Letters And Lies

First day of hell

Chapter Five — First day of hell

Phoebe's POV

I barely slept.

Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Seth's smirk and heard his words echoing in my head.

Two months. Total obedience.

My phone chimed on the lamp stand and I sluggishly turned to pick it up.

“Coffee. Now,” Seth's message popped in.

I exhaled slowly as I dragged myself out of bed to make the stupid coffee as he ordered.

I stood in front of the room for what felt like forever before I found the courage to knock.

When no one answered, I pushed the door down and stepped in.

I placed the coffee by his desk and moved further into the room.

The bathroom door opened behind me and he stepped out.

A white towel was wrapped low around his waist, water still dripping down his chest and abs. His curly hair was wet and messy.

For a second, I forgot how to breathe.

Suddenly, the towel slipped and fell to the floor.

My brain short-circuited.

I turned before I could even see his reaction.

“It's nothing you haven't seen before, kitty cat.” he said calmly.

“Oh I forgot, you haven't.”

My face burned. I took a step forward to leave but his words put my steps to a halt.

“Pick it up.”

I turned, stunned. “what?”

My gaze landed on his d**k and I squeezed my eyes shut so tight it hurt.

“Pick it up and tie it around me, kitty cat. Don't make me say it twice.”

I wanted to run, but I couldn't.

I kept my eyes shut as I walked forward and bent down. My hands were shaking as I grabbed the towel.

I stepped closer, eyes still closed, and tried to wrap it back around his waist.

The air between us felt thick, I could feel the heat coming off his body. My fingers accidentally brushed against his skin and I fumbled with the towel.

My heart was beating so loud I was sure he could hear it.

Just as I finally managed to secure it, a voice came from the hallway.

“Phoebe? Seth? Breakfast is ready.”

Mom.

I jumped back like I had been burned. Seth didn't even flinch.

“Coming mom.” I called, my voice was way too high.

I didn't wait for his reaction. I turned and ran out of his room, finally releasing a breath I didn't even realise I was holding.

********

My legs felt like jelly as I hurried out of the house, still trying to shake off what happened in Seth’s room.

My cheeks were still burning. I couldn’t believe I had to tie a towel around his waist with my eyes closed.

I just wanted to get to school and pretend none of it happened.

I rolled my bicycle out of the garage, ready to ride off, when a sleek black Porsche suddenly pulled up and blocked my path.

Seth leaned out of the driver’s seat, one arm resting casually on the steering wheel.

“Get in,” he said.

I tightened my grip on the bicycle handles. “No thanks. I’ll ride my bike.”

He didn’t move the car. Instead, he killed the engine and stepped out, walking toward me with that annoying smirk on his face.

“Come on, Phoebe. We’re siblings now,” he said, voice low and smooth. “It wouldn’t look good if our parents think we’re not getting along, would it?”

I opened my mouth to argue when Daniel’s voice rang out from the front door.

“Phoebe, go with Seth. It’s safer than riding that bicycle on the main road.”

I froze. Daniel stood there smiling warmly, completely unaware of the tension between us.

I swallowed my protest. “Yes, sir.”

Seth’s smirk deepened.

He walked around the car and opened the passenger door for me like a perfect gentleman.

I moved to step inside, but just as I was about to enter, he suddenly shut the door in my face.

He leaned down close, his breath brushing against my ear. “I’m not a gentleman like your precious Conrad,” he whispered.

“Get in.”

My stomach twisted. I glared at him, but I had no choice. I yanked the door open myself and slid into the seat, heart pounding.

Seth closed the door behind me with a soft click, then got into the driver’s seat looking far too satisfied.

As he started the engine, I stared straight ahead, gripping the seatbelt tightly.

This was only the beginning.

And I already hated every second of it.

*********

The drive to school was silent. I kept my eyes glued to the window, trying to not make any eye contact with him.

He stopped the engines after parking in the driveway.

I tried to open the door but it didn't open. “Open it.” I demanded.

He stared at me with a mischievous smile. “You’re my personal assistant.”

I rolled my eyes, crossing my arms. “I know. You don't have to keep reminding me.”

“Good.” He reached for his school bag and his entire football gear bag from the backseat and dumped them into my lap.

“Carry them,” he said simply.

I stared at the heavy bags. “You can't possibly—.”

“All day.” He cut me off and stepped out of the car before I could even protest.

I wanted to argue but the memory of the letter stopped me.

I stepped out of the car, slung both bags over my shoulders and followed him like an i***t.

People were staring. Someone even laughed and called me Seth's personal donkey.

Seth just smiled and kept walking like nothing happened.

I kept my head down and tried to disappear.

My shoulders arched, my pride was in peace and I still had to survive another seven weeks of this.

As we walked towards the football field, Seth stopped and glanced at me.

“You're going good so far, kitty cat.”

My jaw clenched but I didn't answer.