“I’m tired of you using my bathroom, stealing my snacks, and acting like you belong here, so let’s put it this way,bro. If you were on fire, I’d roast marshmallows.”
He chose a coffee pod and started the machine. “Sounds like a good time.”
I rolled my eyes, annoyed with how easily everything rolled off him.
“And I’d bring gasoline to move things along, for my sake.”
He turned to look at me, his smile still in place. “I’ll bring hot dogs. Wouldn’t want to skip right to dessert, would we?”
I stuck my tongue out at him, not caring about how juvenile my response was. “Do you ever get tired of being this annoying?”
“Not really,” he responded as he grabbed his mug and walked past me. “Iliveto annoy my little sister. Isn’t that what big brothers are for?”
His arm brushed against the front of me, leaving goosebumps in its wake. I was too flustered to find something to say back, so I watched him go, angry he’d gotten the last word but satisfied he was leaving the room.
Then, he turned around. His smile sent chills down my spine before he even opened his mouth.
“‘Make me yours, Michael’,” he mocked, his eyes darkening with amusement.
My stomach flipped, and suddenly, the room was really fucking hot—and spinning.
“When did you hear that?” My jaw was tight, flexing as I waited to his answer.
Had he been listening in? Ear to the wall, hearing me get pounded into the damn sheets as I let a masked man fuck my ass?
“You should really keep it down when you’re sneaking someone in late at night.” He shrugged. “You wouldn’t want Mom and Dad knowing what happens after they go to bed.” He raised an eyebrow, and I immediately felt like a cornered animal.
“You wouldn’t.”
“It’s all up to you.” He winked at me, and the urge to smack him returned. “Might want to get used to sharing your snacks, sis. I have my eyes on those peanut butter cups.”
“Touch my food again, and I’ll break your arms,” I threatened.
He chuckled as though I’d just said the funniest thing ever.
“I’m not kidding, Rowen,” I said with warning. “I’m not a fucking kid anymore. Don’t mess with me. I won’t put up with your shit like I used to.”
He paused, his brows knitting together. Then, his lips parted like he was going to say something. I even held my breath, waiting. Instead, he turned and left, leaving me to my once-peaceful silence.
Now, it was too damn loud.
***
“Please tell me you're joking,” I deadpanned to my mother.
She shook her head and headed for my bedroom door. “Tom and I want to get away, and we both have some vacation days we need to use.” She smiled at me, her hand on the doorframe. “Who knows, maybe you and Rowen can find some common ground while we’re gone. Find a movie to watch or invite some friends over for a movie night. Actually make an effort to get to know each other.”
I scoffed, offended she’d suggest I spend time with him at all. “All the money in the world isn’t enough to make me spend time with that parasite.”
“You two are more alike than you’d think, sweetheart.”
“Don’t make me barf, Mom.”
She laughed. “I’m serious, Avery. You never gave him a chance. You might want to before it’s too late and you miss out.”
“When will you be back?”
I could see her contemplating challenging my sudden change in subject, but then she said, “Four or five days. I’ll text you and keep you updated.”
