The Wrong Brother's Temptation novel Chapter 28

Chapter 28

Sienna

76

55 vouchers

“It means,” Aaron said, his jaw clenching, “that Connor always has to be the hero. Always has to swoop in and save the day so everyone thinks he’s such a good guy.”

“Maybe he is a good guy,” I said.

Aaron laughed, but there was no humor in it. “You don’t actually believe that, do you?”

“I don’t know what I believe anymore,” I said honestly. “But I know that he was there when I needed help and you weren’t.”

That hit the bullseye and I saw Aaron flinch.

“You should go,” I said, suddenly exhausted. “I’m tired. And I don’t want to fight with you anymore.”

“We’re not fighting,” Aaron said. “We’re just talking.”

“No,” I corrected. “You’re lecturing me about my choices. Again. And I’m done listening.”

Aaron looked at me for a long moment, something unreadable in his expression.

“He’s going to hurt you,” he said quietly. “Connor. Whatever game he’s playing, whatever he’s told you, he’s going to hurt you in the end. That’s what he does.”

“Maybe,” I said. “But that’s my choice to make. Not yours.”

“You’re my best friend,” Aaron said. “I’m not just going to stand by and watch you get hurt.”

“Then don’t watch,” I said simply.

Aaron stared at me like he didn’t recognize me.

And maybe he didn’t because I wasn’t sure I recognized myself anymore either.

“Get out of my room, Aaron,” I said. “Please.”

He hesitated, then walked to the window.

Before he climbed out, he turned back.

“I’m not giving up on you,” he said. “Even if you’ve given up on us.”

And then he was gone, climbing down like he did in childhood.

I stood there for a moment, staring at the empty window, feeling hollow.

Then I climbed into bed, pulled the covers over my head, and tried very hard not to cry.

1/4

15:10 Thu, Jul 23

Chapter 28

16

55 vouchers

I slept through the entire day and night, headache and my confusing thoughts exhausting me in equal

measure.

I wouldn’t have stepped out of the room at all if Mom hadn’t dragged me outside for breakfast the next day.

There were still no replies from Connor. Part of me hated him for letting me stew in my guilt but the other wondered why the fuck did I care.

He must be busy banging some other girl like usual and not even bothered to check my text. Maybe this was his way of insulting me.

My brain was going crazy with theories and wouldn’t stop recalling the devastated look on Connor’s face.

For once in my life, I had said something to really crush him. It had been my lifelong dream to see him ashen, to come up with words so witty and cruel, he would be heartbroken.

And yet when I did achieve that in my drunken state, my heart wouldn’t stop throwing the guilt at me every second.

“You’ve barely touched your plate, dear” mom said, sitting across from me.

“Just not hungry” I said, chasing the peas on the plate with a fork.

“Eat something and get ready. We have to be at Aaron’s place tonight.”

1 looked

up at her in confusion.

“We? As in all of us?”

Mom nodded. “Yep, are you forgetting it’s his parents‘ anniversary tonight? Aaron had been talking about it for months and came in to personally drop the invites in the morning.”

“He did?” I asked, forcing the mashed potatoes down my throat.

“Yes, with his girlfriend. He asked about you but I told him you were asleep so he left.”

So he didn’t tell mom he had barged into my room last night.

At least, he respected my wishes this time to not repeat his earlier mistake.

“I wouldn’t have woken you up if not for the party. Will you come with me and your dad or leave early like usual?”

Mom asked. For several years, I would spend most of my day at Aaron’s place either way and would try to help with decorations and stuff.

Aaron’s mom always loved the floral arrangements I did.

My gaze flicked to my phone that was still waiting for a reply from Connor and I pushed back the chair while standing up.

2/4

15:10 Thu, Jul 23

Chapter 28

“I guess I will leave early”

16

156 vouchers

It was the perfect way to find Connor and talk to him, and apologize to him in person. And hopefully, get him back on the fake dating plan.

With that in mind, I quickly brushed my teeth, took a shower and changed into my usual jeans and a black tank top. I would change later into the evening dress after I was done with the work like always.

The drive wasn’t too far but I kept wondering how to start the conversation with Connor and how not to screw up this time.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify