Accidental one night stand with my stepbrother

Chapter five

I got downstairs to see my mum sitting beside Richard smiling sweetly, and for some reason her smile seemed suspicious.

" Come sit beside me." Eleanor said tapping the space by her side. I ignored her and sat opposite them.

" What is it you wanted to tell me?" I asked with an indifferent expression.

Eleanor cleared her throat and began to speak. " So I and Richard have been discussing about your education and we've come to a conclusion about your new school." She said with a smile as she exchanged glances with Richard.

" Oh...wow.. that's good news." I said rolling my eyes not paying much attention because honestly I didn't care.

“Yes,” Richard continued. “Since you've moved here, we thought it would be better if you continued your studies somewhere closer to home.”

“That's fine...wherever you choose is okay with me." I shrugged.I wasn't particularly interested in the school. At this point, I just wanted to get through the next few days without losing my mind. But what he said next changed everything.

“It's the same university Adrian attends.” Richard leaned back and said

Immediately my entire body stiffened.For a moment, I thought I had heard him wrong.

“What?”

“The university is quite good,” Richard continued. “And Adrian has already settled in there, so you'll have someone familiar around.

“You'll be starting there with Adrian.”

My mouth went dry as my calm expression began to crumble. Panic and confusion was written all over my face.

“Phoebe? What's wrong?” Eleanor asked when she noticed the change in my expression.

“Nothing.” I answered almost immediately. But deep down I knew everything was wrong but I couldn't possibly tell them.

“You don't look very happy.” she continued

“I am.” I replied forcing a smile. “I'm just surprised, that's all.”

“Why are you surprised?”

I swallowed.Because I have been having a hard time convincing myself that I could survive living under the same roof with Adrian if I kept my distance.Now they wanted to put us in the same university too.How was I supposed to avoid him there?How was I supposed to pretend nothing had happened when I would have to see him every single day?

“I just thought I'd be going somewhere else,” I said quickly.

“Are you sure that's all?” Eleanor studied my face.

“Of course.”I nodded lowering my eyes, hoping she wouldn't notice how tense I had become.But deep inside, panic was already spreading through me.All I wanted was distance.I wanted to forget that night,wanted to forget Adrian's face, his voice and the uncomfortable memories that kept coming back whenever I looked at him.Yet somehow, every decision seemed to bring us closer.

First, we ended up living under the same roof now we were going to the same university.What was next?I heard footsteps coming from upstairs and looked up,Adrian was standing at the top of the staircase.He had probably heard enough.His eyes immediately found mine and we stared at each other.I could tell from his expression that he wasn't happy either.

“What did I just hear?” he asked as he slowly walked down.

“I said Phoebe will be attending your university.” Richard said to him.

“Why?” his tone sounded serious.

“Because she's new here. She's moving to a new city and doesn't know anyone. You'll already be there.”

“I can introduce her to people.”

“Exactly.”Richard smiled. “You'll be there to look after her.”

“Look after her?” Adrian jaws tightened.

“Yes. You're her brother now.”

Adrian remained silent for a moment then he glanced at me again.Our eyes met.Neither of us looked happy about the situation.I could almost read the question in his eyes.

Why is this happening?

I quickly looked away.Richard continued talking, completely unaware of the tension between us.

“I want you to make sure she settles in properly. Show her around the campus, introduce her to your friends and make sure nobody takes advantage of her.”

Adrian gave a short laugh.“Dad, she's capable of taking care of herself.”

“But you're still responsible for making sure she's comfortable.” Richard looked at him seriously as he spoke.

“I understand.” Adrian said as his eyes shifted towards me again. We glared at each other

“You two really need to stop acting like enemies.” Eleanor looked between us and said.

“We're not,” Adrian and I said at the same time and immediately looked at each other.

“See? You're already getting along.” Richard laughed

I nearly choked. If only he knew.... I'm sure he wouldn't be laughing as he did now

“Don't worry, Phoebe. You'll like it there.” Eleanor squeezed my hand and said.

“I'm sure I will.” I forced a smile.But I wasn't sure of anything, nothing at all was going the way I wanted it.

I thought the conversation was over but just as I was walking back toy room I saw Adrian leaning beside the door. I went stiff for a while then walked up slowly to him.

" What now...are you here to tease me again, because if you are I'm not in the mood...."

" There's something you should know about my school." Adrian said cutting off.

" What's that." I asked somehow feeling tensed as I noticed the serious expression on his face.

" First things first we must stay far away from each other as possible... nobody has to know we are related." He said.

Well that was actually what I wanted but for some reason the way he put made it seem that there was more to it than it seemed.

" And also..." He continued and turned to stare straight in my eyes," whatever happens or you see in school,remains in the school."

" Why...is there something I should know." I asked trying to understand what he just said.

" There's nothing...just do as I say." He said and turned to walk away then stopped halfway and said without turning to look at me," I'm serious Phoebe..".

His last statement sent a chill down my spine,what exactly was going on...or better still,what exactly was Adrian trying to hide..".