Fake Dating My Ex's Hockey Star Brother (Maya Scott) novel Chapter 25

KATY’S POV

Before I can look away, Braydon slides his arm around my waist again, tugging me close. The muscle in Bryan’s jaw ticks, and I have to bite back a smirk so I don’t make it obvious that this little performance is entirely for him.

“Want something to drink?” Braydon leans close, his breath brushing my ear over the music.

“Water. Or any soft drink,” I reply quickly.

His brows shoot up. “Soft drinks aren’t really the memo at parties like this.”

“Then water.”

He nods. “I’ll be right back.”

He presses a quick kiss to my forehead before heading off into the crowd, and I notice Bryan’s not standing there anymore.

“Cap does forehead kisses?” Luke asks, grinning at me like he’s discovered some big secret.

“Katy’s got him acting like a gentleman,” Martin adds, earning a few laughs.

Heat creeps up my neck, and I almost blush…almost, until I spot Justin’s expression. He’s not amused.

He rises from his seat, steps over, and plants himself right beside me. “Let’s talk.”

“Not now,” I whisper, glancing around nervously.

“Now,” he counters.

I let out a sigh and trail after him to the side of the staircase, folding my arms tight across my chest.

“Since when do you come to frat parties?” he fires off, barely giving us time to stop.

“Since tonight.”

He scoffs. “Seriously, what is wrong with you?”

“What’s wrong with me?” I shoot back. “For what, showing up at a party you’re already at?”

“I know this isn’t you, Katy,” he snaps.

“Oh, really? And you picked up this atrocious piece of wisdom inside the mouth of the girl you were hooking up with?”

His lips part like he’s about to fire something back, but nothing comes out. Then his fingers clamp around my wrist. “We’re leaving.”

“The hell we are.” I rip my hand free. “Allie’s here. Everyone’s here. You’re here. Why do I have to be the one to leave?”

“You’re not-”

“If a party’s fun for you, then it’s fun for me,” I cut in. “You don’t get to play parent and police me when you do whatever the hell you want.”

“Katy, listen to me, this-”

“I’m not listening.”

He gawks at me like I’ve completely lost it, but I don’t care. I know I’m all he’s got and vice versa, but he’s got to stop treating me like I’m some high school kid sneaking into prom.

than you. And you don’t… you don’t belong in that chaos, Katy.”

His voice changes, softer now, like he’s trying not to lose me. He rakes his hand through his hair again, the same way he always does when he’s seconds away from losing his patience.

“Look,” he sighs, “I won’t stop you anymore. You’re going to do what you want, I get that. But you have to promise me one thing.”

I fold my arms tighter. “What?”

“That you’ll always be you.” He responds. “The smart Katy. The debate–freak Katy. My little sister who’s got way too much potential to waste on this bullshit.”

Something hot prickles behind my eyes, and I hate that he can still get to me like this. I stare at him for a few seconds before finally nodding. “I promise.”

Relief floods his face instantly. He exhales like he’s been holding his breath for hours, then pulls me into a hug. His arms are strong, and he rubs slow circles on my back the way he did when I was a kid having a meltdown before a spelling bee.

We stay like that and for a moment I almost forget where we are.

Then he mutters into my hair, “I should’ve just broken Bryan’s limbs when I had the chance. None of this would’ve even started.”

I yank back and mock glare at him. “You promised not to do anything.”

“Yeah, yeah.” He waves me off. “I didn’t-” He pauses, then admits, “Okay, I maybe threatened him a little. And… did something else.”

My mouth drops open. “Oh my god. You’re unbelievable.”

He shrugs. “Not my fault. Those Cooper brothers are driving me insane.”

I shake my head, half fighting a smile, and half wanting to smack him.