and walked out of the bathroom.


    I dried my body and quickly got dressed in a kimono top and skinny jeans. I wore a loafer shoe and grabbed my backpack. When I got to the dining, Mom and Dad were already seated. Xavier was at the extreme of the table. I took the chair beside him and dropped my bag close to my knees.


    ¡°Hi Mom,¡± I said smiling. ¡°Dad.¡±


    ¡°Emily you woke upte.¡±


    ¡°I know, I just kind of overslept,¡± I replied to her. ¡°Can I have some of that?¡±Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Sure,¡± Mom responded and passed the bowl to me. I smiled in appreciation and mouthed a thank you. I didn¡¯t have to ask about Devin, it was obvious he already left and I missed him because I overslept.


    I looked at Xavier and he gave me that nk look. He didn¡¯t say anything and I didn¡¯t either. I just took my food and ate quietly.


    I felt his eyes on me and for a minute I wondered if he saw me touching myself. Did he hear me moan? He was looking at me suspiciously and it made me feel like he was staring because he knew something.


    When we finished having breakfast, I stood up and collected my backpack.


    ¡°Emily,¡± Mom called.


    I paused and looked at her. ¡°Stay safe okay? I love you.¡±


    I didn¡¯t want to sound surprised but she barely said it when I was leaving for school. Mom only reminds me that she loves me whenever she was on a trip away.


    I gave a quick smile. ¡°I love you too.¡±


    Xavier¡¯s truck kept making this crazy sound and I couldn¡¯t help but wish we caught a bus instead. We used the truck because Mom and Dad said they¡¯d be home all day.


    I remained quiet till we got to school. As I was about to walk into the hallway Xavier called me.


    ¡°Emily.¡±


    ¡°Yeah?¡±


    ¡°Call me if you need anything. I¡¯ll be there to help you.¡±


    I raised my brow in suspicion. What did he think I needed help for? Man, I just have these crazy urges and I do not need anything other than to get a good head, or probably sex.


    I ignored his offer and told him I¡¯d see him after school. I walked to the ss and sat on my seat. I looked around and Eva was the only one in ss. I wondered where her girls were but focused more on the teacher who marched into the ss.


    She announced the topic and started teaching. ¡°We¡¯ll take a second look at the reproductive system.¡±


    Fucking hell, was this a sign?


    I walked into oblivion just a few minutes into the lecture. All I thought of was how pleasurable sex could be. Lately, I¡¯ve been having these urges and I just kept wondering what would happen if I eventually have sex.


    I decided to sleep during break, I spent my night seeing movies and barely caught enough sleep despite wakingte.


    Devin pulled up to me and the next thing I did was whisper ¡°fvck me.¡±


    He frowned in confusion, he wasn¡¯t sure of what I meant. I kissed him immediately and he got the signal. He looked around and when he saw there was no one around, he unfastened his belt. ¡°Damn, you¡¯re so wet.¡±


    I nodded and helped him take his shorts down. The moment he traced his hands to my thigh I felt another hand on me.


    ¡°Emily?¡±


    ¡°Shit.¡±


    I opened my eyes and met Devin standing right in front of me. It was a fucking wet dream and be had no idea how much I wanted him in reality.

 74

    The ride back home was longer because Xavier decided to follow a longer route. I didn¡¯t mind as long as he took me home to get some time alone. He yed music with his stereo and I just wanted to yell at him to turn it off.


    I couldn¡¯t believe I was having a wet dream about Devin in school. It felt so real that I thought he was actually touching me in reality. His bemused look when I opened my eyes made me swallow hard in embarrassment. He had no idea how bad I was moaning his name in my dreams.


    Sadly, it never happened!


    We arrived home and I jumped down from Xavier¡¯s truck. I held my bag pack in my left hand and closed the door with my right. I walked to the front door and it wasn¡¯t opened. I twisted the doorknob and had the door flying open. The house looked empty and I wondered where on earth they could have gone.


    They asked Xavier to drive us to school with the truck because they weren¡¯t going anywhere. I was going to call them but only after a quick shower. As I turned to leave, my eyes sighted a paper. I walked to where it was and picked it up


    An emergency came up and we had to leave. We¡¯ll be back in two days, call me when you get back home. You both take care of yourselves. Love, Mom.


    I exhaled at the thought of them being away for two days.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Xavier asked from the doorway. He spent more time outside because he had to lock the truck and make sure everything was okay.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    ¡°It¡¯s Mom and Dad, they went on a trip.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t they say they were going to be home all day?¡±


    ¡°I thought so too. Well, mom says it was an emergency.¡±


    I turned my head back to my screen and dialed Mom¡¯s number. On the second ring, she picked up the call and asked how Xavier and I were. She said she kept food and left beverages. I kept nodding and humming till she started sounding strange.


    ¡°Emily,¡± she started. ¡°I need you to trust me okay? I¡¯ll make sure you get everything you want.¡±


    ¡°Uh okay Mom, thanks.¡±


    ¡°Take care baby-¡±


    I ended the call before she could say it. She was acting strange but I had no idea what it was about. I turned back but Xavier was no longer there. He probably went to finish up what he was doing at the garage. I thought of calling Devin but with the way things have been between him and Xavier, it would only be a suicide mission.


    I took a deep breath and picked up my backpack. I strolled into the room and tossed the bag on my bed. I took off my top and struggled out of my jean. When I was done, I was left with my bra and fis pants. I grabbed my towel and headed to the bathroom.


    As I pulled open the unlocked door, a naked Xavier stood in front of me. He had just taken his bath and his hair had droplets of water still falling. I couldn¡¯t believe this temptation before me, his torso was perfect and his V-line caused me to salivate. I kept staring at him and he studied my facial expression. Before I could think of anything else, he pulled me into the bathroom with him. I couldn¡¯t resist how magnificent it felt to see him get hard. He turned on the shower and the water touches my skin, sending signals to my hormones.


    ¡°I want you,¡± Xavier whispered and brushed my earlobe with his nose. He knew what that did to me and he intentionally did it.


    ¡°I kinda want you too,¡± I replied without thinking.


    The moment those words escaped my mouth, Xavier filled my mouth with his. He slid his tongue into my mouth and had me moan in his mouth. I couldn¡¯t stand it, Xavier was making me feel a surge of emotion and it felt like I was going to explode.


    I moaned the moment his hands traced into my pants. My pussy felt so hot, it needed Xavier to fill me. I allowed him to take off my pants and in a moment, I was stark naked. Xavier¡¯s kiss flushed all over my body, sending electricity sparks everywhere. He reached for my handful and breasts and sucked them. This was the greatest form of pleasure I ever felt. My nipples hardened in his mouth and I kept scratching his back in pleasure.


    ¡°I love it when you do that,¡± Xavier hissed kissing my belly. I felt his lips go down and I knew what was happening to me. I was d I shaved my pussy ¡¯cause this would have been embarrassing.


    I parted my legs and allowed his fingers to trace inside of me. ¡°Yes, Xavier¡­ Yes, Ourghh.¡±


    This was the exact feeling I was seeking when I touched myself earlier. Xavier made me moan and I just wanted to cry. It was a bit painful but the pleasure was profound. ¡°Part your legs for me, Emily.¡±


    I did as instructed and before I could see, his three fingers had gone inside me,manding my water to pour. This was the first time I felt myself cum and the feeling was magical. I couldn¡¯tpare this to anything else, this was a pleasure at its peak. I continued moaning as his fingers controlled me. I could barely say any meaningful sentences. I wanted more but I couldn¡¯t bring myself to get more than he was giving.


    I came to a realization when he kissed me that he was still very hard. His erected dick stood firmly against me, hoping I could let him in my pussy. My jaw clenched at how hard he was and how he had precum on the tip of his dick.


    ¡°Xavier you¡¯re hard,¡± I reminded him.


    I didn¡¯t want to break my virginity yet but I also knew he needed to cum too. He got me screaming his name and getting the most out of pleasure while he had nothing for his pleasure.


    ¡°I know,¡± he responded kissing me.


    ¡°What are you going to do now?¡± I asked looking him in his eyes. ¡°I¡¯m not ready to have sex.¡±


    I searched his eyes for judgment but couldn¡¯t find any. Instead, he held my face with his hands and said, ¡°I¡¯m not pressuring you, Emily, I¡¯ll wait.¡±


    ¡°But you are hard. What are you going to do about your erection?¡± I asked worriedly. I once overheard some guys in my ss talk about how painful an erection could get.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll fix it.¡±


    As he turned to go, I held his hand. ¡°I¡¯ll give you a blowjob.¡±


    ¡°What??¡±

 75

    I sat on the couch with my legs wrapped on each other. I held a handful of chips while I used my other hand to adjust the nket on my body. It rained and so I was cold. I turned on the TV and used the remote to control it.


    I kept my eyes fixated on the TV show while stuffing the chips in my mouth. I chewed gently and just watched the TV show. I was trying my best to not think about what happenedst night with Xavier. I woke with a sudden flush of realization and I felt dirty.


    I couldn¡¯t believe I actually did all that nasty stuff with my step brother and even offered to give him a blow job.


    ¡°Oh my god,¡± I blurted in an undertone when I saw I couldn¡¯t stop thinking about him fingering me.


    The thoughts made me feel nauseated and now, I feel like I regret letting him touch me. I loved how he sparked the urges in me, made me horny and made me cum. It was indeed an experience I would remember but the fact that he is my step brother just makes the story different.


    ¡°This shouldn¡¯t happen again,¡± I told myself taking a deep breath. I stood up from the couch and walked to Mom and Dad¡¯s room. I had no idea what I was searching for but I walked inside the room and closed the door behind me.


    Their bed wasn¡¯t the expected king-sized bed. It was a medium sized bed and I just sat on the bed. I missed them and wondered what they¡¯d be doing. If they were home, mom would probably be in her small garden and try to talk Dad into helping her with some tools. Dad would turn down her invitation and tell her he was fixing his vehicle.


    I smiled at the memories I held of Dad. He yed the role of a Father so greatly that I couldn¡¯t have asked for anyone better. Dad would help me take Xavier¡¯s clothes or would I use the word steal? Well, I barely had to buy hoodies and Polo T-shirt because most of Xavier¡¯s clothes turned mine. I smiled looking at the hoodie I was wearing. The zip-up hoodie belonged to Xavier, Dad got it for me and since then it became mine.


    I remembered the first time I wore it and the way Xavier grimaced when he saw me.


    ¡°Why are you wearing my hoodie?¡±


    ¡°Is it yours?¡± I asked acting oblivious.


    ¡°Is it?¡± Dad added and Xavier swallowed the lump in his throat.


    ¡°Dad did you give it to her?¡± He turned his head to Dad who was grinning.


    ¡°It fits her better Xavier, allow your sister have it.¡±


    ¡°Exactly.¡±


    His gaze returned to me and I winked at him. ¡°I¡¯ll see youter Dad, I have to get to school.¡±


    I walked behind Xavier to his truck and we drove to school.     The memories filled my head as Iid on the bed and atared at the ceiling. I dialed mom¡¯s number but she wasn¡¯t taking her calls. I called Dad too and his wasn¡¯t avable. I sighed and rolled my eyes. Why couldn¡¯t I reach them now that I missed talking to them? I continued looking nkly at the ceiling and then my phone buzzed.


    I turned immediately and looked at my screen. A frown appeared on my face when I saw the caller ID. It was James calling and I had no idea what he wanted to say again. I picked the call and ced the phone on my ear. As usual he called my name,


    ¡°Emily darling?¡±


    I took a second to think of what to respond. Whenever James called me, he triggered me to anger. ¡°What¡¯s the problem?¡± I blurted.


    ¡°There¡¯s no problem, Emily. I just wanted to talk to you.¡±


    I kept quiet and rolled my eyes. I didn¡¯t want to have this conversation again.


    ¡°Emily?¡± He called. I could feel how badly he wanted to convince me. He was insistently repetitive and I just clenched my jaw.


    ¡°I¡¯m listening.¡±


    ¡°Emily I know you hate me. Trust me, your hatred for me is justified. But I need you to know you¡¯re my daughter Emily.¡±


    ¡°James please-¡±


    ¡°No, listen to me please. I tried looking for you, I came back for you baby but your mom made it so hard toe in contact with you. Emily I tried my best to still be that father figure in your life.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t remember any of that happening.¡±


    ¡°Emily.¡±


    ¡°Can I go already? I can¡¯t keep up with this conversation.¡±


    ¡°Just hear me out first. You¡¯re my daughter and you know I care about you.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have anything with you James, I do not care if you show up or not. I need you to know I cannote with you.¡±Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    ¡°You need to understand me,¡± he asserted.


    ¡°No, you need to understand to me. I¡¯m sick of you trying to convince me to go against my wish. The only reason I still take your calls is because of Dad. He says I shouldn¡¯t ignore your calls but if you keep stressing this, I¡¯ll ignore you.¡±


    ¡°Emily I¡¯ll take care of you. I¡¯ll give you whatever you need, just ask and it will be all yours. I can get you a car, a new house, vacations? Anything Emily. I¡¯ll make sure you¡¯refortable and you don¡¯t have to share a room with that perverted boy,  Xavier.¡±


    I swallowed the lump that formed in my throat when he called Xavier¡¯s name.


    ¡°Emily I want to protect you. I don¡¯t want anyone sexualizing you. I want to protect you from Xavier who is always looking for an opportunity to exploit you.¡±


    ¡°Nobody is exploiting me.¡± I tried to lie.


    ¡°I know what is going on. I know Xavier is sexually attracted to you and keeps looking at you. Emily any man who truly loves you will not always want to have you in his arms like Xavier. He wouldn¡¯t lust after you and try to use you without your permission.¡±


    I listened to everything James said and I couldn¡¯t help but think of how it was the truth. I hated that James was saying the truth, Xavier always wanted to have me, he makes it hard to be around him without wanting to get sexual.


    ¡°I have no sexual rtionship with Xavier.¡± I lied again.


    I had to deny it because he was making me feel guilty and if I didn¡¯t, it would look obvious.


    ¡°Emily.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay to have a boyfriend Emily. I just want you to know you deserve the best and you should be with someone who cares about you and would want to help you.¡±

 76

    I woke up an hour before it was time for church. I didn¡¯t want to miss the service today. I missed going to church and just woke up feeling the need to go.


    I wouldn¡¯t rte it to how I felt after that night but I dressed up and got ready for church. Dad made us attend The Trinity Church whenever he was around. We stopped going for a while when The Trinity Wall street decided to start a three-year revival project to reinforce the worship experience. As a result of the project, the nave of the church was closed.


    While I was scrolling on my phone I checked on the update and saw there was going to be a joint service at St. John¡¯s Chapel.  I looked at the time of the services and decided to go by 8am.


    The rest services looked strange because I never attended anything other than the normal sunday service. I had no idea what it felt like to attend the prayer weekdays, Eucharist weekdays and the rest. Just maybe I was going to give a try sometime but at this point, I got dressed in a bardot off shoulder top and a skirt. I thought of wearing heels so I slid my legs into the peep toes heel. It was six inches long and I brushed off the thought of changing it.


    The new chapel for the service was only a stone throw away so I went alone. I didn¡¯t want to face Xavier or have him drive me to church. He already made me feel guilty enough.


    As I walked to the church, my ankles began hurting. ¡°Damn, this is harder than I imagined.¡±


    Walking on heels wasn¡¯t a pleasant experience and I reminded myself not to make such mistakes next time. My mind wandered as a means of escaping the pain my ankles felt. I found myself thinking of everything James said.


    I was afraid to admit he was right. Xavier lusted after me and he made it obvious with the way he was obsessed with looking at my body. I remembered catching him stare at me when I got out of the bathroom and when I frowned he said he had no idea I was dressing up.


    James was right just this once and it pricked my soul. I made my way inside the church and took a seat at the back. The church had a gothic revival architecture style and it was beautiful.


    I felt relieved at the end of the service and walked my way back home. A sudden sound made me turn back to the direction of the gate. I got outside and it was Devin knocking.


    ¡°Hey.¡±


    My brows raised. ¡°Hey,¡± I replied. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    I looked at his hands and he was holding a flower. It was a single flower and it looked like he plucked it from somewhere.


    ¡°I just wanted to say hi so I thought of visiting,¡± he exined, handing the flower to me.


    I gave a quick appreciative smile. He was being thoughtful and I liked the idea.


    ¡°Can Ie in?¡±


    I didn¡¯t realize I hadn¡¯t asked him in yet. ¡°Of course,e in.¡±


    I gestured him in and he sat on the couch. He seemed to like that particr couch because thest time he came, he slept there.


    ¡°Uh, can I get you something?¡± I asked.


    ¡°A ss of water.¡±


    I gave a quick nod and left to get water. I had no idea where Xavier went but I was d he wasn¡¯t here and I could get a peaceful moment with Devin. I returned shortly with the ss of water. I already tossed my heels away and was bare footed.


    ¡°Here,¡± I offered and he smiled. His grin was the most perfect in the world, he didn¡¯t have to show so much to appear captivating.


    I lowered on the next couch and grabbed a pack of my crunchy chips. I stuffed some into my moth and Devin decided to ask a question.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this like a continuation of Naruto?¡±


    I turned to him and a smile crept on my lips, he had no idea how happy I was that he enjoyed anime too.


    ¡°You watch Anime?¡±


    ¡°Who doesn¡¯t?¡± He asked smirking.


    ¡°Well, some people including my Mom and Dad.¡±


    ¡°Must be because they are old.¡±


    ¡°¡ªAnd my brother too.¡±


    I said that without thinking and regretted bringing Xavier into the conversation.


    ¡°Must be tough,¡± He responded and turned his gaze to the TV.


    I looked at him for a second and turned away, I couldn¡¯t forget how his kiss made me feel. Devin makes me feel some kind of way but what if he was only lusting after me like James said?


    My lips twitched at the thought. I should probably cut ties with them and just be on my own if I didn¡¯t want toplicate things. James was right, I deserve so much better.


    Unlike Xavier who actually said he was in love with me, Devin was yet to say anything. We¡¯ve kissed a couple of times and I wondered if he saw me as a random girl or his girlfriend.  I felt the butterflies in my tummy as I thought of what it would be like to be Devin¡¯s girlfriend.


    If I was his girlfriend, it would earn me an automatic respect and everyone would fear me because no one would want to mess with a fighter¡¯s girl. I would no longer get bullied and Gabby would try so hard to be my friend and stop picking on me. I smiled at the thought till I realized I could also be a target. Since anyone could hardly get Devin and he was a good fighter, there was a possibility they woulde for me when they didn¡¯t get him.


    I stood up from where I sat and walked to Devin. I turned my back to him and stood in front of him. He got really confused and kept asking what I was doing. I had no idea why I wanted to try it but I just wanted to know if he would lust after me.


    ¡°What are you doing Emily?¡±


    ¡°Zip my top down.¡±


    ¡°Why should I ?¡± He asked again and I just heaved.


    ¡°Devin zip the damn top down.¡±Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    He was reluctant and I just rolled my eyes.


    ¡°Tell me why I have to zip down your cloth.¡±


    ¡°I need to change,¡± I lied and he stretched his hands to my top. He zipped the cloth down and I remained there standing in front of him.


    When he saw I wasn¡¯t wearing any bra inside the cloth, he stood up and turned away. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, I think I should go.¡±

 77

    I wriggled around my bed before I reluctantly woke up. I opened my eyes and rubbed them gently. I yawned and sat upright to stretch my tired muscles. I woke up tired and in need of a massage. I waited up all night for my parents but they didn¡¯t show up instead they sent texts apologizing and promised to be home as early as possible.


    My face drifted to Xavier¡¯s bed, it was empty but undressed so I knew he came back home. Xavier returned home from work veryte. I was fast asleep when he returned. I tried calling him at different intervals but he texted me saying he was busy and running a night shift. He asked me to lock the doors and stay in he took the spare key with him.


    Devin got ufortable and left.


    It was strange because I expected him to lust after me and try to touch me. I just wanted to know if he would fall but surprisingly he didn¡¯t. My tummy growled at the thought of getting dressed for school. I honestly couldn¡¯t wait for it to be over, I was sick and tired of getting ready every day.


    As I got dressed and was doing my edges, I heard Mom¡¯s voice.


    ¡°Emily!¡± She called and wrapped her arms around me. She pulled me into her usual tight hug and left pecks on my cheek. ¡°I¡¯ve missed you so much, baby.¡±


    ¡°Mom,¡± I responded. ¡°I¡¯ve missed you too. Where¡¯s Dad?¡±This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    ¡°Outside I think.¡±


    ¡°How was your trip?¡± I asked wearing my backpack.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you about it when you get back from school. You should hurry up, Xavier is all dressed.¡±


    I gave a nod and walked to the car. James offered to take us to school so I sat in the backseat with him waiting for Xavier and the driver.


    ¡°Your hair is nice,¡± Jamesplimented.


    Facy.


    There was absolutely nothing different about my hair. It was packed in a ponytail and I only did my edges. I just took it that he was trying to start a conversation and I was right.


    ¡°I can change the car if you no longer like it.¡±


    I wore a nk expression because I couldn¡¯t rememberining.  I ignored him and continued looking out through the window. What was Xavier waiting for? He was the one dying us.


    ¡°Emily you just have to make a choice and I¡¯ll get it for you. I¡¯ll also get you driving lessons, pick a date you want.¡±


    I scoffed and just tilted my head to him. ¡°I don¡¯t need all these James.¡±


    He better not ask what I needed because I need him to leave me the fuck alone.


    ¡°If you want, I can teach you myself. That way, you¡¯ll feel more rxed and not tensed.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, I¡¯ll pass,¡± I said politely turning down his offer.


    That was thest thing I was going to say on the topic. He must be joking to think I feel rxed around him. I exhaled the moment I saw Xavier walking toward the car. I wish I could hit him for keeping us waiting but I couldn¡¯t.


    Xavier flung open the passenger seat and lowered himself in. He made no statement, no sound, and didn¡¯t move an inch. James waited for a second before turning to Xavier. James smiled and informed Xavier that he was driving.  As he said it, I raised my eyebrow.


    ¡°Xavier will be driving you both to school, I want to have a father-children moment with you guys.¡±


    I didn¡¯t say anything and expected Xavier to persist but he didn¡¯t say anything. He just turned over to the driver¡¯s seat, fastened his seatbelt, and mmed his leg on the elerator. This was unlike Xavier but I wasn¡¯t in the position to ask what was happening to him.


    Xavier drove us and James kept trying to converse with us. I didn¡¯t have anything to say so I just responded to his questions and ignored the rest. When I looked behind and saw a car following us I turned to James.


    ¡°Are they following us?¡±


    ¡°You mean the bodyguards? Of course.¡±


    A deep furrow appeared on my forehead, I didn¡¯t understand why we needed bodyguards.


    James only smiled and gave no exnation. I was ufortable going to school in a Bentley and having extra guards.


    ¡°I thought you said you wanted to have some father-children moment?¡±


    ¡°I did-I mean, isn¡¯t that why Xavier is driving?¡± He questioned me.


    ¡°Having these kinds of cars follow us and the bodyguard thing just makes it feel like I¡¯m choking. Are you evil? There¡¯s no need for this.¡±


    When I finished talking he was still smiling, probably wondering why I was curious to know.


    ¡°Emily, it doesn¡¯t work that way. As long as you¡¯re wealthy, the child of a rich man, or in the limelight, you¡¯ll need extra security. You can¡¯t just walk around as every other person does.¡±


    ¡°Having your freedom gone sucks,¡± I grimaced.


    ¡°Not exactly losing your freedom, you just be a public target, andmon sense demands you¡¯re protected.¡±


    I gave a slight nod not wanting to fully ept his exnations.


    ¡°What would you do if you saw a ck card?¡±


    My eyes widened with his question. I had never thought of the possibility of evering across a ck card. I¡¯ve heard people say an average centurion card holder has a worth of $16m.


    ¡°That¡¯s rare,¡± I replied to James and thought of what I would do.


    ¡°You mean I just see a ck card or I have ess to it?¡±


    ¡°You have ess to it,¡± he replied.


    ¡°I¡¯ll probably return it?¡± I said unsure of my response. ¡°After buying my parents a house.¡± I quickly added.


    I needed to be honest, I¡¯d make sure I bought my parents a big house before I returned it. I hate missing opportunities and that might just be the only opportunity I get in God-knows-when.


    Jamesughed at my response. I think he was impressed that I didn¡¯t lie. It was hard to notice Xavier was still in the car because he barely said anything or joined the conversation.


    ¡°A house?¡±


    ¡°Yes, a really big and beautiful house. I think I have a clear image of what I¡¯d order for if I had the card.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s impressive.¡±


    I gave a nod and looked through the window. Xavier came to a halt and unfastened his seatbelt. I couldn¡¯t force him to join the conversation but I wished he did, at least. It was easier knowing what was going through his mind than being unaware.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t carry a lunch pack?¡±


    ¡°Missed it,¡± I replied opening the door.


    ¡°I¡¯ll return with one for you.¡±


    I smiled and it was the first time I was smiling sincerely at James. Maybe he¡¯s a nice person after all.

 78

    This was exactly what I talked about when I said the thought of school makes my tummy grumble. I sat at my desk looking at my script. I just finished taking a test and was going through my work. I stared at the paper and twitched my lips. I kind of wish I prepared for the test and not sit here looking unsure of what I had answered.


    To think that I didn¡¯t read till fifteen minutes before the test just showed how unprepared I was. I stood up after thinking if I should submit it yet. I finally decided to submit so I walked to the professor¡¯s mahogany table and dropped my script with him. I left the ss and walked to the hallway. I first headed to the restroom to take a piss and check my reflection.


    I knew the test already made me look sort of homeless so I walked to the washing sink and washed my hands. I raised my head to see my reflection and heaved a sigh. I wasn¡¯t looking as bad as I imagined in my head. I rinsed my face and then used my hands to brush my hair backward. When I was done, I walked out and thought of seeing Devin. I felt the need to see him, he had this aura that relieved me of stress and tension. It was crazy but I wanted to hug him to feel okay.


    The first thought that clouded my head was him saying he did shit with old women. I tried my best to get over those words but I couldn¡¯t. I convinced myself he only said that to get Xavier angry because he seeded in making Xavier pissed that day.


    There was no way an eighteen-year-old would be having sex with old women, it was beyondprehension.


    On second thought I hated to think that he was avoiding me ¡¯cause I barely saw him around. I wasn¡¯t at fault for wanting to know if what he felt was lust right?  I didn¡¯t see him at the library yesterday and he didn¡¯t show up at our usual spot.


    I was on the basketball court hoping he woulde around but he didn¡¯t and It just left me wondering. Was he sick? Was he avoiding me? Did he get into another fight with Xavier?


    I scoffed at how hard Devin made it for me to move along. I didn¡¯t want to think of the test I just wrote but thinking of Devin and how distant he has been wasn¡¯t any better. I turned my head to the lobby and sighted Devin.


    He waszily dressed in chinos and sleeves.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    ¡°Damn,¡± I scoffed under my breath.


    He was taking quick strides and didn¡¯t notice I saw him. He had to tell me what was wrong and why he was acting up. I followed him from a distance till I lost him and just assumed he walked into the ssroom. I stood in front of the door, taking a deep breath when I felt someone¡¯s hand on me.


    The next thing I figured was that it was a push and it lowered me to the floor. I turned my head to the girl who pushed me and she was grinning. ¡°Ain¡¯t you Devin¡¯s new girl?¡±


    She was a senior and I had no idea why she was picking on me. Why was she asking if I was Devin¡¯s girl? Was she one of the girls he has fucked too? I furrowed my brows and stood to my feet.


    The pressure with the push was much and caused me to hit my hands on the wall.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t answered me,¡± She continued. ¡°Are you one of his girls?¡±


    I felt the urge to yell that I wasn¡¯t just one of his girls. Maybe I was but I definitely didn¡¯t like the sound of it. It made me feel they were other options and I was just one of the numerous. I felt possessive at that point and understood what it feels like to want someone to belong to only you. It is a crazy feeling and it made my stomach growl.


    I swallowed the lump in my throat and squeezed my jaw. She seemed unimpressed by my silence and took a step to close the gap between us. She was taller, kept wavy blonde hair, and had beautiful blue eyes. She was ivory-skinned and applied a lot of makeup. Her waist was slimmer than the rest of her body so it earned her a sexy body shape.  I thought of how I wouldn¡¯t stand a chance if she was also interested in Devin.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± I managed to say and she smirked in disapproval.


    ¡°So what the hell are you doing here?¡±


    Why did she think I was here because of Devin? I have a brother in the senior ss and he could be the one I came looking for.


    I took a step back wondering where Xavier and Devin went all of a sudden. I took another step back but I was already leaning on the wall. She was making me ufortable and I just wanted her to let go of me.


    ¡°Answer me.¡±


    Before I could say anything, she was ordered to leave me alone. ¡°LET GO OF HER.¡±


    Her hands released my cloth and I turned in the direction of the voice. It was Xavier and he was wearing a stern expression. I was so grateful he showed up because I had no idea what to do.


    She rolled her eyes but obeyed Xavier. It was surprising to see Xavier having a such influence on her. He turned to me and figured she bullied me. For the first time since we got to school, he said a word to me.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. Are you okay?¡±


    I gave a nod and mouthed, ¡°Yeah.¡±


    I was okay, just tired of getting bullied by Gabby and her friends, and now a senior. It sucks to be Emily sometimes.


    He wrapped his hands on my shoulder and walked beside me. We walked out of the ss and I could feel his nerves rx from being close to me. I wish I could feel the same way but I needed to know what was happening to Devin. I would get rxed if I found out so I thought of asking Xavier.


    That was a bad idea, a really bad one. I brushed the thought off and quickly thought of something else. Xavier would be wondering what I came for in his ss and there was no way I could say anything. Before he asked anything, I found my voice and asked him, ¡°Where¡¯s Devin?¡±

 79

    XAVIER¡¯s POV


    I stood by the corner of the hallway and looked at Devin. He walked past the library without entering inside. That was strange, I decided to observe.


    By the third time I saw him, I realized he was avoiding Emily and tried not to stay where she¡¯d possibly be. I smirked at the thought, it was nice having him stay away from Emily without trying much.


    I barely talked to Emily today because I needed to get a hold of my sanity. I spent my nights wondering how the hell I could get money and help the situation.


    Devin didn¡¯t see me stalk him to know what he was up to. When I confirmed he was avoiding Emily was when it was break and he stayed back instead of going to the cafeteria. Recently, they¡¯ve been going to the canteen together but the past two days differed.


    As I walked out of the principal¡¯s cream-themed office, I rolled my eyes.  I didn¡¯t get detention though, just a bunch of warnings I don¡¯t give a fuck about. I was reported because I got abusive and rude to a teacher. I only called herme and thatnded me in the principal¡¯s office.


    Who threatens to call a student¡¯s parents for having a poor grade? Man, she isme as hell.


    It was obvious I didn¡¯t prepare for the test, I got so many things going on that I barely thought of my exams. From getting real nasty with Emily during the weekend to having to look for her after she ran out. The list is endless but I better get back to ss before the next teacheres in.


    I took the steps two at a time and finally got to the hallway that led to the ssroom. As I walked there, my gaze fell on Emily. She looked scared and the other girl who I barely pay attention to was holding her clothes.


    I could tell she was getting bullied without even having to ask. It was a normal thing for Emily to be bullied, she was so fragile and it was written all over her. Anyone could easily bully her and she¡¯d stand still wearing that scared expression.


    ¡°LET GO OF HER,¡± I ordered.


    I watched her turn her blue eyes to me and rolled them. I had no connection with her, she was pretty but I didn¡¯t move around Devin¡¯s friends or fuck buddies.


    I saw the relief in Emily¡¯s eye as she saw me. I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around her.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, are you okay?¡±


    She gave a nod and then a confirmation followed. It felt good to have her in my arms again, we¡¯ve avoided each other and it only feels different to hold her. A part of me wanted to ask what she was doing in my ss but I brushed the thought off.


    I¡¯ll rather not hear she came looking for Devin.


    It was quite obvious in the way she looked around trying to see if she could catch a glimpse of him. I had no idea what was going on and I wish it remained this way. Devin was avoiding Emily and she was trying to look for him and probably ask what was wrong.


    Emily would be thinking I had something to do with this when in reality I was as shocked as she seemed. I continued holding her and walking when she paused.


    I paused too and raised my brows in inquiry.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Devin?¡±


    My brows furrowed. ¡°Saw him a while ago with his new girlfriend,¡± I lied.


    ¡°Was that why she was asking if I was his new girl?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°Nevermind,¡± she blurted looking hurt.


    I didn¡¯t mean to hurt her feelings but I needed her to not ask about Devin. Her jaw clenched and I knew she was about to ask another question.


    ¡°What¡¯s her name?¡±


    ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°Her,¡± she retorted, not wanting to refer to her as Devin¡¯s girlfriend.


    I thought of a quick name to give his imaginary girlfriend. ¡°Leah.¡±


    She arched her brows trying to think of anyone like that.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know her,¡± I blurted. ¡°She¡¯s new in town and he keeps her low-key. They rarely hang out in school and you must have missed noticing them.¡±


    ¡°Maybe.¡±


    Emily was the easiest person to convince on earth. She continued walking and I thought of sharing it with her.


    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of something but I don¡¯t think it¡¯s a good idea.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t think?¡±


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    I thought of how telling her about the child service issue would affect her greatly. I suddenly regretted saying a thing about it.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°What is it?¡± She asked again.


    ¡°Just a random thought. You should get back to ss, I¡¯ll see you when school closes okay?¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± she replied without persisting.


    I was surprised she didn¡¯t ask me to tell her before she left, she must have been thinking of Devin and his imaginary girlfriend.


    I walked back to my ssroom and tried to be calm. I would have picked a fight with the blonde and warned her never to touch my sister but I didn¡¯t want to be seen hitting a woman, my dad might disown me.


    He¡¯s so obsessed with respecting women and not treating them like shit. Well, I¡¯m not against it but if I had my way I¡¯d hit any woman that tried to bully Emily.


    When we got home, I changed into different sweatpants and grabbed my baseball cap. Emily volunteered to make lunch since Mom wasn¡¯t around but I had to leave.


    ¡°Ain¡¯t you hungry?¡± She asked turning the rice to the pan.


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a lie, we didn¡¯t have breakfast and I didn¡¯t see you at the canteen.¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t mean I didn¡¯t eat.¡±


    When she noticed I was dressed to leave, she paused her cooking and came to where I stood. ¡°Xavier?¡±


    ¡°Yeah?¡±


    ¡°Where are you going to? You¡¯re supposed to have a day off today.¡±


    She was right but I couldn¡¯t sit my ass home all evening. The bills wouldn¡¯t pay themselves. I wanted to say that to her but she¡¯d frown and ask what bills. There was no way I was going to tell her the child service crisis was my problem and I wanted to fix it at all costs.


    ¡°Dad asked me to get something checked for him real quick.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, so I¡¯ll see youter.¡±


    ¡°Are you driving there?¡±


    No. I wasn¡¯t going to take the truck in case anything went wrong.


    ¡°No. It¡¯s not that deep.¡±


    ¡°Okay then.¡±


    I turned and left the house, I needed to seal the deal.

 80

    Emily kept asking me questions. I didn¡¯t want her worrying or asking me questions about what I told her earlier. I answered her and assured her I¡¯d be back soon. I lied to her that it was an errand Dad sent me because she would keep asking for information.


    I knew I wasn¡¯t going to be back soon but I had to say that.


    As I stepped out of the house, I reached for my phone in my pocket and raised it. I quickly sent a text and shoved the phone back into my pocket.


    The lights in the train car sh as we passed through another tunnel. Getting to the downtown from where we lived was as tasking as you could imagine.


    In forty minutes,  A crackly voice res through the speakers notifying me of my stop. I raised my head from the screen of my phone and I looked around. I didn¡¯t notice the people around me till the voice announced I had gotten to my destination.


    It was my first timeing to this part of New York and I hoped everything went well. I knew it was a risky thing to do but I¡¯ve been told that we take risks for people we love and for Emily, I could do anything.


    I stood up from my seat and clutch the pole in the middle. I waited patiently as the creaking sound of train brakes echoed. When I finally climbed down, I adjusted my baseball cap and looked at the address on my screen. I turned my head and observed the environment.


    I follow the footpath in the hood down a dark alley and into a former industrial area. Shabby warehouses and abandoned machinery filled the ce. I clenched my fist and continued walking till some boys looked in my direction.


    I had no idea what I would do if they came close, so from a distance, I thought of what action to take. I lifted my shirt and pretended to be getting a gun out of my pants. That frightened them and they walked away.


    I let out a sigh and continued walking. It was Devin who taught me to frighten when I was frightened. I remember one of the days we got into trouble with some bad guys and had to act like the bad guys ourselves.


    Weughed our asses out when we returned home and reminisced on the incident. Speaking of Devin, I was thinking of putting our past behind us. We¡¯ve been enemies for so long, I can barely remember what it feels like to be friends with him.


    I turned my head to a car driving in my direction. A young man climbed out of the car with a cigarette in his hand. He wore a ck polo shirt over ck trousers. I figured he was the one I came to meet so I walked closer to him.


    ¡°You¡¯re Xavier.¡±


    I gave a nod and a quick smile. Of course, I was Xavier and I needed to be done with this before it started.


    ¡°Yes, I am.¡±Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Heard much about you,¡± he said expiring the smoke. I turned my face to the other side to breathe.


    ¡°Here,¡± he said and tossed a package to me. I looked at him and then at the package in my hand. It looked smaller than I expected so how the hell was it going to make me rich?


    ¡°Is this all?¡± I asked not hiding the expression on my face.


    ¡°That¡¯s a whopping $200 in your hands.¡±


    ¡°Just for these three? That¡¯s insane. Can I get more?¡±


    ¡°Hell no.¡±


    ¡°But I¡¯ll sell it and return your money.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have an option. I can¡¯t risk my business by giving you more than that ton. You could get caught.¡±


    My brows furrowed and my heart raced faster. I knew it was a risky business and I could get my ass in jail.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be careful,¡± I tried convincing him.


    ¡°You have meth there. Stay outta trouble man, I didn¡¯t give you shit if you get caught.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t get caught,¡± I blurted. ¡°Not for these tons.¡±


    ¡°Exactly. if you¡¯re caught with this, it would appear you¡¯re a consumer but if it¡¯s more, you¡¯ll be forced to snitch on your dealer.¡±


    There was a lot of truth in what he said, no one wanted to get into a messy bargain but this wasn¡¯t the goddamn arrangement.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you a better offer if you deliver. I want to test your abilities first bro.¡±


    I squeezed my jaw. ¡°Fine.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t forget my money. I don¡¯t joke with my money bro.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    I walked out and headed out. I had to get a train and get back home. My steps were hesitant as I walked. I felt so strange and scared with the drugs in my pockets. I swallowed the lump that formed in my throat and wondered what I¡¯d do if I get caught. I brushed the thought off as I got on the train and took a seat.


    I had a good reason for doing this, I wanted to save my family. I wanted to save Emily and most importantly, I didn¡¯t want Emily taken away from me. The ride felt slower but I knew it was because of how I was.


