“You’ve changed, Bunny,” he say’s and my eyes flicker upward to his. He searches them, trying to figure out who I am now.
But he’s not wrong, I have changed. Life has changed me, shaped me, and I’m not the naive little girl he once knew.
I raise an eyebrow as I answer, “And so have you.”
He tilts his head to the side, gaze narrowing as he explores my features. “But what’s happened to you?”
My eyes lower, the question hitting me hard. “You would know if you were here,” I respond, facing aside.
He pauses, staring at my side-profile for a moment. “And who’s fucking fault is that, hm?”
When I glance at him, he doesn’t look at me now, drawing away and slumping back on the couch. I can’t help but feel the ache in my heart. How we got to this point and everything else. I think back on the very first time I ever felt something shift between us.
It was on a New Year’s Eve, and it was the first time I was ever really allowed around Rook and his friends. Me and my friend back then, Taylor, went to a yard party at one of his close friends' houses in hopes to watch a huge fireworks display.
As I step out of our home, I flick myblack hair over my shoulder before striding down the long pathway. It’s late, later than I’ve ever been out and I spot Rook leaning against his black matte Harley at the end, smoking, looking down at his phone. I pull my short, white dress further down my thighs, feeling nervous about this party, but I know if Rook’s there, I’ll be fine.
Approaching I notice his eyes flick upward to me before he double takes. His gaze narrows as he tucks his phone into his pocket, his chin tilting upward before he pushes himself away from the bike, which he names Darkness. When I’m close he shakes his head once, eyes raking down me.
“No. Fucking. Way. In. Hell.” He says each word comes through clenched teeth.
I roll my eyes, passing him, trying to ignore his stupid brotherly form of possessiveness.
“Fuck off, Rook.” I say, ready to get on the back of his bike, but his strong hand around my upper arm stops me, along with his glare.
“I mean it, Bunny.” He grits out before giving a head gesture toward the house, “Get your slutty ass back inside and put some pants on.”
I yank my arm free and place my hand on my hip. “Excuse me? Did you just call me slutty when you know…”
“Yes. Slut. Get the fuck back inside.”
I feel my blood boil and I narrow my eyes. “Say that again, I fucking dare you.”
He brings his face close to mine. “Slut.” He bites and I raise my hand, ready to smack his smug face, but he catches it before pinning it behind my back, pulling me close.
“Don’t fuck with me, Bunny.”
“What is wrong with you, fucking psycho!” I yell, struggling in his grasp until he suddenly lets me go.
I stumble back in my heels, fixing myself and when I lift my head, swiping my hair away from my face, I narrow my eyes, pointing my finger.
“You’re not my father, Rook. You can’t…”
“No, I’m not. I’m worse. I’m your big fucking brother,” he cuts me off.
“And it’s getting weird.” I retort which makes him raise an eyebrow before I continue. “I’m a woman… I’m…”
“You’re dressed like a hooker and you’re not one,” he throws back calmly, flicking his cigarette away and I pause, just staring at him until he closes the gap between us.
“I don’t want other guys looking at my little sister like she’s some easy piece of meat they can touch. I don’t want to have to kill my fucking friends, Eb,” he says when he stops right in front of me.
I gaze up at him, getting annoyed with this shit every single time.
“Taylor’s brother isn’t like this with her.”
“Taylor’s fucking brother ain’t me.”
“I figured. You almost sound jealous of the possibility of guys…” I trail off, glancing away but he fingers curl around my chin, tilting my head to look up at him.
