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“I pictured … darker. Band posters, perhaps an occult symbol.”
I snort, kicking off my shoes. “Just because I like punk-emomusic and hang out at shady bars doesn’t mean I am a sadist.”
“I’ll never understand kids these days. You should listen to real music like metal.”
“Hardly a kid,” I say, pulling my hair up into a messy bun. “And if you insult Brendon Urie again, I’ll have to have serious words with you.”
Butch shakes his head, taking a seat on my computer chair. “You know I’m stuck here now for a while. I can’t leave for at least an hour or two. Can’t have them thinking I’m some two-pump-chump.”
“In fairness, I’m sure you’ve already beaten most of their personal bests, just being in here for 5 minutes.”
We sit and chat, laughing as we picture their faces downstairs. The music keeps playing and I don’t even realize I’ve fallen asleep until Butch gently shakes me awake.
"Lee, it’s late. I’m going to head off so you can get some rest.”
“Oh,” I mutter, sitting up and looking around. I’m not sure how long I was out for but it’s quiet downstairs now. “I’ll walk you out.”
My eyes feel heavy as I drag my feet across the room. We step out in the hallway and from the stairs, I can see the party dwindlers walking around. A few people are passed out on the floor or on random pieces of furniture, but most seem to have gone home for the night.
We head outside to Butch’s bike, him leaning over to give me a friendly goodbye kiss on the cheek. I wait for him to head off, giving him a little wave as he drives off and out of view.
I’m negotiating foregoing a shower and just climbing into bed when I head back inside. I barely make it a few steps when Asher stops in front of me.
“You look fucked.”
I blink at him, wondering in my sleep deprived state what he is on about until I remember he thinks I was up banging Butch in my room. I must look a mess from falling asleep and I reach out and try to pat down my hair.
“You don’t,” I snipe back, side stepping to move past him. He blocks my path again, and I sigh frustratedly. “Asher, let me go to my room. I want to go to sleep.”
“You have some balls bringing him back to the house.”
I roll my eyes, looking around to check we aren’t being listened to. “Are you just jealous because I have some, and you don’t?”
Asher snorts. “I’m not lacking in any of those departments. You’re welcome to check if you like.”
“Hard pass,” I say, “now please fuck off.”
I try to step around him again but this time his arm swings out to touch the wall, stopping me. “Sis, don’t you think we should talk about your indiscretions? I need to look out for you as your big brother, especially if you’re being reckless.”
I slap at his arm. “Save me the lecture. We’re the same age, Asher. And I don’t need advice fromyou.”
Asher hums in thought, and I think he is going to let me pass. But instead, he boxes me in with his other hand, trapping me between his body and the wall.
“And why would my advice be bad?” he asks, leaning down so our faces are nearly touching.
I hold my breath, my fatigue vanishing quickly as I stare at him. He’s close… so close to my own body right now. There is something so forbidden about the way he is nearly touching me that my mind can’t focus right now. In another life, or fucking universe, I’d probably lean into him, so I could feel what his body felt like against mine. But despite how attractive he is, he’s my stepbrother and right now, anyone could walk in and see us. I’m not suresibling argumentwould work as an excuse.
I swallow, forcing my attention away from his close proximity. “Because I don’t like you. We have nothing in common, and you sure as shit, are not my family.”
Asher watches me, a strange expression crossing his eyes that I can’t quite read. He looks like he is about to speak but growing footsteps echoing towards the room send him moving back just as Jenny comes around the corner.
“There you are, babe,” she says, pausing as she looks at me. “What’s going on?”
“Absolutely nothing,” I answer, giving my best death stare to Asher. “I’m going to bed. I was just telling Asher to keep the noise down.”
Without a backwards glance, I storm off to my bedroom, slamming the door behind me, silently begging for the day when I can finally leave town.
Chapter four