    I never tried hard drugs in my entire life. I did some shitty things growing up with Devin but he always warned me against hard drugs. I smiled thinking of the good things about Devin. At least, I still had good memories of him. That was to say he wasn¡¯t so much of a bad person.


    As I calcted, I got home an hour and fifteen minuteste. I was d to see Dad hadn¡¯t returned yet. If he was back he¡¯d probably ask of me and Emily would go all ¡°you sent him on an errand.¡±


    I quickly got inside the room and locked the door behind me. When I was certain Emily wasn¡¯t in sight, I hid the drugs in my bag. I exhaled andughed at how scared I wasing back.


    I took off my shirt and walked into the bathroom. I needed a good shower to help me sleep calmly. I took the body wash to the bathtub and looked at it. I wasn¡¯t going to use that and scent like Emily. I liked her feminine scent only when it was her.


    I tossed it away after checking the name. I turned the shower on and scrubbed my body.


    I felt a rush of calmness flood over my body and I was d I found a solution. If I was able to sell the drugs then I¡¯d get bigger deals that would get us out of here.

 81

    Emily was at the other side of the room dressing up. I brought out the muscle tank top from my wardrobe and wore it. I slid my legs in my jeans and used a blue jacket on it.


    ¡®This would do¡¯ I muttered.


    By the time I was dressed, Emily was applying makeup. I grimaced and turned my gaze from her. It was strange seeing her waste all the time in front of the dressing mirror.


    Could it be that she had suddenly began to look for attention or is beginning to feel pretty? I barely know her applying make up, not even when we need to go for a party which was just once.


    I picked up by bag and walked out. Mom was in the kitchen as usual and the smell of green fries permeated the air. It was such a tempting aroma and I couldn¡¯t resist.


    ¡°Hi Mom.¡±


    ¡°Xavier,¡± she turned and gave a soft smile. ¡°How was your night rest?¡±


    Should I tell her that I had to go to the downtown area to get crack form someone I don¡¯t know?


    ¡°Fine,¡± I lied.


    I spent my entire night waking up at intervals to check if the drugs was still in my bag. I was getting tensed for no reason and it wasn¡¯t helping.


    ¡°Here, eat some before you leave.¡±


    I took the te from her and smiled. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Shortly after, Dad joined the table and Emily too. She looked different applying a colored liner to her eyes. She gave a big smile when she saw us all look at her in surprise.


    ¡°Surprise! I look different much?¡±


    Mom gave a nod and Dad grinned. ¡°You look beautiful, Emily.¡±


    ¡°Thank you Dad,¡± she blushed.


    Her eyes flickered to me and I continued eating, pretending not to notice her stare.


    ¡°Xavier!¡±


    I raised my head.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t say anything.¡±


    What was I going to say? That you felt insecure and applied make up? Definitely not but not far from it.


    ¡°You¡¯re beautiful with or without the make up.¡±


    Iid emphasis on without and took a sip of water.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think that came out right.¡±


    ¡°Emily he¡¯s right,¡± Mom smiled not noticing the sarcasm. ¡°You look so much like me and that gives you an edge.¡±


    We finished breakfast and headed to the truck. I mmed on the elerator and drove away. I randomly felt a flush of fear as we drove to school. I tried distracting myself by ying  music on the stereo but it didn¡¯t help much.


    I held the steering wheel with one hand and touched my hair with the other.


    I walked to ss and looked around. I think I may suffering from anxiety at this point because what kind of feeling is this?


    Each time someone threw a stare at me, my heartbeat raced faster. I swallowed my saliva and touched my pocket. I transferred the drugs into my jacket the moment Emily got down from the truck, giving me some privacy.


    The teacher walked into the ss and everybody settled down. The noise ceased and he introduced the topic he was teaching. Man, it was going to be a long day. I brought out my note and a pen from my bag. The girl sitting in front of me turned to give me a suspicious look. My jaw clenched as I wondered if she somehow knew I had drugs on me. I know that was a crazy thought but I was nervous.


    I checked my inner pocket and found it there. It felt like for every stare, the drugs disappeared. After the second period, I grew tensed and couldn¡¯t remain in the ss.


    I stood up from my seat and stormed out. I walked into the hallway and opened my locker, keeping my bags there. I turned and entered the restroom. I used the first room and when then turned open the tap. I washed my hands and rinsed my face. As I was rinsing my face, I heard voices.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    I ignored the boys talking and continued what I was doing till I overheard their conversation and paused.


    ¡°Man I don¡¯t know why he¡¯s not picking his damn call, I need this drug.¡±


    ¡°Rx bro, I can¡¯t think straight either.¡±


    ¡°Got some crack with you?¡±


    ¡°None bro, none.¡±


    ¡°Fuck! I hate it here.¡±


    I listened to their conversation and contemted going to meet them. They were sounding like they badly needed crack. I had some with me from the package but I had no idea how to approach them.


    ¡°I injected somest night and I can swear that¡¯s keeping me sane. Right now, I have no idea how I¡¯d survive tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re lucky to have had any. I have a test in an hour and I¡¯m certain I¡¯d be fucked.¡±


    I suddenly gathered the courage and approached me. I saw their tensed facial expression and they tried to change the subject immediately.


    ¡°Uh, you know uh..¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s our friend, right? I know.¡±


    I watched how they tried to change the subject and ended up saying meaningless shit. The first guy was dressed in an expensive leather jacket and a pair of Nike sneakers. He looked like a rich kid and I was sure of that.


    ¡°I heard you,¡± I started.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t snitch,¡± he pleaded. ¡°I don¡¯t do drugs, I¡¯m just¡ª¡±


    ¡°Rx Buddy,¡± I replied interrupting him. I opened my inner jacket and brought out a wrap of crack. ¡°You said you needed this.¡±


    I watched his eyes widen in shock and the other guy standing beside him gave me a quick hug. I don¡¯t me him though, I me his urges and his addiction.


    I tossed the wrap to him and he couldn¡¯t contain his happiness.  ¡°What the fuck, you just saved my ass.¡±


    I stood there thinking of what to do next, I was so anxious at home that I didn¡¯t think of how much I would sell a wrap for. Before I knew what was happening, the guy slid 100$ in my hands. I looked at the cash in my hands and found it unbelievable.


    ¡°Thank you for saving my life, you¡¯re a life saver,¡± he smiled and stormed out with his friend behind me.


    I felt bad for a second, It was the irony that hit me. I was actually helping him ruin his life and not saving him. I brushed off the thought and looked at the money in my hand. I couldn¡¯t believe I work my ass out all month to get 150$ and I just sold a wrap for 100$ and I got 40$ for myself. This felt good and I felt a rush of happiness.


    The bell rang and I left the restroom I sprawled to the canteen with the intentions of buying lunch for me and Emily. We had breakfast before leaving but who says I can¡¯t buy her lunch.


    As I stepped in, my eyes flickered. Emily wasn¡¯t in the canteen yet or so I thought. I tilted my head and saw Devin sitting on a round table. He was alone and that made me smile.

 82

    Xavier¡¯s POV


    I liked that Emily believed me and ceased looking for Devin. I remembered the look on her face when I told her Devin had a girlfriend he kept low-key. She tried to hide it but disappointment was written all over her face.


    I kept smiling at how easy it was to get her jealous. Her jealousy came with insecurities because why would she apply makeup this morning? It didn¡¯t make sense and I disliked that she was trying hard to be validated.


    Emily needs no validation from anyone, she¡¯s pretty as hell and I¡¯ll keep shoving it in her face even if it meant getting sarcastic.


    Mom had no idea what I merely meant by Emily being beautiful with or without makeup.


    She appeared natural and that turned me on whenever I see her natural beauty. Aside from her personality, I¡¯m sure her beauty drives people nuts.


    Parting, I felt happy until I saw Emily walking toward Devin with a tray of snacks.


    ¡°Fucking hell,¡± I cussed in an undertone. Wasn¡¯t she supposed to be ignoring him since he had some sort of imaginary girl?


    I kept looking at Emily and before I knew it Emily had ice cream sttered all over her face. Nili appeared from nowhere and tossed the tray at her. She smiled and cross her hands on her chest. It was crazy to see, why would she do that?


    Emily swallowed the lump in her throat and clenched her fist. She bent down and picked the remnant on the tray and hurled it back at Nili.


    I was stunned that Emily could react that way.


    ¡°Fuck you!!!!¡± Nili growled and tried to grab Emily¡¯s hair but Emily was quick enough to pin her hands.


    Gabby ran to the scene and hit Emily. Emily howled in pain and sent a p in her face. Gabby struggled with Emily dragging her hair and I just couldn¡¯t watch that anymore.


    Emily had gotten more vicious than I could imagine, she was shoving the te down Gabby¡¯s throat. Someone had to stop her else she¡¯d get into detention. I was enjoying the show ¡¯cause you never get to see Emily like this all the time but I had to stop her real quick.


    I took sudden strides but stopped halfway when I saw Devin already picked her up and ced her on his shoulder. ¡°Let go of me!¡± She yelled but Devin kept her firmly on his shoulder. ¡°Stop this.¡±


    She kept kicking her legs in the air and hitting his back in resentment. Eva tried to drag Emily¡¯s hair since Devin had her on his shoulder but Devin skillfully pushed her away.


    I smiled looking at the scene. No, it wasn¡¯t funny but surprising. Thest time Emily fought with Gabby, she stayed away from school and got admitted. That earned Emily detention and I just wondered how bad the fight could have been. Now that I witnessed the fight myself, I was stunned. If this got to our parents, they¡¯d be mad as hell. I¡¯ll try to keep this from them and I hope no one made a video of her beating Gabby and Nili.


    Emily didn¡¯t look like someone with all that energy to throw fists and get someone down with a p. No one would believe she did this to Nili if we didn¡¯t see it ourselves.


    I was proud of her though, I was sick and tired of hearing she was bullied every day. Now that I saw she could stand up for herself, I felt sudden contentment. I looked at the tray on the floor and scoffed at how they wasted such lunch. I was starving but I couldn¡¯t go to buy lunch, not with this mess and my baby sister yelling like a psych.


    I turned and saw Gabby struggling to stand up. Eva held her waist and helped her out of the scene. Gabby looked a mess and she was holding her neck. ¡°I¡¯ll teach her a fucking lesson,¡± she spat and I smiled.


    I knew who would truly teach the damn lesson and that made me feel proud of her. Gabby had this attitude of poke-nosing and being in other people¡¯s business. She¡¯s irked me more than the rest of the girls because of her bitchy attitude. She always tried to demean everyone around her and she loved to be worshiped.


    ¡°My neck hurts so much,¡± she growled and ced her hand on her neck.


    ¡°It¡¯s not broken but we have to get you out of here,¡± Eva suggested.


    Good thing she almost had her neck broken, I wished she broke it and had a reason to visit the hospital like thest time Emily beat her up.


    I turned my head to Emily who was already crying and whimpering. Why the fuck was she shedding tears when she beat Gabby and her friends.


    I turned and kept peering at Devin¡¯s bodynguage. He seemed to rx and my lips twitched. The moment Emily turned her head and met my gaze, she was crying and  I wondered why. I mean, she beat her ass so why was she being dramatic?


    The next thing she did was she ran to me. I wasn¡¯t expecting her toe to me, not when it was Devin who carried her from the scene.


    I opened my arms and weed her. She held me tightly and I just tucked her hair behind her ear.


    I smiled knowing she came to me herself, it felt better this way. ¡°You did well though,¡± I whispered to her ear as I held her. She just shook her head and continued holding me.


    When the hug broke, I used a napkin to wipe her tears and some ice cream on her face. I walked her to the restroom for her to clean up. She got inside and turned open the tap. She rinsed the ice cream off her face and came back to me.


    I held her hands and smiled. ¡°Do you want pizza?¡±


    She took a second before replying, ¡°it¡¯s illegal to order stuff at school, I¡¯ll just get into trouble.¡±


    ¡°Oh, right.¡±


    I forgot about the rule, maybe it was because I was already involved in some illegal shit.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go home then?¡±


    She gave a nod and we walked to the truck.


    ¡°I think I want to tell you something when we get home.¡±


    She rolled her eyes and turned her face to me. ¡°Isn¡¯t that like the same thing you said the other time?¡±


    ¡°Yeah but this time around I really want to say it.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s stopping you from saying it?¡±Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    ¡°We¡¯re not home yet.¡±


    ¡°Then let¡¯s go home already.¡±

 83

    When we got home I tossed my bag away and sat on the couch. I felt a sudden type of way like I was relieved.


    I smiled knowing I passed my first test and would probably get more deals that would give me more money. I checked my phone for any text from the dealer but there was none.


    I sent him a text saying I wanted to meet with him but there was no reply yet. I shoved the phone back into my pocket and stood up. Emily was making lunch and I didn¡¯t want to join her. If I did, she¡¯d be forced to ask me a bunch of questions that I wasn¡¯t ready to answer yet.


    I walked to the room and removed my clothes. I took the remaining drugs in my jacket and hid them in my bag.


    It was safer that way, no one would take my bag for any reason but Emily could take my jacket and say she was cold or Dad could give it to her saying it fits her better.


    I walked to that bathroom and looked at my reflection in the mirror. I bent my head in the basin and washed my face for some minutes. When I raised my head, Emily was standing right behind me.


    I saw her reflection in the mirror and flinched. I wasn¡¯t expecting her to be in the bathroom, she was in the kitchen some minutes back.


    ¡°Why are you acting surprised?¡± She asked brushing the fact that I was only on my boxers.


    ¡°That¡¯s ¡¯cause I am. You were in the kitchen just now.¡±


    ¡°And I came here. Been standing here past 60 seconds. You didn¡¯t seem to notice.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I was rinsing-¡±


    ¡°I know. You have thirty minutes left before your shift.¡±


    I gave a nod at the reminder.


    ¡°You should tell me now. What you said you wanted to tell me.¡±


    ¡°Ohhh,¡± I blurted, I knew that was why she came.


    A surge of reluctance swept over me. It always happened whenever she wanted to know. I thought of telling her about James¡¯ n, the child service case, and the contract marriage mom had with James. Basically, she was a contract child and I had no idea how she would take it.


    I didn¡¯t want her feeling bad and getting all emotional. I instantly waved off the idea, I couldn¡¯t do it.


    Instead of that, I thought of something else to ask.


    ¡°I wanted to ask a question actually.¡±


    Her brows arched. ¡°A question?¡±


    ¡°Yes, a question.¡±


    ¡°Okay, go on. I¡¯m listening to your question.¡±


    ¡°Would you go with James if hees to take you?¡±


    I looked at her roll her eyes at my question. ¡°Xavier is that it?¡±


    Was she doubting me? Well, it wasn¡¯t but I also wanted to know if she changed her mind overnight. The other day at the ride with James, she smiled at him and it made my tummy tighten.


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s a question,¡± I huffed.


    ¡°You¡¯ve asked this question before Xavier,¡± she stated throwing her hands in the air. ¡°Well, I¡¯ve answered this question. I can¡¯t go with James, I¡¯m not willing to stay with him.¡±


    I felt the need to ask if she was sure of her response but I thought against it. Giving emphasis to the question would only make her suspect. Emily was everything except dumb, she knew went to grow suspicious.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°Was that really what you wanted to ask?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Uh-¡±


    She looked on and I twitched my lips. ¡°Emily if you go with him, it would make being together easier.¡±


    Her jaw dropped and she said nothing. It was obvious it left her speechless. She couldn¡¯t believe I thought of the possibility of that.


    Her eyes widened at my confession and she turned her head. ¡°Xavier they can hear us.¡±


    ¡°Who?¡± I asked nonchntly.


    ¡°Mom and Dad. They can overhear us discuss this.¡±


    ¡°They are not home Emily. There¡¯s no way they¡¯d overhear us. I just need you to see it from that perspective, at least for a second.¡±


    She paused and stared nkly.


    ¡°Haven¡¯t you noticed how they seem to be overworkingtely?¡±


    She gave a nod and thought about it. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    I gave a nod too, I wasn¡¯t expecting her to know what to do. I just wanted her to know and possibly know if she¡¯d take chances.


    ¡°I guess you should get ready for work, you¡¯re runningte.¡±


    ¡°Not yet,¡± I responded. I didn¡¯t want the moment of realization to end yet. It made me feel okay brainstorming with Emily.


    If she found out she was a contract child it would eat her. She believed her mom when her mom said she was hoping to get twins and then got her. It made it so real, we all thought she was really waiting for a kid. What we didn¡¯t know was that the child was a contract child that got rejected by her father.


    It sucked that James thought he could easily get Emily. He was trying his best and even using me as proof. He believed we had a sexual rtionship and was trying to get Child service to give him Emily.


    That was crazy, we¡¯ve done nasty kinds of stuff, and gone naughty with each other but we never fucked. As much as I wanted it, Emily wasn¡¯t ready and I respected her so much to wait.


    I med myself for that morning and for letting James walk into us. That was why he worked harder and tried to get Emily away. Knowing I was at fault on my part, made me want to fix it all.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Selling drugs wasn¡¯t a good idea but it was the only shit I could think of that would give me quick money and help me fix the whole mess. Dad was overworking his ass and his car was gone. Mom was doing the same and you could see it on her face that she was drained.


    I looked at Emily and gave a soft smile. She walked away and I finished up. I applied lotion to my body and got dressed in a joggers and polo T-shirt.


    When I was done dressing, I took my zip-up hoodie and my wallet. I stormed out of the room and met Emily in the sitting room.


    She was about to make a call when I met her. ¡°what are you doing?¡±


    She turned to face me, ¡°I want to order Pizza. Trying to make an order.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    I knew she loved pizza a lot and she couldn¡¯t do without it, that was why Devin bought a box when he came to apologize.


    I tossed out 20$ from my pocket and gave it to her. ¡°Here, order some, and don¡¯t leave the house.¡±


    She smiled and I walked toward her. I bent and left a quick kiss on her lips.

 84

    Xavier¡¯s POV


    I left the house and headed out but Sky the dealer wasn¡¯t taking my calls. He hadn¡¯t returned my text and I just heaved a sigh.


    There was no way I was going to get on a train for forty minutes and get to the downtown abandoned warehouse and he doesn¡¯t show up.


    I waited in front of the coffee shop, hoping he returned my text. I looked around and after a few minutes I walked inside the coffee shop. I changed into my working clothes and went behind the counter.


    I sat for a while before I got orders and started brewing coffee. When I finished my shift, I changed back into my shirt and hoodie. I called Sky onest time and it went to voice mail. I got pissed and shoved my phone back in my pocket.


    I returned home pissed and it was written all over me. I met mom on the couch but I didn¡¯t stop to greet her. I just walked in quick strides till I got to my room and locked the door behind me.


    I had no idea how to reach Sky. I was supposed to give him his money and take new deals. I now had people to deliver to and I didn¡¯t want to start being unountable.


    Iid on my bed with my jaw clenched. I couldn¡¯t get my mind off it, it was making me ufortable. I turned my head to Emily¡¯s bed and saw it was still empty. I had no idea where she was and I didn¡¯t care at that minute. I just wanted this deal done with and probably stop worrying about shit.


    The door flew open and I looked sideways. Dad walked into the room and I sat up. He walked over to my bed and asked what was happening.


    ¡°What¡¯s happening to you guys?¡±


    I had no idea who he was referring to but I knew I was involved in whatever. ¡°I got a call from school, Emily got involved in a fight.¡±


    ¡°Oh shit,¡± I blurted. I was supposed to keep this away from them but I totally forgot. I was more proud of Emily than I was angry.


    My lip twitched as I returned his stare. He was having his phone in one hand and he grabbed the iron frame with the other hand.


    ¡°There¡¯s a video of her hitting her ssmate online. I couldn¡¯t believe it was my Emily.¡±


    The tone of his voice changed and I looked at him. He wasn¡¯t sounding pissed and that left me wondering if he was proud of her like I was.


    ¡°Shit was funny to see,¡± he added and stretched the phone to me.


    I looked at the screen and watched the video of Emily pulling Gabby¡¯s hair. Gabby was screaming and Emily was asking her to shut the fuck as she pped her fiercely.


    ¡°Damn.¡±


    Dadughed at positioned his stance. ¡°I¡¯m kind of proud to see her standing up for herself.¡±


    ¡°Me too,¡± I confessed. He had no idea how happy it made me that she was finally being ady of herself.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t mean she was right though. Fighting is wrong.¡±


    ¡°On some ounts.¡±


    ¡°On all ounts Xavier. I¡¯m d you taught her how to stand up for herself, that¡¯s the greatest thing you did for her.¡±


    I looked on, he was wrong. I didn¡¯t even teach Emily how to stand up for herself, I just reminded her she didn¡¯t have to take shit all the time and she should make use of her fist sometimes. She should be given all the credit for standing up for herself, she did it all by herself.


    Dad said it was the greatest thing but I wasn¡¯t buying that. It wasn¡¯t the greatest for me. The greatest thing would be fixing the whole child service mess and making sure Emily wasn¡¯t take away.


    If I could do that, I¡¯d be so proud of myself and probably ept it as the greatest thing.


    ¡°Should be proud of her too,¡± I added.


    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m just not proud you both got into detention for nine days and kept it away from your mom and I.¡±


    My brows furrowed. How did he know that? Fucking hell.


    ¡°How-¡± I started but paused when I found it unnecessary to ask how he knew. The teacher obviously snitched on us and called our parents, see why I call herme?


    ¡°One more detention before prom and I¡¯ll have you both grounded.¡±


    That was it, the punishment of the year.


    ¡°I am not joking Son, you¡¯ll be grounded for a very long time,¡± he warned firmly and I gave a slight nod.


    ¡°Make sure you both remain good kids. Don¡¯t let Emily get into trouble, that¡¯s why you¡¯re there as her big brother.¡±


    ¡°I know that.¡±


    Well I didn¡¯t know shit because Emily was old enough to decide if she wanted to get into trouble or not. I wasn¡¯t going to ask her to remain calm when Gabby tries to bully her, I¡¯d ask her to smash Gabby¡¯s head on a locker and beat shit out of her.


    As for me, I wasn¡¯t a good kid. I didn¡¯t have to feel guilty about the organization, I was doing it for my family and not for some selfish gains.


    That reminded me of Sky and I frowned. He had not called back yet.


    ¡°Come here son,¡± Dad said and pulled me in a hug. It felt so weird to be in his arms, I could barely remember thest time I hugged him.


    I remained there for a second before breaking the awkward hug. He smiled and left a pat on my shoulder. ¡°Remember that Son, don¡¯t get into detention again. If you and your sister get one more detention, I¡¯ll have you both grounded for a long time.¡±


    I didn¡¯t need a reminder on his threats. I gave a nod and watched him leave the room.


    ¡°Fuck it,¡± I cussed in an undertone.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    Iid on my bed and fell asleep, I didn¡¯t even take my clothes off.


    When I woke up, it was already morning and I jumped on my feet. I had my routine done and picked out my usual outfit. I brushed my hair backwards and grabbed my bag.


    Emily wasn¡¯t in sight and just wondered if she applied make up again. I couldn¡¯t sit for breakfast ¡¯cause we had not time.  I checked my phone and there was no notification. Sky was getting on my nerves and it annoyed me that he could.


    I got to the truck and Emily joined me. We drive to schooling silence cause I was so mad to say a thing.

 85

    I spent my evening cleaning the house and helping Emily to tidy the house. I wanted to tell her I¡¯d be out tonight but I didn¡¯t.


    Emily looked beautiful in her in T-shirt and shorts. She had her hair packed in a ponytail and used her hands to wipe sweat off her forehead.


    When she was done with her chores, she went to the bathroom to take a bath. I remained in the sitting room, scrolling through my phone. When I received a notification, I checked to see if it was Sky but it wasn¡¯t him. I scoffed and went to bed.


    Emily was on my table doing her assignments. I should probably get serious with my education and do same but I had to catch some sleep. I watched her quietly do her school work and smiled.


    I already had a bad grade and I was hoping I settle this shit earlier and focus on school. I made her believe I was fast asleep by the time she was done.


    She locked the door and turned off the lights. She went toy on her bed and used her duvet to cover herself. In a short while, she fell asleep peacefully.


    When I was sure she was asleep, I tiptoed to the door and unlocked it. I needed to meet with Sky and find out why he was being a jerktely and ignoring my calls.


    Sky texted me to meet him. It wasn¡¯t the usual location that required a forty minute drive and that made me feel relieved. I had no idea how I was going to go on such a trip by 12am.


    The streets were dark and lonely by the time I got to the location. I looked around and found a spot to wait. I checked my phone and looked at the address onest time. I walked to the ce and to my utmost surprise he was looking bloodied.


    ¡°What the fuck happened man?¡± I asked looking around. He looked like he was punched and beaten up badly.


    His skin hurt and he was bruised all over.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    He coughed in an attempt to answer me and spat out blood. I looked away and turned my gaze back to him.


    ¡°What happened Sky?¡±


    He raised his head to me and I looked at his eyes. They were swollen and he had dark circles underneath his eyes.


    ¡°Do you need help? I can get you out of here,¡± I offered with no idea how I could possibly do that.


    ¡°No,¡± he scoffed and kept growling.


    ¡°Can you at least tell me what happened?¡±


    He shivered and I figured he possibly caught a cold being out. I took off my hoodie and handed it to him.


    ¡°Here, you¡¯re cold and you need it.¡±


    He looked at me for a second and took the hoodie from me. He smiled appreciatively and I swallowed the lump in my throat.


    His hair was in a mess as he wiped away blood that was drooling from his mouth.  ¡°Thanks.¡±


    I gave a nod. I felt a surge of fear, and looked around. The worst fear was fear of the unknown and I couldn¡¯t help it. I tried getting him to tell me what happened but he said nothing, instead he nudged his head and coughed again.


    ¡°This business is risky,¡± he finally said.


    I knew that. I fucking know dealing with drugs was one of the riskiest things to do but that wasn¡¯t what I wanted to hear. I wanted to know what happened, who did this to him and what his crime was.


    ¡°If you need peace of mind you better go back. Don¡¯t get involved in this shit, it takes more than you expect.¡±


    I watched him growl as he talked. He wasn¡¯t going to make me change my mind, not when I already felt good about the business.


    ¡°I know that,¡± I scoffed ignoring everything else he said in his advice.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know shit Xavier, the Boss is deadly. You get involved with him, mess his business and he could kill you. Trust me, he doesn¡¯t care who the fuck you are.¡±


    I felt the need to tell him I wasn¡¯t doing this for the gains or for some selfish reasons. I didn¡¯t even want to be a renowned drug dealer or shit. I just wanted to get the whole problem at home fixed and stay away.


    He didn¡¯t understand and that made me squeeze my jaw. Did he mess with the Boss¡¯s money and got himself wounded? I wasn¡¯t going to do that, I don¡¯t care about the share that isn¡¯t mine.


    I sold the wrap and kept his money for him. I used from my 40$ to get little stuffs settled and get Emily pizza.


    ¡°I¡¯m just warning you,¡± he said when he noticed how lost I was in my thoughts.


    I wanted him to know I wasn¡¯t going to be a nuisance and have myself killed.  I thought of telling him the exact reason I was doing this but that would mean telling him about Emily and that was risky.


    I didn¡¯t want to involve Emily in something this risky. I care about my family a lot to get them involved in stuffs like this.


    ¡°I understand you Sky but I¡¯m not a kid. I pledge not to do anything shitty, I just want to make the little bucks from this and settle shit at home. There are so many bills to take care of and my parents are not in the best state.¡±


    He waited for a while before conceding my reason. He grabbed his bag and opened it, revealing more wraps of cracks, meth and some other high demand drugs.


    I swallowed hard when I saw it. I shouldn¡¯t back down now.


    ¡°Not now,¡± I whispered to myself.


    ¡°Here, it¡¯s seven wraps,¡± he said and hurled it to me. I caught the bag before it fell and looked inside.


    It contained seven wraps like he said and I have a nod. ¡°It¡¯splete.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t get into trouble. If you do, you don¡¯t ever get to say you know the Boss. I don¡¯t know you either, so you keep your mouth shut till death.¡±


    I had no reaction to his words so I just gave a nod in understanding. I heard how people snitched in jail and had their family killed. I wasn¡¯t going to ever do that, I¡¯d rather die than bring them into this.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell the Boss about your first task and how you seeded. This is a second test and after this you maynd yourself a bigger deal.¡±


    I smiled and thanked him.

 86

    EMILY¡¯s POV


    I noticed Xavier wasn¡¯t on his bed when I snapped my eyes open at night but I was too tired to check for him. I returned to sleep and I found him right on his bed the next morning, fully dressed.


    At least he was alive.


    Thest thing I wanted to do this morning was to meddle so I prepared for school without asking questions. I loved how everyone looked surprised by my new way of applying liners. it was more stressful than you can imagine.


    I stayed thirty minutes trying to get the perfect cat eye but gave up when it wasn¡¯t turning out the way I wanted it. I turned to Xavier and noticed he was putting something in his jacket.


    ¡®Snoopy son of a ughh!¡¯ I thought.


    He¡¯s been acting so strangetely and I just returned my gaze to my reflection in the mirror and when  I couldn¡¯t figure out what he kept in his jacket, my curiosity sparked and I stood up.


    I really need to see it or I¡­ mayby die.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± I asked after tiptoeing to his back. I didn¡¯t get a good view since his back was broad enough to cover me.


    ¡°GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE.¡±


    Wtf!


    I flinched and frowned. Why was he being so strange and acting all protective over his clothes? Was he scared I would steal them as always or¡­ maybe love that one so much?


    ¡°I don¡¯t want you sneaking around my business okay? It has nothing to do with you,¡± he huffed and walked out.


    That was it! I hate such manners.


    I had absolutely no idea what he was saying. He never spoke to me stay out of his business like that, I always asked and got answers; sometimes early and other times,te.


    I shook my head in utmost disbelief and stormed out of the house. James already texted that he was waiting outside. He offered to take us to school and I agreed, I had no reason to. I closed the door behind me and walked to where his car was parked.


    I got in the car and after exchanging the usual pleasantries I turned my head away. This was the first time I needed something from James but I had no idea how to go about requesting it. Was I supposed to call him James or Dad?


    Damn, this felt harder than I thought.


    I knew James would do anything I asked, he just needed me to ask. I heaved and wondered how I would start the conversation.


    ¡°Are you okay, Emily?¡±


    I¡¯m d he noticed how uneasy I was. That way, I didn¡¯t have to start the conversation from the blue.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Uh, I just needed something.¡±


    ¡°Then ask. Tell me, what¡¯s that?¡±


    My lips folded and I turned to face him. ¡°I need a car,¡± I blurted.


    He gave a smile as if expecting me to ask all my life.


    ¡°But I can¡¯t drive,¡± I added.


    ¡°I know that.¡±


    It was important to note that I had no driving experience and no license even.


    I noticed Xavier¡¯s burning stare on me and turned to him. He had his brows raised and he couldn¡¯t believe I just asked James for a car. It was unbelievable and he didn¡¯t hide the disappointment on his face.


    I ignored his stare and turned back to James who was still grinning like a puppy. Sorry to say.


    ¡°Uh, can I start driving lessons next month? Or maybe a littleter than next month?¡±


    ¡°Sure. You can start whenever you want, Hunny.¡±


    I gave a quick smile and felt a surge of emotion in me. It felt new to ask for something this huge and get it with no stress. I liked how I could get this, with no exnations or reminders of how I was a kid. James didn¡¯t say anything about being a kid, he barely mentioned my age whenever we conversed.


    ¡°I can pick you up from school and then we start some driving lessons,¡± he offered.


    ¡°That would be great.¡±


    ¡°A lot of people get scared while driving so I¡¯ll be right in the backseat if you ever get scared or need anything.¡±


    Why didn¡¯t I ever see this nice side of James? I was so certain he was a bad person that I failed to give him a chance to prove he could be a good person too. I smiled and he returned my smile opening a briefcase.


    ¡°Here.¡±


    Hell no. He was offering me money and there was no way I was taking that cash home.


    ¡°I can¡¯t take it, James.¡±


    ¡°Why not? It is only $400. I just want you to get yourself a cup of ice cream.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no way I can get ice cream for $600. Damn, that¡¯s so much. I honestly can¡¯t ept that kind of amount from you.¡±


    ¡°Then you get more cups? I just want you to have it, Emily.¡±


    My eyes widened at the way he causally said it like any normal human could buy cups of ice cream worth $400. That was totally insane and I couldn¡¯t help the expression on my face.


    ¡°It¡¯s the little I can give you Emily. I love it when you smile and you¡¯re happy. I¡¯m sure a cup of ice cream and maybe a box of pizza could help. It¡¯s just a little gift for my baby girl.¡±


    I looked at him and I grinned unconsciously. Did he know I loved Pizza or was he just guessing? He was right, a cup of ice cream and a box of Pizza would make me happy.


    Owning a car already blew my mind and he was offering a little gift?


    I took the money from him and smiled. ¡°Thank you, Dad.¡±


    That felt awkward to say, I was going to regret saying that but still. He looked surprised at how I called him dad and couldn¡¯t contain his excitement.


    Xavier was listening to everything but he didn¡¯t say a word. Instead, he clenched his fist and kept heaving like he was going to explode in the passenger seat.


    ¡°Here man, you may need $1000 for some kinds of stuff.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need shit,¡± Xavier bluntly rejected and flung open the door. ¡°I need to grab something I forgot.¡±


    I swallowed the lump in my throat and watched him storm out. He didn¡¯t forget anything, he was just so ufortable but didn¡¯t find a reason to leave. Now James offered him money and triggered him, he took the opportunity.


    I watched him walk to the driveway with his backpack firmly on his back. He was going to g a taxi to school, I know.


    ¡°Emily,¡± James called, bringing back my attention. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t you love to visit me during your holidays?¡±


    ¡°My exams are ending in three weeks and I kind of want to remain here in Los Angeles with my family.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t miss old friends? Florida isn¡¯t far from Los Angeles. A meet and greet would be so fun.¡±


    ¡°I know but I¡¯d rather stay here with my family.¡±

 87

    I spent my day thinking of how good it felt to get what you want. I went into oblivion often and sometimes the teacher had to yell my name to bring me back.


    It truly felt like a distraction but I loved this distraction, same way I loved how Xavier stares at me and how Devin kissed me.


    I shook the thoughts off my head and grabbed my backpack, I needed to wait for James, he should be here soon. I turned my head to the door and Eva stood there. She didn¡¯t say a word to me and I smirked at how great it felt to put her in her ce too.


    James promised to pick me up after school so I hung around waiting for him. I stood by the pole in the hallway, pressing my phone. I was getting tired of standing in one spot so I shoved my phone into my pocket and went looking for Xavier. He was still mad but couldn¡¯t he at least stay where I could easily find him?


    He arrived at school before I did and I had no idea where he was. I understand he was angry at how I epted the money from James and I could see it in his eyes. I turned my head in the hallway trying to find him but I couldn¡¯t spot him.


    ¡°Where the hell is he?¡±


    I turned around and saw Devin walking toward me. Immediately, my jaw squeezed and I turned my head away. He was avoiding me for no reason and now he wanted to talk to me like nothing happened?


    Maybe acting up would be better, body all, he would stop acting like his body daily get possessed by evil SpiritBelongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    I hastened my footsteps but he kept following me. ¡°Emily!¡±


    ¡°Leave me alone.¡±


    I kept walking till he reached me and grabbed my arms. I turned to him and my eyes met his.


    ¡°Emily I just wanted to apologize,¡± he started. ¡°I didn¡¯te to school yesterday and I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    I looked at how sincere his eyes looked and huffed.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been avoiding me,¡± I stated.


    ¡°Emily I was arrested.¡±


    My brows furrowed. Arrested? Why crime did hemit?


    I swallowed the lump in my throat and asked, ¡°Why? What happened?¡±


    ¡°Emily I can¡¯t hide who I am from you, you¡¯ll hate me someday and you may never forgive me.¡±


    My lips twitched at his sudden conclusion.


    ¡°I just wanted to say I¡¯m sorry,¡± he finally said and turned his back to leave.


    I gripped his arms immediately and pulled him into a hug. He didn¡¯t see iting and tried to gently push me away but I tiptoed and kissed his lips.


    He looked at me and kissed me back, letting me slide my tongue in his.


    He tasted like fresh mint and I couldn¡¯t get enough of him. He held my waist and positioned my neck so he can have easy ess on my mouth. For a second, everything else went unnoticed. All I could think of and feel was his possessive lips on mine.


    He stroked my hair and I closed my eyes, letting him fill my lips. His kiss was everything I yearned for. He had this effect on me and I wouldn¡¯t change it for anything.


    When sudden realization hit me, I figured where I was. I was still in the hallway and I felt I was being stared at. Holy shit, Devin tasted better each moment. My heart raced faster when I imagined Xavier was standing opposite us and was staring at us.


    I broke the kiss and turned, expecting to see Xavier but instead I saw James. I couldn¡¯t figure the expression he was wearing, it was nk. I couldn¡¯t read the expression on his face so k swallowed the lump that was in my throat.


    I watched him angrily waddle away and I looked back at Devin. I had no idea what James was going to do. Was he going to report me to Mom? I quickly ran after him.


    When I got to where the car was, I was panting hard. Xavier casually walked to the car like nothin happened and he lowered himself in. I stood still trying to catch my breathe before I entered the car too.


    James was already in the car and he turned on the ignition the moment Xavier and I settled in the backseat of the car. He sped off and my chest heaved wondering what was going to happen.


    All through the drive, James didn¡¯t say anything or try to start a conversation. It was unlike him and I feared that he was angry at what he saw.


    ¡°Uh, can you turn on the AC?¡± I asked, trying to make him talk to me but he didn¡¯t.


    Instead he did as I requested and continued gazing at the windscreen.


    Xavier was beside me but he didn¡¯t talk to me either. They were both ignoring me for different reasons and I had no idea what to say or do. I touched Xavier and he moved away immediately. He held his pocket like he was protecting something and my jaw squeezed.


    ¡°Stay the hell away from me,¡± he blurted.


    It was the same thing he said in the room and I couldn¡¯t ce why he kept moving his jacket away from me. Was he hiding something or did he see me kiss Devin? Did James tell him?


    I couldn¡¯t bear the way he was treating me and before I knew it, tears rolled down my cheeks. ¡°I know why Xavier, I know why you¡¯re acting this way,¡± I sobbed.


    He put up his head and looked at me in awe. ¡°You really know?¡±


    I gave a nod and spontaneous tears flowed down my cheeks. I raised my hands to wipe the tears away and just sniffed gently.


    He must have seen Devin and I kiss, I have no excuse.


    ¡°Yes, I know you¡¯re so mad at me for kissing him. I won¡¯t do it again, I won¡¯t kiss Devin again.¡±


    The look on his face changed the moment I said that.


    ¡°I¡¯m heading home the moment I drip you guys,¡± James interrupted.


    I tilted to James and felt the need to ask him if I was still going to get the car or he changed his mind. I didn¡¯t know what to feel, I just wanted to get into bathroom and blow my eyes, possibly wash my face and sit in the bathtub for four hours.


