Chapter 18
eighteen
CAL
“No punching him,” Kai says. I’m not sure if he’s talking to me or himself, but I nod anyway.
“Do you really think he’s going to tell you anything?” I ask Belle. She glares at me. I may have asked her the same question a few times on the drive up here. “Right. Can’t hurt to try.”
We’re in my car outside the correctional facility where Brad is currently being held. Hacking is obviously illegal and when Harrison traced it back to Brad, he was sent back to prison for breaking his parole. Once Harrison is here, we’ll all be going in to speak to Brad.
I tap on the steering wheel impatiently, earning another glare from my sister. “And everyone thinks you’re the nice one,” I mutter under my breath. I pull my phone out to have something to do before she sets me on fire with her eyeballs.
How’s it going?
Harlow
Good.
I bite the inside of my cheek. Shit . Harlow and I both pretended nothing happened last night when we saw each other this morning. Maybe that was the wrong call.
About last night…
I bite my lip waiting for her response. I crossed a line, and I know it, but I don’t want to go back. Having her pinned against me, her pulse fluttering beneath my fingertips, is all I’ve been able to think about.
Harlow
Nothing happened last night. So there’s nothing to talk about.
Right.
Harlow
Don’t worry so much, Vocal Daddy.
I snort.
Harlow
Do you have a sixth sense about when I’m in the bath?
If you’re in the tub, then where is Cora?
I look at the time, trying to stop picturing Harlow wet and naked. The last thing I need is to get an erection with my damn sister in the car with me. It’s too early for Cora’s bedtime. Maybe my dad has her. I hate not being home and knowing what’s going on.
Harlow
She’s with me. I think she’s getting another tooth. Poor girl has been clingy today.
She sends a picture of her in a one-piece pale green swimsuit in a shallow bath with Cora sitting between her legs smiling up at her, bath toys floating in the bubbles all around them. Harlow is smiling at the camera, bubbles sticking to her red curls. That fucking smile is going to stop my heart one of these days. I set the picture as the background image on my phone.
You’re killing me.
Shit. Shouldn’t have sent that. I know I shouldn’t have. Yet here I am, anxiously waiting to see what Harlow has to say. I’ve never been like this before. Felt like this before. I don’t know how to handle anything right now.
Harlow
Are you ready to beg yet?
I smile. I fucking smile even though I try like fuck to fight it. There’s no way Belle isn’t watching me right now. I can feel her eyes on the side of my head. Having siblings is annoying.
I don’t beg, Firecracker. I thought we went over this last night.
Harlow
Hmm. I think I need a reminder. I hear better when you’re on your knees.
I gulp. Fuck. This girl . She’s like the forbidden fruit, and I’m powerless to resist her.
We’ll see who’s going to be on their knees.
Harlow
Promises promises.
“Are you growling?” Belle asks, looking slightly horrified. I look up and see Kai looking amused in the mirror.
“No,” I say immediately. Was I? I have no idea.
“You growled, dude,” Kai says, laughing like the asshole he is.
“I’m not a fucking dog,” I argue. Not really sure I can actually make that claim. It’s getting to the point where if Harlow asked me to bark, I’d fucking bark.
Kai holds his hands up. “I get it, man. I’m feral for your sister.”
I turn around and try to punch him. “Quit reminding me you’re hooking up with my sister!”
“It’s a little more than hooking up,” Belle says.
“Not you too,” I groan.
“Was it Harlow you were texting?” she asks.
“Yeah,” I admit. She knows when I’m lying, so I don’t bother.
“Do you think that’s a good idea?” I look at my sister. I know she’s asking out of concern for me and Cora, and not because she doesn’t like Harlow. They actually get along really well.
“I don’t know what I think anymore. It’s like the moment I see her, my brain stops working.”
“Like it ever started,” Kai says, still laughing by himself in the backseat.
“Harlow is good with Cora. I don’t think you should risk it by sleeping with her. Cora adores her, and she would be devastated.”
My sister’s words cut. Of course, she thinks I just want to sleep with Harlow. That’s what everyone thinks. That I’m only capable of casual sex and breaking hearts. Hell, even I think that most days.
So maybe she’s right.
“Yeah. You’re right. I’ll keep my distance.”
And this time, I will.