Page 39 of Thicker Than Blood

What was he doing here? Oh, God, he was talking to my mother.

I opened the door a crack and listened to their conversation, word for word. The more I heard, the angrier I got. He made a mistake and he didn’t know jack shit before he dragged me into his fucked up games. He was working his pretty words on my mother like a snake in the grass, trying to involve my sister in his games. When I had enough, I yanked the door open to glare at him.

Damn him and his impeccable suits, but when my eyes reached his polished shoes, those I recognised. When I lifted myhead back to his eyes, I knew he wore them on purpose. His eyes twinkled with amusement and satisfaction.

“Mum, go inside please,” I said, my voice as frigid as I felt.

My mum didn’t say a word before stepping inside the house beside me.

“Amari—” Stefanos said, but I slammed the door in his face and locked it.

“Fuck off back to your mansion and leave us alone,” I shouted through the door, waiting and listening until there was no more sound from the other side of the door.

“Feel any better?” my Mum asked quietly before I heard her chuckle.

“You know what, Mum? I actually do,” I said, turning to face her while trying to control my shaking hands.

My mum gave me a big bear hug, squeezing the life out of me. “That's my girl,” she said whispering in my ear.

I snuggled into my mother’s warm embrace, glad Alcina was at school and she didn't see Stefanos. My mind was reeling as I replayed his words in my head again and again. His explanations and apologies were too little and far too late.

???

Day 1

Unknown Number:Good morning, pet. What are your plans for today?

I stared at the message, trying to stop the shiver that came when I read the word pet.

Me:Leave me alone, Stefanos.

Unknown Number:Never.

“Arghhhhh,” I screamed into my pillow.

For the rest of the day I fought the temptation to text him vile words full of contempt and anger.

Day 2

Unknown Number:Good morning, pet. I saw you in the park with Alcina yesterday. You're a good sister. Do you think that I would make a good brother?

Me:You're spying on me?

Unknown Number:*keeping you safe

Me:Who will keep me safe from you?

Unknown Number:I will never hurt you again unless you want me to.

I rolled my eyes and threw my phone on the bed, but I wondered what kind of a brother he would be to Alcina.

Could I separate my anger for the sake of my sister?

Day 3

Unknown Number:Good morning, pet. I saw a man flirt with you at the café yesterday. He was terrible at it. If you’re going to entertain suitors, at least pick ones who have all their teeth.

I snickered at the message despite myself. I remembered the ‘workie’ in the coffee shop.

---