    ¡°Get ready for the driving lessons, I¡¯ll be back to pick you up.¡±


    When I heard that, I get relieved knowing he didn¡¯t change his mind yet. I gave a slight nod and a quick smile followed.


    I turned my head back to Xavier but he already turned away.

 88

    I stood at the balcony enjoying the cooing breeze scattering my hair. I was waiting for Mom and Dad to return. I hated being home alone, it didn¡¯t excite me atall.


    Xavier wasn¡¯t back and I randomly checked my watch to see if it was time for him to get back. Maybe I shouldn¡¯t have asked James to go after the lessons. I couldn¡¯t bear the boredom eating me so I walked to the balcony.


    When I was tired of sitting out, I returned inside and walked back outside.  I called Mom ¡¯cause she was supposed to be home already and I just wondered what kept her.


    ¡°Emily.¡±


    ¡°Mom, why ain¡¯t you home yet?¡±


    ¡°Hey baby, I¡¯m sorry. I got so busy.¡±


    ¡°Are you on your way?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid not. Your dad and I will being hometer.¡±


    ¡°Later? Mom it¡¯s like 11pm already,¡± I blurted to the phone.


    ¡°Oh shit.¡±


    Was she over working herself that she didn¡¯t realize howte it was already?


    ¡°Emily, if we can¡¯t make it home tonight, we¡¯ll be back very early tomorrow.¡±


    I saw thating, I knew she was going to say that. My lips twitched as I looked at no particr object.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°Is Xavier home yet?¡± Dad asked from the background.


    ¡°No he isn¡¯t, I think he has a night shift.¡±


    ¡°Oh, when is he supposed to return?¡±


    ¡°Soon I guess.¡±


    ¡°Alright then. Stay indoors while you wait for him okay?¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± I replied to mom. ¡°Can you buy something nice when you¡¯reing home?¡±


    ¡°Definitely baby girl,¡± Dad chirped.


    A content smile creepy on my lips. Dad didn¡¯t have much but he made sure he could get me whatever I needed.


    ¡°We¡¯ll get one for Xavier too,¡± Momughed and I could tell they were both giggling.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take his if you buy for him.¡±


    ¡°Emily,¡± Mom called.


    I rolled my eyes andughed, I loved being Xavier¡¯s baby sister. I got away with most of his belongings.


    ¡°We have to go now, stay safe okay? We love you baby,¡± Mom reminded.


    ¡°I will mom, stay safe too. I love you both.¡±


    The call disconnected and I looked at the sky. From the balcony I could have a beautiful view. I felt the urge to go out, to no where in particr but I just wanted to leave the house. I was scared Xavier would return and would get frightened when he didn¡¯t find me.


    I returned inside and wore a hoodie over my clothe. As I sat on the couch, I heard the back door squeal. A lump formed in my throat and my heartbeat raced faster.


    I took off one of my shoes and held it tight. If someone tried to attack me, I¡¯d hit him hard with the shoe and run as fast as my legs could carry me. That was the n, I tiptoed to the door and bit my lips.


    ¡°Xavier?¡±


    There was no response and I had no idea what to do.


    ¡°Show yourself! I have a fucking gun with me and i¡¯d kill you if you try to y games.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t y with me.¡±


    There was still no answer so I heaved.


    ¡°I¡¯ll call 911,¡± I threatened.


    I quickly grabbed my phone from my pocket and dialled 911.


    ¡°I¡¯m calling 911 already!¡± I yelled.


    Before I could raised the phone to my ear, Xavier let out a slightughter and came out.


    My breathing became normal when I saw him, he scared shit out of me.


    His eyes looked pale but stress could be the cause right?


    ¡°Fuck you Xavier, you had no idea how scared I was!¡± I admitted with a yell.


    ¡°Man you¡¯ve never even seen a gun before.¡±


    ¡°Well I have,¡± I said rolling my eyes. ¡°On TV.¡±


    He let out another giggle and I walked to him. ¡°You¡¯ve never touched a real gun, Emily.¡±


    ¡°Never in my life,¡± Iughed and he returned my smile.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to scare you,¡± be exined.


    I walked closer to him with the intention of hugging him but he staggered away.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± I asked after observing his body movement. He wasn¡¯t acting like he was fine and that was suspicious.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    I moved closer to him and he adjusted again. I raised my brows trying to understand why he was avoiding my hugs.


    ¡°My body hurts, Emily.¡±


    He ced his hands around my shoulder, removed it and walked away.


    Was that his definition of a damn hug?


    I just stood still watched him leave, the least I could do was prepare a hot water bath for him. Maybe massage his body if he lets me and give him some pancakes I met.


    After turning the pancakes to the te, I washed my hands and headed to the room. He was heating the water when I got in and had taken off his shirt.


    My eyes fell on his body and he had bruises all over, fresh and old wounds. I had no idea what happened but I was scared for him.


    ¡°What happened to you?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Did you get into a fight with Devin? We¡¯re just friends Xavier. You shouldn¡¯t be hurting yourself.¡±


    He didn¡¯t respond to me and my voice failed me. I whimpered as I asked and he turned to me.


    ¡°Emily it¡¯s nothing.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re bruised. I hate it when you¡¯re wounded Xavier, I hate when I¡¯m the cause. I love you and I hate it when you hurt yourself.¡±


    I had no idea how I sounded saying that but it was the truth. It filled me with guilt to know I was the cause of him hurting.


    He walked inside to take his bath and when he got out, I helped him massage his body.


    ¡°Ouch,¡± he howled when the hot towel touched his arm.


    ¡°Sorry, just one more.¡±


    I traced my hands on the bruises till I saw an ink. My eyes widened at the sight of his tattoo. It was my first time seeing the tattoo and I just wondered if it was new or I never noticed him.


    I traced my hands down his chest but he held my hands and stopped me before I could reach the dove tattoo. He tried hiding it but I wasn¡¯t going to let this one slide.


    ¡°Can I see?¡± I asked in a soft whisper.


    He replied to me with a kiss and hand me to sit on his legs. His kiss reeked of passion and thirst. I continued kissing him, not minding anything else.


    His hands held my face and my tongue made way for his. His hands slid under my gown and before I knew it he was touching my pussy. He gripped my pant and attempted to shove them down when I stopped him.


    ¡°Stop,¡± I said. ¡°We¡¯re siblings.¡±


    At that moment, I knew I fucked up!

 89

    Xavier slept off shortly after eating and taking some pills to relief his pain. I found some tablets in Dad¡¯s room and gave them to him.  I kissed him onest time before returning to my bed. He smiled at me and said something inaudible.


    I had no idea what it was but it felt like he was reminding me he loved me. Xavier looked adorable when he was sleepy, his voice became sexier and deep and his eyes closed like he was a child.


    I remained on my bed and watched over Xavier. He slept peacefully, unaware that I was staring at him. His chest still had bruises and his stomach wasn¡¯t left out. I randomly thought about how possible it was to fight and have no scratch on his face but on his chest and stomach.


    Was he protecting his face or something?


    It was insane, thinking of Xavier and the shit he wasn¡¯t going to tell me. I sighed andid down on my bed. I fell asleep shortly after and tucked myself beneath the duvet. I folded my legs and curled to the side of the bed.


    The screams from the sitting room woke me up. When I opened my eyes, I rubbed my eyes and turned to the other side if the bed. What happened this early? Why would Dad return and just start yelling?


    ¡°Oh my god, No!¡± I growled when the voice kept getting louder. There was no way I could sleep back with so much noise so I sprawled to my feet and slid my legs into the fluffy slippers. I walked to the sitting room and stopped when I saw Dad furious. Xavier stood opposite him and he looked angry as well, just not as much as Dad.


    I stood by the doorway and listened to Dad yell at Xavier. He looked so angry, I have never seen Dad this way or this mad at Xavier.


    Xavier was trying to defend himself but Dad kept shouting so he yelled too, making the noise louder.


    ¡°Dad!! You-¡± Xavier protested but he was interrupted.


    ¡°I have no idea what you¡¯re getting yourself involved with!¡±


    ¡°Who says I¡¯m involved in anything? Fuck, give me a breathing space.¡±


    ¡°How else can you exin being seen at odd hours? Xavier you know what I mean.¡±


    ¡°Dad I work a night shift for heavens sake.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not what we are talking about and you know it. The security have been watching you and you¡¯ve been moving around beyond your closing hours.¡±


    Xavier didn¡¯t say anything else, he just scoffed and turned his face to the wall.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare get Emily involved in whatever it is. Don¡¯t bring her into it.¡±


    My lips twitched the moment I heard my name. Was Xavier really moving around at odd hours? I tried remembering the day I woke up to him fully dressed and how he was acting strange.


    ¡°I¡¯m not doing shit,¡± Xavier defended himself onest time with his fist clenched.


    ¡°You are not doing the right things Xavier. Emily is alone with you most of the tines and you want to drag her into a mess she knows nothing about? If anything happens to Emily-¡±


    ¡°Emily this and Emily that!¡± He scowled. ¡°She¡¯s not a kid who gets forced to do things. Emily knows her left from her right and she¡¯s not getting dragged into any shit.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a fucking mistake. You give all the problem there is.¡±


    That has to be the harshest thing anyone could say. Dad never hurt us with his words but this pushed him to the wall.


    ¡°How about you tell us the fucking truth and stop over working yourselves? You¡¯re not any better than a disappointment too.¡±


    The next thing I heard was a resonant sound. Itnded on Xavier¡¯s face and had him holding his cheek in pain.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± I blurted in an undertone. I never saw the ping.


    ¡°I am doing what I have to do, you can¡¯t fucking stop me!¡± Xavier fired.


    He remained quiet holding his cheek and clenching his jaw. ¡°You can¡¯t fucking stop me, Dad.¡±


    I could see the fury in his eyes, he raised his hands to hit him again and I screamed. There was no way I was letting it happen again.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± I yelled from the doorway and Mom ran out immediately. My voice sounded so urgent she came in a split of jiffies.


    ¡°What the hell is going on here?¡± She asked looking at Xavier. She got the hint and turned to face Dad.


    ¡°Charles did you just hit your son?¡±


    Dad said nothing in response to her, he just kept breathing at a faster pace.


    ¡°Answer me Charles! You hit my son? What hase over you? Damn it, I¡¯m disappointed in you.¡±


    Why was everyone around me saying different hurtful things? Since Mom got with Dad I never heard her call him by his first name.


    It was so bad that I barely remembered his name. ¡°Oh my god,¡± I said in an undertone.


    ¡°Mom.¡±


    I turned and saw Xavier walking to fall on her arms. She opened her arms and weed him crying in her arms. It looked so unreal, Xavier never cried publicly. He may have had a couple of breakdowns but none was right in our front or in our arms.


    Mom held him gently to herself and whispered somethings to him. ¡°It¡¯s okay baby.¡±


    Xavier sniffed and withdrew from her hug. I know he felt ashamed letting us see this part of him but that is what makes us family, yes?


    Mom didn¡¯t look like she was done addressing the issue. She walked back to where Dad was and stood right in front of him.


    ¡°Charles,¡± she called and he turned his gaze to her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you ever raise your hands on my kids again. They¡¯re not punching bags! If you¡¯re so mad why not using the bags? There are ways to correct children and mine won¡¯t be beaten to death in an attempt to be corrected!¡±


    I looked at Xavier and he looked at me. I couldn¡¯t vouch for him because I didn¡¯t know what he was up to and how truthful the suspicions were.


    He clenched his fist and kept breathing heavily. I swallowed hard and walked away. I had no idea what I was going to do if I remained there.


    I ran a quick bath and dressed up. I picked up a jogger and wore a T-shirt over it. I wanted to look casual, nothing excited me about school. I packed my hair in a low bun and grabbed my backpack.

 90

    I turned my gaze from the hallway and let it fall on the door. It was partially opened but I was asked not toe inside.


    I remained standing, in front of the ssroom. I¡¯ve been waiting for Xavier toe out for over ten minutes.


    I was d I wasn¡¯t wearing a gown or some skirt. I feltfortable in the joggers I tried on.


    When I came to meet him, some funny-looking guys requested his presence and he asked me to stand outside and wait. I had absolutely no idea what he was doing or keeping away from me. Xavier was bing secretivetely and it infuriated me.


    I looked at the screen of my phone and check my call log. Devin¡¯s number wee me and my lips twitched. I really felt like talking to Devin. I just needed someone to keep my mind away from what happened at home.


    I couldn¡¯t ce it, the more I tried toprehend it, the more difficult it turned.


    Although I knew I shouldn¡¯t tell strangers things concerning my family, Devin didn¡¯t feel like a stranger.


    Xavier was the one treating me like a stranger. He knew what was going on before it even resulted in the fight but he kept it away. He hid it so well that I couldn¡¯t figure it out.


    Dad said he was being seen at odd hours. I never gave that a second thought because he was mostly on night shifts but he returnedter than usual.


    It just dawned on me that the previous nights had himing back at midnight. He kept acting strange, flinching at the slightest touch and hiding his jackets.


    I realized how vastly I overlooked these signs and forced myself to believe he was just acting out of stress.


    The kiss too, Xavier wasn¡¯t going to stop till we stopped sneaking around. I swallowed the chunk in my mouth as I remembered what Devin said. He saw I was bothered and wouldn¡¯t say a word so he asked me to open up.


    ¡°Listen, Emily, you need to open up. It doesn¡¯t help to keep shit to yourself.¡±


    He was right but I wasn¡¯t about to have those moments of counseling with Devin.


    ¡°Is this about Xavier?¡± He didn¡¯t wait for me to reply before he continued. ¡°You should learn to say things in particr to Xavier. Be direct and be firm on what you want to know.¡±


    He spoke as if he knew about whatever Xavier was hiding and it made my tummy grumble.


    Xavier appearing in my front brought me back from my thoughts.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± he casually said and grabbed my hands.


    I sumbed to his hold and followed him to the car. When we got to the parking lot, I removed my hands from his hold and paused.


    ¡°Xavier wait!¡±


    He paused and turned to me. ¡°What¡¯s the problem, Emily?¡±


    ¡°I need to tell you something.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t it wait till we get home?¡±Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°No. Xavier, I need to put an end to this.¡±


    His brows furrowed and I licked my lips. ¡°Xavier we can¡¯t keep doing this.¡±


    ¡°This isn¡¯t the first time you¡¯re saying this, Emily.¡±


    ¡°But I¡¯m serious, I can¡¯t keep kissing you.¡±


    He walked out without responding to me and entered the car. My lips twitched and I joined him in the car. The ride was quiet, nobody said anything.


    When we got home, I climbed out and locked the door. I moved to the door and noticed Xavier wasn¡¯t behind me. I¡¯d have normally stopped to ask what he was doing but I acted like I didn¡¯t care.


    I pushed open the door and entered the house, walking to the fridge. I was thirsty and I needed to change my clothes.


    I grabbed a bottle of water and swallowed greedily. I hadn¡¯t had any liquid since I woke up and that left me dehydrated.


    I changed my clothes into a big polo and biker shorts. I repacked my hair into the same style. The low bun was neatly knotted as I ced the band on it. I dressed my bed and removed my clothes from the bed. My shoes were scattered so I arranged them too.


    When I was done, I picked up my note and settled down to study. I needed to study ¡¯cause the exams were fast approaching and I needed to make up for the bad grade I had in my mid-tests.


    I heard footsteps and I knew it was Xavier. I didn¡¯t turn in his direction, instead, I continued gazing at my book and ignoring him.


    When I saw he wasn¡¯t saying anything I looked up to find nobody.


    ¡°Was it just me?¡± I asked myself.


    I was sure I heard footsteps and even felt Xavier¡¯s presence. I stood up from the chair and stepped out of the room.


    I met him locking the door and I just wondered why he was doing that. I stood quiet but he noticed me on time and turned to me.


    His eyes held mine for a second then he walked toward me.


    ¡°What did you say at school?¡±


    Was he just realizing what I said or did he think it was a joke?


    I know I¡¯ve said it before but I still kept moving in circles with him. He must think I¡¯m weak and can¡¯t keep to my words but I¡¯ll prove him wrong this time.


    ¡°Emily, what did you say at school?¡± He asked again, this time louder.


    I took a step back ¡¯cause he was closing the gap between us and it was suffocating. I needed to breathe while thinking of the best way to answer him.


    ¡°I said I need to put an end to this and we can¡¯t keep sneaking around. We can¡¯t keep doing these, kissing, smooching-¡±


    ¡°Fingering, bathing together?¡± Hepleted.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    I swallowed the lump in my throat and took another step back. ¡°Xavier I love you but it doesn¡¯t feel right.¡±


    ¡°Why doesn¡¯t it feel right?¡± He asked like he didn¡¯t know he was my fucking brother.


    ¡°You¡¯re my stepbrother Xavier! You can¡¯t be my boyfriend and we can¡¯t keep being nasty around each other. I can¡¯t imagine my brother being my boyfriend.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure you can¡¯t imagine it?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I can¡¯t imagine it.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t imagine Devin in your life. Don¡¯t expect to have him too.¡±


    I swallowed another lump and my brows creased. It hurt that he thought of me like that. I raised my hands and pped him.


    He turned his face to the right and held his cheeks where I pped. He didn¡¯t say anything to me, he just smirked and walked away.


    Fucking hell.

 91

    It¡¯s been three hours since Xavier walked out of the house and he was yet to return.


    I didn¡¯t regret pping him but I felt I over reacted to an extent. I stood outside waiting for him to get back. I kept calling my parents but they weren¡¯t taking their calls.


    ¡®Damn it,¡± I huffed onest time after the call went to voicemail.


    I was getting scared and had no idea what to do about it. My phone buzzed and I shoved it out of my pocket.


    Mom: we¡¯re staying back, we¡¯ll be back tomorrow morning. Stay safe, I love you.


    I read the texts and sadness flushed over me. It felt strange that they¡¯ve been keepingte nightstely.


    Me: Mom please, you are getting me scared with all thete nights you¡¯ve been keeping. Its strange and making me overthink. Are you scared James will take me? Mom I already told you I won¡¯t leave you. Mom I love you and Dad and I don¡¯t take your love for granted.


    I hit the press button and heave a sigh. I waited for a reply for five minutes and when it didn¡¯te I gave a faded smile.


    I felt a weight ced on my chest and I just wanted to cry it all out. I couldn¡¯t help how I was feeling and it was eating me. I looked at my phone¡¯s screen and check the time. It was past Xavier¡¯s closing time and I just hoped he returned already. I couldn¡¯t stay all by myself, my thoughts were messing with my head.


    I turn on the phone again and dial Devin¡¯s number. I needed to talk to someone or I¡¯d go crazy.


    ¡°Emily?¡± His voice called over the call. Immediately I saw he picked, I ended the call.


    I couldn¡¯t hold back the feeling but I didn¡¯t want him to hear me cry.


    Xavier¡¯s truck drove in and I raised my head to his direction. I wanted to apologize for getting violent and hitting him.


    I sniffed back the tears welling in my eyes and walk toward where his truck was.


    ¡°Xavier?¡±


    I tried opening the door and he came out stinking. He smelled like alcohol and he was looking strange.


    ¡°Have you been drinking?¡± I inquired, with no idea how to take care of a drunk person.


    He huped andughed at me. ¡°Do I- look dru.. nk?¡±


    I tried closing my nose for a second. ¡°You¡¯re stinking! Fuck.¡±


    ¡°Not true,¡± he defended and tried moving but staggered.


    ¡°I¡¯ll help you,¡± I said and ced his hands over my neck. He ced his weight on my body and I couldn¡¯t move. ¡°Hold yourself a little, take a step forward.¡±


    He inclined and keptughing. ¡°I know what I¡¯m doing Emily.¡±


    ¡°No you don¡¯t,¡± I scoffed.


    I dropped him on the sofa and straightened my stance. I was breathing heavily because he had weight.


    I made sure to lock the door and turn off the Tv.


    ¡°You should leave me alone bitch, I know what I¡¯m doing.¡±


    I swallowed the lump in my throat. Xavier never called me a bitch in his normal state. I hated the version of him alcohol created, it made him arrogant and intolerable.


    ¡°Go away.¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t going to stay here with you anyway!¡± I fired back.


    I looked at him and turned away. Since he imed to know what he was doing, I was going to let him be.


    I walked to the room and changed from the biker shorts. I wore only the big polo and climbed my bed.


    I fell asleep but felt a weight on my body. My eyes blinked open and I saw Xavier.


    ¡°Shh, I¡¯m not going to hurt you.¡±


    I didn¡¯t understand what he was doing on my bed with his hands on my tummy.


    ¡°I love you Emily and I know you love me too.¡±


    I looked at him with disbelief and distaste. He was still stinking of alcohol and it turned my tummy. I tried getting his hands off me but he held on tightly.


    ¡°Emily, I love you and its driving me crazy.¡±


    My lips twitched at his acknowledgment. He moved closer and I tried shifting my head.


    ¡°I know the problem is your body but I can wait. Trust me, I can wait.¡±


    His hands moved to my thighs and I swallowed hard.


    ¡°Xavier let go of me-¡±


    ¡°Shh,¡± he said and climbed on me. I tried kicking him off but he already had a firm stance on me.


    His hands greedily gripped my clothes and forced it out of my body. I regretted not wearing something else because now I wore only a pant under the polo.


    ¡°Emily,¡± he called as he unfastened his belt.


    This can¡¯t be happening. I cried and kept whimpering but he didn¡¯t stop.


    He got his dick out and pushed it between my thighs. My breathing pace increased when I realized he was using my thighs as a means to jerk off.


    He kept sliding it in till he came and had his cum pour on my thighs.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± he moaned.


    ¡°I love you Emily.¡±


    There was no way it sounded the same after he just molested me.


    ¡°No one else can have you if I don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Fuck you Xavier, I hate you!¡±


    He imed off me and put hisid dick away. He pulled my face and forcefully kissed me.


    ¡°I¡¯m obsessed with you, fuck it.¡±


    He used the right word because there was no way he could call this love. You don¡¯t hurt people you love, you don¡¯t do shit like this to them.


    My eyes filled with tears when I realized James was right all along. I felt used, I felt like an object and I couldn¡¯t believe it.


    ¡°I¡¯m risking my life for you, Emily.¡±


    I looked at him with so much distaste and wiped my tears with my hands. He turned and looked at me, he didn¡¯t feel remorseful that he just assaulted me and that made me cry harder.


    ¡°Emily, I¡¯m doing the worst thing on earth for you.¡±


    Did he mean to me? He was definitely doing the worst thing to me and not for me.


    ¡°I¡¯ve done so many bad things for you Emily, so many I can¡¯t even begin to count. In all these the fucking worst is falling in love with you.¡± He paused and ran his hand through his hair. ¡°Fuck it, I regret knowing you Emily.¡±


    Was it the alcohol controlling him? He wasn¡¯t in his state of mind and it irked me to know he could be this violent.


    ¡°I guess since I already know you, I just have to y along and act like it isn¡¯t the worst thing.¡±

 92

    XAVIER¡¯S POV


    The moment I opened my eyes, I felt a sharp pain. My head split in pains and I growled at how bad it ached.


    I held my head for the next twenty seconds before turning to the other side of the bed. My gaze fell on Emily, she was facing the wall and wrapped her hands around her body.


    I tried hard to recall what happened and I suddenly remembering home drunk, talking rude and-


    ¡°Fuck.¡±


    I didn¡¯t mean to molest her, in fact I had no idea what I was doing and it stung my chest to know I did something that inhumane to her. I sat up on my bed and kept looking at her.


    It felt like she was still asleep but not in a deep sleep. I couldn¡¯t imagine how much hatred she had for me already. I had to know if our parents were back so I stood up quietly and tiptoed out. I locked the door gently so it didn¡¯t wake her up.


    When I got to the sitting room, the door was still locked and my jacket was on the sofa I dropped itst night. I messed up big time and I med myself. Vodka had so much control over me yet I got drunk. Emily ekukd definitely see me as a monster and i¡¯d never be able to change her mind about me.


    I let out a frustrated sound even though I was grateful Mom and Dad weren¡¯t home yet. I thought of what to do next and I heaved.


    I summoned courage and walked back to the room. She hadn¡¯t changed position so I walked to the bathroom and took my bath, I felt so dirty and cruel. When I walked out of the bathroom, I met Emily on the bed, sitting with her head on her raised knees. She was sobbing and I felt a sharp pain in my chest.


    I walked to her and lowered my stance. ¡°Emily,¡± I called. ¡°Emily I¡¯m sorry aboutst-¡±


    ¡°Get your hands off me you fucking asshole!¡± She yelled and yanked my hands away.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you evere close to me!¡±


    I remained in the same position with shame filling me. I knew I didn¡¯t deserve to be close to her, she had all the right to be angry and that broke my heart.


    She stood up and the clothe I previously tore fell on the bed. I was so violent and didn¡¯t care about her. She walked past me naked and headed to the bathroom.


    I swallowed the lump that formed in my throat as I saw her naked. I had to shake off the thoughts from my head, I already caused a mess and needed to fix it.


    When she mmed the bathroom door, my lips twitched and I stood up. I left to the kitchen to make breakfast. I should at least be civil. I set the minutes in the microwave and waited for the food to heat.


    I turned and saw Emily approaching the dining in a bodycon strapless gown. I have never seen her wear something this sexy and provocation to school.


    She reached where I stood and grabbed a ss of water. She gulped it and dropped the cup.


    ¡°I made breakfast,¡± I announced but she ignored and walked away. There was no way she was wearing that to school, I can¡¯t let her wear it.


    I huffed and dropped the te on the cupboard. She didn¡¯t bother to eat so there was no need to dish the meal. I followed her and met her already in the car.


    I swallowed hard when I saw the dress was even more provocative when she say down because it dragged up and revealed her thighs.


    I turned on the ignition but I couldn¡¯t let her wear that so I stopped the engine. ¡°Emily you can¡¯t wear this to school.¡±


    She turned and gave me a dead stare.


    ¡°Emily I need you to go inside and change into a different cloth.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± She fired. ¡°Are you afraid you¡¯re going to stop the car and rape me? Tell me Xavier, are you going to be shameless by fucking your step sister in a goddamn truck?¡±


    She reeked of so much anger, I could feel it from her voice. She had no idea how crazy I¡¯ve felt, I didn¡¯t do it intentionally and there was no way I would hurt her.


    ¡°Or do you want to rant about everything you¡¯re doing for me? I don¡¯t see shit but go on, rant about how you¡¯re doing everything that includes molesting me.¡±


    Emily wasn¡¯t going to change so there was no need having this argument. I quietly started the car and sped away.


    When Emily stepped out of the car, I could feel all eyes on her. It made me feel furious but I couldn¡¯t do anything.


    I stepped out of the car too and walked into the hallway. I called Mom to make sure Emily hadn¡¯t called her yet.


    ¡°Xavier, how are you son?¡±


    ¡°Hey Mom.¡±


    ¡°Are you good?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, uh- how are you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. How¡¯s Emily?¡±


    My lips squirmed. ¡°Emily is fine,¡± I managed to say. ¡°We are at school already.¡±


    ¡°Quite early, that¡¯s new.¡±


    She was right, Emily and I never left the house till we were runningte. All of a sudden, Emily came out dressed and I had to follow.


    ¡°I guess.¡±


    ¡°Take care of yourselves okay? I love you guys.¡±


    I gave a nod and the call disconnected. I felt a rush of relief knowing Emily hadn¡¯t said anything to them yet.


    I went to write my exam and kept thinking of Emily. When it was break time, I went to the canteen waiting for Emily. I knew she¡¯d be hungry since we didn¡¯t have breakfast so I waited for her.


    My phone buzzed in my pocket and when I looked at it, it was a live video of Emily and Nili fighting. Devin was in between them and he was trying to calm Emily.


    I raised my head and saw Gabby at the end of the hallughing. She must have uploaded the video herself. ¡°Bitch,¡± I cussed.


    I turn we and headed to the scene. When I got there Nili already had a bruise on her face and Emily-. I looked at her and she was sobbing.


    ¡°Emily!¡± I called, walking toward her.


    The moment she saw me, her jaw squeezed. I felt guilty and had no idea what to say.


    She stood up and turned to Devin who was standing beside her. She grabbed his shirt and pulled him into a kiss. Devin returned her kiss and my fist clenched.

 93

    I was furious as I clenched my fist and walked toward her. I grabbed her arm and pulled her away.


    ¡°Let go of me!!¡± she yelled but I kept walking and grabbing her arm. She looked mad but I wasn¡¯t about to have her dressed like a hoe and kissing Devin in front of everybody.


    ¡°Fuck you, Xavier, Let go of me!!¡±


    She kept fighting her arm out of my grip and I was left with one option, to carry her on my shoulder. I paused and lifted her. I ced her on my shoulder and continued walking. She kicked her legs in the air and kept yelling. Damn, she had no idea how I want to drop her and run back to Devin to punch him where the sun don¡¯t shine.


    Nah! Real men don¡¯t do that.


    I pulled the car door open and lowered her in. I mmed the door angrily and got inside. I was raging and she had no idea how crazy she was driving me.


    ¡°Xavier I hate you!¡± She yelled.


    ¡°I feel the same!¡±.


    I was lying but I had to yell back to make her shut the fuck up. What I felt was great anger and irritation.


    She scoffed and I hit the steering wheel. I exhaled and drove out. I needed her to remain quiet so I could think.


    I turned to look at her and she was sobbing already. I jammed the elerator and drove off. My phone buzzed and I came to a halt so I could pick up the call. It was Mom and I  had to take the call.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    ¡°Xavier!¡± She yelled as soon as the call connected.


    Jeeezzzzz! I think I would need a new ear.


    ¡°What the hell is Emily wearing and why is she kissing a random boy?¡±


    Fuck, it was all over the inte already. I was thinking of hiding it but there was no way I could since she saw it already. ¡°Mom-¡±


    ¡°Xavier is Emily drunk? Tell me what on earth is happening, I¡¯m driving there immediately!¡±


    ¡°No, Mom wait. Mom-¡±


    The call disconnected before I could give any exnation or say a thing. This was thest thing I needed, I couldn¡¯t even look Emily in the eyes without getting furious.


    ¡°What the fuck is wrong with you, Emily?¡± I yelled at her as soon as I tossed the phone away. ¡°Fvck it, you did kiss Devin. Girl, you fvcking kissed him dressed like a hoe.¡± I paused and then continued.


    She rolled her eyes and turned her face to the other side. Emily was getting on my nerves and she knew it. She enjoyed doing it and I hated that about her.


    ¡°I should have carried you back to change those clothes myself. I can¡¯t believe I let you talk your way into wearing it!¡± I said still yelling.


    She didn¡¯t respond to me, she just remained quiet, whimpering. What on earth was that? Another of her acting abilities or trying to y the victim card? Well, for her information I wasn¡¯t getting it! Not now, not ever!


    ¡°See what you caused? You¡¯re so full of shit, I can¡¯t deal!!!¡±


    I was angrier that she kissed Devin than I was about the dressing. I know I¡¯m full of shxt myself but Emily had her way of acting like a crazy bxtch.


    I didn¡¯t care about anything else, I didn¡¯t even see the need to ask why she smelt like soured milk. Fuck it, I¡¯m just pissed she let that asshole kiss her.


    I held the brake and sped off. She clutched her phone and started typing with her tears dropping on the screen. It irritated me to know she may be texting Devin and so I felt the urge to break her phone. I had to rx and calm my nerves so I didn¡¯t end up doing something stupid.


    The moment I pulled in front of the house, she stormed out of the truck leaving her backpack. I turned off the ignition and grabbed her bag for her. I walked to the entrance and saw she already ran to Dad¡¯s arm.


    ¡°Emily?¡±


    ¡°Dad,¡± she responded and ran to his arms sobbing.


    ¡°Emily, what happened?¡±


    ¡°What happened?¡± Mom asked and she kept crying.


    They turned to look at me standing across and I just twitched my lips. I wasn¡¯t going to answer that so they better stop staring at me.


    ¡°I was searching for Xavier but I didn¡¯t see him, instead I saw Devin-¡± she hupped and continued sobbing. ¡°I was tryna ask him if he saw Xavier but Nili walked in and poured sour milk on my body.¡±


    Oh fvck, the sour milk smell. At that moment, I realized I didn¡¯t even ask what happened, I just got pissed and yanked her to the car because I saw her kiss Devin.


    ¡°She lied it was a mistake and started spreading a rumor saying I am a nerd and lesbian.¡±


    ¡°Oh my God,¡± Mom responded with a frustrated sigh. ¡°And the clothe?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Mom, I only kissed him because I wanted to prove I¡¯m not a lesbian.¡±


    Mom turned to me and Dad did the same. ¡°So where were you?¡±


    I knew I was going to get med for letting her wear those clothes and for all the mess she already caused.


    ¡°Xavier you¡¯re supposed to take care of her.¡±


    I know that I am trying and she keeps making everything get harder.


    I stood there without saying a word. I looked at Emily and she smirked. She was ying the victim game so well and I just couldn¡¯t believe her.


    ¡°So you don¡¯t look after her at school or you bully her too?¡± Mom asked.


    What?! No freaking way! I won¡¯t do such a thing¡­. well, not anymore and that was some months ago. I would love to protect Emily with all my life and not want her to get into any issues again.     ¡°I do but she-¡±


    ¡°She what? You¡¯re the older sibling and the one with the responsibility to look after your sister. This is not eptable!¡±


    ¡°For you Emily,¡± Mom said and turned to her. ¡°You¡¯re grounded for kissing a boy.¡±


    ¡°But Mom I-¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear anything! It is final! Who goes about kissing a boy so she can prove a point?¡±


    I grinned and Dad turned to me. ¡°I know what you are doing too.¡±


    That sentence sent a chill down my spine. I got worried Dad knew something about the drug dealing or what I did to Emily. I couldn¡¯t afford to let him find out about any of them, he¡¯d kill me.


    I already made over $320 and was saving to get the whole shit settled. I kept thinking of the possibilities and what could happen if he truly found out.


    ¡°How long did you think you could hide it?¡± Dad trailed me off my thought and I swallowed the lump in my throat.


    ¡°We know you¡¯ve been taking a lot of sodately and you¡¯ve had a high sugar consumption.¡±


    A surge of relief flushed through me knowing it was soda he knew of and not drugs or what I did to Emily.


    ¡°Oh, uh-¡± I blurted.


    I couldn¡¯t afford to snitch on Emily too. She was the one who had the cans of Soda ordered and she¡¯s been the one consuming the whole sugar they talked about.

 94

    I was thinking Emily would say something about that night but she didn¡¯t. Two days went and she didn¡¯t mention it and that got me worried.


    I was hoping we¡¯d address it and I¡¯d get another chance to apologize and exin how my actions were influenced by alcohol. I won¡¯t lie, 55 % of what I did want because I was drunk. I knew what I was doing, I had nned it and t8ld myself several times that it would be a bad idea. I wanted her to much that I for a second, felt been hard on her would make her be mine but, did it work?


    Emily did so well in avoiding me, she didn¡¯t sleep in the room and pretended like she was so busy with school work and was falling asleep while doing assignments or reading. That way, Mom and Dad didn¡¯t suspect but I knew it was deeper than what she let them see.


    She was grounded and her screen time reduced. Once it was 8 pm she had to give up her phone or get disconnected. I watched her from afar and saw how she carried on with her activities like I didn¡¯t exist.


    That freaking hurts! I want to yank her shoulders, to tell her that I had been here all along and I am sorry even if I enjoyed a what I did. Even if I wanted my dick to go to the right ce and want her screaming my name.


    I woke up feeling hungry. I missed Dinner so I had to figure out what to eat. I walked into the sitting room and saw her on the sofa. Her books were scattered on the floor and I figured she fell asleep there. She was still stretching when I walked in. She turned in my direction and turned her face back. She was about to act like I wasn¡¯t existing and I couldn¡¯t bear it.


    ¡°Wait, Emily-¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± she ordered raising her hand and I gave a nod.


    She didn¡¯t want meing any closer to her and I had to respect that for the main time. Small part of me want to ignore it and move to her, and hug her, and kiss her soft lips but that would be stupid as I was stupid. I stood a few steps away from her and tried apologizing.


    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry.¡±


    She got off her bed and slid her legs into her slippers. She picked up the duvet she used and returned them to the room. I followed her about but she wasn¡¯t responding to my apologies or acknowledging any of the things I said.


    ¡°Emily you can¡¯t keep doing this.¡±


    She turned to me and squeezed her jaw. ¡°Then watch me do it.¡±


    ¡°No, I mean-¡±


    I couldn¡¯t even exin what I meant. She was serious about wanting to cut ties with me and end the whole shit. I me myself for everything and for molesting her, frankly, I shouldn¡¯have done it. I didn¡¯t want to but I needed her so much.


    There¡¯s no justification for what I did but I wished she saw it from another perspective. Fvck, I was going to lose Emily no matter what I said.


    I sat on the bed still apologizing as she applied her makeup to her face. She was getting dressed and I hadn¡¯t even taken my bath. I just wanted her to listen to me, to understand me.


    ¡°Can I get one more chance to prove how much I care about you?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t care about me, get that off your head!¡± She yelled and applied a matte lipstick.


    When she was done, she looked at her reflection onest time and walked out on me. This was going to be extremely difficult.


    I ran a quick bath and dressed up in a casual shirt and trousers. I didn¡¯t want to dy her because I knew she¡¯d take a bus to school.


    I didn¡¯t even brush my hair, I just applied the cream and stormed out of the room. By the time I got to the dining, Emily was already standing there with Dad. My lips twitched as I got closer and heard their conversation.


    He was asking her what was happening because he noticed she wasn¡¯t herselftely.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing Dad.¡±


    ¡°Tell me about it, Emily, I¡¯m your dad.¡±


    She gave a nod and a quick smile. ¡°And you¡¯re the best Dad in the world,¡± she added. ¡°It¡¯s just school, I¡¯m only worried about my exams. They¡¯ve beening at me at a fast pace and sometimes I just feel like I need to breathe.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s understandable, baby.¡±


    She gave a nod and he pulled her into a quick warm hug. ¡°You¡¯ve got this in control okay?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Dad.¡±


    As she hugged him, she raised her head and met me standing at the doorway. Her face changed into a frown and the smoke disappeared. She pulled out of the hug and told Dad she needed to leave.


    ¡°Take care of yourself okay?¡±Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    Getting to school, I sat down and wrote the exam. It was just one paper so I had the rest of the day to think of how to get Emily to forgive me.


    I turned around and saw Devin staring at a picture. I hated seeing him smile at his phone, it made me feel it was Emily he was talking to whenever he did that. I contemted walking to him but I didn¡¯t want to do shit that would make it harder to make Emily forgive me, I was already in a whole mess with her.


    I turned to leave but saw Emily entering the ss. My eyes followed her till I saw she stopped at where Devin stood and hugged him from behind. A lump formed in my throat as I watched her. She looked at me and turned her face away.


    She kissed Devin on his chin and Devin returned her smile. His smile was weak but she kept looking at him. Was she trying to trigger me? Why else would she kiss him in my front when she knew it was part of the things that drove me crazy to see?


