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I’d danced on the edge of sanity that night, so sneaking my stepbrother into my bedroom was no big deal. I would handle the roomies later. Besides, if I could sneak Jag in, I could sneak him out. At least, I hoped.
No way would I let him stew in the hellish memories alone in a tiny little room after confessing his sins. Jag wasn’t with me just for him, though. Having him next to me was my shield of protection against my nightmares. We had both lived through hell, but his words had gutted me in a way I never expected when he told me he was used as bait. I was afraid to close my eyes if he wasn’t with me.
Luckily, the girls were asleep when we snuck in.
“This is nice, Ari. I’m glad you have good friends to live with.” Jagger glanced around the living room, his gaze landing on the smiling pictures of me with Teagan, Everlee, Leighton, and Gabby. “I met them at parties last year. If you had ever mentioned me, they probably would have told you my first name and that I was playing ball.”
“I only told Teagan about the fire, but I never mentioned you by name, only that you were my stepbrother. There was no way she could have known it was you. She’s asked me to attend some football games, but I preferred time alone when they were gone, so I always declined.” I led him through the living room and to the kitchen, to the food and alcohol. “I need a drink. Do you want one?”
“Yeah. It’s been a hell of a day.” He massaged the back of his neck while I collected some chips and items from the fridge to make sandwiches. “Get us a few sodas if you want.” I pointed to the pantry on the other side of the room.
Jag’s duffle bag was slung over his shoulder, and he carried the drinks and his plate of food. I grabbed a bottle of vodka along with my sandwich and led the way upstairs. Balancing my plate, I opened the door with my free hand. Once we settled in, I closed and locked the door behind us.
“I have no idea when the girls will wake up, but you can hide in the bathroom if someone knocks.” I pointed to the door that was ajar. “I pay a little more for this room, but it was worth it not to share a shower.”
“Five chicks in one house is a lot of bathroom time.” Jagger chuckled and placed a potato chip into his mouth.
His gaze traveled with me as I reached inside my closet and produced a few red Solo cups for our drinks. “Yes, I keep a stash of cups here, so I don’t have to run downstairs. Don’t judge.” I gave him the bottle of vodka then popped the top on one of the sodas. “Not sure how strong you like your alcohol. I figured it would be easier if you made yours.”
“I have practice and classes tomorrow, so I’ll take it easy.” He flashed me a grin, and my insides melted all over the floor.
“I’m starving.” I sat on my bed and pointed to the chair at my desk for him to sit down and eat. “You can shower in the morning if you want.”
Jagger dumped his black duffle bag in the corner. It stuck out like a sore thumb against my white walls and furniture, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
“It almost feels like the old days,” Jagger said between bites of his sandwich. “I’m sneaking intoyourroom, though.”
I gave him a shy smile. “It was a lifetime ago, but also just like yesterday.”
“Do you think your friends will have a problem since we’re stepbrother and stepsister?”
I blanched at his question. “Why would they? I mean, I understand creeping around behind Dad and Samantha’s back because we were younger, but I don’t know why anyone would have an issue with it.”
“Ari, we practically grew up together. It’s not like our parents got married when we were in high school. We were seven and eight when we met the first time. A year later, we lived in the same house.”
“I can’t control other people, but I don’t give a shit what anyone else thinks.” I took a long drink of my vodka and soda.
“You’re telling me that if Teagan never spoke to you again and the girls asked you to move out, that I would be worth losing them?”
My heart dropped to my toes. “Is that what you think will happen? That we’ll lose everyone else we love but have each other?”
Jagger set his plate on my desk. “I’ve seen a lot of darkness, babe. Enough to know that people rarely behave like we think they will.”
“Then I guess it’s a chance I’m willing to take. If shit goes south with the girls, I’ll figure it out. As my grandma used to say, ‘Don’t borrow trouble.’”
“I get that. On the flip side, I’ve learned to try to be prepared for anything. It’s kept me alive.”
I took another drink, wishing the alcohol would quickly chill me out. The more he talked, the more I worried about the repercussions of our decision to be together. How would I deny a second chance with the only person I’ve ever loved to keep my friends?
“Guess the girls will prove that there are good people in this world. You have some of your football friends. Anderson clearly had your back. I’m guessing you texted him at the party when he and I were dancing. He backed off without giving you up. I had no idea what had happened.”
Jagger’s gaze narrowed. “That motherfucker has it bad for you. It pissed me off.”
“Well, you don’t have to hurt him now, Jag. Let’s move on. I had no clue you were alive. Anderson might have been a good second to you. I don’t honestly know since you got jealous and all possessive on me.”
Jagger growled and rose from his seat. “No one will ever touch you again without my permission.” He crawled onto the mattress, and I set my plate on the bed.
“Oh, does that mean I get a threesome?” I giggled as he pinned my body beneath his.
