The Sweet Kind of Wrong

CHAPTER 14

JANE

A month has passed and we moved to our new home. My mom couldn't be happier and I love seeing her that way. Luke and I have inseparable, I try so much to keep my distance but he just catches onto me and he knows my weak spot. Other than that I am slowly but surely accepting my new reality and to be quite honest I like it not too much but you know.

Feeling a weight over my body, I start stirring in my sleep, trying to move, I open my eyes. My vision is blurred but I adjust almost quickly and see my mom hovering over me, caressing my hair smoothly. She already freshened up from what I can tell, she's fully dressed in normal clothes. Why is she waking me early? It's Saturday for goodness sake. Plus I am not feeling well. Yesterday I went to school feeling feverish with a pounding headache so I spent the rest of my day in a sick room being attended to by the nurses at school every now and then. Not forgetting Erika and Luke who kept checking on me like I'm some sort of a five year old.

I was supposed to go to my dad's this weekend but he cancelled on me, telling me he had to go Brooklyn for some conference so I ended staying back. I really miss him so much it hurts. It's been so long since we spent time together and I intend to make up for lost time when I finally get a chance to see him.

"Mom!" I groan, rubbing my eyes then I stare right in her blues.

"Hey sweetheart! Wake up." She kisses my forehead.

"Mom, it's Saturday."

"I know, wake up."

"As in the weekend." I give her a look.

"Whatever, sweetie. I want you to help me make breakfast."

"Seriously? Mom, it's not even seven AM."

"Wake up and freshen up. I'll meet you downstairs." She stands up and heads for the door.

I groan rolling on my bed, pulling the sheets on me again. After a few minutes of glaring at the ceiling, I slowly get off the bed, stretching my arms and fixing the bad then I make my way to the bathroom to take a shower. A few moments later I come out and lotion then get dressed. I then leave my room and go downstairs. Lazily I make coffee, fill it in my cup and stand by the window, taking a sip, enjoying the smell and taste of coffee early in the morning. I glance at the beautiful backyard. Flowers surround a small grassy area shaded by an oak tree. There's a small table and chair snuck under it. It's beautiful, the backyard is beautiful simple and peaceful.

"Got coffee?" The husky, sweet voice that still haunts me in my dreams, never letting me breathe, not that I mind. I've grown to love it, I've grown to love him. Yes him. Luke. He's intoxicating, charming, charismatic, sweet, caring, amazing, perfect in all kinds of ways.

Nobody is perfect. I know but to me he's perfect, my Greek god is perfect. I can't even hide the burn I feel on my cheeks as I feel his presence behind me. I feel the warm that radiates in his body even though our bodies haven't collided, the electric shocks running through my body, the sharp shivers running down my spine. He's right behind me, few inches away. I hate him for doing this to me.

What are you doing to me, Greek god?

The s****l tension is evident and unbearable between the two of us. I want to jump his bones and kiss him, r****h him right here in this kitchen floor. But I can't do that, that would be signing both our death sentences and digging our own graves. I can't help it though, he's intimidating, the strong aura is not of any help instead it's making things worse. What do you do when you find yourself in a situation like this? Nothing. He's your step brother. Yeah he is my step brother and I gotta control my feelings and face reality, face the music. He'll never be mine, I'll never be his. We're together but we can't be together.

Fuck you, fate.

Taking a few breaths in, I turn to look back at him, holding my head up high, managing to hide the effect he holds on me.

"Want some?" Referring to the question he asked earlier.

"I would love some if you don't mind." He replies, his ocean eyes piercing into me, holding daggers right into my soul. I will suffer from heart attack.

And then it just happens, that connection, deep connection that can't be ignored by either of us rises up. So high that I find myself biting my bottom lip so hard. He smirks, walking away and sits on the high chair, waiting for me to make his coffee. I put my cup down and fill his with coffee. I can't focus. Why? Because he's shirtless and gorgeous in front of me. I've seen his body before, all naked, but I can't seem to get enough. Him and I haven't had s*x yet but we've done other intimite things. He's seen me naked and I've seen him naked but still, I can't breathe, it's hard, really hard. I will die.

Where's mom? She's supposed to be here. We're supposed to be making breakfast but no I'm stuck with the sexy Greek god, the king of abs. Sweet Jesus mother of God. I hand him his cup and he gratefully takes it with a small smile plastered on his face, glimmer evident in his eyes as he looks at me like he wants to say something.

"You're really beautiful." Out of the blue, he mutters.

I blush looking down, avoiding his gaze as he chuckles lowly. What's wrong with me? He tells me everyday that I'm beautiful. Why am I like this? Because it comes from him.

"Thank you for the coffee. I'll be in my room if anyone needs me especially you." He sends a wink, that's enough to cause goosebumps all over my skin. I push my thighs together as a pool of liquids ignites in between. He will be the death of me. He leaves the kitchen and I let out a breath I hadn't noticed I was holding. After the long exasperated sigh, I begin to relax.