    Shxt! I want to break someone.


    Devin wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into a hug but he looked scared. Not scared, like he had this sorry look.


    ¡°Damn it,¡± I blurted and walked away.


    I didn¡¯t have to stand there and get pissed. If I got triggered, I would throw a fist at Devin and have him bleed from his nose.


    I walked away quietly and found somewhere to stay till it was closing hours. When it was time to go, I walked to the truck but Emily wasn¡¯t there yet. I huffed and turned around but she was not in sight. I walked back to the building and when to her ss but it was empty. She wasn¡¯t in the library either.


    Well, Who the hell stays in the library during closing hours?


    I was getting frustrated looking for her so I picked up my phone and called Dad. I needed to inform him that his little princess has wandered off again. Emily just makes everything difficult for me.


    ¡°Dad?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Xavier? What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Dad I can¡¯t find her-¡±


    ¡°Find who?¡±


    ¡°Emily. Dad I can¡¯t find Emily anywhere around. I¡¯ve been searching for her and-¡±


    ¡°Emily is home.¡±


    I let out a scoff and disconnected the call. I didn¡¯t want to show how mad I was so I ended the call and walked angrily to my truck.


    I was driving out of the freeway when I saw James¡¯s car.


    Now I see where he get that her annoying attitude from, her father.

 95

    I stopped the car and looked for a moment. I was wondering what James was doing on the freeway till I saw Devin and got even more curious. What kind of business could they be having?


    I kept looking till I saw one of James¡¯ guard nce at me. I drove off shortly because I didn¡¯t want to cause a scene or draw attention to myself.


    I went home, freshed up and off to work. When I got to work, I spent half the time wondering what they could be up to. When did they start hanging out and what the hell are they up to?


    ¡°Hey,¡± A brte called, trailing me off my thoughts.


    ¡°Hey.¡±


    ¡°Can I have my usual?¡±


    She looked familiar but I had absolutely no idea who she was and what her usual was. Fuck, I just need to find a way around it.


    ¡°Uh right,¡± Iughed. ¡°Latte yeah?¡±


    Her brows raised as she look at me. ¡°No, Cappino.¡±


    ¡°How did I forget that?¡± I teased. ¡°Must have missed your order.¡±


    ¡°Yeah you did, never ordered atte before.¡±


    Fucking hell, this wasn¡¯t nice.


    ¡°Here you go. Your usual,¡± I smiled and handed the cup of cappino to her.


    ¡°Thanks. See you some other time.¡±


    I gave a nod as she walked out of the coffee shop. I was left in my thoughts again. Why was Devin looking like he was being forced to hug Emily?


    I strived to figure out what was happening but I couldn¡¯t.


    ¡°Hey shit face, toss me a cup of ck coffee.¡±


    Her approach was rude and I was not going to let it slide, not when she¡¯s been acting bitchy.


    I squeezed my jaw and turned to get a jar of sugar. ¡°ck coffee ¡¯cause your pussy ck and stinks.¡±


    I smirked when I saw the facial expression on her face. She leaned closer to me and raised her hands.


    ¡°Guess who¡¯s better than your girlfriend?¡± She yelled.


    ¡°Good thing I don¡¯t have one.¡±


    ¡°Suck a dick!¡± She yelled and spat into her hands.


    Ew! Super gross!!


    She leaned closer and rubbed her hands on my face¡­


    No way.


    Someone need to tell me that this birch did not just apply her family saliva on my face. I blinked, took shaky breath and looked at her.


    ¡°What the hell bitch????¡± I grabbed the jar and poured the sugar on her body. She wasn¡¯t going to get away with it.


    I wished I could just pull her hair, punch her face and make her lick my butthole.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± A voice interrupted and we both turned in the direction of the voice. Fuck, it was my Boss.


    I do not regret pouring sugar on her anyway and I wasn¡¯t going to apologize. With the way I see her moving her extrashes, I get she might not be able to see clearly for a while since I don¡¯t see where raw sugar had been good for the eyes.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    ¡°What is going on here?¡± My boss asked again.


    No body in particr and I wasn¡¯t ready to reply.


    ¡°How about you ask this asshole!¡± The sugar girl yelled pointing at me.


    ¡°It was only a mistake sir,¡± I tried to defend myself but he saw me.


    ¡°A mistake, really? Xavier, I saw you exchange words with a customer and you poured her a jar of sugar?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry-¡±


    ¡°No way. Go home.¡±


    I huffed and walked out of the counter. ¡°Fuck you.¡±


    I changed into my clothes and walked out of the coffee shop. I picked up my phone and called Sky.


    ¡°Meet me at the warehouse,¡± he instructed.


    I ended the call without saying anything and took a bus. I needed I give him the money I made from sales and get some drugs for the week. I was making it faster than I expected and that caused a content smile to form on my lips despite what had just happened.


    I got to the location and walked past abandoned warehouses.


    ¡°Hey man,¡± I greeted him when I saw him.


    ¡°What do you have?¡± He asked ignoring my formalities.


    ¡°$900.¡±


    He stretched his hands and I rummaged my pocket till I got theplete notes out. I handed it to him and he smiled, shoving it in his pockets.


    ¡°Can I have mine now?¡±


    ¡°No man, you can get anything now.¡±


    ¡°But why? Man, I need to supply meth to some guys.¡±


    ¡°We all have to, the supply is low and Boss is trying to get a new supplier,¡± he exined and ced a cigarette in his mouth. ¡°That would take a while.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s with this show?¡±


    ¡°Well, some folks and suppliers have refused to pay up their debts so there¡¯ll be no supply for now.¡±


    ¡°What am I supposed to do waiting for the supply to fucking get high again?¡±


    ¡°You made some cash, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Man I¡¯ve got bills to pay. You don¡¯t expect me to have no supply and have cash,¡± I huffed angrily.


    ¡°Well, I got something if you¡¯re interested,¡± he offered and respired smoke to the air.


    My brows raised in interest. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    It did sound suspicious but what could be worse than drug dealing? I just wanted to know what it was and possibly try it out. It doesn¡¯t hurt to try shit especially when you have bills looking at you and all that.


    ¡°What do you have?¡± I asked again, wondering if he didn¡¯t hear me the first time.


    ¡°You got a huge body man, you¡¯d be perfect for it. Yunno? Muscle, shoulder, all that.¡±


    I was still waiting for a better exnation. Truly I was huge and bigger than he was. He was skinny with brown hair in a short form. He looked like he could be easily broken but he was sure as hell dangerous. Anyone who sells drugs is dangerous, they always find their way around and I may be dangerous too.


    ¡°I need you to get $1065 from this man. Show up, show him the fucking pistol, have him whimper like a baby, and get the bag.¡±


    ¡°What the fuck?¡±


    Was Sky asking me to rob a man? Hell no. I wasn¡¯t going to do any shit like that.


    ¡°Don¡¯t chicken out, I¡¯ll pay you $100 once you get the money, you just have to do a clean job.¡±


    ¡°Bro-¡±


    He raised his Jacket revealing the dagger he kept. ¡°Or you can have this instead.¡±


    ¡°No no, I can¡¯t do this. I¡¯m sorry man, I can¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean you can¡¯t?¡± He asked tossing his cigarette away. ¡°You¡¯re doing shit gangstas do so you got to act like one.¡±


    What have I gotten myself into? Even if the person owe him so much, I still need to know why I would need to take a gun or a dagger.


    ¡°Fuck, I can¡¯t do this,¡± I said onest time and pushed his hands off me. I ran away from the warehouse till I got to a freeway and paused to catch my breath.


    ¡°Fuck it, man.¡±


    I continued jogging till I got a cab that drove me home. When I got home, it waste.


    I had no idea who was spying on me and telling Dad about myte-night movements but I hoped they didn¡¯t see me this time.


    I opened the door and locked the door behind me. The house was quiet by the time I got in and I could guess Emily was asleep.


    I walked to the bedroom and met her wrapped under her duvet. I gave a quick smile and stood watching her.

 96

    I looked at her and sudden guilt flushed over me. More than I ever felt, I could feel guilt burning inside of me.


    I walked to my bed and removed my hoodie, leaving me on the T-shirt and trousers. I sat on the bed and cried silently. I didn¡¯t want Emily waking up to see me sob or hear me whimper so I remained as quiet as possible.


    I can¡¯t be weak, even if I already was.


    Everything felt crazy, I didn¡¯t want to be here. I only wanted a means of livelihood to help my parents get out of this mess and just provide for the family.


    Sky asking me to rob a strange man was the height of it. I didn¡¯t sign up for that and I didn¡¯t want to get myself involved in anything in that manner. I heard how drug dealing involved other things and I promised myself I was going to stay clean.


    I was only going to get deals, sell, get the cash and start the circle again. I scoffed and wiped the tears that welled in my eyes. They were hot and painful, filled with regret and guilt.


    I was gradually turning into a beast I couldn¡¯t recognize. Every day I sit ming myself for what I was doing. For what I did to Emily and for every single shit I was doing to my family in a bid to save them. I slept off shortly after and woke up with bright lights flickering in my eyes.


    ¡®No way! Is it morning already?¡¯.


    I used my hands to block the morning light and turned to the other side of the bed. If I was given the chance, I¡¯d sleep all day because I didn¡¯t want to leave my bed. It felt peaceful at that moment and I didn¡¯t want anything to take me away from such peace.


    I had to stand up anyway, I had to finish my chores and get ready for the day¡¯s business. I brushed my teeth and went to the sitting room.


    Surprisingly, Emily was already dressed. I wondered why she was dressed in such an outfit till I remembered it was James she was waiting for.


    That son of a urggg! I just hated him for no particr reason, or maybe because Emily hated him too.


    James was supposed toe to pick her up for her driving lessons. She was texting with her phone and the moment she saw me, she shoved it in her pocket and walked away.


    ¡°Xavier!¡± Mom¡¯s voice called.


    Oh, damn. I didn¡¯t realize they were around. They were barely around these days I already forgot what it feels like to live with them. They felt like visitors now and it was crazy.


    ¡°Hi, Mom.¡±


    ¡°Did you sleep well?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I did¡± I shrugged  ¡°You?¡±


    Before she could answer me, Dad walked in and pecked her. ¡°Ready?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I just need to pack some bags.¡±


    What bags?


    ¡°Good morning Dad,¡± I greeted and my lips twitched.


    ¡°Son.¡±


    I gave a quick smile knowing he didn¡¯t forget I was his son. What bag was mom talking about? Was she nning on leaving already?


    ¡°Are you guys uh- traveling?¡±


    ¡°Not exactly but we¡¯ll be out for some hours. We just need to take care of something.¡±


    I gave a nod in understanding, I understood her perfectly.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Emily?¡± Dad asked and I turned my head in the direction of the door.


    ¡°She stepped out I guess.¡±


    Well, she did step out and I have no idea where she went.


    ¡°Are you done with the chores?¡± Mom asked taking the Parker from where I left it.


    I walked to the couch and fell on it. I was already exhausted and just needed to sleep. I closed my eyes for a second and pretended to be fast asleep when mom called me.


    After a while, the doorbell rang and I opened my eyes. I knew Emily woulde back, she couldn¡¯t stay out for that long.


    ¡°There¡¯s someone at the-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll get it!¡± I replied and stood up from the couch. I adjusted my shirt and slid my legs inside the palm. I walked to the door and smirked as I opened the door.


    ¡°Hello, Officer Tom.¡±


    My brows furrowed as I saw the man. He was standing with ady and they were both dressed in a ck uniforms. The man saw the look on my face and gave a proper introduction.


    ¡°Officer Tom from Child Service and I need to see Emily¡¯s mother.¡±


    My lips twitched and I turned. ¡°Mom? There¡¯s someone here for you.¡±


    I opened the door and gestured them in. Thedy looked like she was in herte twenties and her ivory skin glowed under her uniform. That wasn¡¯t my concern anyway, I just wanted to know why the hell they were here.


    Mom walked in shortly and saw them. She recognized them and her face beamed with worry.


    ¡°Good day Ma¡¯am,¡± The officer greeted.


    ¡°Hi Officer, Good morning.¡±


    ¡°You definitely know me but for formality, I am Officer Tom and this is Officer Ashley. We¡¯re from child service and we need to inspect Emily¡¯s living style and health record.¡±


    Mom gave a quick twitch and nodded. Dad walked in shortly and stood beside her, holding her.


    ¡°Can I see the room she sleeps in?¡±Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    Mom turned to Dad and he gave a nod assuring her it would be okay. Mom took the lead and they walked behind her. Of course, I followed, I needed to know what the hell was happening.


    Thedy shoved a book out and jotted a few things on the book.


    They ask for her meal menu and mom told them she was eating well and we didn¡¯t have a food menu.


    Who needs one? I obviously would get tired as hell knowing I would have pizza every Monday and green peas every Tuesday. It would take the excitement offing home to meet your meal.


    After a brief inspection, they checked her clothes and how neat her bed was. Good thing she dressed her bed when she woke, I was the one who didn¡¯t.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am,¡± The female officer called. ¡°From our inspection, her living style is very inadequate.¡±


    ¡°I know but-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I can¡¯t take any of your excuses. She¡¯s not well provided for and that¡¯s bad knowing her father can take care of her adequately.¡±


    ¡°Madam, you have one month to get Emily in afortable atmosphere or she¡¯ll be taken.¡±


    Mom swallowed hard and I could see how scared she looked. Dad held her hands tightly and made sure to ease her anxiety.


    When the Officers left, Mom let out a deep breath and held her chest. She was wiping her eyes before she could say anything and I just stared at her.


    ¡°Xavier it¡¯s nothing I promise. We have it under control.¡±


    I looked at her and I felt angrier knowing she was lying.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that a lie you¡¯re trying to hide? Just the way you hid Emily¡¯s birth was a mistake.¡±

 97

    I was pissed that Mom was trying to hide what was going on. I walked out on her and returned to the room.


    I stayed there all afternoon waiting for Emily to return. I went back to the sitting room to grab a te of chips when the door opened and Emily walked in with shopping bags.


    Atst, my girl has arrived.


    She held three shopping bags and when her hands could not contain the rest, James held the remaining bags for her. It was obvious that they were gifts from James.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Emily said smiling at him.


    She stopped halfway in the sitting room and wore a wide smile. James returned the smile and Mom stood there ufortably.


    I could see the worry on her face and the wrinkles that formed on her forehead. She quickly dabbed her eyes and tried to hide the tears.


    ¡°Mom?¡± Emily turned when she heard her mother sniff and saw her wiping her eyes.


    ¡°Mom, are you crying? What¡¯s the problem?¡±


    ¡°No Emily, my eyes just hurt. It¡¯s nothing.¡±


    ¡°Your eyes?¡±


    Yeah, was she going to lie about that too?


    ¡°And have you gone for a check-up?¡± James chirped.


    Opps, she did not not lie. Someone actually did the lying for her.


    We all turned our face in his direction. Mom looked angry at his question but she didn¡¯t show it.


    ¡°Uh Xavier and Emily, can you guys go upstairs? I need a minute.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Emily and I asked simultaneously.


    ¡°Please- I need to talk to him.¡±


    ¡°Fine.¡±


    Emily turned to leave and I stared at them. Mom gave a nod asking me to join her and I reluctantly did. I followed Emily but I stopped halfway. I couldn¡¯t just leave like that, I wanted to know what Mom wanted to discuss with him.


    ¡°And what the hell do you think you are doing?¡± She red the moment she saw we weren¡¯t in sight.


    ¡°I¡¯m only-¡±


    ¡°Only what? James you¡¯re trying to take her!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not doing that.¡±


    ¡°You are! Just take this house already. Take the roof off our heads since you¡¯re hell-bent on taking my daughter!¡±


    ¡°You need to rx.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare tell me to rx when you want to take my joy.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand what you are driving at.¡±Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    ¡°James it¡¯s okay to deny but I¡¯ll appreciate that as a grown man, you say things with honesty. Let¡¯s talk as adults,¡± Dad said and James smirked mockingly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need a low life to tell me what to do,¡± James blurted and turned to Mom. ¡°I didn¡¯t ask you and Emily to leave my life for a low life!¡±.


    Woah! was that what happened?


    ¡°My husband is not-¡±


    Before Mom could finish her statement, I was already there. I pushed James with my hands and had him stagger backward.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you fucking call my Dad a lowlife.¡±


    ¡°Take your hands off me,¡± James said but I was too mad to leave him.


    ¡°Xavier,¡± Dad called.


    ¡°Xavier please.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll kill you if you ever call my father a low life.¡±


    ¡°Get him off me,¡± James said and his guards walked in with heavy footsteps. They yanked my arms and pushed me to the floor. Emily ran down at that point and met the scene.


    ¡°I promise you that!¡± I fired as the guards made me fall to my knees and tightened my hands behind me.


    ¡°James don¡¯t hurt him,¡± Mom pleaded but I didn¡¯t care.


    ¡°He¡¯s only a kid-¡±


    ¡°Just a little lesson.¡±


    I turned my face to Emily who looked pissed at what she saw.


    ¡°You have no right to call my Dad a lowlife,¡± she med. ¡°As long as I remember the low life has been the one taking care of me and treating me like his daughter.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to,¡± James defended himself.


    I was hoping she¡¯d tell James he didn¡¯t have the right to order his men to manhandle me too but she didn¡¯t. Instead, she threw a nce at me and returned her face to James.


    ¡°Who is the low life? Isn¡¯t that what men who abandon their families are called?¡±


    ¡°Emily I didn¡¯t abandon you and your mother.¡±


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t remember this. All I know and remember is that this man here is the one who made me feel what a father¡¯s love truly is.¡±


    She took a deep breath and continued. ¡°He makes sure Mom is okay, he makes sure I am okay. He does everything a father should do and you call him a low life?¡±


    ¡°Emily,¡± Mom called trying to calm her down but she wasn¡¯t having it.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me to stop. He needs to know who the low life really is. Tell me, do you have any fucking idea what my favorite color is? Do you know the size of my shoe? How about my birthday?¡±


    She raised her hands and requested an answer. ¡°Tell me, James, do you know my birthday? Of course not. You have no idea and that makes you the perfect dad in the world.¡±


    My jaw clenched as she turned to me again. I needed her to say a word about me, to tell them to fucking leave me ¡¯cause my hands hurt from getting twisted but she wasn¡¯t worried about me.


    She had this cold stare whenever she looked at me and I just hoped it wasn¡¯t what I was thinking.


    ¡°I need an answer James, do you know?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Perfect! Good thing we now know who the low life is.¡±


    She said that and walked away. I remained on the floor and looked at Dad. He hadn¡¯t said anything since James called him a lowlife. I was hoping he didn¡¯t feel bad because of the hurtful things James said to him.


    Truth is we¡¯re humans and no matter how hard we try, some words will always hurt especially when they areing from a person like James or that asshole, Devin.


    James remained calm and turned to leave. He had nothing else to say and Emily already spat out everything in her heart.


    The guards let go of me and pushed me to the floor. I staggered to stand up and when I did I growled at how my arms hurt.


    ¡°Why did Emily stare at you like that?¡± Dad asked.


    Fuck, they already noticed the cold stare and how she was acting towards me. I had no idea what I was going to say, I couldn¡¯t tell them the exact reason Emily was mad at me.


    ¡°Uh-¡±


    Just then my phone buzzed in my pockets and I reached for it. I checked the caller and it was Sky calling.


    ¡°Uh, hey Leah,¡± I called the moment the call connected.


    ¡°Can I call you back? Uh, okay. I¡¯ll be there.¡±


    I disconnected the call before Sky had the chance to say anything and just told my parents I¡¯d be right back.

 98

    The next Monday, I submitted my script to the professor and walked out of the ss. I was happy to hear it was only three papers left.


    The exam was restraining me and I hated it. I shoved my phone out of my pocket and saw Sky¡¯s text. He needed me to call him as soon as possible but I couldn¡¯t call him in the hallway so I walked to the restroom.


    I pushed open the first door and dialed his number. He didn¡¯t pick I called again till it rang three times and stopped.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Damn you,¡± I huffed.


    I turned to my sides and saw those kids again. The guys I sold crack to the first time. They were looking uneasy and I could read the expression on their face.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have anything on me guys,¡± I said. ¡°You should have told me earlier that you needed crack.¡±


    ¡°Can I have anyone at all?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m serious Man, I don¡¯t have shit with me. I would let you know when I get a package.¡±


    ¡°How long would that be?¡± The other guy asked.


    ¡°No idea but it wouldn¡¯t take long.¡±


    ¡°So uh, I can pay you right-¡±


    ¡°No, keep your bucks. If I get the drugs you pay me.¡±


    I didn¡¯t want to take his money and end up owing him. I just wanted a clean transaction and nothing that would get me into a messy situation.


    ¡°Okay then.¡±


    I gave a nod and they walked out of the restroom leaving only me. My lips twitched as they left. I returned my stare to the screen of my phone. I dialed his number again and he picked up this time.


    ¡°Where the fuck did you keep your phone man?¡± I asked when he picked up the call.


    ¡°I was tryna call you too.¡±


    ¡°I was writing an exam. Why did you call me?¡±


    ¡°The Boss wants to see you.¡±


    My heart raced faster at that point. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t get to question me Xavier. I have no idea, he wants to see you.¡±


    I swallowed the lump in my throat as I thought of what could have done wrong. Did I do anything wrong? Was I in trouble? Did I get the deal?


    ¡°Sky you can just tell me if I did shit.¡±


    ¡°I could but he¡¯ll tell you himself. See you soon Man,¡± he said and disconnected the call.


    I tossed the phone away and kicked the floor.


    ¡°Why the fuck are you staring at me?¡± I asked when I noticed Devin¡¯s presence.


    He was leaning on the wall with his hands crossed on his chest. He was looking calmly and said nothing.


    ¡°Sky will fuck you up, Xavier.¡±


    My brows furrowed at his statement. Did he hear my conversation or did he know who Sky was? My heart pounded in my chest as I thought of the possibility of Devin knowing I was a drug dealer.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡±


    ¡°Of course you do. You¡¯re making a wrong decision. Sky is deadly and not reliable.¡±


    ¡°You have no idea the Sky I¡¯m talking to,¡± I blurted.


    ¡°I understand what¡¯s going on and I can help you-¡±


    Before he finished his statement, I stormed out of the restroom.


    What the hell did he mean by Sky would fuck me up and he was deadly? Thest thing I needed was Devin interrogating me on shit like this.


    * * * * *


    I noticed Emily was dressing up to leave but I had no idea where she was going. She sat in front of her dressing mirror and tried to get her cat eyes but she kept missing it. She let a frustrated sigh and cleaned her liner with a wipe.


    She tried again but it wasn¡¯t any different from the rest trials. I sat on the chair and watched her. I randomly thought of Devin offering to help me. I was timid to ask for his help and I couldn¡¯t imagine epting his help.


    Emily kept trying to draw her liner but when she couldn¡¯t she cussed and walked into the bathroom. I wanted to apologize for what I did but she never gave me a chance to. She randomly yelled at me and threw me cold stares. She angrily washed the liner of her face and applied powder to her face. I continued looking at her but she didn¡¯t acknowledge my stares.


    I remained quiet watching her as she dabbed the wipe on her face and let out another frustrated sigh. She walked to the bathroom again and just mmed the door behind her.


    I walked out of the room and looked for a note. I wrote an apology note and carefully folded it. I held it ¡¯cause I was going to give it to her since I couldn¡¯t tell her to her face. I held the paper waiting for her to return so I could give it to her.


    It would be easier if she read the paper and did not see my face.


    I heard the doorbell ring and turned to get it. When I got there, I saw Emily hugging Devin. She gestured him in and he wore a smile.


    Our parents also arrived at that moment and I felt good. At least she wasn¡¯t going to be alone with him. They exchanged pleasantries and asked how he was.


    After a moment of pleasantry, Mom brought it up.


    ¡°Why did you kiss Emily in that video?¡±


    He wasn¡¯t expecting the question and so it got him uneasy. He had no idea what to say to defend himself.


    Dad stood up and walked closer to him. He pulled Devin in a slight gig and whispered some audible words to him.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to see you around Emily.¡±


    His voice was calming as he said it not audible enough for Emily and me to hear.


    ¡°Dad!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Emily?¡± Dad responded.


    ¡°You can¡¯t do that.¡±


    ¡°Of course, I can.¡±


    ¡°Dad I am not a kid! You can¡¯t do that.¡±


    ¡°Emily you¡¯re still a minor. You cannot date until you¡¯re 18 or you leave my house.¡±


    ¡°Oh really?¡± Emily asked angrily. ¡°I¡¯ll leave then!¡±


    Dad didn¡¯t mean it like that but Emily was so mad and she couldn¡¯t contain the anger.


    ¡°Uh- I have to get to work,¡± I announced and excused myself. I enjoyed seeing Dad stop Devin froming close to Emily but the argument was getting heated and I didn¡¯t want to get involved in it.


    I told them I was going to work when in reality I just needed to see Sky and find out why his Boss was asking to see me. My parents didn¡¯t know I was sent away from work and I haven¡¯t been called back.

 99

    DEVIN¡¯S POV


    I left Xavier¡¯s house feeling annoyed. I was hoping it wouldn¡¯t be a heated argument but Emily med up and it was very heated.


    I had no idea what to say to stop the argument. Emily was talking back at her Dad and now I felt like the cause of it. I stormed into my house and mmed the door behind me. I was breathing fast and my fist was clenched. I needed to get out the whole anger raging in me so I turned around. My eyes fell on the table that had my watch, books, keys, and some other things on it.


    I turned to the table and reached for the first object. I threw everything against the wall. I kept hurling objects to the wall till I touched my mug. There was no way I was going to break my favorite mug so I calmly dropped it back on the table.


    ¡°Fuck you!¡± I yelled.


    I can¡¯t break this, it¡¯s my precious mug and I¡­ what the heck was wrong with me?


    I was regretting every single thing. I hated that I got myself in such a situation. I should have punched Xavier too but it would get Emily in trouble and make me look like the viin so I waved the thought off. I shouldn¡¯t have kissed her back, now the video was trending online and James might have seen it. I had no idea what James would say if he saw it. He looked mad the other day he saw us but he never said a thing about it.


    Why would my life always be such a huge mess? Why do I have to keep wondering over what people had in mind about me and end up hurting myself. I know I act tough but deep down, I need a big hug.


    If James had been like a father figure, I swear I would need to hug him this moment.


    Frankly, I wondered why James was so keen on doing this. He wanted me to do this with Emily despite knowing what could happen. He promised to bail me out if Emily¡¯s parents should arrest me.


    That was insane but he just wanted me around Emily. There was nothing to do in particr and that scared me. Was he doing something on his part? Whatever I have with Emily has nothing to do with his ns. They don¡¯t seem to be adding up and I was pissed to realize that.


    I punched the wall with my hands till I got tired and leaned on the wall. I wasn¡¯t thinking straight and I needed to drink something, anything.


    Was James going to ask me to refund his money? Man, I¡¯ve made over 1500$ from him and there is no way I can afford to pay all that back. I hated that I couldn¡¯t wrap my head around what James was trying to do.


    I picked up my phone and looked for James¡¯ phone number. When I saw it, I dialed the number and allowed it to ring. James picked up and I swallowed the lump in my throat.


    ¡°What¡¯s up Devin?¡±


    He spoke so casually like he didn¡¯t know what was going on. I was sure he already found out because James had eyes everywhere.


    ¡°I have no idea what this is about, James.¡±


    ¡°What are we talking about?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare y ignorant. You know what I¡¯m talking about James. What you are making me do with Emily?¡±


    Waiting patiently as I could literally heard his calm breath, I swallowed the urge that kept tempting me to break my phone.


    ¡°Oh, that. I don¡¯t see a problem, is there one?¡± James finally talked.


    From the sound of his voice, I bet he was happy or just calm. He seem to pour himself something into a cup because I could hear the bubbles and his annoying gulping sound.


    ¡°James I can¡¯t keep doing this, I want to quit this job.¡±


    I managed to say.


    He let out a snort and I couldn¡¯t contain the anger in me. Why was heughing? Did he think I was joking about quitting the job?


    ¡°It¡¯s not funny, James.¡±


    ¡°I never said it was. It just sounds absurd. Listen, Devin, you¡¯ve yed your major role but there¡¯s still work to do.¡±


    ¡°What work?¡± I blurted. ¡°I can¡¯t keep doing this.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have much of a choice Devin. You can¡¯t pay back so you have to continue the job if you don¡¯t want to return to sleeping with old women,¡± heughed. ¡°Or is it to fight people?¡±


    I swallowed the lump in my throat as he finished his statement.


    ¡°You do as I say okay? You have no choice because you can¡¯t pay back.¡±


    ¡°I-¡±


    Before I could say anything, James already ended the call. I tossed the phone away and cussed. This wasn¡¯t what I wanted but I just got myself in a messy situation that I couldn¡¯t leave.


    I sat on my couch for a second, contemting my next move. I felt the urge to call Emily and hear her voice but I couldn¡¯t afford to do so. I was scared her parents might have seized her phone and it would be crazy if they saw her phone ring and I was the caller.


    I let out a frustrated groan and hit my fist on the couch. I stared at her number on my screen and the picture that was there. She was smiling in the picture but that look wasn¡¯t what I saw when I was at her ce. She was mad and she looked mad. She talked rudely and she cussed.


    I made up my mind to at least see Emily. I needed to know if she was fine, I didn¡¯t feelfortable knowing I left her in that state.


    I stood outside their house and looked around. I found the room lit up but I had no idea if it was her room or her parent¡¯s. I walked away and strolled to Xavier¡¯s ce of work.


    He could at least tell me if Emily was okay or not. I got to the coffee shop and I was told Xavier hadn¡¯t been at work for three days. I let a confused expression show on my face because he said he was going to work when he left the house.


    I stood in front of the coffee shop with nothing in mind. I didn¡¯t know why Xavier hadn¡¯t beening to work and I had no idea where he could have gone too. Could it be that he had just decided to stop? I think he need money at this moment, stopping won¡¯t be an option, right?


    Walking out the coffee shop, I decided to just walk around before going home. It would definitely just be me, myself and I all night so one one would ground me foring backte.  Following a money alleyway I loved to follow, I thought about actually walking there with one which won¡¯t be Emily.


    Someone that would be able to run and we would challenge each other for see the person that easily get scared. We would beat up a random bad person and steal his money only to spend them on girls, alcohol, and cigarettes.


    Well, that person no longer exist. At least not now.


    ¡®Shxt! Fxcking son of a bxtch¡¯.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    I wanted tough at the person cussing so much at this time of the night until I stared longer.


    ¡°Xavier?¡±.


    My eyes raised to Xavier walking toward me. He had an agitated look and his strides were fast. I hid behind the pole and let him pass. I didn¡¯t want him to know I saw him. When he passed, I looked around for a while before following him at a safe distance.


    I knew Xavier was up to no good and I needed to find out what he was up to. He kept moving like he was being pursued. I followed him to the next alley and then I turned back to check if anyone was following us.


    There was nobody following us and when I turned my gaze back to Xavier he was no longer there.


    ¡°Fvck, I lost him.¡±


    That asshole! I had no idea where to find him so I waited for a second. The next thing I saw was a dagger and a hand holding my neck.


    ¡°It¡¯s me! It¡¯s Devin,¡± I said in a whimper as I perceived his cheap cologne.


    ¡°Fvck you man, I could have killed you!¡± He yelled and released me.

 100

    It¡¯s crazy how the table got turned. I was the one avoiding Emily but now she was the one avoiding me. Making my confused life unbearable no matter how much I tried to hide it.


    Pfff! I hate feelings. I should have reasoned with Xavier years ago when he said ¡®The moment you catch feelings, the moment you get fucked¡¯.


    Well, I am fucked!


    I sat at my desk trying to think of how to get her to talk to me. The closing bell already rang but I needed a moment to think. I stood up and grabbed my jacket and bag from the chair. I walked out of the ss and headed to the hallway.


    When I got there, Emily wasn¡¯t there. I wondered where she would have gone. Emily was always quick to go home so whenever the bell rang she was always ready to leave.


    ¡°Please no drama¡± I muffled ¡°Please just not now¡±.


    I stood there waiting for her but she wasn¡¯t showing up. I turned to the other side of the hallway and found her with James. A lump formed in my throat as I saw James pulling her into a fatherly hug.


    ¡°Yep!¡± I said popping the ¡®p¡¯


    ¡°Just when I thought it would get better¡±.


    I can¡¯t tell why I felt so scared. While I suddenly want to know what they were talking as their mouth kept moving inaudible.


    What if he told Emily I was only doing this because I was paid to? It would break her to know she was ying with. I love Emily and it wasn¡¯t part of his n. I mean, I didn¡¯t pretend to love her as a way of getting paid.


    ¡®Who does that?¡¯


    I stood there hoping she¡¯d see me and at least wave at me but she didn¡¯t. I picked up my phone and texted her. I apologized via text and pressed the send button.


    I watched her reach for her phone from her pocket and read the text. I was waiting patiently for her reply. Gosh! She didn¡¯t hesitate to type back.


    My phone buzzed in my hands and I looked at the phone. She sent three love emojis and shoved the phone back into her pocket.


    Odd.


    Is that how nerd girls ept apologizes?


    I was about to text again when her text came in.


    Emily: Won¡¯t you ask me to be your girlfriend?


    I read the text and felt a lump in my throat. I raised my head and she turned her face in my direction. Her eyes held mine for a second and I quickly turned away because I didn¡¯t want her to see I was texting her while seeing her.


    Why am I feeling shy all of a sudden?


    Emily made me feel different emotions and no one ever made me feel scared to love. I was scared of love, scared to love and above all, I was scared I was already in love with her.


    My phone kept lettering and it was Emily sending short texts. I didn¡¯t stop to read any of them, I was nervous and needed to get out of the building.


    Emily: I¡¯m sorry for asking you¡­


    I read thest text and guilt flushed over me. No, she shouldn¡¯t be sorry. It wasn¡¯t wrong to as but I just couldn¡¯t afford to hurt her. No matter how hard I tried to hide it, she would find out one day that I was paid to make her fall in love with me and supposedly act like I was in love with her.


    It would break her and she would hate me. I couldn¡¯t imagine what would happen then so I thought it was better to end it now. It would be better if the feelings she had for me ended now so I wouldn¡¯t have to be the one to hurt her when she finds out the truth.


    I stood in the restroom thinking. It was a shitty thing to do but I had no option. I rinsed my face and poured some water into my mouth to rinse my mouth.


    I wanted to call her but I stopped myself. She was still sending texts but I wasn¡¯t going to reply or return her calls. I scrolled through my contacts, I needed to know if there was any fight tonight.


    I needed something to distract me from Emily and fighting was the only option.


    ¡°There¡¯s a fight against Barbaz, 4 pm.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be there, can you keep that slot for me?¡±


    ¡°Sure man.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± I said and the call disconnected.


    Since I got the slot, I needed to get ready for the fight, It was barely two hours away.


    I usually have this dark feeling and hopefully, no one would remember to piss me up after the fight. Everything just seem to always end there and I am grateful.


    I returned home and changed into a ck T-shirt and ck trousers. I was going to take off the shirt when it was time to fight but I loved wearing ck there.


    I turn my face as another session of cheers rings through the tunnels. The man I was supposed to fight climbed up and he reached for his shirt and pulled it off. He tugged it over his head and threw it to the floor.


    ¡®Pffff¡¯ I scoffed ¡®Show off¡¯.


    I didn¡¯t feel anything, there was no feeling of intimidation because I¡¯ve fought men bigger than Babarz.


    He walked toward me and I swiftly startle to the right. I felt a wave of wind blow across my cheek as I dodge his fist. I didn¡¯t see thating since I thought he was warming up.


    I threw a fist at him and when he bent to recover, I kicked him and kept throwing my fist.


    A quick cheer filled the tunnel. Babarz was already bleeding and he was on the floor. When the referee raised my hand as the winner a small smile crept on my lips.


    I walked out of the ring and headed to im my money. I was tossed some bucks and I ordered a distilled whiskey. I took a stick of cigarette from one of the men and ced it on my lip. I lit it and puffed out the smoke in the air.


    I kept drinking and smoking till a familiar feeling flooded me.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    Emily.


    I needed to see Emily. I kept drinking but the more I drank, the more I yearned for her. I stood up and paid for my drinks. I staggered but still had control over myself, I could get to Xavier¡¯s house.


    I headed to Xavier¡¯s house but stopped when I saw James¡¯ car parked on the freeway. Was he up to something? I traced him to the backdoor where I saw him with Emily.


    I got curious to find out what was happening so I remained by the garage and kept looking. I couldn¡¯t hear them because they talked in low tones and I was far so I just looked on, trying to decipher what they were saying.


    He handed Emily a box of makeup and she smiled. Was he the one giving her all those weird things she applied to her face? Emily was beautiful as hell without those things but it was a girly thing and I understand the need to own them.


    James tugged a strand of her head backward and he said a few things she nodded to. Was he assuring her of anything?


    Probably to give her the best life.

 101

    I returned home stinking of alcohol but I couldn¡¯t help but wonder what James was up to. What was he telling Emily?


    That shouldn¡¯t be my business, should it. After all, they are family, her biological father even if I don¡¯t understand their rtionship.


    My phone buzzed and it was James calling. I looked at the screen and contemted taking the call. Why was he calling me? Did he see me watching him? Such a stalker.


    I made sure he didn¡¯t see me and when I noticed he was approaching where I hid, I left immediately. I swiped up and ced the phone on my ear.


    ¡°You better stay away,¡± his husky voice warned.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    Stay away from what? Stay away from who? What was James saying?


    ¡°Hello.¡±


    ¡°You heard me, Devin, stay away from myne. I¡¯m warning you.¡±


    ¡°You-¡±


    He ended the call abruptly before I could say anything so I tossed the phone away and went to bed.


    * * *


    I had an exam so I needed to get to school earlier. I spent my entire night drinking and sneaking around Emily¡¯s house, I barely had time to read. I won¡¯t have me myself when I fail the exam, not when I don¡¯t have any choice of going I to college.


    Seriously, I would want to go to college and study Criminology but where the heck would I get tgat money from?


    I picked up the zip-up jacket from the wardrobe and pushed my hands inside. I fastened my belt and looked at myself in the mirror. When I was okay with how I looked, I left the house. I always look good, they have never been a time I looked bad.


    I walked out of the first ss and was heading to the next ss when I saw Emily. Immediately after I saw her, I felt a flush of guilt course through me. I tried taking faster steps to catch up with her but she looked like she was in a haste and she was avoiding me.


    She paused and stood in front of her locker. I tried calling her and when she saw me, she turned her face away. Her eyes were teary and I had no idea what happened. I wanted to ask her but Xavier was standing across with his body leaning on a locker. Xavier looked at me and we stared at each other.


    He walked closer to Emily and tried to put his arms around her but she red and warned him to stay away.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you daree closer,¡± she yelled pointing her finger to his face.


    What now?


    I kept looking at them, I felt the sudden urge to walk toward them but I didn¡¯t know if Emily wanted to see me.


