Ruby Revenge

It was a surprise that he was going to let me go outside while he slept. Since I’d been here, going outside alone hadn’t been an option. He must have really believed that I wouldn’t run after threatening my dad.

Before he could change his mind, I raced outside and stepped onto the porch. It was pitch black out, and only stars lit up the sky. The usual June humidity was absent. I inhaled the fresh air and then leaned against the house when my head began spinning. I’d had way too much to drink. The light breeze shook the leaves on the trees, and I stared at them, making sure I kept still so I wouldn’t spin again. Even with the amount of alcohol running through my veins, it was peaceful. Quiet. For once, no one was watching me. I was alone. Well, as alone as I could get. But that moment was short-lived when, just a couple of minutes later, Niko’s truck pulled into the driveway.

Nerves jolted me from my calm state. He wasn’t going to be happy when he found out I’d not only been drinking but was an inch away from being wasted. I almost went back inside but decided I’d rather deal with a pissed-off Niko than speak a word to Alex.

Niko stepped out of the truck and walked over to the porch. He stood at the bottom of the porch steps and looked up at me.

“Where’s Alex?”

“Sleeping.”

The look on his face showed that he as was surprised as I had been that I was out here by myself.

“Where’d you go?” I asked, curious about what he’d done all evening.

“Dinner and drinks with Geo.” He paused for a moment. “And two girls.”

I swallowed the hurt those words hit me with. Apparently drunk me couldn’t hide my emotions well because he moved up the porch steps when he saw my face.

“I did it to get Geo off my back. Believe me, I’d rather be here.”

I raised my chin, trying to keep my words clear. “You’re free to do whatever you want, Niko. We aren’t a thing. We fuck. That’s it.”

His anger brewed as he narrowed his eyes. “Are you drunk?”

I ignored him and turned away, looking back through the window to make sure Alex was still in the bedroom. Footsteps came up behind me before he grabbed my elbow and spun me around to face him.

I bristled. “Get off—”

“Really? The smell is dripping off you. Did you down a whole bottle of wine?”

“No, I only had two glasses. While watching a movie with your brother,” I replied as I pulled my arm away and sauntered over to the other side of the porch.

Realization came over his face, and he frowned. “Got into my tequila, huh?”

I just giggled.

“You’re going to say something stupid in front of Alex if you keep getting wasted. It’s only a matter of time,” he hissed, making sure to keep his voice low.

“That’s why I came outside.” I trailed my gaze down his body. “So I could be alone. Obviously, that’s impossible.”

“You’re choosing to keep drinking instead of what I can give you?” he asked with a hint of resignation.

“You said I needed to stop after today.” I shrugged. “It’s not midnight yet. But I will take an orgasm tomorrow though.”

His head snapped to the side as he checked to make sure his brother wasn’t somehow listening. Seeing as how I’d just checked, I didn’t share his worry. Alex was probably already passed out.

“You need to be careful of what you say when he’s home,” Niko snapped, his anger rising.

“Why? You worried he’s going to find out you’ve been taking care of my needs instead of him?” I couldn’t stop the words from coming out, even as his jaw ticked. Drinking when I felt all this anger probably wasn’t a good combination. I wasn’t in control of my emotions.

“Come on, you need to sleep this off,” he said as he reached to pull me into the house.

“Don’t touch me. I’m not going in that room right now,” I told him, standing my ground. The fuzzy feeling was disappearing at the thought of being near Alex.

“Go lay down on the couch then. You’re not staying out here by yourself like this.”

He grabbed my arm again and tried to pull me to the door, but I gripped the railing and held on tight.

“Oh yeah, I forgot. Can’t do what I want. My life isn’t my own anymore.”

He sighed and thought for a second. “Fine, stay out here. Probably better than Alex seeing you like this if he wakes up.”

“Oh, did Alex tell you?” I asked, changing the subject.

“Tell me what?”

“Tomorrow we’re all going to your parents’ house for dinner. I’m sure it’ll be a big happy family event,” I exclaimed sarcastically, clapping my hands.

Apparently, he hadn’t known. He stalked into the house without saying anything. I watched as he sat in the folding chair that was right near the window. I shot him a dirty look and turned around, trying to get out of my head.

I’d learned to get comfortable in this trapped life. Going to their parents’ house tomorrow was not in my comfort zone. I had a feeling it was going to be terrible.