"So how are things at home?" Erika asks as we pay for the magazines we just bought inside the gas station.

"Fine, I guess." I slightly shrug.

"Fine? You mean you're still sleeping with your step brother?" She asks loud enough for the cashier to glare at us like 'what the f**k did you just say?'

"Rika?"

"What?" She exclaims with a shrug.

"I'm not sleeping with Luke." I whisper.

"You mean you haven't?"

Not answering her, I take my stuff and head out, with her besides me. I'm tired of this conversation already. As much as I love her, she's also draining sometimes and I'm not all about that.

"Jane?"

"What? Yes I haven't slept with him."

"So you're going to?" She asks.

"No, happy now?" I ask and she shrugs rolling her eyes, muttering some things I can't even hear.

"Why did you shout in there? You want everybody to know about my business?" I continue.

"No, I'm sorry. It just slipped."

"It's okay. I know you're trying to help and I love you for that but I don't want to talk about this. It's draining me, I feel guilty enough and I can't just turn my feelings off. I'm human."

"I understand. I'm here for you though. Anytime." She smile sincerely. I know she means it.

"You're the best."

"Tell me something I don't know." She jokes, flicking her hair sideways.

"Go to hell." We both laugh and make our way to her car.

"Oh he's cute..." She coos looking at hot guy coming our way.

He's a real macho, a black macho. He wears blue darted jeans, a white t-shirt that's perfectly and I mean perfectly hugging his upper body and a snake printed jacket with white sneakers, he has a necklace around his neck. His fade is perfectly cut. He's a snack, a whole snack. He has the most chocolate coloured eyes I've ever seen in my whole entire life. Did I mention the most intoxicating pink lips. Well he has those and he is tempting.

Erika elbows me and I snap out of it. Only then I realize he's standing in front of me and he is smirking. Gosh, I'm going to die.

'I am definitely not staring.'

"Of course not." He replies.

I immediately cover my mouth realizing that I said that out loud, suddenly feeling shy.

"I said that out loud, didn't I?" I asked lowly.

"Yeah you did." He tells me.

"I'm sorry. I'm weird at times."

"Don't worry about it."

I look at Erika who is looking at both of us with a big smile on her face. And there I thought I was the weirdo. Turns out my best friend is worse.

"I'm Nathan." He introduces himself, extending his hand for me to shake and I slowly take it.

"Jane and this is my friend, Erika." I reply.

"Nice to meet you both." He says and we both nod in agreement.

This Nathan guy looks nervous like hella nervous. How do you become nervous when you're smoking hot? I fail to understand.

"I er... I was wondering if we could..."He stutters. He's definitely nervous. "if I could get your number."

"Mine? You want my number?" I ask confirming if I heard correctly.

"Yes..."

"Okay um-"

He hands me his phone and I dial my number and give it back to him.

"Thank you. I'll call you later." He smiles, he has a beautiful smile, like really beautiful. And it's genuine.

"Okay, I'll hear from you then." I say.

"Alright. Enjoy the rest of your day, ladies." He walks away.

I turn to Erika who is smiling widely like she just won a lottery jackpot.

Jesus, help me.

I muse in my mind as I wait for my crazy best friend to say something. As expected, she jumps up and down, squealing, engulfing me into a tight hug. I can't help but laugh even though I know what she says next will set me off.

"b***h! You did good. That is the best way to forget about your fling with your Greek god step brother. Nathan is a way out. Trust me you won't see Luke the way you usually do no more. I promise you." She trails off.

"Rika? I thought I said I didn't want to talk about Luke. Why are you bringing him up again?"

"I'm sorry but I'm trying to help you here. I know that-"

"You know nothing, Rika. I don't want to talk about it. Now drop it. Please." I plead joining my hands together.

"Okay fine. I'm sorry." She says. "I'm just trying to cheer you up, friend. This thing with Luke has you all moody lately and I don't like seeing you that way." She pouts childishly and I just chuckle because she really does look childish now.

"It's fine. I'll try not to be moody." I say. "Now please let's drop this Luke topic, it's making me hungry."

"McDonald's?" She grins.

"You know it." We hop in her car and drive to McDonald's.

It's six PM and I just finished my Science assignment that we were given Friday. All I want is a relaxing hot bath, put my mind at ease. I'm really tired. After we went to eat at McDonald's, Erika was suddenly in the mood to window shop which turned to the actual shopping. I swear to God Erika can shop the entire store yet she doesn't get enough. I've adapted her way of life. But other than she's fun and she can turn a bad mood just like that. I really had fun with her and she made me forget about a lot of things especially the one thing I have with my step brother.

I go to the bathroom and fill the bathtub with warm water. While I await for it, I add the necessary some bath salt, bubbles and some essence I just bought today. I leave the bathroom to go undress and after a few minutes, I come back and step into the bathtub. I lean back, closing my eyes, enjoying the feeling of being submerged in the warm water.