    She looked pissed and continued yelling but I could hardly understand what she was saying. Xavier tried to talk but she shut him up and walked out.


    My line of vision followed her steps and I figured she was heading to the restroom. I followed her unsure of what I was going to say to her. I just wanted to make sure she was okay, that was my greatest concern.


    I kept following her till I got inside and mmed the door behind me. She looked back and saw me.


    ¡°I can¡¯t, just leave me,¡± she said without looking at my face. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for texting you okay? I don¡¯t know what came over me, just forget it.¡±


    ¡°Emily,¡± I called.


    ¡°Just forget it, I shouldn¡¯t have sent that text. I feel stupid already, don¡¯t make it worse.¡±


    She tried to walk away but I blocked her way and locked the door.


    ¡°Listen to me.¡± I said even when I had nothing to say at that moment.


    She paused and swallowed the clot in her damn throat. Shit! Why does everything about her entice me? Why does it unlock this features I bary knew about?


    ¡°Devin let me be. I won¡¯t force you to do anything.¡± Emily interrupted.


    Oh. What should I say? What the heck should I say?


    ¡°Wait. No Emily, wait.¡±


    She tried pushing me away but I held her firmly and she started hitting my chest. ¡°Leave me alone, you keep hurting me,¡± she cried.


    I knew I was hurting her but I was only trying to protect her. I let her hit me countless times and when she got tired she bit me. Her bite didn¡¯t hurt, instead, it turned me on.


    Love bites were a thing for me and she had no idea the effect they had on me. I wasn¡¯t going to do anything nasty though. I respect Emily too much to force myself on her or make her do things against her wishes.


    ¡°Emily you need to calm down.¡±


    She stopped hitting me and heaved. Her breathing pattern was fast and she looked exhausted.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m really sorry for not texting you back or calling. Emily, I love you but you don¡¯t need a boy like me.¡±


    ¡°You keep acting like you do but you¡¯re confusing me.¡±


    ¡°Emily I¡¯m only trying to protect you-¡±


    ¡°From what?¡± She fired.


    I exhaled and looked into her eyes. ¡°From me.¡±


    Her eyes got teary again and I stretched my hands to wipe her tears away. ¡°Don¡¯t cry Emily, I¡¯m just a young boy who makes money from beating other people. It doesn¡¯t make sense that I make you fall in love with me.¡±


    I swallowed hard and continued. ¡°Emily, I have a dirty past. My present isn¡¯t any better and my future may be worst. I have no one, Emily, I try to foot my bills myself. I do all manner of illegal things, immoral things too. Emily, I sleep with old women just so I can have money. You don¡¯t deserve someone like me, You don¡¯t.¡±


    She was crying and I tried hard to hold back my tears.


    ¡°I love you but your parents won¡¯t ept me.¡±


    She leaned closer and kissed me. I wasn¡¯t expecting her to kiss me after saying all these but she did. When she broke the kiss she held my hands and looked into my eyes.


    ¡°I want you, Devin. I can cope with everything you¡¯ve said. I can cope, trust me.¡±


    I looked at her in disbelief. Was she hearing herself? Was she going to cope with a boyfriend who fought for money or who slept with older women?


    ¡°I can help you be a good boy if you want. Devin, I¡¯ve been a good girl all my life and I can help you if you want.¡±


    * * *


    I submitted my paper and stood up. Emily¡¯s kiss and assurance were still fresh in my head. I headed to the canteen, we agreed to meet there and have lunch together.


    It felt good knowing Emily still wanted me. We were kind of dating now but it wasn¡¯t official yet.


    I met her in the canteen and we ordered our lunch. We kept getting weird stares from students but she didn¡¯t mind. She was still smiling till Xavier showed up.


    ¡°Emily, stand up!¡± He ordered.


    Emily looked at him and stood to her feet.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare make a scene. I don¡¯t care if you hate Devin or not. You can either choose to sit your ass down and have lunch with us, Cover up for me or you snitch and I tell mom what you did to me. It¡¯s your choice, Xavier.¡±


    Now what the heck is going on?

 102

    I know it¡¯s wrong to sneak around Emily¡¯s house but it felt rxing and I needed thatfort. Emily made me feel human and I enjoyed every bit of herpany. It was soothing to be here so I remained outside, looking around hoping she¡¯d sense I was around and maybe open her window.


    I didn¡¯t want to go inside because her parents may be in and it would cause a lot of problems. I didn¡¯t want to be the cause of her family problems, I just wanted her happy.


    The door pushed open and Xavier came out. He looked confused as usual and wore a hoodie over his ck shorts. I wondered if I could get inside when he was gone but I brushed the thought off. I was trying to avoid any problems with her family, including Xavier.


    I watched Xavier leave through the front door and he paused. He looked around like he was observing the environment then he turned to the back. He had a cigarette in his hand and he was going to smoke. I introduced Xavier to smoking pot and it made me feel guilty.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    At that point, a random thought flushed through me. If Xavier was smoking then it meant his parents weren¡¯t around because he would never smoke if his father was around.


    I knew how addictive smoking was but I have been clean until that night at the fighting house. I smoked and drank helpless till I almost passed out.


    A sudden urge to walk to Xavier and find out what Emily was talking about filled me. I badly wanted to know what happened that Emily could use against him and get him toply.


    He swallowed hard and sat beside Emily. He looked at me throughout lunch hour and I just wondered what it could be. I didn¡¯t want to ask Emily, I felt I should ask Xavier not her.


    My phone buzzed in my pocket and I mped my pocket. I jabbed the phone and checked the caller, it was Sky. The motherfucking drug dealer, Sky.


    ¡°Yeah?¡±


    ¡°Hey.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s up Sky?¡± I asked.


    ¡°There¡¯s a hit deal. Meet me by 7 pm.¡±


    I listened to what he had to say. I called him and told him I needed cash, he said he¡¯d get back to seem since there was a low supply of goods.


    I waited for his call and now he was informing me of a person he found fit for the job.


    ¡°You trust him?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need to trust shit,¡± he imed. ¡°He¡¯s huge, has the physique of a fucking bad boy, and can scare them away.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    ¡°Only thing is he¡¯s a softie. He just looks really hard but he can¡¯t do shit other than appear there. I don¡¯t think he¡¯s ever held a gun.¡±


    Fact.


    ¡°That¡¯s crazy.¡±


    ¡°If you get it all sorted you¡¯ll get 650$.¡±


    The price sounded really cool and mouth-watering. I didn¡¯t have to do much so I epted the offer.


    ¡°I¡¯ll meet you there.¡±


    I had no idea how Sky would get someone like that for the job only because he looked fit. Who the hell does that? If shit happens that needed a trade of bullets what was going to happen? He¡¯d fucking cry and jump on my body? Hell no.


    I stood to my feet and prepared to leave. I looked at Emily¡¯s house onest time and walked away. I needed to meet Sky, to know the main deal and to know the asshole he got.


    I covered my face and walked across the house. It was a few minutes before 7 pm and I needed to get there in time.


    I took hesitant strides till I noticed a figure. ¡°Fuck.¡±


    I kid behind a pole and looked again. It was Xavier and he was moving my way. ¡°Where the fuck is he headed to?¡± I asked in a whisper.


    I watched him till I saw it was safe to follow him from a distance. I needed to be more careful because thest time I followed him, he almost had my neck cut with a dagger.


    I heaved and looked around me. When I was sure nobody was watching, I walked behind Xavier.


    ¡°No way!¡±


    Xavier was headed in the same direction I was going. He kept walking like he knew where he was going and it just made me ponder.


    We got to the Spotlight area and some guys were seated smoking. Xavier hadn¡¯t noticed me yet and so I just stood behind.


    ¡°Fuck they¡¯re here, run!¡± One of the men rmed the rest and they started running but I ran after them.


    I got hold of one of the men with a bag and I flung a fist at him. He growled and I threw a side kick which left him on the floor. ¡°Give it to me,¡± I ordered and continuously sent punches to his face.


    I collected the whole money including some stress bucks, I didn¡¯t run for anything. If I wanted some exercise, I¡¯d have gone to the gym and worked out.


    I left him growling in pain and returned to the spotlight area. Xavier was standing there with ady in a bva. He was asking her for the money and she was ying smart.


    She looked like she would outsmart him and run away so when I walked closer I paused.


    ¡°I just need my money,¡± Xavier announced and she grinned.


    ¡°You sure you don¡¯t want to fight?¡± She teased.


    ¡°I don¡¯t. Just give me the fucking money you¡¯re owing him.¡±


    ¡°But I don¡¯t have it!¡± She yelled and respired smoke in the air.


    I looked around me and found a boulder. I hurled it at her and it hit her.


    ¡°Fuck!!¡± She growled in pain.


    ¡°Why did you do that?¡± Xavier asked with fear in his eyes. ¡°You could kill her.¡±


    ¡°Shut the fuck up and get your money, we don¡¯t have time.¡±


    ¡°We?¡±


    What the fuck was wrong with him? Could he stop being a pussy and just get to work. ¡°Take the money already,¡± I yelled at him and he swallowed hard. He walked to where shey and searched her pocket. He was rummaging through her bag and taking the bucks in it when I turned to leave.


    I wasn¡¯t his keeper, I already did what I had to do and I was leaving. Xavier could take care of himself, it was what he signed up for and I didn¡¯t care. Well, I actually did a little.


    I reached the freeway and took a turn. I dialed Sky¡¯s number to tell him I was done with the mission but the call wasn¡¯t connecting. I waited for a moment and tried the number again. It rang this time but Sky wasn¡¯t picking up.

 103

    I sat down quietly but everyone kept talking about prom and I was tired of listening to them. They were all making ns but I wasn¡¯t moved.


    The guys at my left kept making ns of how they¡¯d snuggle some meth to the party and get high as fuck. Theyughed at random topics and kept discussing how the prom would go. I don¡¯t want ro talk about some few that talked about wanting to get wasted when having sex. Do they they even think it¡¯s all about having orgy and getting random persons infected or pregnant normal?


    For me, its not and at the same time, I don¡¯t care.


    I didn¡¯t really care about prom except Emily was going to be there, of course. She had a way of bringing light to everything she got involved in and just maybe my Prom would be great if she came along.


    A smile tugged on my lips as I thought of her and imagined her in a dinner gown or something. She would look effortlessly pretty and it made my tummy grumble in excitement and anticipation.


    I checked my phone to see if I got any texts. A notification pinged and when I checked, it was Emily.


    Emily: where are you?


    Devin: Still in ss. Let¡¯s have lunch.


    It took a few seconds before she texted back and agreed.


    Emily: Definitely, I¡¯m starving. Meet me at the canteen? I¡¯m headed there.


    Devin: sure, on my way.


    I smiled and stood up grabbing my bag from the desk. I walked out of the ss like I wasn¡¯t part of the ss and stormed to the canteen to meet Emily there.


    She was sitting on an armless chair and had her legs sprained on the other. She looked pretty as always but each day that passed, I just watched her get prettier.


    ¡°Hey,¡± she smiled and looked at me.


    ¡°Hey.¡±


    I sat beside her on the armless chair and she stood to make an order. ¡°Want pizza?¡±


    ¡°Sure, would be fine.¡±


    She gave a nod and went to the counter. She returned shortly with a tray and soda. She was addicted to soda and I wondered how she was able to drink a lot of soda.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± I smiled when she handed me a can. I opened it and gulped it to quench my thirst. I was thirsty and all I needed to quench my thirst was Emily¡¯s lips.


    ¡°Everyone¡¯s talking about prom,¡± she added.


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Ain¡¯t you excited or something?¡±


    ¡°Not really,¡± I replied honestly. There was nothing to be excited about.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t n on going unless you go with me.¡±


    I saw her face redden from her blush. ¡°I can¡¯t, I¡¯m grounded.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± My bad.


    ¡°Yeah, so I can¡¯t go with you.¡±


    ¡°No way at all?¡± I asked raising my brow.


    ¡°Uh, well except my parents are not around. They¡¯ve actually been away for some time and it¡¯s just been me and Xavier.¡±


    I noticed the emotion that spread across her face as she mentioned Xavier¡¯s name. I felt the urge to ask if anything was wrong but I let it be. She would tell me herself if she wasfortable enough.


    ¡°I hate it,¡± she sniffed, trying to hold back her tears.


    ¡°Emily, are you okay?¡±


    ¡°I just can¡¯t bear another day alone with him. I wish my parents never left each other.¡±


    Why was she saying this? I swallowed hard and tried to ask her about it.


    ¡°Why? Is there something going on?¡±


    She twitched her lips and I knew she was about to reveal something. She dragged her long sleeves up and revealed her wrist, It was bruised badly.


    ¡°What happened to you?¡± I asked losing my patience. I wanted her to tell me every single thing without leaving a single detail.


    ¡°He came home drunkst night again. He was mad at me for being with you.¡±


    Shit!


    I knew Xavier was an asshole and he stared at us like he had ns. I just didn¡¯t expect him to take out his anger and frustration on her.


    She showed me the bruises on her neck and lips and I swallowed the lump in my throat.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°He did that too?¡±


    She gave a nod and tears welled in her eyes. ¡°He forced himself on me.¡±


    Amma kill somebody! Amma kills somebody!!


    ¡°What the fuck do you mean by he forced himself on you?¡± I asked with anger boiling in me. ¡°Did Xavier rape you?¡±


    I was confused by her admission and shit. I felt the urge to break Xavier¡¯s nose.


    ¡°Tell me, Emily, did he rape you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you but don¡¯t tell anyone. I don¡¯t want to be the object of mockery,¡± she pleaded.


    There was no way I was going to spill what she told me but I needed to get to know her.


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t rape me but he strips me naked and uses my thigh to please himself.¡±


    I swear I want to kill somebody.


    ¡°Holy crap,¡± I huffed in anger.


    Did Xavier really do that to Emily? It was inhumane and I hated to imagine how traumatizing it must have felt.


    ¡°Come here,¡± I said and pulled her into a hug. ¡°I¡¯m sorry he did that to you.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t tell on him,¡± she exined. ¡°As long as he doesn¡¯t tell on me for seeing you.¡±


    This is soplicated! I didn¡¯t know how to feel about that. I felt a flush of anger knowing I couldn¡¯t do anything about it.


    ¡°Shhh, juste here,¡± I told her and kissed her forehead.


    I wrapped my muscr arms around her and let her sob in my arms. She felt broken and I hated to see that Xavier caused it. My heart hurts as if I was the one being harassed. Shit! Why does falling in love have ro be so horrible and yet so sweet?


    I held her tightly against my chest and felt her breathing pattern normalize.


    I raised my head to meet Xavier standing across us. The motherfucking asshole. I looked at him and I felt a surge of anger rush through me. He stood with his hand in his pocket and he was looking at me. He wore a nk expression and stood firmly.


    ¡°Xavier is here,¡± I whispered to Emily¡¯s ear.


    She swallowed hard and kept shaking her head. ¡°I don¡¯t want to see him, Devin, I don¡¯t want to talk to him.¡±


    I gave a nod in understanding and continued holding her. She didn¡¯t want to see Xavier and that was understandable.


    ¡°Take me out of here,¡± she pleaded. ¡°Please Devin, get me out of this ce.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    I grabbed her bags from the chair and ced my arms around her shoulder. I helped her out and turned back to look at Xavier¡¯s face. He didn¡¯t look pissed instead he smirked.


    Fvcking son of a bitch! Nah, his momma was innocent. He was just an asshole.


    I raised my middle finger to him and threw him a dead stare. He looked at me with his sardonic smirk.


    Emily and I walked away without him causing a scene or trying to stop us. It was because I liked him, Xavier always found ways to stop us from staying to get here but now he looked like he didn¡¯t just see me with Emily.

 104

    I returned home mad and irritated. I knew Xavier was an asshole but not the type that tried to rape his stepsister. It irked me to think that he touched Emily.


    Goad! I want to kill someone. I want to hurt someone now!!.


    I exhaled and kicked the soda can away. I was trying to take my mind off it. Emily said he didn¡¯t rape her and he just used her thighs.


    I was d he didn¡¯t fuck her, I would have gone insane and probably beaten the fucker till his nose broke. Just nose, I would dly break his rips and give him lots of internal injuries.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± I yelled as I recalled how Emily felt when she told it to me. She looked like she was traumatized from the experience and it was fucking cruel.


    I couldn¡¯t stop thinking of it so I reached for an unlit cigarette in my pocket. I only smoked when I was heavily worried and couldn¡¯t think straight. Smoking and drinking helped clear my head, it was the only way I could remain the same in times like this.


    I walked to the fridge and opened it. I reached for the bottle of vodka there but my eyes fell on the champagne. I didn¡¯t keep it there, I could barely recall buying such a brand. This look way expensive than I can afford, well not wanting to get a drink for 21000$.


    ¡°Bravo,¡± a voice said and pped.


    I turned and my gaze met with James. He was smiling and pping like he won a lottery.


    My jaw clenched as I saw him.


    ¡°You¡¯ve done well Devin,¡± he said and stopped pping.


    I was waiting for a better exnation because I had no idea what he was talking about. I didn¡¯t do anything else and it surprised me to see him.


    ¡°Your job is done,¡± he said and took a few steps toward me. ¡°I¡¯ll send 1000$ to your cash app, that¡¯s me been generous.¡±This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    My lips twitched as he continued. I wasn¡¯t expecting him to pay me any more money. It was shocking to hear and I knew something else was up.


    ¡°I need you to stay away from Emily.¡±


    There it was, what I was expecting.


    Was he paying me off to stay away from Emily? That was unthinkable and I didn¡¯t know how to react. I felt a squeezing sensation in my chest. I didn¡¯t want to leave her so soon, not now that she needed me the most.


    I wondered what would happen if she found out I was paid to make her fall in love with me and paid to leave her. It was absurd to think James¡¯ n was a good one, It didn¡¯t make any sense.


    ¡°You look worried,¡± he said in an observant tone. ¡°Are you in love with Emily?¡±


    My chest heaved when he asked me that. I didn¡¯t respond to his question, there was no way I was going to admit I was in love with Emily. James was thest person who would understand what I felt and I wasn¡¯t going to try.


    He grinned and leaned on the wall. His expression was mocking and his hands were folded.


    ¡°Are you in love with Emily?¡± He asked again.


    Without waiting for me to reply, he continued. ¡°It is better not to be, Devin. Emily is a minor and I¡¯ll have you arrested if I ever see you with her.¡±


    I swallowed hard at his threat. He knew Emily was a minor when he made me do this. He was the person who wanted me to get her to fall in love with me and now he was saying she is a minor.


    ¡°That has been the n but Emily would see me like a wicked father so I¡¯m only making it easier for you.¡±


    I finally gathered the courage to speak but I paused.


    ¡°Emily will be heartbroken if she finds out. She is barely a happy child with her mother and stepfather. They work all day and do not show her the love she needs.¡±


    I looked at him as he was exining shit.


    ¡°I also noticed Xavier¡¯s attitude. I think they may be fighting. They don¡¯t look like they¡¯re on good terms. At this point, you may be the one she runs to next.¡±


    Yes! Yes you son of a motherfucker.


    I tried hard to hide the pain I was feeling. I didn¡¯t want James to notice how hurt I was from everything he said. Truly, Emily was hurt and was going to follow me since I made her feel better.


    ¡°James this is absurd,¡± I finally said. ¡°I mean, yeah- I like Emily as a person. She¡¯s a sweet, kind, and fun person to be around. Hurting her isn¡¯t going to be all that easy. I can¡¯t hurt her like that, it¡¯s too much to process.¡±


    James looked at me for a second and then coughed.


    ¡°Listen, I know you want me out of the picture and I understand that. I can make her stop loving me slowly but if I leave now she¡¯ll be broken.¡±


    I was hoping he saw my reasons with me and understood what I was saying from my perspective.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that.¡±


    A surge of emotion flushed through me as he touched my shoulder. He was asking me not to worry about how she¡¯d take it but that was impossible.


    I stood still unaware of what else to say to convince. He looked like had already made up his mind about the issue.


    ¡°You should celebrate your 1000$ man, that¡¯s clean money right there,¡± he said smiling. ¡°You should get a good job too, fighting isn¡¯t a means of livelihood.¡±


    He was right but that wasn¡¯t the main thing on my mind. I just wanted him to understand I couldn¡¯t leave Emily yet. I kept thinking of what to say but I went nk.


    ¡°You are a strong boy and I can employ you as Emily¡¯s guard in Los Angeles.¡±


    Was he nning to take her to Los Angeles? A lot of questions clouded my head at that point but I could not ask him any of them.


    I just gave a slight nod at his offer to employ me and twitched my lips.


    ¡°It¡¯s your final exam. Be a good boy and stay away from whatever could mess you up. Drugs, alcohol, cheating.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve never cheated,¡± I blurted.


    ¡°It would make it only pain and fun to be innocent.¡±


    I had no idea what he meant by that but I squeezed my jaw. He ced his hand on my shoulder and patted me gently. He left my house and I couldn¡¯t hold back the emotions any longer.


    I reached for the bottle of champagne and hurled it at the wall. It shattered leaving broken bottle pieces on the floor.


    Shit! That¡¯s $20, 000 and I am still broke.


    ¡°Fuck it!!¡± I yelled at the top of my voice. I was mad and my chest hurt too.

 105

    I took the remnant of pizza and grabbed a juice. It was my breakfast and I needed to eat it hurriedly.


    I barely had any sleep, I sat up all night thinking of what James said. He made me worry and it didn¡¯t feel good to be disturbed.


    I stretched to the ss and poured some apple juice into the ss. I took a sip first and then gulped it till it finished. I checked my wrist watch and I had fifteen minutes to get to school.


    I took my baseball cap from where it hung on the wall and wore it. I grabbed my bag and my phone.


    I didn¡¯t want to runte so I took the short route as usual and walked to school. A notification pinged and I checked the screen of my phone. It was an Instagram notification and my brows raised when I saw the post.


    It was Gabby¡¯s post.


    Wish I could go on a date with the prom king #prom


    A furrow appeared on my forehead. I had no idea who the prom king was going to be and I didn¡¯t care. I imagined being the prom king for a minute but I wasn¡¯t going to attend prom. Not when I gave lots of history in beating up people and cutting sses.


    I shoved the phone in my pocket as I reached school and walked into the building. A blonde girl turned her head and gave me an awkward stare.


    Fuck, this T-shirt. I didn¡¯t take my time to choose an outfit and I knew I wasn¡¯t dressed in the best fit.


    I didn¡¯t care though, I just walked to the hallway and headed to the ssroom. The seats were upied as I walked in, the Invigtor was going to be here soon.


    I lowered on my desk and ced my headphone on my ear. I didn¡¯t want to remain idle till the first paper so I listened to music instead.


    The headphone was ring loud music in my ears and I just nodded to the rhythm. A figure stood in front of me and waved to get my attention. I raised my brow and removed the headphone.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Is this yours?¡±


    I looked at his hand and it was my wallet. Fuck, I must have dropped it unknowingly.


    ¡°Yeah, thanks.¡±


    I gave a faded smile and he returned it. He was one of the few students I talked to on random asions, I didn¡¯t have a close friend and I didn¡¯t feel the need to tell a person everything that was going on with me until I met Emily.


    My lips twitched as Emily crossed my mind. She was in every thought and everything I thought of. I scrolled up till I reached her number and felt the urge to dial her number.


    I wanted to call her, to hear her voice and to see her. Her smile always lifted my mood and I craved thatforting smile.


    I brushed the thought off, James already threatened to arrest me if he sees me with Emily. I tried talking him out of his ns but he ignored everything I said.


    I called countless times and sent voicemails and eleven texts but none was responded to. I let out a sigh, it was eating me to be away from Emily.  I needed to rx and write myst paper, I needed to write the exam in a good state of mind.


    After the exams, everyone in the ss tore their books and threw their bags around. They kept shouting in excitement and hugging themselves. I gave a quick smile when someone walked toward me and smiled.


    ¡°Hey man, it¡¯s all over.¡±


    Yeah, it was all over but I didn¡¯t feel the excitement as much. I just wanted to get over this phase. I looked around but couldn¡¯t catch a glimpse of Xavier. I thought of talking to him, maybe we could settle our differences and I could exin the whole thing to Emily. I kept checking around, looking over my shoulders but they were just happy kids shouting in excitement and talking about the uing Prom.


    I swayed my body around and walked out of the ss. I walked to the hallway still searching for Xavier.


    I spent minutes searching for Xavier but he was nowhere in sight. I wondered where he could be, he didn¡¯t even wait to celebrate with the rest students or something.


    I walked toward the library and stopped when I heard his voice. His voice wasing from an enclosed space. I stood by the door and lowered my stance so I could eavesdrop. The door was slightly opened so I peeped and saw Emily.


    She was crying and trying to talk back but Xavier was holding her chin.


    ¡°Get your filthy hands off me,¡± Emily barked.


    Xavier grinned like a sadist and a sardonic smirk fell on his face. ¡°I¡¯ve told you, Emily, it¡¯s not going to be an easy choice.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll rather be with him, Xavier.¡±


    A lump formed in my throat. Was she referring to me? Did she choose me over him?


    ¡°You¡¯ll never be fine with Devin. If I can¡¯t have you then he won¡¯t have you either.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re an asshole!¡± She spat and he yanked her arms.


    ¡°Listen to me.¡±


    Emily tried to wriggle her arms out of his hold but his grip was too strong. She whimpered and looked at him angrily.


    ¡°I hate you so much,¡± she fired at him. She pushed him but he only staggered and held her wrist tighter.


    My chest heaved at the sight. I badly wanted to punch him in the face and beat him for holding her that way but I couldn¡¯t. I didn¡¯t want to get myself involved in what was happening, I was already too involved.


    I could not be the one showing up to save her, she would get used to me and whenever I wasn¡¯t there, it would mess with her. I clenched my fist in anger as the thought of my helplessness flushed over me. I hated this feeling but I couldn¡¯t do anything about it.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare choose him.¡±


    ¡°I already did. I¡¯ve chosen Devin! I love him and there¡¯s nothing you can do.¡±


    ¡°I can do a lot, Emily. You have no idea what you¡¯ve turned me into. You don¡¯t realize what I¡¯ve done so I can get you to live a fuckingfortable life. I stabbed a manst night, all for you!¡± He red.


    Emily whimpered and then held her mouth. She couldn¡¯t believe what she just heard, she couldn¡¯t imagine what he was saying.


    ¡°You know what? I¡¯ll do what¡¯s right Xavier, I¡¯ll follow James.¡±

 106

    XAVIER¡¯S POV


    The moment she said that my blood boiled. I became mad and could no longer keep shouting. I dropped my hands from her chin and clenched it.


    ¡°You cannot do that!¡±


    ¡°Watch me, Xavier!¡± She yelled back. Her eyes were teary and her whimpers were loud.


    ¡°You cannot go with James, Emily. Fuck it! You¡¯re insane.¡±


    She just kept whimpering and did not respond to me. ¡°Let me go, Xavier.¡±


    I wasn¡¯t going to let her leave till I made her know what I wanted her to know.


    ¡°Emily,¡± I started and reached for her shoulders. I held her arms and shook her. ¡°I don¡¯t give a damn what our parents think, I want you, and I¡¯ll have you.¡±


    ¡°Get your filthy hands off me!¡± She yelled and tried to wriggle out of my hold. She heaved and her breathing pattern changed. She couldn¡¯t stop crying and I hated to see she was making up her mind to follow James.


    ¡°Xavier you have no idea how much I hate you. I hate you so much and when I leave, I don¡¯t want to ever see you.¡±


    ¡°I know why you¡¯re doing this. You are doing this for Devin but he doesn¡¯t love you. He¡¯ll fuck you and abandon you!¡±


    ¡°At least he won¡¯t do it without my consent.¡±


    I swallowed the lump in anger and pushed her hands.


    ¡°Devin is using you! He¡¯s using you to get money. He¡¯s getting paid for flirting with you.¡±


    Emily¡¯s eyes widened in shock. I could see it in her eyes, she couldn¡¯t believe what I was saying but it made her cry.


    ¡°Who is the person?¡±


    I kept quiet, I just squeezed my jaw and looked her in the eyes.


    ¡°You¡¯re lying!¡± She red. ¡°You just want me to hate Devin but he¡¯s way better than you!¡±


    I brought out some money from my pockets and showed her. ¡°Look Emily, I have money. I earn more than he does and I can take care of you.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t fucking care about your money.¡±


    She shoved me away and walked out. I stood still clenching my fist as I watched her le ave.


    She pushed open the door of the room and Devin stood right there. Immediately Emily saw him, she ran to him and hugged him.


    Devin didn¡¯t return her hug, he just stood and looked at me. I hated the way he looked at me, it pissed me off.


    ¡°You never learn, Emily!¡± I yelled from the back. ¡°That¡¯s the fucking reason you¡¯re a mistake.¡±


    I wanted to hurt her, I felt the urge to inflict pain on her. ¡°Your mom would never have given birth to you because you¡¯re a fucking mistake.¡±


    ¡°Leave me alone!¡± She cried from Devin¡¯s arm.


    I stormed out and headed to the restroom. I pushed the door and stepped inside.


    I heard footsteps and turned in that direction. I saw Eva trying to sneak into the boy¡¯s restroom.


    ¡°What the fuck are you doing here?¡±


    Eva looked frightened and just took a step back. ¡°I¡­ I uh-¡±


    I raised a brow, waiting for her to exin what she was doing sneaking in here.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯m waiting for Miller,¡± She finally said and twitched her lips.


    ¡°Get the hell out of here or I¡¯ll take pictures of you and upload them.¡±


    Silly right? I know hit that¡¯s what would hurt her. Her face in a scandalous post.


    ¡°Xavier please,¡± she pleaded. There was nothing more frightening than being on the headline like they always made Emily.


    ¡°I¡¯ll have your damn pictures everywhere and make you famous.¡±


    I pushed her but she staggered and kept pleading. Her top was revealing and I could see her cleavage.


    ¡°I¡¯ll let you stay if I fuck you,¡± I blurted and she looked at me. Eva was a hot bitch, she had breasts way bigger than Emily¡¯s and her thigh was to die for.


    She was always wearing revealing clothes, the type that left you hard while imagining nasty things. ¡°Deal?¡± I asked not waiting for her to think. ¡°Not just that, you¡¯ll pay me 300$.¡±


    ¡°But-¡±


    ¡°You can agree or not, I¡¯m not forcing you.¡±


    I could see the reluctance in her eyes but she cared so much about her reputation and the personshe wants to see, I bet she wouldn¡¯t want anything tarnishing it.


    ¡°Fine,¡± She blurted.


    A sardonic smirk crept on my lips as she removed her shirt and traveled her breasts. They were fucking attractive and I got hard staring at them. I could titty-fuck her, she rolled her eyes and I smirked.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the money?¡± I asked.


    She frowned and turned to her pockets. She grabbed some notes and then turned to me. ¡°I only have 250$.¡±


    I wasn¡¯t going to reject it when it came with a free pussy, it was sure as hell enough bonus.


    I grabbed it from her hands and tucked it into my pockets.


    ¡°Turn around,¡± I ordered and she obliged. I bent her over and dragged her hair.


    ¡°Xavier that hurts!¡± She let out a muffled scream.


    ¡°Shut the hell up.¡±


    I wasn¡¯t going to make love to her, I wanted to fuck her mercilessly and forget Emily chose Devin over me.


    I reached for her pants and pushed them to the corner. She wasn¡¯t as wet as I wanted because there was no forey but I wasn¡¯t going to have my time trying to turn her on.


    ¡°Suck my dick.¡±


    Her eyes arched and I repeated myself. She went to her knees and unfastened my belt. My dick was hard beneath my trousers and was waiting to be jolted out. The moment she held my dick, she traced the shaft and put my dick in her mouth.


    She went sloppy till I was moaning and dragging her hair. I¡¯ve gotten good blow jobs but nothing beat hers. She was good in the game and could make you go insane with just her tongue. Precum gushed out from the tip of my dick and she used he fingers to trace it to the length of my dick. She simultaneously yed with my dick and I could feel the tension rising.


    ¡°Turn around.¡±


    She nodded and turned. I bent her over the sink and slid my dick into her.


    ¡°Ourgh.¡±


    she let out a painful squeal. She felt warm, the walls of her vagina held my dick warmly as I kept stroking. I fastened my strokes and had her moaning.


    ¡°Fuck, Xavier! Ourgh¡­ Fuck.¡±


    ¡°Shut the hell up,¡± I fired still fucking her from behind. I only wanted to get Emily off my mind and the only way to do that was to be aggressive as hell.


    I dragged her hair and she kept pleading for me to let go of her hair. When I finally came, she was breathing hard and her face turned red.


    Good for her.

 107

    I got home and continued thinking of everything that happened. I wondered if Emily was really thinking of going to stay with James.


    It didn¡¯t make sense to me, she couldn¡¯t leave me, leave her mom, Dad, us. We had something going on and she just woke and decided to make such a decision.


    A surge of regret flushed through me, I wished I didn¡¯t have to say all that to Emily. I was regretting my choice of words and how my words hurt her. I was shitty to say those things to her. I was mad and thought it was the best thing to do.


    Yes, I wanted to hurt her but now I regret it. She didn¡¯t deserve to be called a mistake or whatever said, I could only wish to clear them from her head.


    It killed me to know she soughtfort in Devin¡¯s arms and that made me mad. It hurt me that I wasn¡¯t the one who gave her sce. I¡¯m fucking toxic but that isn¡¯t the point. I just want Emily to myself and would do anything to have her.


    I reached for the unlit cigarette in my jacket. I was smoking a lot and I didn¡¯t have an excuse. Smoking was addictive and I couldn¡¯t stop, not when Emily drives me crazy and makes it impossible to think. Smoking was my coping mechanism and the only thing that managed to keep me insane.


    I didn¡¯t use protection fucking Eva but I wasn¡¯t bothered about the bitch. I knew she¡¯d get some pills or something. I just needed to clear my head and transfer aggression through sex.


    ¡°How about you listen to me?¡±


    It was Emily¡¯s voice and so I shoved the cigarette back into my pocket. I had no idea who she was talking to so I listened to know who.


    ¡°I can¡¯te to Prom.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what we are yet.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m serious, I don¡¯t think I can follow you to Prom.¡±Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    I realized it was Devin she was talking to and I felt a gush of jealousy. Devin was asking her to go to Prom with him. Such a motherfucking asshole.


    The nerves


    I picked up the napkin and pretended to be dusting the table. I only wanted to listen to her conversation without her knowing I was listening. I reached for the vase on the table and cleaned it.


    She heaved a sigh and chuckled on the call before the call disconnected. It was a one-sided conversation so I couldn¡¯t hear Devin. With what she said she was still wondering if they were a thing yet.


    I fell back on the couch and huffed. Our parents weren¡¯t back yet and I had to take care of her. I wasn¡¯t going to the coffee shop because I may have lost my job. My Boss didn¡¯t call me back and my texts were left on seen. It was irking to know I was being punished for being an asshole. I only wanted to teach the bitch a lesson.


    I was still working for Sky so I had cash frequentlying from there. I had to meet Sky and pick up some cash but I couldn¡¯t leave Emily all by herself. I was scared Devin woulde over and she would be with him alone.


    I didn¡¯t want to imagine what could happen between them, I already had a lot of messy shit going on in my head. I stood up and walked to the room. If I needed to stop wondering, then I had to be close to her.


    I sat on my bed and kept ying games on my phone. I kept my eyes fixated on the screen of my phone till Emily walked out of the bathroom.


    She was wearing only her underwear, redcy lingerie with a bow. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I wondered why she walked in on me like that. Was she trying to tempt me? I tried to look away but I couldn¡¯t. I stared at her longer till she wore a polo T-shirt over her head and grabbed it from the wall-mounted rack.


    She slid one leg into the joggers and then into the other. I watched her butt jiggle as she jumped and I swallowed hard. I turned my face away, it didn¡¯t feel right.


    I remained quiet wondering if I wasn¡¯t just obsessed with Emily and mistaking it for love. I felt the urge to tell her not to follow James but I didn¡¯t. I couldn¡¯t gather the courage to talk to her after saying such hurtful things to her. I was a jerk and I knew it. Emily didn¡¯t deserve me but I wanted to be the one for her, not Devin or anyone else. I wanted Emily to be mine more than anything.


    As she reached the door, I called her name. She paused and turned her head to me. I didn¡¯t know how to say it but I just had to.


    ¡°Emily-¡±


    When she saw I couldn¡¯t say anything she walked out and I followed her. She grabbed her hoodie from the couch and headed to the front door.


    I hurriedly stood in front of the door stopping her.


    ¡°Emily!¡± I called at first. ¡°You can¡¯t go anywhere, Mom and Dad will be mad if you leave the house.¡±


    A furrow appeared on her forehead as she looked at me. ¡°Unless they¡¯re told, they won¡¯t know.¡±


    I hated how she was ying this game with me. She was using everything against me and I couldn¡¯t help it. I wanted to tell her how bad it was messing with me but I didn¡¯t.


    ¡°Emily-¡±


    ¡°Stop it!¡± She fired. ¡°Can you just get out of my way? I need to be somewhere.¡±


    ¡°They will find out you left the house.¡±


    ¡°How?¡± She asked smirking. ¡°You¡¯ll tell them? Well if you do, I¡¯ll also tell them you¡¯ve been molesting me.¡±


    I saw thating, I knew she was going to use that against me and it fucked with me that I had no way to counter it.


    ¡°Want to go to jail for a pussy you never got to fuck? Good luck in trying.¡±


    Emily sounded so strange cussing, I hated seeing this part of her. I stood there quiet, contemting the next thing to say. It was getting harder looking into her eyes.


    ¡°At least tell me where you¡¯re going.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s none of your motherfucking business!¡± She yelled and mmed the door in my face.


    I took a deep breath and ran my hands through my hair. Emily was driving me insane.

 108

    The fact that Emily left without telling me her destination sent chills down my spine. I turned back to the sitting room and kicked the couch.


    I held my hand in a fist and wondered what I could do to get my mind off it. I didn¡¯t want to smoke nor did I want to drink.


    I had no idea when Dad wasing back, it would get me in a lot of trouble if they get back and Emily wasn¡¯t back.


    I stretched and picked my phone from the ss table and dialed Mom¡¯s number. It wasn¡¯t connecting so I tried Dad¡¯s own and it connected.


    Dad picked up the call and I heard his burly voice. I swallowed hard and exhaled before responding.


    ¡°Dad.¡±


    ¡°Xavier, how are you son?¡±


    ¡°Uh, I¡¯m good.¡±Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    ¡°How¡¯s Emily? I miss my little girl too,¡± he said and a giggle followed.


    ¡°Emily. She¡¯s uh, she¡¯s sleeping and uh-¡±


    I was stammering because I didn¡¯t think of anything else to say. I didn¡¯t want Dad to find out Emily left the house so I tried to cover her up.


