13. Amelia
Chapter 13
Amelia
T he morning sun breaks through my curtains, painting gold stripes across my dark purple walls. It softens them, making them look lighter—and I hate it. Usually, I'd be tugging the blanket over my head to block out the light, but the knot in my stomach about whatever the hell happened between Tobias and me last night immediately reminds me that a little sunlight is the least of my problems.
Or, more accurately, what didn't happen. Because, technically, nothing did… yet something definitely did, and that's the real mindfuck here.
I'm lying here, tangled in sheets that feel too warm, trying to convince myself that the heat in his eyes when he looked at me was just my imagination—trying to forget how my body hummed with awareness when he stepped closer, and how something primitive and hungry woke up inside me when his hand reached for my face before he caught himself.
For the first time ever, it felt like he saw me the way I see him. Just a flash of it, barely more than a heartbeat, but it was enough that I could see the confusion in his eyes.
"No, because any guy would be dumb not to want you."
The words still echo in my mind, taunting me.
Tobias has always been complimentary. He’s flirtatious with other women, but with me, it’s always been different. It’s how you’d compliment someone you care for— someone you’d protect. Like a sister, maybe. Or, in our case, a stepsister.
It's no secret that I'm attracted to him, but it's the kind of attraction you can step back from, acknowledge that he looks damn good, and then move on. There's no depth, no emotional mess—just my body being a thirsty bitch, and trying to deny the way he affects me seems futile at this point.
But that's where I draw the line.
I have no interest in acting on it or acknowledging it… ever .
I know I've got Allison, but other than her and Tobias, it's really just my mom, and even that relationship is a fucking mess because of her need to treat me like I'm twelve.
When her name lights up my phone screen, it feels like the universe is mocking me. I let out a groan that comes from deep inside because if I don’t answer, she’ll just keep calling until I give in.
"Hey, Mom," I say, my voice flat and unenthusiastic, perfectly matching my mood. Talking to her right now is the last thing I want to do.
"You could sound happier to speak to me." Eight words in, and I'm already drowning in her disappointment.
Meh, it is what it is. I stopped trying to be the perfect daughter a long time ago.
"Sorry. Just tired."
"Are you not sleeping well?"
"I'm sleeping fine. I've actually started working at my friend's parents' bar, so I didn't get home until late."
"You're working in a bar?" The stuck-up tone is enough to make me roll my eyes. "Please tell me you're joking, Amelia."
I can see her now, clutching her pearls, dark hair scraped back into that tight bun that practically gives her a mini facelift.
"Nope, not joking. Why, what's the issue?" I ask, bracing myself for the barrage of bullshit I'm about to be handed.
"It's not safe. That's the issue. You're a young woman."
"It's perfectly safe. Besides, you'll be happy to know that Tobias took me and picked me up."
"Well, that's reassuring."
The relief in her voice makes me want to scream because God forbid I do anything for myself.
"I'll get my own car as soon as I can afford it."
She sighs, long and dramatic as if I'm refusing some generous royal allowance. "I deposit enough money into your account each month. You could already get a car."
"I know, and I'm grateful, but I want to be able to buy this for myself. I want to feel like I earned something rather than just being handed it."
"You realize Tobias took a car from David?"
"Yes, the infamous bribe-mobile."
"Whatever it was, it helped him, and I'd like to do the same for you," she says with finality. "I'll transfer some extra today, and you're to get yourself a car."
I groan, too tired to play nice. But I'm caught between my pride and avoiding a repeat of last night with Tobias. "Fine, but it's a loan, and I'm paying you back."
"Not necessary."
"It's necessary for me, Mom. Okay? I need this."
"We can discuss it more when you return home in two weeks."
Ah, yes, the anniversary party.
Because who wouldn't want to hash this out in person?
"Make sure whatever you buy isn't some run-down junk heap. We'll talk next week."
"Yeah, sure, okay," I say, my voice resigned.
As soon as the call ends, I toss my phone onto the other side of the bed and let my head drop back, feeling the tension simmer beneath my skin. The relief is fleeting because, not thirty seconds later, I grab my phone again and shoot off a text to Tobias.
AMELIA
Know where I can get a car?