“You know I can make you one too, right?” I watch in mock annoyance as he gulps my drink. Any second now and he’ll get a brain freeze from how fast he’s drinking it. It doesn’t bug me as much as I make it seem whenever he samples anything I make for myself. Sharing with him has been our thing since we were kids. And Aiden seems to enjoy the hell I give him as much as I love dishing it out.
The corners of his lips kick up in a mischievous grin, and he swallows the mouthful. He licks his bottom lip, catching stray droplets of the smoothie as he hands me the cup. “It doesn’t taste as good when you make one for me.”
I raise an eyebrow and snatch the cup from him. “Because it’s not mine?”
“Exactly. It’s always sweeter when it’s yours. I’ll see you later.”
I roll my eyes and sip my smoothie as he walks away. My phone chimes with a new text, and I dive for it on the counter. I grin and let out a little squeal at Brandon’s name displayed on the screen.
Brandon
You still up for playing later?
Always.
Cool.
What are your plans for today?
Shopping around. I’d like to find some more stuff to add to my new cosplay. What about you?
Work.
Is the cosplay for next weekend at Otaku Con?
“Otaku Con is next weekend?” I blanch when I check the calendar app.
Holy shit. It is next weekend. How did I lose track of time? I thought it was happening in a few weeks and that I had time to get ready.
The notification bar lowers with a new text from Brandon.
Brandon:I’ll be there with a friend. Maybe we can meet up?
Brandon:You can bring the biker friend as a date. *smirk emoji* It’ll be fun.
I stare at the last message, ignoring the gaping hole in my chest.
That can’t be good if he’s suggesting I bring Aiden with me.
Maybe Ishouldtalk to Aiden about this. Get the insider scoop from a man and take notes on what I should do and say to be alluring to Brandon. Plus, he’ll need an explanation for why I’m dragging him along with me to Otaku Con.
TWO
AIDEN
Putting moreforce into my kick, I knock my boot twice against the safe house’s door to let Hawk know I’m here. I drag a lungful of sweet vapor from my disposable vape and blow it out in an aggressive cloud while I wait for Hawk to answer.
Jealousy burns through my veins like a toxin I can’t find the antidote for. I thought I’d get used to this feeling by now. No matter how many times I try to get over this obsession with my sister, I can’t remove her from my system. It’s eating me alive, and I don’t know how much more I can take.
I want her, but I can’t have her.
I never settle down with anyone, preferring to keep distance between them and me. Even while I fuck them, I shy away from intimacy and anything that involves emotions. Why catch feelings for someone when they’ll end up hurting and leaving me? So I hurt and leave first.
And I can’t do that shit to Nova. She deserves someone who isn’t as broken as I am. I’d unintentionally hurt her once my brain turns off and I become distant.
Despite all my bullshit emotional baggage and knowing I’m not worthy of her, jealousy rages through me.
Some other man caught her attention.