    ¡°Sleeping?¡±


    I could hear the uncertainty in his tone. ¡°Yeah, uh.¡±


    ¡°But I just called Emily.¡±


    I went mute when he said that and he kept calling my name. ¡°Xavier?¡±


    ¡°Xavier?¡±


    ¡°Uh, Dad? Uh, I think the server is bad. Dad?¡±


    ¡°Xavier? Why are you home at this time? Don¡¯t you go to work?¡±


    I had to tell him something, I thought of what to say immediately. ¡°I lost the job yesterday.¡±


    ¡°Ohhh.¡±


    I didn¡¯t want him to get worried or something so I promised to get another job. ¡°Dad, I¡¯m sorry I¡¯m being a nuisance. I- I¡¯ll get another job before you know it.¡±


    ¡°No Xavier, it¡¯s okay. I¡¯m proud of you Son and I need you to know that.¡±


    A small smile tugged on my lips. I couldn¡¯t remember thest time anybody said that to me and it made me feel special for a while.


    ¡°Thanks, Dad.¡±


    ¡°Anytime. Xavier, I need you to take care of your sister okay? Don¡¯t hurt her or let anyone hurt her.¡±


    My chest heaved as I listened to Dad. How was I going to exin that the person in question doesn¡¯t even want me around her? Fucking hell.


    ¡°Are you guysing home soon?¡± That was the information I needed, I had to know.


    ¡°Yes,¡± he confirmed and my heart raced in my chest.


    ¡°Uh, okay. Bye, Dad.¡±


    I ended the call before he could say anything else and heaved a sigh. I panicked because I had no idea where Emily was.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± I yelled. What the hell was going to do? ¡°I¡¯m just going to text her.¡±


    Emily was going to get us in trouble and it wasn¡¯t funny. I sent her a text asking her to return home immediately or send me her address so I could pick her but my messages were left on read.


    ¡°Does she fucking think I¡¯m joking?¡±


    I called her and my calls got busy. I sent another text telling her our parents were on their way back and she was going to get us in trouble if she didn¡¯t return right now.


    I sat on the sofa waiting for a response but none came. I was getting anxious and I couldn¡¯t hide the anxiety.


    I couldn¡¯t just storm out in search of her when I didn¡¯t have the slightest idea where she took her ass to. I tried thinking but I was nk. The pressure made me panic and not think.


    I checked the screen of my phone for a text but there was none. I tried calling again but she wasn¡¯t picking up. Just then, I figured she may be with Devin since he was thest person she talked to. I picked up the phone from where I tossed it and searched for his number.


    ¡°Where¡¯s his fucking number?¡± I asked scrolling through my contact list.


    I found it and exhaled. I dialed the number and it rang twice.


    ¡°Look who called me,¡± he chuckled as soon as the call connected. ¡°I¡¯m surprised you still have my number, Xavier.¡±


    I twitched my lips listening to him. I wasn¡¯t in the mood for what he was doing and I didn¡¯t have much time to waste on trivial or the fucking pleasantries.


    ¡°Devin I-¡±


    ¡°This should call for a celebration,¡± he teased.


    He wasughing and I couldn¡¯t bear to hear himugh. I was losing my patience, I needed to find Emily.


    ¡°Can you just shut up?¡± I red. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t just call you if I had nothing important to say.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡±


    ¡°Where is Emily? Is she with you?¡±


    He let out a chuckle and then exhaled. ¡°Emily is here, naked.¡±


    My breathing pattern changed immediately after he said that. I couldn¡¯t imagine what he just said. ¡°What the fuck do you mean by that?¡±


    ¡°Hey hey, rx man.¡±


    My fist clenched and a frown fell on my face.


    ¡°She fell into a drum of paint on her way here. I¡¯m trying to get her suitable clothes to change into,¡± he exined with so much excitement.


    I was getting mad from just listening to his crap.


    ¡°Where the fuck are you? I¡¯ming there right now!¡±


    ¡°You should stop yelling. I¡¯m trying to keep you updated and you¡¯re yelling. Listen, Xavier, she¡¯s in my house, she¡¯s naked, I¡¯ve helped her clean the paint off her body and I¡¯m trying to get her clothes. Emily has a really tempting body.¡±


    ¡°Also,¡± he added. ¡°She dropped her phone in a bucket of paint. Just in case you¡¯ve been trying to reach her.¡±


    I ended the call angrily and took my keys. It made a ttering sound as I grabbed it and walked out of the house in anger.


    The next thing I knew, I was at his house.


    ¡°Open this fucking door!¡± I kept screaming and banging on his door.


    The moment he opened the door, I pushed him aside. I looked around and couldn¡¯t find her. ¡°Where is she?¡±


    ¡°Where is who?¡± He asked acting like he didn¡¯t know what I was talking about.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you fucking y dumb. Where¡¯s Emily? Wasn¡¯t she naked in your house a few minutes ago?¡±


    He could see the anger in my eyes and how badly I was searching for her.


    ¡°Are you really looking for her?¡±


    His expression changed as he looked at me.


    ¡°What the fuck do you mean by that? Can¡¯t you see I¡¯m searching for her? Listen, Devin, I don¡¯t want to fight you. Just fucking tell me where Emily is.¡±


    ¡°She didn¡¯te here,¡± he blurted and sat on the couch. ¡°She doesn¡¯t even know my house, she¡¯s never been here.¡±

 109

    I angrily left Devin¡¯s house after he said Emily never went to his house. I was pissed that he had mee all the way there in search of her but a part of me was d nine of the shit he said was true.


    I couldn¡¯t imagine Devin seeing Emily¡¯s naked body, it felt like a nail piercing my chest. I returned homete only to find Emily in the room.


    She was asleep and used a nket to cover most of her body. I didn¡¯t know how to react if I should be angry she got me worried or be happy she was back.


    I couldn¡¯t bring myself to question her so I left her and slept.


    The next morning I woke up earlier than her and did a few things. I needed to keep myself busy till she woke up so I grabbed my gamepad and yed video games.


    I was in the sitting room ying my games when she woke up. She walked to the sitting room and stood there staring at me. I noticed she was staring at me but she didn¡¯t say anything. Was she going to ask me why I was ying video games that early?


    She left without a word and I swallowed hard at her reaction. I wanted her to talk to me, to acknowledge my presence but she wasn¡¯t doing any of that.


    I continued ying my video games while hoping she¡¯de out for us to have a conversation. I should at least know where she was all day since she wasn¡¯t at Devin¡¯s ce.


    ¡°Damn it,¡± I mumbled to myself as I looked at the screen. I was getting distracted from my video game because of my thoughts. I couldn¡¯t stop thinking of Emily and where she went.


    I raised my face to Emily walking out I the room with a bag. She waszily dressed in joggers and a T-shirt. She carried the bag in her arms and was about to leave when I stopped her.


    ¡°Emily!¡±


    She paused and looked at me.


    ¡°Where the hell are you going to? You can¡¯t keep doing this shit. Leaving the house without telling anyone and returning whenever you like. It isn¡¯t safe for crying out loud and I have to look after you.¡±


    She turned her head away and walked out, ignoring me. I couldn¡¯t let her go out again, she can¡¯t keep doing this.


    ¡°Emily stop!¡± I yelled and ran after her. I was going to stop her however say I could even if it involved carrying her back home.


    I was expecting Mom and Dad to have returned but they didn¡¯t. I suspect they¡¯de soon and I didn¡¯t want to risk Emily leaving without my knowledge. I kept walking behind her trying to stop her.


    She was taking fast strides and wasn¡¯t listening to anything I was saying.


    ¡°Why must you leave?¡± I yelled, yanking her arms.


    She pushed my hands away and tried to wriggle her arm out of my grip. ¡°Xavier, let go of me!¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t If you don¡¯t return home with me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not going with you! Get out!¡± She yelled back, hitting me.


    I released her from my hands when she became so violent and watched her take some steps away from me.


    She was driving me insane and she knew it. She knew what she was doing was wrong but she wanted to go ahead with it no matter what.


    ¡°Emily,¡± I called when I noticed a van driving in her direction.


    She already stepped away from me and I couldn¡¯t catch up.


    ¡°Help!¡± Her voice screamed the moment someone yanked her into the van.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    ¡°Emily!¡± I shouted but the van zoomed off.


    Shit! Damn! Oh no! What the heck just happened?!


    I ran after the van but I couldn¡¯t catch up. I checked my pocket for my phone and when I found it, I dialed 911.


    I was panicking as I called the number, I had no idea who took her or where she was being taken to.


    ¡°911,¡± I said in a panic the moment the call connected. ¡°My sister! She¡¯s just been taken by a man in a bva! Help! I didn¡¯t get the car number, I just- Please help, they have Emily.


    ¡°What the fuck? Is this a prank?¡±


    I heard the voice and realized I dialed the wrong number.


    ¡°Fuck, sorry. 911, not you.¡±


    I disconnected the call and dialed 911 again.


    ¡°911, how can we help you?¡± The voice asked.


    I took a deep breath trying to calm myself down. ¡°My sister. She¡¯s been taken by a man in an uh, a van! He has his face covered in a bva I couldn¡¯t see his face. Please help, they have my sister.¡±


    ¡°Where did this take ce?¡±


    ¡°Uh, 48th street- 48th Street Midtown.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right there, just stay calm.¡±


    ¡°Okay, Please help.¡±


    In a few minutes, a police van surrounded the alley. A man walked toward me and after introducing himself, he asked me what happened.


    I tried exining everything that happened to leave out the part where I yanked her arms and she hit me. I didn¡¯t tell them she pped me either or got violent at some point.


    Part of the things I left unsaid was that she left the house yesterday, and returned veryte. I didn¡¯t want to get her in trouble.


    Mom and Dad arrived and they were questioned too. Mom kept crying, asking where Emily was. I didn¡¯t have an answer to that because I had no idea where she was too.


    James alighted from his car and walked toward us. He came immediately after the cops called him that his daughter had been Kidnapped.


    He walked to where Mom stood. ¡°What happened to Emily?¡±


    Mom dabbed her eyes but she couldn¡¯t say a word. She tried hard to speak but she couldn¡¯t because of the lump in her throat.


    ¡°We got a call that Emily was kidnapped,¡± Dad spoke.


    ¡°Emily??¡± He asked feigning shock. ¡°How did that happen? Where was she?¡±


    ¡°With Xavier,¡± He replied and James huffed.


    The way he looked at mom made her scared. I don¡¯t know if anyone saw the look but I did and I don¡¯t trust him.


    He pulled Mom into an ufortable hug despite Dad standing beside her. ¡°We¡¯ll find Emily,¡± he assured. ¡°We¡¯ll find our daughter.¡±


    I hated hearing him call her that. He called her his daughter and acted like Dad wasn¡¯t her stepfather and the one who took care of her.


    Dad didn¡¯t react only because the cops were standing behind us and he didn¡¯t want to make a scene or cause trouble. He remained quiet watching them.

 110

    The policeman assured us they would do their best to bring Emily back but Mom kept crying. I couldn¡¯t me her, I was scared too and I understood how it felt for your child to be missing.


    I returned home and kept ming myself for what happened. If I didn¡¯t get into the argument with her, maybe she wouldn¡¯t have been kidnapped. I regretted everything that happened, I should have sat my ass inside and left her to go wherever she wanted as long as she returned home.


    I sat on my bed staring nkly. I didn¡¯t know what to do, I just needed Emily to be found. I looked at her empty bed and huffed. It didn¡¯t feel good to be here all alone.


    I was running out of my mind so I grabbed the packet of cigarettes from my jacket and took a lighter. I sneaked out of the house so I could smoke for a while.


    It was the only thing that could distract me from my reality. I couldn¡¯t sit down in the room knowing Emily was somewhere I didn¡¯t know. It hurt as hell to not know if she was fine or not.


    I felt the urge to walk farther so I walked away from the street till I got to another alley. I lit my cigarette and was about to puff the smoke out when I realized some guys were surrounding me in circles.


    I wasn¡¯t with any cash to give them and I didn¡¯t want to get myself involved in shit. I was already in so much mess and I couldn¡¯t afford for my parents to be worried about both of us at the same time.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Stop,¡± a voice ordered.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± I blurted in an undertone.


    ¡°Give me the bucks man,¡± the other guy instructed but I didn¡¯t have any money on me.


    ¡°I don¡¯t-¡±


    ¡°Shut the fuck up!¡± He ordered and I stopped talking. He pointed the handgun at me and forced me to my knees. I thought if fighting him but I was unarmed and could get shot. I couldn¡¯t fight three guys alone.


    The first guy took my cigarette and dragged it in his mouth. He retired the smoke to my face and told me I was an asshole.


    I remained on my knees hoping they left me since I didn¡¯t have anything on me. Before I could say anything a fistnded on my face and left me growling. ¡°Ourghh!¡± I screamed in pain and another kick was apanied by his elbow on my shoulder.


    I couldn¡¯t do shit, he already hit my spot and rendered me unfit to fight. I felt the metallic taste in my mouth and spat it out.


    Clutters of blood poured on the floor as I coughed out blood. I was holding my stomach and my eyesight was getting blurry.


    ¡°I¡¯d fucking stab you if you don¡¯t bring out the money.¡±


    Why didn¡¯t they believe I had nothing on me? I kept trying to plead but each plea was apanied by a punch that sent me to the ground.


    One of the guys brought out a pocket knife and dragged it close to my neck. It felt like I was about to pass out, I couldn¡¯t hear most of the things they said till a strange voice talked.


    ¡°Don¡¯t touch him.¡±


    Kicks followed and before I knew it the young man was throwing punches simultaneously at them. ¡°Stand up and leave,¡± he told me.


    I spat out bloodied spit onest time and tried to stand up. I had no idea who he was but I knew he was a lifesaver. I would have gotten stabbed if he didn¡¯t show up. I was thankful the stranger came to my rescue, I had no idea what I would have said or done.


    The bad guys left me and walked away and I was left with the lifesaver. He turned to leave and I tried calling him.


    He didn¡¯t respond, he just kept walking away. I watched his footsteps and wondered if it wasn¡¯t the same guy that helped me with some bad guys some time ago.


    ¡°Wait!¡±     I took hurried steps behind him till I was able to catch up with him. I removed thee mask off his face and my jaw dropped open.


    ¡°Devin?¡±


    He didn¡¯t respond, he just turned and walked away. I was thankful that he saved my life but I couldn¡¯t bring myself to say it. I stood there in silence till he was out of sight.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± I growled at how wounded I was. I needed to get back home as soon as possible so I could get my injuries treated. They were susceptible to infections and I couldn¡¯t risk it.


    ¡°I shouldn¡¯t havee out,¡± I blurted.


    I regretteding out too, I almost got killed for justing out. There was no way I wouldn¡¯t get mad. I didn¡¯t know how to react knowing it was Devin who saved my life. It was crazy to think that he fought those bad guys away.


    As I approached the door, I saw figures standing outside and realized it was Mom and Dad. ¡°Xavier,¡± she cried out and walked toward me.


    He pulled me in a hug and cried more when she saw how badly wounded I was. I felt bad for making them worry. They didn¡¯t deserve to be this worried because of me.


    ¡°Son,¡± Dad said and hugged me too. I was expecting them to ask what happened to me and how I sustained such injuries but they didn¡¯t, instead, I saw Dad shed tears.


    I have never seen Dad cry and so it broke me to know that I caused it. A lump formed in my throat, I didn¡¯t know what to do or make the pain stop.


    If I could bring Emily back home, I would have done so but it was beyond my power.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Dad.¡±


    I turned to Mom who already had dark circles underneath her eyes. She couldn¡¯t stop sobbing and it was hurting me to see her that way. ¡°I¡¯m sorry Mom.¡±


    ¡°No Xavier,¡± she interjected. ¡°We should be the ones apologizing. We¡¯re sorry son.¡±


    ¡°Come here,¡± Dad called and hugged me again.


    ¡°Let¡¯s have your wound taken care of.¡±


    I walked behind Mom and we entered the house. Mom returned with a small bowl and tried cleaning the blood off the surface. I cried out whenever she wrapped the towel on the wounds.


    ¡°Sorry son.¡±


    I let her bandage my arms and then she applied methted spirit on my legs. I was going to cry throughout the process but Mom kept reminding me how strong I am.


    ¡°Have some tea.¡±

 111

    I stretched to take the tea and thanked her. My body still hurts from the injuries I sustained but Mom already got me some pills to stop the pains.


    I sipped the tea gently and then dropped the cup on the small table by my side. I sat on the couch trying to feel better but it didn¡¯t help much. I tried to crane my neck but I only seeded in making the pain worse so I growled.


    I held my neck gently and tried to position myself well on the couch. It didn¡¯t take long before my arms began hurting too.


    ¡°Damn it,¡± I huffed in an undertone.


    I still felt guilty and helpless. I didn¡¯t want Mom to know what was going through my mind so I wore a fake smile trying to cover up how I was truly feeling.


    I noticed Mom hadn¡¯t said anything in some minutes. I didn¡¯t want to ask if she was okay because I knew she wasn¡¯t but I couldn¡¯t help the silence.


    ¡°Mom?¡±


    She didn¡¯t respond instead I saw her try to dab her tears. She wiped her eyes with her hands and sniffed.


    She was crying and I hated seeing her like that. I stood up and walked toward her.


    ¡°Mom?¡±


    She sniffed again and turned to me. She was trying to hide her tears but they were all over her face. Her eyes looked swollen and the dark circles beneath her eyes were so noticeable.


    ¡°Mom you¡¯re crying,¡± I said and swallowed hard. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    She tried to shake my apologies off but I had to apologize.


    ¡°No Xavier, you-¡±


    ¡°Mum just listen to me,¡± I said interrupting her.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    She paused and the tears danced down her cheek. I used my hands to wipe the tears.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I haven¡¯t been a good son. I¡¯ll make it up to you mom. I¡¯ll get the ransom.¡±


    She just kept whimpering, there was no way she believed I could raise the ransom.


    ¡°Trust me.¡±


    I walked to the room and foraged my drawer. I kept some money in a jacket and hid it in the drawer. I reached for the jacket and tossed the whole out. I checked the money and counted it. When I was sure it wasplete I picked it up and left the room.


    I returned to where Mom stood and brought the money out.


    ¡°Here Mom, it¡¯s 3000$.¡± I swallowed hard and continued. ¡°The police cannot be the only one since the kidnappers haven¡¯t called.¡±


    Her jaw dropped open the moment she saw the money. ¡°Where did you get this amount of money, Xavier?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been saving for a while. I knew I would need it someday.¡±


    She didn¡¯t look like she believed me, she couldn¡¯t bring herself to believe me.


    Her voice was getting louder but I just needed her to remain calm. I didn¡¯t want dading to interrogate me but it was toote, he was already here.


    ¡°Xavier?¡±


    ¡°Dad,¡± I responded to him.


    ¡°Where did you get this money?¡±


    ¡°Dad I said I¡¯ve been saving.¡±


    There was no way I was going to tell them about the drugs or the risky shit I¡¯d been doingtely. I couldn¡¯t afford to tell any of them about the source of my earnings.


    ¡°You have to return this money right now!¡± Mom ordered.


    I could hear the gravity of her tone. Dad joined her in yelling and I couldn¡¯t stand the both of them screaming at the top of their voice.


    ¡°Just stop it!¡± I yelled back. ¡°What the fuck is going on here? I¡¯m only trying to get Emily back home. I¡¯m doing all these for her and you can¡¯t appreciate this!¡±


    I clenched my hands in a fist and walked out before they had the chance to say anything.


    ¡°Xavier!¡± Dad yelled but I didn¡¯t stop.


    I walked to the door and pulled it open. Devin was standing right in front of the door and I felt like mming the door in his face.


    ¡°Hey.¡±


    I just looked at him without responding.


    ¡°I need you to get out of here,¡± I huffed in anger. I was breathing hard and I didn¡¯t want to get in another fight.


    ¡°Xavier,¡± Mom called again when she reached the door. Her vision turned to Devin who was still standing in front of the house.


    ¡°Devin,¡± she called. ¡°Pleasee inside.¡±


    Fucking hell, not today.


    Devin returned her smile and she gestured for him inside. In a short while, Dad started asking Devin if he knew where Emily was.


    ¡°I don¡¯t-¡±


    ¡°I suspect you, I just have this feeling that you know something.¡±


    Mom was talking from an emotional point and it was written all over her face. I tried to remain quiet but her questions kept making me want to say something.


    ¡°What do you know?¡± Dad asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know anything.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a bad boy and I¡¯m finding it hard to trust you,¡± Mom added.


    Devin took a deep breath. I had no idea what was going on in his head but I knew he was trying to defend himself.


    ¡°I¡¯m not a bad person,¡± Devin said trying to defend himself. ¡°Emily and I dated but she¡¯s minor so I broke up with her. Just a dayter Xavier called me to tell me she was kidnapped.¡±


    I looked at Dad and then at Mom. I was trying to decipher the expression on their faces. I knew Mom was mad Emily got into a rtionship with but it felt good to know they were no longer together.


    Dad didn¡¯t say anything, he just remained quiet and let Mom do the talking.


    ¡°Listen, I can pay you to bring my daughter home.¡±


    Mom stops up from where she sat and walked toward Devin. She stood in front of him and exined what she meant.


    ¡°Since you¡¯re a bad boy, I may need your help in finding my daughter. I can pay you 1500$.¡±


    A frown fell on my face and she turned to me. ¡°Give me the money Xavier.¡±


    Why should I give her the money? Did she think Devin could do anything?


    I huffed in anger as I took reluctant steps toward her. I handed her the money and she collected it.


    ¡°Here,¡± she said tossing some dors to him. ¡°That¡¯s 800$. I¡¯ll pay up the rest if you get my daughter back. I promise to pay the bnce as long as you bring Emily home.¡±


    Devin stood up quietly and left the house. He didn¡¯t say anything and I just watched him. He walked away in silence and I just remained there staring at them.

 112

    I pushed the door and helped myself inside. My stomach still hurts from the object Xavier used to punch me. He used so much force and had me growling. I tried to push him off but he kept asking me to stay away from Emily.


    I couldn¡¯t help but wonder why Xavier was trying to kill me. Of course, his actions were aimed at killing me. No sane person would use such a sharp object on another person.


    I removed my clothes and checked my stomach for any possible cuts or bruises. I touched the area and it felt swollen. ¡°Fuck you, Xavier!¡±


    One of the thoughts that filled my head was that he was responsible for her disappearance and he wanted to kill me so he could have Emily to himself. It didn¡¯t sound right, but I knew Xavier was capable of such a crazy thing.


    He probably held her hostage and pretended not to know where she was. I got angry thinking of the possible things he could be doing to her. Was he fucking her thighs and cumming on her legs?


    I hated to imagine the inhumane things Emily told me about. If Xavier was involved in this, I was going to kill him.


    But what if it¡¯s a prank?


    I swallowed hard as I pondered on the second thought. Was Emily ying a prank on us because she wanted us to get scared? She talked about running away a couple of times and if she wanted to go ahead with it, she would want to find out what her family would do and how they would react.


    This was beyond crazy, how could she do something this stupid? She was hurting her poor mother and making her stepfather worried. I wasn¡¯t left out, I could barely get any sleep since she was kidnapped.


    I pushed the table away in anger and picked my T-shirt from the bed. I needed to find out the truth. I walked out of the house intending to meet Sky. I walked toward the alley where I had seen Xavier. I brought out my phone and dialed Sky¡¯s number. The moment he picked I told him how urgently I needed a gun.


    He was reluctant till I said I was going to pay for it and I¡¯d return it immediately after I was done. I had no motives for killing but I needed the gun. He agreed to give me the gun and I ended the call.


    I checked my wallet for Emily¡¯s picture and stared at it for a while. I began asking people if they saw her or have any idea where she could be.


    ¡°Uh, excuse me please,¡± He called as he approached the firstdy. She held her daughter¡¯s hand as they crossed the road. When she heard Devin call her, she paused and held her daughter closer.


    ¡°Yeah?¡±


    He walked closer to them and brought out a photograph of Emily. ¡°Have you by chance seen this face around?¡±


    Thedy looked at the picture for a second and shook her head. Devin swallowed hard in disappointment and thanked her.


    He walked toward a store and stopped the young man he saw. He repeated the process and the man denied knowing her.


    ¡°If I see her I¡¯ll let you know,¡± the young man said. ¡°Can I have your number or something?¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Devin said and typed his number into his phone.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Thank you. Here,¡± he said tossing some money to him. ¡°50$ Buddy, just get anything for yourself. Please keep me updated if you get any information.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± he said and walked away.


    Devin gave a sign and turned to the other side of the street. His eyes met with ady making a phone call.


    She looked familiar but he couldn¡¯t ce the face. He stared at her a little longer before he recalled where he met her from.


    She was dressed in a gown and sneakers. Her hair was packed in a high bun and her headphone was on her neck. She was the girl I knocked out some days back.


    She was a beautiful ivory-skinned girl with a slim waist and long legs. Her eyes were hazel blue and her brows arched as she returned my stare.


    ¡°Hey.¡±


    She paused and her lips parted. She was so beautiful, fucking hell. I couldn¡¯t help but look at her, her eyes were so beautiful.


    ¡°Hi.¡±


    ¡°Uh, sorry I was just wondering if you¡¯ve seen this person around.¡±


    She took the picture from my hand and stared at Emily¡¯s photograph. She looked lost and I just kept looking at her side.


    ¡°Have you?¡± I asked again and she flinched. She was lost in thoughts and I had no idea what was going through her mind.


    ¡°Nah, never seen her,¡± she replied and gave me back the picture. I studied her bodynguage for a second and gave a nod. My phone jittered and an amber alert pinged on my screen.


    Why was I getting the alert today when it¡¯s been three days since Emily was kidnapped? I stared at my screen for a while till she coughed.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± I apologized. ¡°Uh.¡±


    I shoved my hands into my pocket and brought out some money. ¡°Here, just appreciating your time.¡±


    She raised her brows and smiled. She took the 100$ from me and mumbled a thank you.


    ¡°Here¡¯s my card, you can call me if you feel like you want to hang outter.¡±


    She gave a slight nod and parted her lips again. She had no idea how effortlessly sexy it was.


    She walked away and I asked a few more people. I gave them 50$ each because I believed money was going to be a good means to have people search for her. I promised to give them more if they got any information and shared my card with them.


    I returned home exhausted from the whole search. I fell onto the bed and exhaled. It was a long day and I was hoping I could fall asleep easily. I checked my social media and my jaw dropped when I saw Emily made a post.


    I read the post three times and it wasn¡¯t adding. She said she ran away because she hated her life here and her supposed parents never had her time. She said the person she calls a brother bullies her and she wants to be away from them.


    It didn¡¯t feel like Emily, I could bet on my life that it didn¡¯t Emily who typed it. I picked up my phone to call Xavier, we needed to talk about this.

 113

    Xavier was being a jerk over the phone call till I told him I had Emily. He said he would be there immediately and ended the call. I checked my stomach again for the bruise but I already felt relieved.


    I couldn¡¯t make anything for dinner so I concluded that I was going to have the leftover pizza. I was damn tired and needed to rest. I turned to the bathroom to run a quick bath when I heard his voice.


    ¡°Open this damn door!¡± He yelled from the front door.


    I knew he was going toe immediately after I mentioned Emily. Sometimes I wondered why he abused her if he really cared about her. He made it to my ce so quickly, I could have sworn he was right in front of my door before I called him.


    I picked up the T-shirt from the bed and wore it over my head. I walked back to the door and opened the door. He looked at me for a second and he walked inside. He didn¡¯t look as aggravated as his voice seemed. He wore a calm expression and his demeanor was strange.


    I offered him a seat and he sat on the couch opposite me. He was silent as if waiting for me to say something before he talked. ¡°Want a drink?¡± I finally asked and he just looked at me nkly. Some minutester, he stood up and walked to my fridge. He foraged the drink till he found a bottle of whiskey.


    He picked a ss and poured a reasonable amount of whiskey into the ss. I knew he was going to say something from the way he looked but I didn¡¯t know what.


    ¡°You im to have Emily,¡± he said as he sipped from the ss. ¡°Then why are you going about offering people bucks to get information?¡±


    It felt more like a rhetorical question than an actual question. If he knew I didn¡¯t have Emily as I imed then why did he honor my invitation? Did he have a motive too?¡± I had no idea what he wanted to find out but I needed to y my cards well.


    I returned his cold stare and stood up.


    ¡°Look Xavier, I know everything you did.¡±


    He raised his brow in confusion. He didn¡¯t know what I was talking about and I was going to exin what I meant to him.


    ¡°I know that you raped her. There was no pration but you used her body against her wish. You fucked her thighs and made her watch you cum. How much more disgusting can you get?¡±


    I was getting angry from just talking about it. It was truly inhumane and he couldn¡¯t admit it. No matter how hard I tried to get it off my head it just kept ying. I looked at his face and he looked dibobted.


    He swallowed hard and dropped the ss of whiskey on the table. He turned cold and I could see it in his eyes. He didn¡¯t say anything but I wasn¡¯t going to let him get away with this one.


    ¡°You molested her,¡± I continued. ¡°You made her feel less of herself. You fucking forced yourself on her. Gave her hickeys, and bruised her neck, shoulders, and thighs. You¡¯re a sadist Man.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t-¡±


    ¡°Shut the fuck up!¡± I yelled before he had a chance to deny it. ¡°Listen to me Xavier, I need you toply else I¡¯d beat you up like I¡¯m beating those criminals in the ring house, and I¡¯d turn myself into the police for assaulting you and possibly an attempted murder, but guess what?¡±


    His eyes followed mine searching for the answer to my question. ¡°I¡¯ll tell them everything I know about you being a sexual offender. She¡¯s a minor and I¡¯m sure you know the weight of your crimes.¡±


    He was silent, presumably thinking of the next lie to say. He didn¡¯t know how to convince me and I knew Xavier too well, he could get whatever he want with lies


    ¡°I have evidence, Xavier. You¡¯ll never get out of this freely,¡± I threatened. ¡°All you have to do is to tell me where she is. Where did you keep Emily?¡±


    ¡°Fuck it, Devin, you know I don¡¯t have her. I¡¯m not holding Emily.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know shit!¡± I fired. I took my phone from the couch and dialed 911.


    ¡°I¡¯ll just call them anyway,¡± I told him and ced the phone in my ear.


    ¡°Hi, Devin speaking. I¡¯m calling ¡¯cause of Emily Jonson who got abducted some days ago.¡±


    ¡°Okay? Please let us know if you have any information about her whereabouts or anything that could lead us to her.¡±


    ¡°Uh, Emily made a post this evening and I don¡¯t think it was her who made that post. What I think is-¡±


    ¡°Devin please!¡± Xavier¡¯s voice begged in a whisper. He was spreading on his knees begging me to end the call. It felt good to know a proud Xavier could go on his knees and help.


    ¡°Yes? I¡¯m listening, please continue,¡± The officer said.


    ¡°Yeah yeah,¡± I managed to say. ¡°Like I was saying, I think it¡¯s a prank.¡±


    ¡°You think it¡¯s a prank?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Emily has three bullies in school and those girls would do anything to get her out of their way.¡±Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Kindly send their names and we¡¯ll get back to you soon. Thank you for calling.¡±


    I gave a nod as the call disconnected and turned to Xavier. He was still on one and pleading. I didn¡¯t want to tell him I had forgiven him, there was no way I could forgive his inhumane actions.


    ¡°I can¡¯t do anything to hurt her Xavier.¡±


    His words felt sincere but there was no way it could be the truth. No one molests a person they im to love. He must be obsessed with Emily because this didn¡¯t look like love.


    ¡°I can¡¯t hurt her, I love her.¡±


    His admission made me twitch my lips.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to go to jail and I don¡¯t want my stepmom to be disappointed in me too. This would break her, it would kill her to know she trusted me and-¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care!¡± I yelled. ¡°You have two days to find Emily or I¡¯ll have bloggers write about this and make sure it makes it to the headline.¡±


    After Xavier left, I looked around trying to fish out whatever could implicate me. I didn¡¯t want the police to find out I was takingws into my hands by threatening and hiring a gun. I looked around till I was sure no object could implicate me.

 114

    I was running out of time and I knew it. It was already the first day from the three days James gave me.


    I walked out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around my waist. I got dressed in the clothes I already brought out. I decided to wear a ck hoodie over ck trousers.


    I needed to find a job, to get something legal to do. I walked to the first shop, it was a flower shop. I had no idea what it felt like to be florist but I was willing to find out.


    I greeted the man I met. He looked a lot like a man in his early sixties. I exined how badly I needed job and could the evening shifts while he rested but he refused.


    ¡°Sorry kid, I can¡¯t employ you.¡±


    I swallowed hard at his rejection. He didn¡¯t even want to give me a chance.


    He kept looking at me from head to toe and I figured it immediately.


    ¡°Fucking wrong choice of clothes,¡± I muttered to myself. I shouldn¡¯t have worn an all ck, it made me look fierce.


    ¡°Hey, I can take it off,¡± I said and removed the hoodie, leaving my rumpled T-shirt.


    ¡°Still can¡¯t employ you kid. You look like a bad boy and I can¡¯t risk it.¡±


    ¡°But I don¡¯t go about looking for trouble or-¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not about that. I have a wife who I believe would freak out if she sees you.¡±


    So he was not going to employ me because of his old wife? Fucking hell.


    ¡°You have tattoos and you-¡±


    Just as he was talking someone entered the shop. I kept quiet as he turned back to greet the woman.


    ¡°Meet my wife,¡± he said and I turned to the woman.


    ¡°Hell no,¡± I blurted in shock.


    The old man raised his brow waiting for an exnation but I didn¡¯t have any to give.


    I turned around and left the shop without any more word. There was no way I was going to work for Martha¡¯s husband!


    I walked down the street and reached for my bag. I printed some posters with Emily¡¯s picture. I was going to share it round the area and paste it on the damn walls of the city.


    I walked closer to paste it but realized Emily¡¯s mission person poster was already there. I looked at my right and found Emily¡¯s mother still pasting some on the wall. Behind he was Xavier, who held most of the posters.


    I walked toward them and she saw me immediately. When she saw the posters on my hands, a small smile crept on her lips.


    ¡°Devin,¡± she called. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    I gave a small nod, I didn¡¯t have anything else to say. She pulled me in a hug and I returned the hug. I needed one and Emily wasn¡¯t there to give me warm hugs.


    A frown fell on Xavier¡¯s face. His jaw squeezed and he twitched his lips, turning his face away. When she pulled away from the hug and apologized for getting too emotional, I gave a slight nod and took my leave.


    Since they had pasted Emily¡¯s picture already, I left to the next street. I kept walking till I saw a car following me. I recognized the car at second nce, it was James.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± I asked, still walking. He kept driving and making sure to be at same pace with me.


    ¡°Get in the car Devin.¡±Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°No, leave me the fuck alone.¡±


    ¡°I said get in the car,¡± he repeated and I paused. Why was he asking me to get in the car? Was he going to threaten me again and ask me to stay off Emily¡¯s case?


    James was so predictable but this time around I could barely think of what be wanted. I opened the door and lowered myself in the passenger seat.


    His cologne filled the air and I just frowned. I wanted him to say why he called me immediately so I could return to what I was doing.


    James didn¡¯t say anything, instead he drove off. He kept driving without a word till he reached the driveway miles from my house.


    ¡°Where the fuck are you taking me to?¡±


    ¡°Rx kid, i¡¯m just giving you a free ride.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t ask you for a free ride!¡± I yelled back.


    The moment the car came to a halt, I flung the door open and climbed out. I wasn¡¯t going to say thank you because I didn¡¯t ask him for a ride. He ruined my ns by bringing me back home using a different route and now I didn¡¯t paste the posters anymore.


    ¡°Devin!¡± He called as I walked away.


    He followed me and caught up with me at the doorway.


    ¡°I just need a drink.¡±


    I raised my brows at him. It was the same thing he said the first day I met him and found out Emily was his daughter.


    ¡°Just fuck out!¡± I roared and left. He walked behind me despite asking him to fuck out.


    He got inside the house and leaned by the wall.


    ¡°What exactly do you want?¡± I asked him.


    This,¡± he responded and a punch followed.


    I had never been caught unaware in a fight before. I was always at alert to block fists before they got to me but I didn¡¯t see James¡¯ fisting.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± I growled when I realized he had broken my nose with just a bloody punch.


    I held my nose as the pain was excruciating. Blood filled my hand and I swallowed hard looking at my blood.


    Before I could stand properly, James used his elbow on my neck and kneed my stomach. I tried to block his fist from throwing another punch but I only ended up on the floor.


    He marched my chest and made me spit out the bloodied clot that formed in my mouth.


    ¡°I warned you,¡± he said, sending another kick to my waist.


    I tried to turn to stop the kicks. He lowered his stance and banged me against the wooden chair.


    ¡°James-please-¡±


    ¡°I begged you but you didn¡¯t listen. I warned you that I would fucking kill you.¡±


    He stood up and shoved out bucks of money. He threw them to the floor and stepped closer to me.


    ¡°Get yourself treated.¡±


    How would a same man beat you this bad and ask you to treat yourself? I could barely move, i¡¯d need an ambnce to get the fucking treatment.


    ¡°Do you realize you could get arrested for this?¡± I blurted out.


    Heughed at my threats and sat on the chair.

 115

    I had no idea why he wasughing at my statement. He knew what could happen to him and he found it funny.


    ¡°Really?¡±


    I swallowed hard and raised my face to him.


    ¡°You can¡¯t be stupid enough to call the cops,¡± he began. ¡°Listen, Devin, all I need you to do is to stay off Emily¡¯s case.¡±


    I smell fish.


    ¡°Why? What the fuck are you nning to do to her?¡±


    ¡°You want to know?¡± He asked. ¡°Well, I¡¯ll tell you what I¡¯ll do if you do not stay clear.¡±


    I tried to stand up from the floor and my legs failed me. I held the couch for support and tried again.


    ¡°I¡¯ll kill Emily, bring her fucking body here and tell the cops you killed her.¡±


    His threat sent a cold shiver down my spine. There was no way James could be heartless enough to kill his daughter who he tried to get back for so long. I searched his eyes for the joke but instead, I was faced with his cold emotionless stare. He looked dead serious and that scared me.


    ¡°I can get enough fake evidence to implicate you and send you to jail.¡±


    ¡°James you can¡¯t be-¡±


    ¡°Try me and see.¡±


    What a freaking psychopath.


    With those final words, he stormed out. I remained silent, trying toprehend everything he said. How could James get so hostile and vicious? He imed to love Emily but he¡­


    I finally stood to my feet and realized the pain came from my nose, my arm, and my waist. ¡°Fuck you, James.¡±


    I walked to the bathroom and used a towel to clean my chest and arms. I used the damp napkin to clean the blood off my nose. I washed my face with water and walked away.


    He hit me everywhere except my face. James never let his boys touch my face whenever he asked them to beat me. I pondered on it for a moment before I waved the thought off.


    My phone vibrated on the table and I turned to look at the caller. It was Nelly, the girl I knocked out and met the other day. The pretty girl with beautiful eyes.


    ¡°Hey.¡±


    ¡°Uh, hi Devin,¡± she said.


