Forbidden Desires: Taming my Brother's bestfriend

ARIA There are actually worse places to be stuck at than in the middle of a deserted road during a cold, heavy rainstorm. For instance, I could be lost in a jungle full of venomous snakes, or trapped in an elevator with a mime who wouldn’t stop performing. Or even worse, forced to listen to “Baby Shark” on loop for eternity. But just because things could be worse didn’t mean my current situation didn’t suck at all. Think positive, Aria. “Help will arrive… now,” I muttered to myself, staring at my phone as if the intensity of my gaze could make the ride-sharing app work faster. Unfortunately, the app’s persistent “searching for a driver” screen had been taunting me for the last thirty minutes. Normally, I would be less panicked about it—after all, I had a phone with a signal, a full battery and a tiny roof shelter keeping me somewhat dry. But tonight was special. Jahmir’s farewell dinner party was starting in less than two hours, and I still needed to pick up his surprise gift from the boutique and the cake. And to make it worse, the night was falling much faster than every other day. Even though I considered myself a carefree type of girl, I knew better than to be alone in a desolate area by this time without any skills whatsoever. Maybe I should’ve taken those self-defense classes like Shanisse suggested. I scanned the remaining options in my mind. The bus that serviced this area didn't function on weekends and very few of my friends were either out of town or didn’t have a car, and my last attempt at flagging down a passing vehicle earlier had been met with exactly zero success, probably due to the heavy downpour. Not that I was eager to get free lifts from any passing vehicles—I've seen too many true-crime documentaries to know better. With a sigh, I did the very one thing I’d always avoided. But right now, as a beggar, I have no other option. I pulled up the contact I least wanted to call, took a deep breath, said a short silent prayer and hit the dial button. Come on, Jahmir, pick up. Or don’t. I couldn’t even decide which would be worse—dealing with him or being left stranded and kidnapped or, even worse, murdered. Of course, there was always the possibility that my brother might kill me himself for getting into this mess in the first place, but that was a problem to worry about later for my future self. “Why do you always tend to call at the worst times? What’s wrong again?” His usual gruff greeting made me roll my eyes. “Hello, my sweet dearest brother. Nice to hear your voice too. Why do you assume something’s always wrong?” He let out a dry laugh. “Duh, You only call me when you are in need or in trouble, so which is it?” He wasn’t wrong at all. Jahmir and I usually stuck to texts, and considering we lived next door to each other, I rarely needed to contact him at all. “I’m not in any trouble,” I bit my lips, though the situation wasn’t ideal. “Just a bit stuck. I can’t get an Uber, and I’m kind of… in the middle of nowhere.” “For the love of__Aria, where are you?” I quickly told him, wincing at the sharp intake of breath on his end. “That’s nearly an hour away from the city!” His irritation was palpable even through the phone. “It’s not that far. I had a photo shoot out here, and it’s just a short drive back… usually,” I explained, trying to sound nonchalant as thunder rumbled continuously overhead. I huddled closer to the side of the shelter, though it offered little protection from the wind-driven rain that slanted sideways and hit my face like tiny, freezing needles. Jahmir's end of the line went silent for a moment, and then I heard a faint rustling sound, followed by a low, feminine voice as If moaning. My stomach dropped. “Are you with someone right now?” I asked with a low whisper in my voice, though I was alone. The last thing I wanted was to intrude on his…activities. Another moan, this one louder, confirmed my worst suspicions. “Well, basically, no,” he replied, but his tone carried that story-tale edge that made my skin crawl. “Basically,” I repeated, stretching at the thought of what that could mean. I definitely didn’t want details. “Jahmir Winters.” “Hey, mind your business, remember you are the one who called me,” he shot back, unrepentant. Then his voice dropped to a low muffled murmur, probably he dropped the phone somewhere to continue what he was doing. Then I heard another giggle, then a quiet squeal. I’d rather have been out there with the rain than stuck on this call. He cleared his throat. “One of the guys took my car to run an errand, but don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Send me your location and stay put. You still have that pepper spray I got you, yeah?” “Yes,” I replied, my voice flat. “Thanks for that, by the way. I was hoping for a new lens, but pepper spray? Totally what every girl wants.” He ignored my sarcasm, “You’re welcome. Just stay where you are, and he’ll be there soon. We’ll talk later about your brilliant decision-making skills.” “I’m perfectly capable of making decisions,” I retorted, though my confidence was a bit shaky. “It’s definitely not my fault that it started raining and no ri—wait, who’s ‘he’? Jahmir!” But the line had already cut off. Of course. The one time I actually needed him to elaborate, he’d decide to leave me hanging for his visitor. Considering how overly protective he’d been since we were kids, I was surprised he wasn't too panicked and angry. Ever since ‘that accident’, he had made it a mandate to look after me like he was my brother, father, and personal bodyguard all combined into one. It was sweet, but sometimes his overprotectiveness was a bit much. I understood though– growing up was tough and messed up totally, or rather, so I heard. I leaned towards the wall, hugging my bag close to my chest, trying to warm myself while waiting for this mysterious “he” to arrive. I was expecting anyone—.My brother had plenty of friends, many of whom I barely knew. He’d always been the social butterfly, the one everyone wanted to be around. As for Me? I wouldn't say unpopular, but I preferred the quiet life, my camera, and the dream of visiting every corner of the world someday—though my fear of heights made that dream a bit tricky. Time kept passing quickly, and the twilight deepened into full darkness, the rain continuing to pour relentlessly. I regretted turning down the offer of a ride back from my clients earlier, but I hadn’t wanted to inconvenience them. I’d thought I could catch a quick Uber back to the city, which would take about twenty minutes to my campus from there, but the weather had other plans. I was already getting worried just in case the so-called friend decided to ditch me and go somewhere else but then Jahmir had never gone against his words. If my thoughts ever happened to come true, I doubt If that friend would still have his face intact. Jahmir was an A-plus medical student, but he had zero composure and limits about using violence when it was called for_ most especially when it involved me. I saw the bright headlights of a vehicle coming towards me as I tried squinting because it was almost blinding. I fidgeted as my heart skipped trying to figure out whether it was my ride or one of those kidnap scenes I see in movies. Bronx city was very safe, but you can never tell. As the car approached, coming to a halt, I relaxed my shoulders in relief, only to suddenly pause again three seconds later. Oh No!