“Where the fuck have you been, Alex?” Memphis growls out almost scaring me. “I’ve been back for over a week looking for your ass. I thought you were fucking dead in a ditch or some shit. Then you just show up like it’s fucking nothing.”
Memphis pulls his brother into his arms and squeezes his head in relief. Alex’s muscles flex as he squeezes Memphis’ shoulder. They stay like that for a moment before they both pull away and Memphis’ eyes land on me. “I should walk you home.” He turns back to Alex and points his finger. “I’ll be right back. Don’t you fucking move. We have some shit to discuss.”
This is who he’s been waiting on. He’s the only reason that Memphis is still here. He said so himself . . . and now he’s back. That could only mean one thing: he is free to leave now. The thought makes my chest ache.
I pull on the end of his t-shirt and take a small breath, looking over at Alex as he smiles at me. “I’m the younger, sexier brother as you can see.” He winks. “Just remember that for later. It was nice meeting you.”
“Sure. Nice to meet you too,” I say, not really knowing how to react right now. If Memphis has been gone for six years, then this is their first reunion and I’m here to ruin it. He’ll probably hate me after this. He’s right. I should be going. “I’ll walk myself home. I’m sure I can find it without you. It is just next door.”
“So you’re the one renting from us. Nice.” Alex says to himself.
I take off walking for the front door, but Memphis grabs my arm, stopping me. “I said I was walking you home and I am. Stop being so damn stubborn and just let me.”
He walks ahead of me, but stops to be sure I’m following before he continues walking. Once we get to my door, he leans against the house and waits for me to unlock the door.
“Sorry for ruining your night.” I get ready to walk inside, but he grips my arm and pulls me back outside, pressing me up against the house.
“I told you to stay away from me, Lyric. You just had to tempt me when you knew I had been drinking.” He leans into my neck and kisses it roughly, before running his lips in a vertical line, stopping under my ear. “I’m leaving soon. I’ve already hurt too many people and I don’t want you to be another one, dammit. So stay away.”
“Don’t blame it on the alcohol, Memphis,” I say, now pissed off. “You know damn well what you’re doing right now. You seem to be a pro at controlling your liquor just like you are with everything else . . . and don’t you fucking tell me to stay away when you’re the one pressing me against a wall.” I push him away from me. “I’m not a little fucking girl. You don’t need to worry about me, I got myself covered, but don’t worry . . . I’ll stay away from now on.”
I walk into the house and slam the door in his face. I’m so fucking angry with him that I could choke him. He wants to accuse me of tempting him while he’s drunk? Well, screw him. You can barely tell he’s had one drink. Maybe it’s best he’ll be leaving soon.
Better for both of us . . .
FUCK ME . . .
I stand outside for a moment and just stare at her door like an idiot. I knew I should have made her stay home tonight. I knew that if I had a few drinks around her that I would lose my willpower and put my hands on her. I did, and now all I want is more.
The worst part is . . . I don’t want anyone else putting their hands on her either; not now that I’ve had a taste. I just fucked her and myself without even using my fucking dick.
I look over at my house and see Alex leaning over the porch railing, smoking a cigarette. I get an ache in my chest, taking in how grown he is. Last time I saw him he was just a scrawny boy. Now he’s a grown man, built almost to my size and covered with tattoos. I wouldn’t doubt it if most of those tattoos were from his personal artwork. He’s got mad drawing skills; always has.
He looks up with a small smile when he notices me at the bottom of the steps. “Shit, man. It feels so strange being back here with you.” He takes one last drag of his cigarette before tossing it into the grass and standing up straight. “I can’t believe it’s been six years, bro. I missed the shit out of you.”
I walk up onto the porch and lean next to him, against the railing. “Yeah,” I breathe. “I missed you too, Alex.” I swallow back the hurt. “And mom. I miss her the most.”
Alex turns away, running his hands through his hair. “It’s all my fucking fault; why you weren’t here for mom when she passed. I’m the reason you missed her funeral. The guilt eats at me every damn day. I feel like shit. I’m sorry, bro.”