    I remember I didn¡¯t get to tell her my name that day but-


    ¡°You there?¡±


    ¡°Yeah yeah,¡± I replied, regaining consciousness.


    ¡°I was wondering if you wanted me toe over.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, sure,¡± I blurted before I had the chance to think.


    ¡°The 7th house in midtown street, yeah?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°See ya,¡± she chuckled and the call ended.


    What was I thinking?


    I grabbed the pain relief on the table and threw it in my mouth. I gulped the cup of water and dropped the cup.


    I was hoping the pain lessened before Nelly arrived, I didn¡¯t want to feel like shit when she was around.


    When she got to my door I exhaled and pulled the door open, gesturing her in.


    She smiled and gave a nod.


    ¡°It¡¯s uh- good to see you,¡± I said.


    ¡°Same here.¡±


    ¡°Please have a seat.¡±


    She took the couch beside me and it felt really ufortable at first.


    ¡°So uh-¡±


    I had no idea what I was going to say or do.


    ¡°How¡¯s iting along?¡± She asked. ¡°The missing girl.¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah. Still checking around, no vital information yet.¡±


    ¡°No investigations too?¡±


    I didn¡¯t want to say more than that but she looked like an inquisitive person. I tried to change the topic immediately, asking if she cared for any drink.


    ¡°Vodka? Distilled whiskey? Uh-¡±


    ¡°Are you trying to avoid eye contact?¡± She asked and adjusted closer to me.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    She bit her lower lips and threw a seductive look at me. Whatever Nelly was trying to do was-


    ¡°Stop,¡± I ordered and removed her hands from my thigh.


    A frown fell on her face and her countenance changed.


    ¡°I just want you.¡±


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t!¡± I red.


    She matched my energy and raised her voice too. ¡°Guess what? You¡¯re just a stupid asshole.¡±


    She reached for her phone and shoved it in my face. ¡°Look, she¡¯s tied up and crying for help.¡±


    Adrenaline rushed through my body the moment I saw a picture of Emily tied up with a gag in her mouth.


    ¡°You have Emily?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t but I know who does. Kinda sold her to a rich man since we were both interested in her,¡± she smirked. ¡°She was worth 20, 000$.¡±


    ¡°No way,¡± I blurted. I imagined what Emily must have gone through getting trafficked.


    ¡°He wanted to have a taste of her,¡± she added and my blood boiled. ¡°He didn¡¯t rape her though, she¡¯s a fucking virgin.¡±


    She chuckled and then sat back. ¡°Getting her was only to scare you since you knocked me out the other time but he was also interested in her and threatened to frame us if we talked.¡±


    She knew it was me and came for Emily. What the hell? The man, was it James?


    ¡°Who the fuck is that, Nelly?¡±


    She didn¡¯t respond. I felt a sudden urge to hurt her the way she hurt Emily. After a while, she tried to hug me and I pulled her up and held her by her neck.


    ¡°What are you doing? Get your hands off me!¡±


    I pushed her hard to the couch and tore her clothes. I forced hands above her head and restrained them with my hands. I mbered on her and unfastened my belt. It was going to be a painful pration because she wasn¡¯t wet but I barely cared. I didn¡¯t want it to be pleasurable for her.


    ¡°Let go of me!¡± She yelled and I stuffed a cloth in her mouth as a gag. I got hard from looking at her shaved pussy and just slid into her.


    She growled in pain and I kept thrusting faster, holding her hair with one hand and restraining her hands with the other.


    I knew she was going to get sore ¡¯cause I was deep in her and thrusting so fast without consideration. She kept wailing but I didn¡¯t stop till I was about cumming. I stopped and made sure to pour the cum on her face.


    She sniffed, trying to cover up herself but I already tore her clothes and pulled her undies. She felt bare, used, and futile, I can see that for sure. I enjoyed inflicting pain on her and I would do it all over if it meant avenging what she did to Emily.


    ¡°You¡¯re such a piece of shit!¡± She yelled with tears in her eyes.


    She wanted this but I turned the table and gave her something memorable, painful sex.


    ¡°If you mention any of this to anyone then we¡¯ll all go to jail.¡±

 116

    My eyes flickered open the moment my phone vibrated on the bed. I jolted from the bed and turned to pick my phone.


    It was James calling and a sudden emotion surged through me. I had slept off shortly after giving Nelly my clothes and telling her to get out of my house. I still don¡¯t know how I feel about what had happened but I was hoping I could get Emily out.


    ¡°James,¡± I called.


    ¡°Good thing you didn¡¯t let mee over.¡±


    ¡°You know -¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know shit. You have two days left. It¡¯s a fucking reminder, Devin.¡±


    I thought of telling him what I know. I felt the urge to tell him I knew he had Emily but I was scared of what James could do. I was also afraid of what I did to Nelly. I¡¯ve been a bad boy half of my life and I¡¯ve done a couple of things but I knew this one was bringing me to my doom.


    I spent a second quiet, I didn¡¯t say anything on the call. He reminded me again that I had two days left.


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard you,¡± I blurted. ¡°I have two days and until thest day, I can do nothing.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t dare me, Devin!¡± He yelled. ¡°I¡¯ll feed your skin to hungry dogs if you try to be smart.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not trying to be smart, James. I¡¯ll keep to my words.¡±


    ¡°You better do!¡±


    The call beeped and ended abruptly. I hurled the phone away and took a deep breath. I had two days left and I needed to think of something quick.


    I stood up from the bed and walked to the sitting room. I looked around and my house was a mess, it needed cleanup.


    I picked up the vase and kept it by the window. I removed the sses and bottles on the floor. I got a duster and cleaned around the table. When I was done with that, I walked into the bathroom to have a quick bath.


    The water felt cold as it touched my dry skin, I grabbed the soap and moved it around my body in circles. I kept doing it till my body was soapy and sloppy. I used my hands to trace and then rinsed off with water. I grabbed the towel that was on the door and tied it around my waist.


    I didn¡¯t have much time so I grabbed a cargo pant from the wardrobe and checked around for the T-shirt I wore the previous night. I dressed up as fast as I could and called Xavier


    The phone rang twice and then he picked up.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t gotten anything yet,¡± he exined.


    ¡°You have one day left, Xavier. Just one day.¡±


    ¡°Shit, I know.¡±This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I need to see you right now, meet me at the spot.¡±


    I ended the call before he could say anything and stormed out. I locked the door behind me and kept my face fixated at the road. I didn¡¯t want to get attacked abruptly so I kept turning my neck, scanning the area.


    ¡°Hey,¡± Xavier called when he reached where I stood. He was wearing a hoodie and blue jeans. His hands were inside the pocket of his hoodie.


    ¡°Hey.¡± I was still turning my head and scanning for possible danger. I didn¡¯t want to get in any trouble with James because I knew he was keeping an eye on me.


    ¡°Is everything good?¡± He asked when he noticed my bodynguage.


    ¡°Uh yeah- meet me at the toilet, James¡¯ men are after me.¡±


    A frown appeared on Xavier¡¯s forehead till he heard James¡¯ men were after me.


    He twitched his lips and gave a slight nod. I turned to leave and returned to the apartment. I flung the door open and walked inside. I stayed there for a while till I noticed a stain on my shirt.


    ¡°Fucking hell.¡±


    Xavier walked into me. His face filled with confusion as he looked at me. I paused and returned his stare. He walked into me in an awkward position and would be wondering what was going on.


    I was checking my T-shirt. I realized blood was on my shirt and it could serve as a trace to what happened. I didn¡¯t want anything to implicate me or shit so I was trying to wash the blood off.


    ¡°Why the hell are you staring at me that way? Are you into men now?¡±


    I tried using humor to get his mind off it. I know Xavier well and I knew he¡¯d try to overthink what he saw till it made sense to him.


    Xavier didn¡¯t respond at first, he just stood trying to decipher what he saw. When he couldn¡¯t wrap his hand around it, he scoffed.


    ¡°I¡¯m not into men you asshole.¡±


    ¡°Just into your sister then.¡±


    I said that to trigger him and it worked. He rolled his eyes and folded his hands.


    ¡°Why the fuck are you shirtless?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Just washing off a stain. I got stained while running.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± he blurted. ¡°So why did you call me here?¡±


    I stood upright and walked closer to him. ¡°I want to do something risky.¡±


    His brows raised up. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°Just shut the fuck up and listen. I¡¯m about to y a risky game and I need you to be with me.¡±


    ¡°Uh?¡±


    ¡°You heard me. You stay with me or I call the cops.¡±


    I exhaled and clenched my fist. ¡°Find a good hacker and get someone who can make posts go viral.¡±


    I checked my bag and hurled the money at him. ¡°That¡¯s 1000$, use it to get the hacker.¡±


    He caught the bunch of money and looked at me suspiciously. He was waiting for me to exin how I got the money and why I wanted to give him such an amount for just looking for an hacker.


    ¡°It¡¯s the money I got from Emily¡¯s Kidnappers, you have to eat from it too.¡±


    ¡°No way!¡± He huffed but I didn¡¯t respond to him.


    ¡°You should get going, you¡¯ve been in here for a long. I¡¯ll text you after the deal.¡±


    He gave a slight nod and turned to leave. When Xavier left, I walked out of the building and headed to the bank. I needed to finish up my ns, I didn¡¯t have much time.


    I raised my phone and dialed her mother¡¯s number. I promised Emily¡¯s mother that I was going to call her and keep her updated if I found out anything.


    I wasn¡¯t going to tell her about James yet but I just wanted to inform her about other things.

 117

    XAVIER¡¯S POV


    There was no way Devin expected me to take the money from Emily¡¯s kidnap. I had no idea why he needed a hacker and he wasn¡¯t saying anything.


    The least he could tell me was the risky game he wanted to y and why he needed me but he still didn¡¯t say anything.


    I headed home angrily and pushed the door open. I met Mom and Dad in the sitting room. Mom turned her head in my direction the moment I opened the door.


    ¡°Xavier,¡± she called. ¡°Where have you been?¡±


    ¡°I just stepped out,¡± I tantly said, hoping she wouldn¡¯t ask any more question.


    ¡°You got me worried. You should have told us you were going to take a walk or something.¡±


    I wanted to apologize for getting her worried but I remains calm. I also noticed her face looked brighter. Like she didn¡¯t have those dark circles beneath her eyes and her eyes wasn¡¯t puffy.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    She was smiling at Dad and it made me wonder what was happening. Mom had not smiled since Emily got kidnapped and all of a sudden she was smiling.


    Dad must have noticed my facial expression and read what was going through my mind.


    ¡°We got a call,¡± he announced. ¡°Someone says he found Emily and he just called the cops.¡±


    Mom gave a nod following his exnation and I just raised my brow.


    ¡°Someone?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we didn¡¯t get to know his name.¡±


    I swallowed the lump that formed in my throat.


    I gave a nod and a slight nod and turned to leave. As I walked to the stairs I heard Mom talk.


    ¡°He sent 2000$ and said he wants to help out. He must be Godsent.¡±


    My jaw squeezed at the sentence. I suspected Devin, he must have been the one ying with their emotions.


    I angrily walked into the room and picked up my phone. I called Devin and after ringing thrice, he picked up.


    ¡°Why the fuck did you send her 2000$?¡± I red.


    ¡°Hey hey, rx. That¡¯s not how you appreciate people.¡±


    ¡°Shut the fuck up Devin, what are you up to?¡±


    ¡°Nothing that you¡¯re not involved in.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not doing this shit.¡±


    ¡°You have no choice, Xavier.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re ying with their emotions, Devin! They think Emily will being home soon.¡±


    ¡°Maybe or maybe not.¡±


    ¡°Devin-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll call youter about the n like I told you. My  phone might be hacked but I don¡¯t care if the person is listening to what I¡¯m saying right now.¡±


    ¡°Can you just-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll text you about the n.¡±


    ¡°Wait-¡±


    Beep beep.


    The call ended before could ask him. I angrily hurled my phone and fell to the bed. I hit the pillow continuously till I got tired and stopped. I was getting frustrated and Devin was the reason.


    Couldn¡¯t he just exin what he was doing?


    I turned in the direction of Emily¡¯s empty bed. I miss her and I couldn¡¯t deny it. Seeing the empty bed without her just filled me with emotions. I needed to bring Emily home no matter what it would cost me.


    I walked closer to her bed and gave a fainted smile. Her bed was still dressed the way she left it, her pillow was seated at the edge of the bed and her nket covered half of the bed.


    I sat on the bed and just remained quiet. If she was around, she¡¯d have been on her bed with her legs crossed, watching a movie or some damn tutorial on how to apply mascara rightly or use eyeliner.


    I sighed at how it must have felt for her to be away from her family. My eyes caught a box, it was her makeup box and I remembered they used it frequently whenever we had to go to school.


    She¡¯d always take the box and sit in front of the mirror. She had several makeups in the box and would always take a moment to decide which she was going to use.


    Looking at the box filled me with nostalgia so I picked it up and opened it. The box was a wooden box made with rich wooden material. It was painted red and had a soft foam inside where her makeup was ced.


    Emily became a fan of makeup overnight and couldn¡¯t go to school without applying mascara, a colored liner, or some bronzer. It was annoying to think that it was because of her bullies and she felt insecure about her looks.


    I remember trying to confront her about it but she yelled at me that she wasn¡¯t doing it for me or anyone else. I knew she was lying but I gave a nod and left her. She could tell that to anyone else but not me. For some reason, I could see beyond the made-up lies.


    I picked up her liner, the one she never failed to apply to her eyes. I stared at the mascara and wondered why girls had to apply all that to their poor eyes.


    I reached for the lipstick and raised it but it slipped from my hands and fell on the floor.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± I blurted. Emily was going to be so mad at me if she found out I broke her lipstick. I picked the pieces and tried to fix them. I looked at it for a while trying to decipher how to fix the broken parts till realization hit me.


    It wasn¡¯t lipstick but a tracker. It was made in form of lipstick and anyone who saw it would think it was lipstick. How did it get here? I stood for a while trying to figure it out but when I couldn¡¯t, I turned around.


    ¡°What the hell? I need to show Mom!¡±


    I ran out of the room hurriedly and sprawled to the stairs.


    ¡°Fuck, sorry sorry- sorry.¡±


    I felt sick for a moment and my eyes turned. I ran faster than I ever did in a split second.


    I was breathing fast and apologized because I just barged into my parent¡¯s making out.


    It was weird as hell but I didn¡¯t have the strength to say anything about them. I was bothered about the tracker I found.


    ¡°Mom look at this,¡± I said showing her the makeup box. ¡°I found it in Emily¡¯s room.¡±


    She looked at it for a moment and shook her head. ¡°I didn¡¯t buy this for her.¡±


    She didn¡¯t notice the tracker too because it was disguised as lipstick.


    ¡°No, look at this.¡±


    Her jaw dropped the moment she realized it was a tracker. She turned to Dad who wore a confused expression too.

 118

    Mom rushed to where her bag was and picked up her phone. I could tell she was about to call the cops with how urgent her steps were.


    The moment the call connected, she started shrieking for help.


    ¡°A tracker¡­ My baby¡­ I found a tracker..¡± She cried.


    ¡°There¡¯s a fucking tracker in her room.¡±


    ¡°Please be fast, I can¡¯t believe she¡¯s been tracked all this while.¡±


    She dropped the call and turned to Dad. He wrapped his hands around her and she cried in his arms. I stood with them scared, wondering how long Devin was able to do this.


    I felt the urge to call Devin and tell him his fucking games were over age whatever tricks he was ying has been found. I stared at the screen of my phone and remained quiet, I fought the urge and tossed my phone back in my pocket.


    I know Devin has Emily, I have a strong feeling it¡¯s him but the night she was kidnapped, I called him. He couldn¡¯t have been that shocked too. I wondered who else would want to have Emily and my mind went to James.


    Fucking hell.


    Why didn¡¯t I think of him all this while? There was no way I could stand against James alone. He was a dangerous man who got information from whoever he wanted.


    I realized if it was him who ced the tracker then there was a high chance that he¡¯s probably been aware of everything Emily has been doing, including where she went to that night.


    I raised my head to Mom and Dad. Mom was now sitting on the armrest chair and Dad was beside her. She looked really scared but Dad was trying to calm her down.


    ¡°You need to calm down,¡± he told her. ¡°The police will be here soon.¡±


    She gave a slight nod and my lips twitched. We were all waiting for the cops to arrive so they can begin investigations. My phone vibrated in my pocket and I reached for it. I stared at the text for a second and squeezed my jaw.


    Devin: 14th district, Midtown street, Manhattan. Come alone,e armed.


    What did he mean bying alone anding armed? Was he trying to get me into such a deserted area so he could kill me? I pondered on the possible reasons why Devin was inviting me toe armed.


    ¡°Good day,¡± The officer greeted as he walked in. I turned my attention to him and shoved my phone away.


    He showed her his ID and she exined everything to him, showing him the makeup box that was on the table.


    ¡°I see.¡±


    He picked up the supposed lipstick and looked at it closely. The other Officer jotted some things down.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Do you suspect anyone?¡± The officer asked and Dad quickly gave a nod.


    ¡°Her Father. James must have been the brain behind this.¡±


    The officer took that down and gave a nod following his suspicions. I remained quiet and stood watching them. If I was asked the same question, I would have said Devin but on second thought, it could have been James all along.


    Not that I was sure about the usations but it doesn¡¯t seem to add up. He barely called since she was kidnapped, which Father would possibly be so nonchnt?


    Dad dialed James¡¯ number following the Officer¡¯s instructions. The phone rang twice but there was no reply.


    ¡°Pick up your damn phone,¡± Dad cussed.


    After dialing the number the third time, James picked up the call.


    ¡°I¡¯m in a meeting,¡± he said so urgently. ¡°I¡¯ll get back to you in a few hours, thanks.¡±


    ¡°You took my daughter and I¡¯ll make sure you pay for that!¡± Dad yelled.


    The phone was on loudspeaker so everyone could hear the conversation.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t take your daughter,¡± James imed. ¡°Emily is bug enough to know if she wants to be taken or not.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡±


    ¡°What I mean is she knows where she wants to be and she has probably gone there. Don¡¯t call my phone using me when you don¡¯t have any evidence.¡±


    ¡°Evidence, really?¡± Dad paused for a moment and exhaled. He wanted to tell him he has got evidence but decided not to. If James found out there was a piece of evidence then he would find a way to destroy it too. It was better to let him think there was no evidence.


    ¡°You caused it. There was no way she could have been happy there.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare me me,¡± Dad warned.


    ¡°Or else what? How did you expect Emily to remain with you when you couldn¡¯t provide the basic things she needed? The things like the attention that meant so much to her were taken from her too. She was deprived of everything and guess what?¡±


    Dad only heaved, he didn¡¯t respond.


    ¡°She got fed up and decided to run away. She¡¯s a young girl for crying out loud. Emily is young and she needs money, just like every other young teenager out there. You had nothing to offer except a bloody asshole you called her stepbrother who tried to rape her at every chance he got.¡±


    A cold shiver was sent down my spine as I swallowed hard. Did Emily tell James? I¡¯d be so fucked up if she did.


    ¡°Don¡¯t talk of my son in that manner,¡± Dad defended.


    The call disconnected and Dad angrily threw his phone against the wall. He scoffed at how James talked to him. He didn¡¯t want to be med for Emily¡¯s disappearance because he knew he was trying to be a great father to both Emily and me.


    I stood still and turned my face slightly. I hoped the Police didn¡¯t hear the part James called me a rapist, it was going to get me in a lot of trouble.


    When the Officers were done jotting down what they needed, They asked some questions.


    ¡°She doesn¡¯tin about being attention-deprived,¡± Mom replied to one of his questions.


    ¡°Ever noticed she was yearning for attention?¡±


    ¡°No. Whenever we went on a trip we make sure to call Xavier and her. We have a good rtionship with our kids and we don¡¯t abandon them.¡±


    ¡°How long are your trips?¡±


    Dad turned to answer this one. He crossed his arm around each other. ¡°The duration of our trips has varied but we¡¯ve never been away for so long.¡±


    ¡°Do they receive any visitors during such moments?¡±


    ¡°No Officer, they don¡¯t receive visitors.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, I¡¯ll get back to you shortly and I¡¯ll keep an eye on everyone.¡±


    Dad gave a nod and I heaved a sigh of relief.

 119

    I walked out of the sitting room d the police didn¡¯t want to interrogate me yet. They probably felt he was saying all that because he was used and it made me feel a rush of relief.


    I opened the door to my bedroom and looked around. The mess I made on Emily¡¯s bed was still there and I didn¡¯t have the energy to clean up yet. I knew she wasn¡¯t going to yell at me for messing up her bed because she wasn¡¯t there and it hurt me to think of her absence.


    I turned my face away and walked to my bed. I sat on my bed and fell on my back. I looked at the ceiling, thinking of nothing but how to sneak out of the house.


    Devin had a n he says we need to see and talk about. I wondered if he had other motives in mind when he sent his invitation but I was nk. I could ask him to tell me the n over the phone but he would refuse and say it had to be a physical meeting.


    ¡°Fucking hell,¡± I scoffed in an undertone and turned to the other side of the bed. It was only 8 pm and I could get some sleep before it was time to meet Devin.


    I rested my head on the pillow and closed my eyes but I couldn¡¯t fall asleep. I remained in the same position for an hour before I opened my eyes.


    I turned to the table and picked up my phone. When I checked the time and saw it was almost 10 pm, I stood up from the bed. I got dressed in a ck hoodie and ck jeans.


    ck was the best color to pick in moments like this, I didn¡¯t have to think of it twice. I needed to meet Devin, we had to discuss the fucking n.


    Devin asked me toe armed so I checked under my bed for a dagger and grabbed it. I should have taken a gun instead but I didn¡¯t have one. I could borrow one from Sky since I didn¡¯t have the cash to properly ask for it.  I sneaked out of the house through the window and walked to the dark alley. I thought of calling Sky and ask if him for a gun, if I needed to meet Devin armed, I should have a gun.


    ¡°Hey Man,¡± Sky cheered.


    ¡°Uh, hey. Can I ask for a favor?¡±


    ¡°Go ahead. What¡¯s the issue?¡±


    ¡°Can I borrow your gun?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have my gun,¡± he replied.


    ¡°Uh?¡± I asked raising my brow. Why didn¡¯t he have his gun? He was a fucking gangsta.


    ¡°Gave it to a guy and he¡¯s yet to return it. What¡¯s up though?¡±


    ¡°Nothing, I just uh- I just wanted to scare someone off. That¡¯s all.¡±


    ¡°I see. I got a deal though, you shoulde over. You get it done and you get paid.¡±


    I thought of it for a moment. I didn¡¯t want to get involved inrceny again.


    ¡°Xavier, are youing or not?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not,¡± I managed to say.


    ¡°Why? You want to return to crack deals?¡±


    ¡°Talkter,¡± I randomly said and ended the call.


    I heaved a sigh and shoved the phone into my pocket. Sky was tempting me by calling me for the deal. It wasn¡¯t the first time he¡¯s called me and I was trying to avoid getting involved.


    After walking for a few miles I decided to call Sky again. I dialed his number and ced the phone in my ear.


    ¡°Changed your mind?¡±


    ¡°Did you see the girl on TV? She¡¯s all over the inte right now and her face is pretty much on all the posters on the street of New York.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, the fair kid. I¡¯ve seen her a couple of times and we had her before someone came to buy her. What about her?¡±


    I swallowed hard as he said that and quickly replied in a low tone. ¡°She¡¯s my sister.¡±


    The call beeped and Sky ended the call. I tried to call back but he wasn¡¯t taking any of my calls. I clenched my fist and exhaled.


    ¡°Fuck it.¡±


    I turned around and headed to the address Devin texted me. It was close to his home address and on the same aisle. I met him standing by a pole, in a ck T-shirt too.


    It was almost like we nned the dress code. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± he said the moment I reached where he stood.


    ¡°Go where?¡±


    ¡°Just follow me.¡±


    I scoffed and followed him only to see he was holding a device. We were on a different route to my house and I stopped in confusion.


    ¡°What the hell are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t ask me questions, I¡¯m trying to decipher something.¡±This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    ¡°Well if you don¡¯t tell me right now, then I¡¯m leaving here.¡±


    ¡°Fine,¡± he scoffed. ¡°The GPS belongs to the person holding Emily.¡±


    My eyes widened and I stared at his hands again.


    Before I could say a thing, I felt a first behind my head. My eyesight got blurry and it took a minute to realize we were getting attacked.


    Two hefty men held Devin and continuously threw their first at him till he was bleeding. They grabbed the GPS from him and threw him to the floor, kicking him.


    ¡°Boss, we have them,¡± One of the men announced on the phone.


    Whatever the Called said made them bundle us and tie our hands. I turned to Devin and saw the hefty man who made the call, injecting him.


    ¡°Please! Please don¡¯t inject me, I won¡¯t say a word- please.¡±


    Devin fell unconscious immediately after the drug entered his vein. It was scary to see how quickly he lost consciousness and how helpless we turned in seconds. I swallowed hard and tried to beg the man.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so sure.¡±


    ¡°Please- please don¡¯t.¡±


    I kept apologizing till he tossed the syringe away. I exhaled and kept panting hard.


    I looked around but we were kept in an iplete building with open doors. Everywhere was dark and I could barely see their faces. All I knew was that they were hefty and had thick muscles. Their chest unted beneath the shirt they wore.


    As the young man walked closer to me, I tried to adjust to the floor but my hands and legs were tied and so there was a restriction on how far I could go.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so-¡±


    He finished his sentence by jamming my head against the wood and I passed out. Everything went blurry for a second and silence took over.

 120

    My eyes glinted open and I felt a sharp pain. I could feel the chill from the breeze cutting straight through my damp body.


    I felt a metallic taste in my mouth, I turned and realized where I was. I was in a room with no venttion. My face was bruised and I could feel the dried blood clot on my body. I tied to move but realized my hands were still tied to the pole and I couldn¡¯t move.


    My eyes turned to the growling sound and I saw the hefty man who injected Devin beating him up. He was growling as the punchesnded on his body.


    On the other side of the room, a bloodied man wasying on the floor. Devin was getting beaten for doing that to the man. Couldn¡¯t he just wait till we realized where the fuck we were?


    I scoffed and struggled to break free but the ropes holding my hands together had a grip hold. I paused after several trials and just looked at Devin who looked like he was about to die. He needed to get treated because his wounds were susceptible and they looked like it was going to get infected.


    ¡°Come out.¡±


    ¡°Fuckinge out and face me!¡± He yelled again.


    Was he out of his mind? He was yelling in the darkness and I just remained calm. He was badly wounded and his face was swollen but he was still yelling.


    Heavy footsteps followed and James walked out.


    ¡°No way,¡± I blurted to myself and closed my eyes. I pretended like I was asleep so I didn¡¯t draw attention to myself.


    ¡°Fuck you, James!¡± Devin yelled at him.


    James lowered his stance to meet Devin who was struggling to break loose. He was drenched in sweat and blood.


    ¡°You¡¯re stubborn, ain¡¯t you?¡±


    Silence fell and I didn¡¯t hear anything else. I opened my eyes intending to see what was happening and my jaw dropped open when James shoved out a gun from his pocket.


    He pointed the gun at Devin and the gun clicked.


    ¡°James No!!!!!!¡± I screamed with fear.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t kill him! Please don¡¯t shoot.¡±


    My pleas fell on deaf ears as he ignored everything I said and walked closer to Devin.


    ¡°James please,¡± I pleaded again. ¡°He¡¯s a good kid, he¡¯ll never get in your way! He won¡¯t say a word about this.¡±


    He still ignored me, pointing the gun at Devin and my heartbeat raced faster. I couldn¡¯t let James kill him, it was going to haunt time for the rest of my life.


    ¡°If you kill him I¡¯ll make sure you go down with him,¡± I threatened, not sure how I would do that.


    He turned his head in my direction and I could see he looked pissed. He gave a slight nod to the man who stood beside me and he used the gun to hit me.


    ¡°Ourgh!!¡± I screamed in pain. I turned my eyes back to meet James¡¯ and a small smirk tugged on his lips.


    ¡°You don¡¯t get to threaten me,¡± he remarked and I huffed. I was going to threaten him again if he didn¡¯t stop pointing the gun at Devin.


    ¡°Don¡¯t kill him.¡±


    ¡°Is that an order?¡± He smirked and used the gun to trace Devin¡¯s jawline. ¡°Your friend says I shouldn¡¯t kill you. Howe you both have the brother¡¯s keeper type of rtionship now?¡±


    I didn¡¯t say anything and Devin didn¡¯t respond either. He just kept growling in pain and I remained where I was, recovering from the pain.


    ¡°If you kill him the police will find you.¡±


    He turned to me. ¡°Aww, will they? I mean, who knows you¡¯re with me?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯ll find you!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave no trace, never mind about that.¡±


    I had no idea how to react to such words, if he was going to leave no trace, it meant he was going to kill us. Good lord, not today. I can¡¯t die right now, not right here, in these clothes.


    ¡°Someone has your picture,¡± I blurted.


    I didn¡¯t give the lie many thoughts but I just needed to say something real quick.


    ¡°What picture?¡± He asked with interest.


    ¡°A picture of you with us. It¡¯s going to implicate you because you¡¯d be the suspect. What business could we be having to be seen in such a deserted area?¡±


    My question threw him off bnce for a second before he turned back.


    ¡°Why are you doing this?¡± I swallowed the lump in my throat and a frown spread across my face. ¡°You are her father, you didn¡¯t have to do this.¡±


    ¡°You think so?¡± He asked tantly. ¡°Over to you Xavier. What would you do if you had every single thing you want in the world except the people you love? What would you do if you had enough grand to spend but your children are not in your life?¡±


    ¡°Children?¡±


    I raised my brows in confusion trying to process his question. How did that rte to the situation? He kidnapped us and was asking what I would do.


    I didn¡¯t have an answer to his question I was silent.


    ¡°No reply,¡± he smiled. ¡°As expected, you have no fucking reply.¡±


    Devin wailed on the floor and James spun to him.


    ¡°You have a day left.¡±


    I had no idea what day he was talking about but I just remained quiet.


    ¡°I¡¯ll let you live till you run out of time and die slowly like I love to see.¡±


    ¡°You wanted to kill me asshole!¡± Devin yelled with hisst strength.


    James gave a nod. ¡°I still will, just not now. You have one day left so enjoy.¡±


    With that, he stood up and walked to the doorframe.


    ¡°Someone will be sent to clean you up.¡±


    I was d I was going to get cleaned up or something. I was stinking and it wasn¡¯t even funny.


    Devin frowned and growled at him as he turned away to leave. Devin threw a nce at me but turned his eyes away when I returned his look.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    I wasn¡¯t about to start a fucking argument with him. He should have prepared himself and braced up for possible danger but he didn¡¯t. He made us walk into the danger zone unprepared all in the name of having a fucking n!


    The door slightly opened a few minutester. I looked at the door and looked at the figure that walked in. I remember her face, I once saw her with Devin and she also imed he raped her.


    She walked inside the room and looked at Devin and then turned her face in my direction.

 121

    I swallowed the lump that formed in my throat the moment she looked at me. I looked at Devin and he was growling like he was going to pass out.


    She lowered her stance to him and cleaned him up without saying anything. You would never believe they knew themselves before now. I didn¡¯t care though, I just wanted to get away and that was my concern.


    When she was done cleaning his wounds, she turned the first aid box to where I was and used a wipe to clean off the surface of the bruises I sustained.


    I flinched when her hands touched my face and the iodine dropped on my injury.


    ¡°Fuck.¡±


    She didn¡¯t apologize or say a thing. She just turned her box away when she was done. Devin and I remained silent for a while before we heard footsteps and turned our heads in the direction if the door. She had returned with two tes of food. She dropped it in front of us with bottles of water andtched the door.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    Devin hungrily grabbed the te and spooned rice into his mouth. I looked at him wondering if he wasn¡¯t scared.


    What if the food was poisoned and it was only a way to kill us without having to shoot us? Random thoughts about the food crossed my mind and I lost appetite.


    I could be eat, the more I looked at the te the more irritated I got. I was scared I was going to be left to die here. I thought of mom and how worried she would be. She was still recovering from the shock if Emily¡¯s kidnap and now I was gone.


    I turned to Devin who had finished his food and was gulping the water in the bottle. Guilt flushed through me as I remembered how much of a bad friend I¡¯ve been to him. The moment James pointed the gun at him, all my fears were triggered and the only thing I could think of was the kid who was my best friend.


    I couldn¡¯t bear to see him die but now his greed has made him eat a poisoned food and I was sure he was going to die soon. I should at least apologize before he does or before they find another way to kill me too.


    I struggled to move closer to Devin and when I got to him, I heaved. It was a skirmish and he had no idea how I had to get such strength when I was famished.


    I tried to talk to him but he wasn¡¯t responding, he only gave monosybic replies. I needed to talk to him bit he positioned like he was going to sleep already.


    ¡°I said I¡¯m sorry,¡± I said swallowing the pride in me.


    ¡°Heard you.¡±


    ¡°Devin you are sounding cold. I get it okay? You¡¯re obviously still mad at what happened with Amelia but I¡¯m honestly sorry and I wish it never happened.¡±


    ¡°What part of I fucking heard you don¡¯t you get?¡± He paused and huffed.


    ¡°I heard you Xavier.¡±


    I rolled my eyes at his sarcastic response and remained quiet.


    ¡°I know that hurt you and I¡¯m sorry. I haven¡¯t been able to forgive myself after what happened.¡±


    ¡°Listen Xavier, if you¡¯re apologising right now because you think we¡¯d die here then you should know I¡¯d rather die and go to hell.


    I raised my brow at his choice of words bit his face remained nk.


    ¡°You just said you heard and epted my apologies a while ago.¡±


    ¡°The fact that we¡¯re sharing a cell doesn¡¯t mean I have to forgive you. I can make a choice and I choose to die and go to hell.¡± He turned his face back to me. ¡°I¡¯m only being nice considering the fucking things I know. You¡¯re a devil Xavier. I still can¡¯t wrap my hand around how a brother would rape his sister. Damn it!¡±


    My lips twitched and I gave a slight nod.


    ¡°Why did you do it? Lust? Who the hell lusts after their baby sister? Well, I¡¯m not going to fucking judge you ¡¯cause I¡¯m no hypocrite and we¡¯re all guilty. James is guilty of kidnapping, I¡¯m guilty of drug trafficking and rape and the same applies to you. What you did to Emily can not be justified, it¡¯s also rape.¡±


    I tried to talk but I couldn¡¯t, my heart welled with guilt and regrets as he talked.


    ¡°We¡¯d all go to jail and guess what Xavier? I don¡¯t bloody care. I don¡¯t care what happens if I go to jail. I don¡¯t have a family to be disappointed in me but you do! You¡¯re a perfect disgrace for wanting to fuck your baby sister. Not just your family but every single person who hears it will be disappointed.¡±


    The door chimed and heavy footsteps followed. Before I could process the footsteps, James was standing right in front of me with his hand on my neck.


    He pushed me to the wall and heaved in anger. ¡°You bloody asshole,¡± he spat.


    I tried to wriggle out of his grip bit it was firm and startling. ¡°Call the person right now.¡±


    ¡°Who?¡± I asked unaware of what he was talking about.


    ¡°The person posting about Emily¡¯s kidnap,¡± he replied in a re.


    I raised my brows in confusion but he held my neck tighter. I had no idea what he was taking about and he didn¡¯t believe me. I had no connection with whoever was posting about Emily¡¯s kidnap.


    He shoved out a pocket knife and dragged it closer to my jawline. The steel touched me and my blood rippled.


    ¡°Please- please don¡¯t kill me.¡±


    I closed my eyes in fright as the knife dug closer to my neck and then to my chest. When he removed the knife from my body I breathed hard and looked at him.


    ¡°I¡¯ll ask onest time.¡±


    He looked exhausted but he was not going to let it slide. James barely asked questions for long, he turns around and tortures you into talking.


    ¡°I¡¯m serious James,¡±


    The words left my mouth with fear, I was hoping he didn¡¯t get pissed or shit.


    My eyes flickered and I turned to Devin. He was scared but could do nothing, his hands had been tied again and his body still hurts from the beatings he got from yesterday.


    He didn¡¯t say anything else, he just knocked on the board and some hefty men walked inside the room. My eyes fell on his hands and I saw the syringe he held.


    Fuck, he was going to inject us.

 122

    EMILY¡¯S POV


    Every minute I stayed locked in here makes me want to throw up. It feels like I¡¯ve been kidnapped for years, I already lost count of days but I knew it was already weeks. My head split in pain as I tried to recall the incident. I was arguing with Xavier when I got pushed into a moving van. The details of the kidnap were blurry and I couldn¡¯t remember much.


    I still have no idea how I survived the first day ¡¯cause panic attacks made me nauseated and disorganized. Their faces all scared life in me, I thought they were going to kill me because of how fierce they looked. The highest punishment I got for kicking one of the guy¡¯s balls was a hard p.


    It was hard enough to redden my face but not kill me, I wondered why they were being so careful with me till I overheard their discussion saying they sold me to a rich man and he didn¡¯t want me bruised.


    I threw up hearing it and the rest turned out to be blurry vision and a bad headache. When I opened my eyes, I found myself in a different room, still enclosed but a lot neater and more spacious than where I was.


    I raised my head to the squealing sound of the door that opened and flinched when I saw James. He saw my reaction and moved closer to me trying to calm me down.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay Emily, I got you. You¡¯re with Daddy now, you¡¯re safe.¡±


    I scoffed at his words but could not talk, I had no strength left to fight James.


    I sat on the floor reminiscing the night James assured me I was safe with him. I knew I couldn¡¯t be safe with an abuser but I barely had the strength to fight him. I packed my hair with a strand I found on the floor and applied cream to my face. The p the gang leader gave me was hard and it still hurt whenever I touched it. I used the mirror in the drawer to examine the blemish when James walked in.


    He was holding nylon and a small smile crept on his lips. I felt the urge to question him now, I needed answers to questions I¡¯ve asked myself for long.


    ¡°Why did you kidnap me?¡± I asked, not taking my eyes off him.


    He paused for a moment and then smiled like he was expecting the question toe in sooner than it did. I waited for a reply but the only thing I got was silence.


    ¡°Here, I got you ice cream,¡± he said and stretched the bag to me. I looked at him in distaste, he was trying to change the topic.


    ¡°I asked a question,¡± I reminded.


    ¡°You¡¯ve not been kidnapped, Emily-¡±


    ¡°Then what do you call getting locked in an enclosed room against your wish?¡± I red.


    ¡°Take this,¡± He said firmly, forcing me to take the cup of ice cream.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want anything thates from a monster!!¡± I yelled and heaved.


    ¡°You have to take it.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± I said with a smile and grabbed it from his hands. I opened the cup of ice cream and spat it inside. ¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t get on my nerves, Emily.¡± He warned me with his eyes shing anger but I barely cared, he could go to hell with his ice cream.


