STEPBROTHER (R-18) novel Chapter 37

Scarlett's POV

"She was so desperate to have someone... to be fucking owned, it made no difference when they started hitting her. I shouldn't have been surprised that it wouldn't make a fucking difference when they started hitting me. But, you know how fucking naive kids are"

He laughs mirthlessly, before he runs a hand down his face.

"She told me not to 'bother' my father with it. He wouldn't understand. He'd be mad at me. He'd be mad at her. Used the fact she loved him still as a weapon. And kids, we'll do almost anything for our parents"

"Oh my god, Oliver. I'm so sorry"

You reach for him, despite the way he flinches, resting your hand on his forearm, rubbing gently with your thumb as if your touch can ease his pain.

"She should've protected you"

"Yeah, well... cant change the past"

"No. I guess you cant..."

You drag a frustrated hand through your hair, as you pull your other hand from his arm, resting it in your lap. Overwhelmed with the urge to pull him into you arms, you busy your hands, aware that he's on edge and it's probably not the smartest thing to do right now.

Years and years of pain... no amount of words I say will change that.

"Is this boyfriend, Rick, the one who's been with her the longest?"

Oliver nods, and pulls the car to a stop in front of an unfamiliar house.

Shit we're here. Did Kirk make it yet?

You scan the street, searching for kirks car, unease setting over you as Oliver pulls the keys out of the ignition.

"Oliver, I-I don't think you should do this"

"He wants to fucking hit helpless women. I'm not going to just sit back and take it. Not anymore. And my moms not here to stop me this time"

You're unnerved by the frigid look in his eyes. Emotionless. Remorseless. He doesn't care what happens. Doesn't want to fucking think about it. Just wants to act, as all of these abusive men have in the past.

Damnit, where the hell is kirk?

You dial him again, watching as Oliver stalks towards the front door.

Oh gos. What the hell should I do? I should stop him. Throw myself in his damn way if I have too.

You hastily move towards the front door, not waiting to knock when you reach it. You twist the knob, frowning when you hear shouting coming from inside. You push open the door, moving towards the booming sound of Oliver's voice in what you realise is a kitchen.

Oliver looks pissed.

Your eyes move from Olivers ripped back to the man sitting at the table.

You peer at Oliver with a striking calm as Oliver roars loudly.

"You think it's fucking fun to put your hands on women? She's in the fucking hospital because of you, Rick!"

You're frozen in your spot at the ferocious tone of Oliver as he sets forward, vengeance lined along the tense muscles of his back.

"She's not here to fucking stop me anymore, Rick. Let's see you put your hands on me now, asshole. Since you're so big and fucking bad"

"Really, Oliver?"

His condescending, gritty tone adds fuel to the fire. Oliver tilts his head, challenging stepping forward.

"Don't fucking beat your chest at me. Your mother is in the hospital because of her damn self"

This guy wants Oliver to lose control... its almost like he's fucking counting on it.

You will your legs to move, binging you to Oliver's side where you press a gentle hand against his chest, your fingers drifting over the muscles of his abdomen familiarly.

"Oliver, he is not worth it. Don't let him get in your fucking head"

You make sure to level your gaze on Rick, a look of disgust twisting your expression.

"He's not a man. Men don't hit women and children. He's pathetic, and not worth it"

"Oh, so just another mouth to come to your aid, huh?"

Rick hiccups, as he moves his eyes from you to the glass of brown liquid on the table. He reaches for it, raising it to his lips, taking a large gulp before groaning satisfied as he swallows. Oliver scoffs, and goes to move forward. You press your body against his side and shake your head.