I dress into my camouflage trousers and a leopard printed top and put on some white sneakers. I comb my hair and let it loose and put on natural makeup. I'm going out with Erika. I stand in front of the mirror admiring myself, I look simple yet good. I love my hair colour, brown and blonde. I've never dyed it because I love it just the way it is.

"Hey chica!" Erika budges in like she owns the place. She wears biker shorts and a t-shirt tucked in the shorts on one side. Her hair tied on big puffy bun, makeup on point. We sure look cool.

"Have some respect for my room." I muse and she laughs.

"In hell maybe. You're ready?"

"As ready as I'll ever be." I answer taking my purse and necessary stuff in it with my phone.

"Where are your parents?"

"In Queens, mom went there with Roger, he has some work so..." I shrug.

"And Luke?

"I haven't seen him since I came back. Adrian is obviously spending the night at his friend's house. He told me this morning. Monica didn't come in today in case you're wondering."

She laughs so hard and I find myself joining her.

"Girl, you should be a detective." She teases.

"I'd fit in perfectly right?"

"Yes you would." She laughs. "Let's go."

"Okay."

We leave the house and drive t o the club. We get to the club, it's booming. It's clear that everybody is enjoying the weekend and I couldn't be more excited.

We make our way to the bar and buy drinks. We start with shots, tequila, trust Erika, she's the tequila queen. We bought six shots and we plan on drinking them all in one go.

"Ready?" Erika asks over the loud music.

"Yes." We down our shorts and scream out. "This is good."

"I know."

"Hey ladies!" Nathan greets as he stands in between us, engulfing us into his strong arms.

"Hey Nathan! What are you doing here?" Erika asks. I'm sure the shots are starting to work or is it too soon?

Whatever.

"It's a club, Erika." He laughs.

"Of course."

"Are you two alone? You can join me and my friends." He says.

"We wouldn't want to intrude." I say.

"You wouldn't be intruding. Come on, it'll be fun, there's also girls."

I look over to their spot and I see Amanda, some girl from my Spanish class. Maybe this isn't a bad idea. At least I know Amanda.

"You know Amanda?" I ask him.

"Yeah, we go to the same school."

"You go to Dominican Academy?"

"Yes."

"Guys, we're here to have fun not talk about school. Come on, let's go." Erika drags both of us and pushes us through the crowd, making her waking to Nathan's friends.

"Guys, this is Erika and Jane. My new friends." Nathan introduces us.

"Hey Jane!" Amanda hugs me.

"Hey!"

We sit down and engage with them, they introduce themselves and we engage into a light conversation as we drink up with them. Nathan has been stealing glances at me and when I look back, he just smiles. He's sitting right next to me.

We continue chatting and laughing and drinking. I can say I'm having fun. His friends are cool and fun too. I even managed to forget about the sexy Greek god whom I see everyday at home and I prefer it that way. I intend to have fun until he exits my mind completely. He has to, he has to leave me alone. Erika was right, I have to control my feelings for him and I will even if it takes me to dating another guy, I will do it. I will show him that he has no hold, no effect on me no more. He's my brother now and it has to stay like that.

"You wanna dance?" Nathan asks me.

"Sure."

He stands up and takes my hand and we make our way to the dance floor. We begin to dance, I'm free and open when I'm in the dance floor, dance is my life. The song playing is Rihanna's Disturbia. Nathan goes with my flows and we both start to relax around each other. As the song goes on, the effect of the alcohol takes control, I feel my head light and I begin to sway my hips around, swinging my hair freely. Nathan just lets me do whatever I want and I can see he's enjoying what I'm doing. What I'm thankful for is that he's not doing anything inappropriate, yes he's touching me but carefully.

"I had fun tonight." Nathan says as we make our way to the parking lot.

"Me too. Tonight was great. Thank you."

"For what?" He asks.

"For hijacking us tonight. It was just me and Erika and then you came."

"I'm glad I could help even though I hijacked you girls but it ended in a good way." He laughs.

"Yeah, it did."

"So when can I see you again?" He asks.

"I don't know, we'll just have to let fate decide."

"Tuesday is a public holiday. We can go watch movies... Or whatever you wanna do. I don't want to decide for you."

"You're asking me out on a date?" I tease him.

"I am?" He answers with a question, rubbing the back of his neck. I look at him amused at his nervousness.

"I'd like to go to movies with you, Nathan." I tell him and I can see the relief washing over him.

"Great. I'll set everything up and get back to you. I'll pick you up though." He grins wider

"Okay. Well I have to go now. My friend is wasted so I have to drive."

"Alright. See you." He kisses my cheek and hugs me. "Goodnight, Jane."

"Goodnight Nathan." I hop in my car, Erika is in the backseat already passed out. I drive out from the parking drive through heading to the main road. Next up- home.