    ¡°Why the hell are you doing this?¡± I managed to ask although my voice had gotten shaky. ¡°Is this to make me go with you? James, I¡¯ll rather die.¡±


    ¡°You think so?¡± He asked inquisitively. He turned to his jacket and slid out a photograph. He turned it to face me and my eyes caught the people in the photograph, I recognized my Mom as the youngdy, James, and another man I could swear I¡¯d never seen in my entire life. They were standing in front of a mahogany table and smiling at the camera.


    ¡°I can no longer keep this from you, you are no longer a child.¡±


    I scoffed and he turned his eyes to the photograph.


    ¡°I met your mother in a club,¡± he began.


    My eyes rolled as I wondered what he wanted me to do with that information, he was wasting my goddamn energy.


    ¡°I offered a contract and she agreed to be my contract wife for an agreed period. It went on like that till I eventually fell in love with her, breaching the agreement. I no longer wanted to continue the marriage base on the contract but on terms that I was in love with her.¡± He paused for a moment and continued. ¡°I asked her to marry me the right way but she refused and asked that the contract be terminated. Her request could not be granted when she found out she was pregnant with my child. I was mad that the mistake of getting pregnant happened, we both saw you as a mistake we could have avoided till we were ready.¡±Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    I listened to his story and twitched my lips when he called me a mistake he could have avoided.


    ¡°We however decided the contract had to continue after your birth so you could get the love and attention you needed from your parents as a kid. We still didn¡¯t want you till you turned four and you caught our hearts in ways we couldn¡¯t imagine. All of a sudden she ran out of the marriage with Charles.


    Hearing him call Charles made me wish Dad was around to pull me in a hug. I felt no emotion as I listened to his part of the story, it made no sense and still didn¡¯t answer my questions. I raised my brow when he looked at me.


    ¡°Why are you telling me these?¡±


    ¡°Because I need you to know.¡±


    ¡°Another failed task ¡¯cause I already knew about the contract marriage.¡± My face left no expression told, he had no idea how ridiculous he sounded for trying to justify his damn actions.


    ¡°Don¡¯t try to paint my mother as a bad person,¡± I warned with so much irritation on my face.


    ¡°She is a bad person because she never loved you.¡±


    ¡°If she never loved me then why did she beg you to be present in my life? Didn¡¯t you just call me a mistake you could have avoided?¡±


    ¡°Listen to me, Emily.¡±


    I blinked twice trying to dab the tears welling in my eyes. I didn¡¯t expect it to hurt hearing him call me a mistake but the more I repeated his words, the more I felt the intensity of the sentence.

 123

    I looked at him as he kept trying to prove a point and I was totally disgusted.


    ¡°Just listen to me Emily,¡± he pleaded. ¡°I didn¡¯t want a child then- I wasn¡¯t ready but I¡¯m ready to take full responsibility now. I want you.¡±


    ¡°Can you fucking hear yourself?¡± There was no way he was expectation that to sound okay to me. He didn¡¯t want me when I was a child and all of a sudden be wanted me back.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to report you to the corps and I¡¯ll make sure you rot in jail. I¡¯ll tell the lies I can, I¡¯ll tell them you assaulted me, you kidnapped me and every single disgusting thing about you.¡±


    I kept yelling and he just paused.


    ¡°If you¡¯re going to say all those things about me then I¡¯ll tell the corps that Xavier raped you and that he sells drugs in school. Not only that, I¡¯ll tell them your lover, Devin raped a girl few days ago and he¡¯s into drug trafficking too.¡±


    My chest heaved as I heard him call Devin¡¯s name. There was no way I was going to let him say all that to the corps.


    ¡°Now guess what?¡± He asked with a wicked smirk. ¡°Your mother will be left alone and that would kill her slowly. Come on, think of how your mother will feel knowing she has more problems in her life because of a child borne from mistake.¡±


    ¡°Fuck you James!¡± I yelled and tears rolled down my cheeks. ¡°I hate you so much and you have no idea how I want you to get away and never return.¡±


    I noticed his jaw squeezed and he turned to me kike he wanted to say something. ¡°I want to tell you something.¡±


    I didn¡¯t stop whimpering, I just fixated my eyes on him as he coughed.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to die soon,¡± He said. ¡°I have a blood disease and I have only a few months left. Emily I just want you to be with me when I die.¡±


    ¡°Guess what?¡±


    He looked at me with hopes high but I shattered them when I spat on his face. ¡°I wish you would die now! I¡¯d be the happiest person James. You should just die already.¡±


    He swallowed the lump that formed in his throat and used his hands to wipe my Drool from his face. He turned his face back to me and I felt like killing him already.


    ¡°Emily you don¡¯t get it, do you?¡± He sighed. ¡°I¡¯ve been lonely all my life, I have no siblings and all my father¡¯s wealth belongs to me. Emily I was a fucking loner till I met your mom.¡±Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    I was sick of bearing his petty stories and seeing him try to justify his actions.


    ¡°I¡¯ve met a lot of women okay? I¡¯ve met women who want me for my money and even women who could do anything to see me dead but she was different. She didn¡¯t try anything else to get me for herself. She tried her best to keep part of her deal in the contract marriage till she got pregnant.¡±


    ¡°She got pregnant and she changed- she became clingy, cried over the pettiest things and-¡± he paused and looked at me.


    ¡°And what?¡±


    ¡°And I lost interest. I started wondering if everything was a pretence and she wanted my money too. I got irritated at her till she wanted to leave and didn¡¯t want to take the money. I saw her diary but it was toote.¡±


    ¡°Why are you telling me these?¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯ll know Emily, so you¡¯ll know everything.¡±


    ¡°I really don¡¯t care!¡± I yelled.


    ¡°I still love you and your Mom, Emily. She fell in love during the year of the contract but I still love her.¡±


    Tears welled in his eyes and my stomach twisted in a knot. It was because I felt bad for him but I felt nauseated and wanted to throw up on his body.


    ¡°I know you can¡¯t forgive me. I¡¯m sorry and I just want you back in my life.¡±


    With that he turned to leave and I stared at him with scowl. I kept wondering what was going on with my Mom and Dad. I hated to think of how depressed mom would be feeling.


    I didn¡¯t realize how much it hurt me to hear about Devin till I thought of it. ¡°How could he be so heartless?¡± I asked myself. There was no way an assault like rape was going to be easy for her, it would feel like he left his filthy handprint on her. Xavier wasn¡¯t left out in the whole crisis, my family was just in a goddamn mess.


    I kept thinking till I fell asleep. My peaceful sleep was interrupted with a hand trail my body. I felt a sharp pration in my skin and my eyes flickered open. James was sitting beside me and he was with a syringe. I had no idea what he injected in me but the spot on my thigh was hurting.


    I didn¡¯t get the signal till he bent over and kissed my forehead and my heart raced with fear. I couldn¡¯t bring myself to think that James was about to rape me. It was all I thought of, I tried to scream but my voice failed me.


    He couldn¡¯t do this to me, it would haunt me for life and I¡¯d pick death if it meant I¡¯d get away from this moment.


    My thoughts were halted when he stood up and walked to the doorframe. My eyes followed him till I saw him exchange a few words with ady. She in turned whispered some words back and they gave a nod. James walked out of the room and thedy walked toward me. A blonde woman joined her and my eyes fell to the bag she was holding.


    It was my bag and the clothes I wore on the day I was kidnapped. I recognize the face cap too. My eyes welled with tears and I couldn¡¯t hold it back.


    ¡°Here, put this on.¡±


    The clothes were washed and ironed and I raised my brows in surprise. Something wasn¡¯t right and I couldn¡¯t figure it. What was James going to do to me?


    For a minute I remained quiet and the otherdy kept calling my name and asking me to wear the clothes. I gave a nod and took the clothes from her.


    I stood to my feet to wear the clothes but my stomach growled and my vision turned blurry.


    No way this was happening.


    I threw up on the blondedy and before I knew it, my eyes closed.

 124

    I tried to open my eyes and the sunlight hurts them. I tried to figure out what was happening and I realized I was in someone¡¯s arm.


    I freed my eyes again and realized it was James and he was taking me out of the enclosed room. At that point I felt an adrenaline rush in me.


    He dropped me down and I felt hot tears roll down my eyes, I couldn¡¯t believe it. I hugged him right without thinking and cried into his arms.


    He returned the hug and just remained calm, watching me. I had no idea why I was crying and hugging him but I needed the hug.


    When I pulled away from his hug, he looked at me and smiled faintly. ¡°You can do what you want now. Call the cops and tell them I rescued you from the teenagers who kidnapped you.¡±


    Was he asking me to go?


    ¡°Just go down the road, you¡¯ll figure your way. I¡¯ll have someone follow you from a distance just so you arrive home safely.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no camera Emily, I have my men dismount them so, the choice is yours. I love you.¡±


    With that, he turned and entered the Audi SUV. He mmed the door and drove off. It then dawned on me that I was really free and I could go home.


    I checked myself and I was fine, the little brushes had healed and I was feeling okay. I turned my head to scan the environment and remembered the road. It was a route I once followed with Xavier. I kept walking till I reached the house.


    Tears welled in my eyes as I took quick steps to the door. I flung the door open and walked inside. My eyes fell on Mom who wasying on the wooden floor. She was sleeping and I could figure she cried herself to sleep.


    I stood there unable to move, I had no idea how much pain Mom had to go through.


    ¡°EMILY!¡±


    I turned to the direction of the scream and it was Dad. Mom flinched immediately and turned to the door. She saw me and her has dropped, it felt like a dream.


    ¡°My baby,¡± Mom cried and ran to hug me. I cried in her arms, I missed her so much, I missed Dad too. My sobs got louder as I tried to keep them in.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay Hunny,¡± Dad assured me, brushing my hair backwards.


    He let me sit and I dropped my head on his chest. I still couldn¡¯t believe that I was with my family again. The reunion wasn¡¯tplete, Xavier wasn¡¯t around but I didn¡¯t give it much thoughts.


    I slept off peacefully on Dad¡¯s chest and woke up the next morning. I opened my eyes still in the same position fromst night, it was the best sleep I had gotten in a long time.


    ¡°Emily,¡± Dad said with a wide smile.


    ¡°Dad.¡±


    I heard whispers and it woke me up. Mom was telling him to be quiet so they wouldn¡¯t wake me up.


    He smiled so hard I could see the pains in his eyes. They were scared they had lost me and I was scared too.


    I turned to the other side and my eyes fell on the officers. That moment, fear made me tremble. I turned my face back to my Dad¡¯s chest and remained there. The officers scared life out of me, I had no idea what they wanted.


    I knew I said I was going to report to the cops but it wasn¡¯t supposed to be this soon. Holy fuck.


    Tears welled in my eyes again and I whimpered in his arms. Was I supposed to report James now? I felt the urge to tell the cops he held me but I thought against it. He saved me, if he didn¡¯t buy me from the kidnappers then I had no fucking idea where I would be.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    It wasn¡¯t his fault, on  second thought I remained quiet, with no intention of snitching. I still had to tell the cops something, it was expected that I provide a statement.


    I was trying to think of who could have kidnapped me. I never got to see their faces but I knew it was someone close. My thoughts went to Xavier and Devin. ¡°Could it be them?¡± I thought to myself.


    ¡°Dad, where¡¯s Xavier?¡±


    I asked the question immediately I thought of the possibility.


    ¡°He¡¯s in the hospital with Devin.¡±


    My brows raised. ¡°Hospital?¡±


    ¡°Uh yeah. He¡¯s writing a statement.¡±


    What Dad said didn¡¯t make sense to me. How could he be writ g a statement in a hospital? There was no way this shit was adding up. It didn¡¯t make any sense to me.


    ¡°How can it be in a hospital they¡¯re writing a statement instead of the station?¡±


    ¡°They were drugged and Devin was badly injured.¡±


    A lump formed in my throat and I swallowed hard.


    * * *


    We waited for the Doctor to tell us the test result. It was getting to an hour since their blood was taken for a test.


    Mom looked relieved to see me but I could still see the fear in her face. She was scared something could happen to Xavier.


    I walked to Dad and asked if he could give us a minute.


    ¡°Can I talk to Mom for a minute?¡±


    He looked shocked at first but gave a nod and walked away. Mom was still seated on the chair with her hands pressed together.


    I understood it was to relieve her anxiety, I did the same whenever I was nervous too.


    ¡°Mom.¡±


    She raised her head to me and I twitched my lips. I needed to have this conversation with her, it meant a lot to me to be able to hear her part of the story.


    She looked at me waiting for me to say something but I was quiet.


    ¡°What¡¯s the problem, baby?¡±


    I took a deep breathe and fisted my hands, bracing myself for her reply.


    ¡°Mom, did you want to be in the contract marriage?¡±


    My question sent a shock to her spine. Her eyes blinked thrice in a second and her lips folded.


    ¡°Emily.¡±


    ¡°Mom I just need an answer.¡±


    Tears welled in her eyes and they danced freely on her cheeks. She didn¡¯t make any attempt to wipe the tears away, she just remained there and swallowed hard.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to hide it from you,¡± she exined. ¡°Your father wasn¡¯t the best man to understand but-¡±


    ¡°Mom you haven¡¯t answered me.¡±


    ¡°No. No Emily, I didn¡¯t want that.¡±


    I gave a nod. ¡°Did you see your Father?¡±

 125

    The moment Mom asked if I saw James, my chest heaved. ¡°No,¡± I replied and twitched my lips. I didn¡¯t want to keep talking about him because of the emotions I felt whenever I thought of him.


    ¡°Emily.¡±


    We turned and it was Xavier. I ran to him immediately and threw my hands around him. He hugged me back, even tighter. I couldn¡¯t believe I missed Xavier this much, it was hurting.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry,¡± he said as he hugged me. No one else was going to understand, not even Mom. ¡°It¡¯s not your fault,¡± she told him.


    ¡°The police found someone involved.¡±


    My heart raced faster, I felt bad for James. He was going to die and I didn¡¯t want him to die in jail.


    ¡°Hi, excuse me.¡± The doctor walked into us and turned to Mom. ¡°There¡¯s been no form of abuse, she¡¯s fine.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s fine?¡±


    ¡°Yes, she is,¡± The doctor confirmed and gave a friendly smile.


    Mom gave a nod and appreciated him. She stood up from the chair and looked at me. ¡°I need to go and feed Devin, no one ising for him.¡±


    I gave a nod, I understood her act of kindness and it was great to see she didn¡¯t abandon him when he had no one. She walked out of the room with the doctor and I clenched my fist. I was left alone with Xavier.


    Xavier exhaled and I turned to him. ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk to you even though I¡¯m grateful you saved me.¡±


    He didn¡¯t say anything but gave a nod. He seemed to understand that I needed some space and I appreciated that.


    I wanted to see Devin too so I followed Mom to the room. I opened the door and walked inside the room. My eyes fell on Devin, he looked so different and it caused tears to well in my eyes.


    They weren¡¯tpletely tears of sadness but I was sad he was in a bad condition and I was happy to see him again.


    The mixed emotions cause me to walk over to his bed and hugged him. ¡°Don¡¯t do that!¡± Mom warned. She was mom yelling at me not to suffocate him but I was only happy to see him again. I was so scared I¡¯d never see him again.


    I smiled hard till the door squealed. I turned to the door and I saw Xavier. When he saw what had just happened, he walked away from the door frame.


    The cops called for us and I walked with mom. I saw the boys who kidnapped me. I kept looking at them till my vision ended on the girl that Devin raped. What if they told on James and he was sent to jail?Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Miss Emily,¡± The detective called and I turned to him. I gave a nod and followed his lead. He walked into a room with a chair and desk. He slumped to the first chair and I sat opposite him.


    ¡°I need to ask you some questions and I need you to reply to me honestly.¡±


    I gave a nod in understanding, fear rushed through me.


    ¡°Getting in the car, being fed, and waking up. Is that all you remember?¡±


    I nodded.


    ¡°Did they hurt you?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± I was being honest. ¡°They didn¡¯t hurt me. I overheard  them saying they wanted to win a trend of kidnapping a pretty girl and letting her out after a while.¡±


    ¡°Devin and Xavier said they were kidnapped by a different person.¡±


    My throat itched as I heard their name.


    ¡°Do you remember anything about being sold to a man? Did you hear any conversation like that?¡±


    I raised my brows, pretending to think and he shoved three photographs in my front.


    ¡°Look at these men, do they look familiar?¡±


    I stared at the picture of James, his man, and someone I have never seen.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know them,¡± I exined. I however pointed to James. ¡°He¡¯s my father and I need to see him.¡±


    ¡°The kids said the same thing so I guess we have the same story.¡±


    A surge of relief flooded through me as I stood up and returned to Mom. We returned home and I was still feeling somewhat nervous.


    I walked to the front of the house and met James. He was standing in front of his car and I took reluctant steps toward him. The moment I got closer to him, I hugged him.


    He held me against himself tightly and brushed my hair. ¡°I know what you¡¯re doing and I understand,¡± I whispered to his ear.


    I pulled away from his gig after some seconds and just looked at him. He smiled at me and I knew he was getting in his feelings.


    ¡°I love you as a Dad.¡± It was the first time I said those words to him and meant it. I could see the shock in his eyes and the happiness thaty in them. ¡°That doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯ll go wherever you want though.¡±


    He gave a nod as if he was expecting a condition. I saw him smile sincerely and it was honestly a beautiful sight.


    ¡°I¡¯lle to visit you,¡± I added. ¡°I¡¯ll be there on your sick bed too- I just need you to hold on a little longer till I graduate from college and possibly bring home a man.¡±


    Heughed till tears welled in his eyes. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, it should be the eye problem.¡±


    Mom and Dad walked closer but Xavier didn¡¯t. ¡°They gave the kids a restricted arrest,¡± Dad exined to James.


    Pointing to Xavier, he continued exining. ¡°They have an rm clock on their wrist.¡±


    ¡°I got the 10k$ and I¡¯m really grateful.¡±


    James only smiled and looked at me. ¡°Emily saved me first.¡± He smiled harder, ¡°She gave me a reason to live and not everythingsts long.¡±


    I followed his line of vision and saw how he looked at Mom. He looked sorry and sincere. Like he wanted to make up for the lost time and all. I couldn¡¯t believe a day like this woulde when we¡¯d all be standing together in understanding and happiness.


    ¡°Want to join us for dinner?¡± I suggested with a wide smile on my face.


    He threw a look at me and I smiled. I mean, it wouldn¡¯t hurt to have a family dinner to celebrate whatever we were bing.


    They all wore expressions like they were thinking and I decided to add an important part to the invitation. ¡°Devin will be joining the dinner.¡±


    ¡°Would be nice but I don¡¯t think a boy with an anklet rm can join us.¡±

 126

    I opened my eyes and the first thing I saw was Xavier. He was staring at me with a small smile tugged on his lips. I got scared at first but the feeling faded and I felt okay.


    ¡°Why are you staring at me?¡± I asked with a frown.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you report James to the cops?¡±


    I knew he was going to ask that, I just didn¡¯t think it was going to be by 3 fucking a. m.


    ¡°I can¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t even though I want to kill him myself. I know everything, I know the shitty things you did, I know you sold drugs.¡±


    He twitched his like and continued looking at me. ¡°Do you still sell drugs or do you deliver them in your sleep?¡±


    I grabbed the nket and ced it on my body, turning to the other side to sleep.


    ¡°I need to sleep, leave me alone.¡±


    He scoffed and I rolled my eyes. ¡°I have you.¡±


    I heard him giggle, ¡°I love you too,¡± he responded.


    * * * *


    The door mming open made me open my eyes. It was morning but I was hoping I could sleep a little longer.


    ¡°Emily, get up.¡±


    Mom grabbed my hands before I could stand up and took me outside. ¡°I haven¡¯t even brushed-¡± I tried to say.


    ¡°We¡¯ll be quick.¡±Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    I rolled my eyes and followed her lead. We got outside and James was standing right in front of the house.


    ¡°Emily,¡± he called.


    I gave a small smile and walked toward him. Mom brought out a box and handed it to me.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±


    ¡°Open it yourself and see.¡±


    ¡°Hmm,¡± I said raising my brows. I hope the gift box and saw two keys.


    ¡°You got me a car?¡± I screamed with excitement.


    ¡°Yes, baby.¡±


    ¡°And the second key?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s for your house.¡±


    ¡°No way!¡± I screamed again and ran to hug him. He held me tight andughed. I couldn¡¯t believe it, it was beyond surprising.


    Tears welled in my eyes as I hugged him. I tried sniffing back the tears then I stood on my toe and kissed his chin.


    He smiled happily and brushed my hair backward. ¡°I got you baby.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe I can now have my room!¡±


    ¡°Enough space for your makeup,¡± Dad chirped and they allughed.


    Iughed too because I knew I was going to get a different type.


    ¡°Can I make a request?¡±


    They all turned their head to me and Mom gave a nod. I swallowed the lump in my throat first then turned to Dad and then to James. ¡°Can Devine to visit?¡±


    Mom¡¯s brow raised like she was about to spank me. It was only a question and I was hoping they would allow him.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Mom said but Dad was saying, ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°No boyfriends, Emily,¡± he added and I frowned.


    ¡°But Dad-¡± I interrupted. ¡°It¡¯s only a visit.¡±


    His face remained the same and I knew I needed to break the look. I turned to mom and used a pull face. ¡°Mom, help.¡±


    Momughed and then looked at Dad. ¡°I¡¯m sorry but your Dad says no boyfriends yet.¡±


    ¡°Mom you too! It¡¯s only a visit.¡±


    ¡°In that case, no Devin visiting till I think about it and decide.¡±


    ¡°Fuck, not again.¡±


    ¡°Language,¡± Dad warned raising his brows.


    ¡°No cuss words,¡± James chirped and I bit my lower lip. I had no idea what to say since all three of them were against Devin visiting me. I only wanted him toe around maybe once or twice. It would be nice to have him around.


    ¡°I like it this way,¡± James said and Mom gave a nod.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take my revenge,¡± I whispered to James and folded my hands. Heughed at me and Dad joined him.


    It was good to see them allughing and smiling together. James stoppedughing and then he turned to mom. ¡°Uh, can I hug you?¡±


    Mom was quiet for a second. She looked at Dad who in turn looked at her. Dad turned his head in James¡¯ direction. ¡°No, you can¡¯t. Isn¡¯t she kike my wife now?¡± He teased and a wide smile twitched on his face.


    I couldn¡¯t stand their conversation any longer. It was getting awkward and I needed to get some air. I smiled at them and turned to leave. ¡°I¡¯m going inside, I¡¯ll see youter!¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± James said smiling and the restughed.


    I walked into the house and looked around the sitting room. I was searching for Xavier but he didn¡¯t leave the room yet. I walked into the room and locked the door behind me.


    ¡°Xavier.¡±


    He was looking at the ceiling with his headying effortlessly on his hands. He didn¡¯t turn to me when he heard his name and it made me wonder if he was asleep.


    I decided to ignore him and return to my parents and James but a part of me wanted to sit with Xavier.


    ¡°Hey,¡± he called and I flinched. I thought the asshole was sleeping.


    ¡°I thought you were asleep,¡± I managed to say and lowered myself to sit on the bed.


    He adjusted and sat up, smiling. ¡°I was trying to but I couldn¡¯t the moment you entered the room you have this trouble scent and it makes like a hell for whoever perceives it.¡±


    I frowned hearing him say that and heughed. ¡°Common Emily, I didn¡¯t mean it.¡±


    His smile was beautiful to see again. I couldn¡¯t remember thest time I saw him smile this hard, revealing his dentition.


    ¡°Sure cause I¡¯m no bad luck.¡±


    ¡°I never said you were,¡± he added and pulled closer. ¡°I can prove that you¡¯re not.¡±


    His lips took mine and possessed it. His mouth had a warm wee and in a split second, our tongues were desperately calling for each other. I closed my eyes and followed his lead till I realized what I was doing.


    I broke the kiss and pulled back. What the hell was I doing? I didn¡¯t regret it at that point but I knew I shouldn¡¯t have done that.


    ¡°Why did you do that?¡± I asked, hoping he gave me an honest answer. I wanted to know why he kissed me intending to prove a point.


    ¡°It¡¯s an apology kiss,¡± he exined.


    ¡°Apology kiss?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    Before I could say anything Xavier yanked me closer and kissed me again, this time deeper and more wanting. I let him take possession of my mouth. Our tongues fight against each other but it¡¯s not enough. I need more.


    ¡°And this,¡± he said breaking the kiss. ¡°Is to thank you for not sending me to jail even when you should.

 127

    ONE MONTH LATER.


    The cold wind and fresh aura made me smile. I stood beside James watching his jet. Apparently, he was getting ready to leave and I didn¡¯t know how to feel about it.


    It was just the two of us standing there and there was silence. I wish I could hear everything he was thinking of. I felt the sensation and I knew more than ever that I was going to miss James.


    His lips formed a small smile like he heard what I was thinking and I just twitched my lips. I needed to enjoy the moment because it may be thest time I¡¯d see him. I also knew his ailment had given him a short period of time to live and I really felt bad.


    I had no idea why I was feeling all those emotions at that point. There was this strong urge to hug him and just remain in his hugs. I remembered how weing and warm his arms were but I stopped myself. I didn¡¯t have to be overly emotional.


    I was trying hard not to think about James dying but I couldn¡¯t help it and before I knew it, a sob escaped my mouth. Tears welled in my eyes and I just couldn¡¯t help it.


    ¡°Emily,¡± he said the moment he saw me whimper and try to wipe my tears away. ¡°What¡¯s wrong baby? Come here.¡±


    I moved closer and his muscled arms wrapped around me. I sobbed in his arms and he just kept brushing my hair gently. ¡°Its fine, baby.¡±


    I had no idea what to say but I wanted to thank him for the moments. I wanted to tell him how grateful I was that he settled the case and had the child service away. I barely knew what was going on but I wished I was told earlier.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Thank you- thank you James.¡±


    ¡°Common baby, it¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll do everything I can to protect you. You should know that.¡±


    I gave a nod and pulled from his hug. A small smile crept on my lips but tears followed. I couldn¡¯t stop being emotional, I was so sensitive. I wanted to hug him again, longer than thest hug but I stooped myself.


    I didn¡¯t want to be all touchy and ¨C


    My thoughts were trailed off when he pulled me into another hug. Why the hell did it feel like he could hear my thoughts? I allowed him hug me and just held him.


    ¡°Listen Emily, you can alwayse to visit me.¡± He paused. ¡°Before I die of course.¡±


    The word had more affects on me when he was saying it. I didn¡¯t know how it felt expecting death, he sounded so scared and at the same time hopeful. It was like he was trying to live his best days knowing worst days woulde and I just wanted to be part of it.


    If being around him was going to make up for the days I thought he was a jerk then I was going to do it. He deserved to be happy too, everyone did.


    ¡°I¡¯lle- before you die and ill always call you.¡±


    It felt crazy saying that. He always said he was going to die and I never felt bad about it. I usually told him to die already and he should go to hell but I just wanted him to stay alive.


    The words felt heavier than ever and I just wiped the tears that welled in my eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t cry Emily, Don¡¯t cry.¡±


    I kept saying that, trying to calm my nerves and stop the tears. The hug broke and I smiled at him.


    ¡°Thank you for not sending me to jail, you had all the power to.¡±


    He was right, I had all the power to send him to jail but I couldn¡¯t. ¡°I just couldn¡¯t -¡± I tried exining. I nced up at him. ¡°I love Devin.¡±


    His eyes lightened up and he smiled. ¡°No boyfriends yet.¡±


    I rolled my eyes at his reminder, I heard that phrase and I was tired if the damn reminder.


    ¡°I¡¯m serious Emily. No boyfriends till you¡¯re 18. I have my eyes on Devin.¡±


    ¡°But Dad-¡± the words fell out of my mouth but I didn¡¯t regret it.


    ¡°I¡¯m kidding.¡±


    Such a relief, I was getting dizzy from hearing such reminders on a daily basis.


    ¡°I want you to be yourself okay? If you love Devin then that¡¯s alright. Be yourself around him and try not to make mistakes. You¡¯re very young Emily and I wouldn¡¯t hesitate to whoop his ass if he ever hurts you.¡±


    ¡°Yes sir!¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t change the fact that you can¡¯t have a boyfriend yet.¡± He smiled at me and I returned his smile. I was enjoying talking to him and washed it wouldn¡¯t end.


    Our little conversation was interrupted when Dad and Mom walked in with a puppy. I had no idea who the puppy was for till they motioned it to James.


    ¡°Here,¡± Mom said. ¡°Take care of him and Emily will take over whenever shees to visit you.¡±


    I had no idea the dog was for me, I have always wanted one but we couldn¡¯t afford its sadly.


    ¡°Oh woah,¡± heughed. ¡°I¡¯m allergic to dogs.¡±


    A frown fell on my face, he was allergic to dogs?


    ¡°I¡¯m so allergic to you,¡± I replied, sneezing. Everyoneughed including James.


    ¡°But holy shit. He¡¯s so beautiful,¡± I said touching his fur. ¡°I love dogs.¡±


    ¡°Then we can you get you as many as you need.¡±


    ¡°That would be so lovely, I can¡¯t stand humans so dogs would be a better option.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Dad askedughing.


    In one of our father-daughter conversations, I told him I couldn¡¯t stand humans and how they irked me. It was because of the queen bees though, in was bullied that day and when I got home, I told Dad humans suck. He then asked what I could stand and I said I had no idea yet.


    Good thing I know now. I could stand dogs, they were so beautiful and little. I gave a smile and my heart felt pumped.


    ¡°It¡¯s time to leave!¡±


    We all turned in the direction of the voice and James gave a nod. It was time to leave. I hugged him again and told him I was going to call him. ¡°I¡¯ll be looking forward to all your calls, Emily.¡±


    ¡°Take good care of yourself,¡± Mom chirped.


    ¡°And get enough rest,¡± Dad added, wrapping his hands around Mom.


    He took the puppy from Mom and gave me a wide smile. It felt good to see, I didn¡¯t want the moment to end.


    But it should, and it will.

 128

    I turned to Mom who was wiping her eyes. She had tears welled in them and Dad just hugged her. ¡°It¡¯s over,¡± he told her. ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry anymore.¡±


    ¡°It just feels so unreal. I can¡¯t believe everything is fine now.¡±


    ¡°Me too.¡±This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    I honestly couldn¡¯t believe it. It was just too good to be true and I didn¡¯t know how to feel about it.


    She gave me a nod and pulled me into a hug. I remained there for a while before Dad asked us to get ready to leave. We strode happily to where the car was parked.


    We got home and I walked to my room it felt good having a separate room, I liked how it felt. I heard a scream and rushed out to see what was happening.


    ¡°Mom?¡±


    ¡°Emily! Xavier just got admission into a college in the Los Angeles!¡±


    My jaw dropped in excitement and I turned to Xavier. It was good news but Xavier didn¡¯t look happy. I turned my gaze to him and my eyes met his. He was staring nkly at me.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± I asked him. ¡°This is good news, Xavier.¡±


    ¡°I guess.¡±


    His reply was cold and his face nk.


    * * *


    I lowered myself into the car and mmed the elerator. My phone buzzed and I checked the caller ID. It was Devin calling. A smile formed on my lips as I picked up the call and ced it on my thighs. It was on loudspeaker so my hands remained on the steering.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m driving my car!¡±


    I heard him chuckle and it made me smile. ¡°I hope you don¡¯t drive into people,¡± he teased.


    ¡°Common! He taught me how to drive.¡±


    ¡°So where are you heading?¡±


    ¡°Walmart. I need to pick up some-¡±


    ¡°Soda,¡± he finished.


    Iughed and the call ended. I parked by the driveway and walked into the store.


    ¡°Hi, miss!¡±


    ¡°Hello, can I have three bottles of vodka please?¡±


    ¡°Sure. Can I see your ID?¡±


    Fucking hell. Poor me, i wished she could get them without an ID. ¡°Uh, I¡¯m sorry I left it. I¡¯ll just get sodas instead.¡±


    ¡°Okay, Miss.¡±


    When I was done paying for the drinks, I walked out of the store and headed to my car. I put the drinks in the trunk and shoved out my phone of my pocket.


    I had a few minutes left and I needed to get to Devin¡¯s house. A surge of emotion coursed through me as I drove down the alley. I was excited to be going there. I have never gone there so he sent me an address.


    I inserted the address on my tablet and checked the map. I fastened my seatbelt and drove down. It was a smooth ride, I didn¡¯t have to go through corners and shit.


    When I finally reached it, my palms got sweaty and I exhaled. It felt different and I knew the emotion. I was nervous but I flushed it and walked to the door. I gave a soft knock on the door and exhaled.


    ¡°Coming!¡± His voice echoed from the house.


    I felt the urge to check myself to see if my hair was still well packed and if my gloss was okay. The sudden consciousness I felt made me sigh.


    ¡°Open this damn door,¡± I said with an undertone.


    The door squealed as he opened it and my jaw dropped. ¡°Emily.¡±


    He pulled me in a weing hug and his cologne filled my nose.


    He gestured for me inside and I walked behind him. His house wasn¡¯t as big as our new one or even the old but it was well arranged.


    ¡°Man I feel like the shaggy one right now ¡¯cause my room is a fucking mess.¡±


    Devin only smiled and sat beside me. He was wearing a ck T-shirt and his cargo pants. Fuck, I love seeing him on these because-.


    I swallowed the lump in my throat and acted like I didn¡¯t just see his dick print. ¡°I couldn¡¯t get liquor,¡± I exined gesturing to the bag I bought for us.


    His brows raised and I could see the arch. ¡°Why the hell did you try to buy liquor? Listen, I don¡¯t want you doing that again.¡±


    Pffffff! Can¡¯t I try to be a bad girl for once?


    It was sexy having him scold me. I know I¡¯m crazy and I should probably feel bad but I was smirking. He started acting cold and it was strange.


    ¡°Is something wrong?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    I gave a nod but I knew something was wrong and he wasn¡¯t saying it.


    ¡°Did I do something wrong?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not you Emily.¡±


    ¡°Then it¡¯s what?¡±


    He swallowed the lump in his throat and turned his face. ¡°I bought your favorite ice cream.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t try to change the topic, Devin.¡±


    ¡°Fine. I got a schrship and I¡¯m going to Los Angeles mission college¡±.


    My heart raced the moment I heard it. It was the same college Xavier was going. Tears welled in my eyes that moment, I couldn¡¯t afford to have him away. It was going to mess with me.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry,¡± he said and leaned closer to me. He wiped my tears with his thumb.


    He will be fine.


    I will be fine.


    He was just going for a while and I will join him.


    Right?


    He would still love me even if they would be hotter girls out there and he still loves me.


    I stared at his face, my lips quivered as I sniffed. This face looked like he still love me, like he would do anything for me and¡­ and..


    Shit! I need to get over this.


    Still staring up at him and I felt the urge to kiss him.


    I stretched my neck and kissed him. His mouth slightly opened and weed my tongue. He was warm, tasted like strawberries, and was intoxicating. He held me against himself and kissed me back with so much tension building.


    My hands moved to his zipper and I tried to undo it. He wasn¡¯t letting me and it seem so frustrating even when I could feel how hard he was. Like, I was literally holding his hard big divk, making me want to rethink if I can take him.


    Yeah.


    I can and I would.


    He was going off foe all I care. It won¡¯t be a crime to just fvck him for one bit. I would be so d to loss my virginity to the person I love and¡­


    ¡°Emilia¡­¡± He said against my lips ¡°Emily you have to be¡­¡±.


    He groaned as I softlypressed my palm, holding his divk like my life depend on it. I began to caress it, just like the way I had always wanted to do. Just like the way I had longest to feel it and I won¡¯t have him talk shit to me now that he was going away.


    I want him. 16 or not, I want him.


    ¡°Do it¡± I moaned in between the kiss ¡°I want you, I want you to¡­. to..¡±.


    I couldn¡¯t get myself to say it. I couldn¡¯t get myself to be this will even if I was drying to have him fvck the hell out of me.


    ¡°We can take it slow, Emily. Just take your time and we will still be good¡±.


    I thought I heard him say something but Nah. I stood up and began to undress. Letting only my bra, I sat over his thighs and resumed kxssing him.


    This time, he didn¡¯t try to be cool. He just¡­. just like he let go. With one palm holding my buthh as he made me grind my pvssy against his divk, he kisses my neck.


    He traced his hand to my back and unhooked my bra. I gave him a nod and raised my hands to remove his shirt. His short soon went off, letting his underwear hindering my hungry pvssy from his dick.


    I was running out of breath as I felt his erection against me. It was hot and I just wanted him inside of me. I wanted to lose my virginity to Devin right there.


    ¡°Are you sure of this?¡±


    I gave a nod and pressed my lips to him again. He tossed my bra away and I was naked. I helped him take off the cargo pants and his cock got excited to feel my hands.


    My thighs got hot and wet, wanting all of him inside me. I moaned as his hands cupped my breasts and fondled my nipples.


    ¡°Devin.. Please don¡¯t stop.¡±


    He sucked harder and then parted my legs. He shoved in a finger first and I moaned. Moving it in and out, I felt a slight pain as he added two more of his fingers. Staring up to me, he continued while his other hand harrashed my nipples.


    ¡°I am going to be gentle¡±


    I gave a nod all I want was to get it, to have what I want and¡­..


    ¡°Devin!¡± I gasped in a whisper.


    Pain, pure pain and pleasure filled me and I found myself curling my toes. A gave a painful moan as his cock slid out slowly and back inside of me the same slowly. It was both painful and pleasurable and I wasn¡¯t thinking. I was just¡­.


    Senseless


    A little sharp and fast, I found myself gasping for air as I dug my fingers into his bare back.


    ¡°I can stop if y¡­¡±.


    ¡± Just fvck me, Devin¡± I hushed ¡°Just give me your divk, Devin¡±.


    Teasing me with kisses, Devin smiled at me. He made some sort of sweet movement with his waist, making me cry more in want and more of his divk. I want him more and more.


    ¡°I love you, Emily¡± He grinded his hips in a rhythm so his cock could slip inside me easily. Not so painful this time and I felt it, that ecstasy, making me want to do this forever.


    ¡°I love you, Emily, I own you¡± he grunts as he thrust inside of me ¡°Please keep yourself for me¡±.


    Again, I felt that pleasure building. I thought I was eating all vour of chocte through my pvssy, making me raise my waist to meet his delicious dick.


    ¡°Devin¡± I cried as I held him tight.


    My body vibrated and I want it, that feeling, making my entire body drowning in pleasure at it¡¯s peak.


    ¡°Fu¡­. ck¡­. Devin I love it¡±.


    ¡°Say you love me¡± Devin ordered instead ¡°Say you fucking love me¡±.


    Goah! I couldn¡¯t answer as I was cumming. I want to focus on it, on all of it and how it feels so I rather not say anything. I raised my legs and screamed when I felt his very sharp thrust.


    ¡°Say you love me, Emily¡± Devin grunt a bit loud this time.


    It took me extra minutes to try fix my senses but before I could, he grabbed my face and kissed me roughly. I kissed him back, shaking at the sweetness of my release until I felt his sharp thrust. I wanted to scream, but he was kissing me, holdingme tight while he kept fucking me senseless.


    I never forget, never will.


    THE END


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