Criminal: A Bad-Boy Stepbrother Romance by Alexis Abbott, Alex Abbott Read Free Book Online Page B

those pink
decorations, plates and balloons and streamers, had them up
everywhere. I was so excited, I just couldn't wait. I'd invited all
my friends on these little themed cards, and told you that you had to
go and that I didn't want you there. I was just so embarrassed to
have my big brother hanging out with my friends, stealing all their
attention."
    I pause, but he doesn't say anything, so I continue.
    "But then... my friends all just... didn't show
up," I say, my voice strained and I can feel tears burning at my
eyes. "They all had just decided that princess parties were too
young, not cool enough for them, and they never told me. So I was
just sitting there in my dress, waiting for them all day. Mom kept
telling me to come inside, to just open presents with the family, but
I was in disbelief that they'd stand me up. That they'd be so mean."
    The pain still feels so raw. I had been so
humiliated, so hurt. They'd told me the day before, promised me they
were going to come.
    "And I was crying on the steps when you came
home from being with your friends. You were skateboarding back then,
remember? And a lot skinnier, but I think you'd already gotten your
first tattoo and your tongue pierced, and you always had that stupid
mohawk," I say with a bit of a laugh. "When you found out
what happened, you were so mad, and I remember you ran inside, right
to dad's closet and grabbed one of his suits. It didn't really fit,
but you smoothed out your hair, and you offered me your hand, and
introduced yourself as Prince Charming. Mom and dad put on some
music, and you made me dance with you until I stopped crying and
started laughing."
    I smile at the memory, remembering his young, punk
rock phase and how hard he always looked, but for me, it was nothing
but affection.
    He still hasn't said a word, though, and I worry he
doesn't remember, or doesn't care. It makes my heart hurt, and a tear
spills down from the corner of my eye.
    He was my hero back then.
    He was my everything.
    But after that party, I started having feelings for
him. Feelings I shouldn't have, and I started pushing him away.
Little bits at first, and then when he turned eighteen and moved to a
different town, it was easier to forget all of it and pretend like it
was nothing but a girly phase. I dated, tried to move on and have my
own life. But now here I am, back under the same roof as him, and my
feelings are burning stronger than ever, even with my anger.
    I swallow back the lump in my throat, the hot air
feeling so heavy on my chest, and I push down my blanket, my
nightgown already damp with sweat.
    It's minutes later when I finally hear him, his dark,
rumbling voice penetrating the wall.
    "I remember, Princess."
    That nickname again, this time said with such
tenderness instead of scorn and mockery. I sob again and try to quiet
it, trying to fight the urge to break down. I can't handle him
hearing me like that.
    “I miss them so much.”
    “I know…” There’s a brief
pause. “Even though I hadn’t seen them in a while, I
still expect to go home and find them there, like nothing has
changed.”
    I don’t know what to say to that, because even
though I know they’re not there, part of my mind tricks me into
thinking I just haven’t seen them in a while. As if they’re
not really gone, they’re just not around.
    The thought breaks my heart, and I push it away.
    "I miss you. You always looked out for me, even
though you never had to," I whimper, my voice pathetic.
    "I tried."
    He's still being short with me, but at least he's
talking. That makes me feel a little better, and I imagine opening my
door, going to his room, curling up with him. Feeling his skin
against mine. Just like we had on the couch all those times. I don't
even know what part of him I'm craving. The part of him that makes me
feel like he's my hero, that he'll always protect me? Or the part of
him that makes women lose their minds, willing to give up so much
just for a chance to sleep with