Chapter 3
5.5k 3 32
X
Reading Options
Font Size
A- 15px A+
Width
Reset
X
Table of Contents
Loading... please wait.

 

 

"Evie, you awake?"

 

I turned my head, staring at this brother of mine appraisingly.

 

There was just something innately attractive about him, wasn't there? Something that went deeper than just his looks. Something inherently sexual and magnetic. A kind of charm, a charisma, that resonated deeply with the opposite sex.

 

I, having grown up around him, knew about this phenomenon better than anyone. Seeing women flock to him like moths to a flame was an everyday occurrence back when he'd lived with mother and I.

 

But I'd never walked in on him having sex before. So that was...something. 

 

Today Damien wore a black vest, pants, and a deep red undershirt. Everything crisp and clean and tight enough to display his tall, muscled frame for all to enjoy.

 

It was a very mature-looking get-up. The clothes fit him well, I decided. Maybe too well.

 

"Come on, get up and eat." He held up a large tray full of food, his tone, as it had been up to now,  cool. Lacking the gentleness and warmth that had been present in the past. He wasn't cold, but he didn't have the same loving, affectionate glint to his eyes that I had grown used to over the years.

 

It made me feel a sense of loss. What the hell was going on with him? He was so reckless and full of passion for a pair OF floozies, but he treated me like this?  

 

i thought back to Triss' words in regards to Cami last night. Didn't get along? Yeah, right. What bullshit. They seemed to get along when throwing themselves at his junk just a few hours ago. 

 

"You made me breakfast?" I asked.

 

"Triss and Cami did most of it." He explained shortly, like talking to me was such a challenge.

 

"I see." I said, very neutral. I asked another question. "Wait, they were still here?" I knew they had been, but I just wanted to know what he'd say to this.

 

"No," An easy denial. " They left just a little after midnight but came back about an hour ago to look for something they left behind." Yeah, probably their panties, I thought darkly. "They'd wanted to meet you, actually, but settled for my company when they learned you were still asleep. They didn't want to disturb you, but they still wanted to do something nice and thought to make you something." He peered at me intently. "Those two don't do gestures like this for just anyone. You made an impression, apparently. " 

 

"Oh, I'm sure one of us did," I muttered softly.

 

Triss and Cami were just a year and two, respectively, younger than Damien who was 24 going on 25. But unlike him they were still attending the local University.

 

As for Damien...he was teaching in it. He was young to be a Professor but he had the brains to do it. Brains which he must've hogged since I'm much more normal. No natural talents where I'm concerned. That I know of anyway.

 

Triss was right. He must be pretty well-liked. Because I learned it was over three dozen people were here to welcome me when Damien brought me home, not just two. From no less than eight of his fellow colleagues to a good few of his students and even kids who weren't, they were all eager to meet the younger sister of the golden boy known as Damien Gage.

 

By the time the festivities died down only Cami and Triss were still lingering. Now I knew why. But thankfully the two weren't his students and likely never would be since both were Literature majors and Damien taught Mathematics.

 

"Speaking of impressions, be sure you make a good one. Remember, you have school today ." He reminded.

 

It was only then that I remembered the whole "transfer student" title I was going to be labeled with for the rest of the year.

 

Oh joy. That was going to be fun, wasn't it?

 

I could already imagine how that was going to play out.  I just got here and I'm already going to be a social pariah. How mom and Damien arranged this thing so fast, I don't know. I suspected she and Rob started preparations for the trip earlier than they said. 

 

"I'll get ready in a minute."

 

"No need to rush." He raised a hand when he saw me trying to shove the food down my throat as fast as my mouth would allow. "You've got a lot of time, just relax."

 

I looked at my phone and realized he was right. Still nearly an hour left. So I took his advice and settled down.

 

I expected him to leave. He didn't. Instead, he merely strode towards the small table near the middle of the room, turned the chair around, and quietly watched me eat.

 

He just sat there, his arms folded, staring out the window. Looking entirely at ease as he did so.

 

I self-consciously ran a hand through my long hair, knowing it must look a mess. 

 

I wasn't able to really taste the food anymore. I could only think about how close he was. How it felt as if he'd peer at me from the corner of his eyes every now and then despite me knowing that was entirely untrue.

 

I suddenly remembered the scene from last night, the way Damien's naked body had looked as he serviced the women by his side.

 

From the time he had entered the room to now I just wasn't able to look him directly in the eyes at all.

 

I glanced at him briefly, hoping he wouldn't notice. The room became filled with a strange, ambiguous atmosphere. 

 

But as soon as I finished my plate he rose once more, breaking the spell.

 

"I'll warm up the car, come down when you're ready." 

 

Saying nothing more, he exited the room.

 

**********

 

After I had undergone a short shower and put on some clothes I raced down the stairs with my backpack slung over my shoulder. I paused as I walked by the couch, my steps slowing and then stopping completely. It was here, last night, that Damien and those two had...

 

I couldn't help wondering why. Doing something like that in an open place like this where anyone could walk in and see them. I was in the house too, they all knew that. Yet even still, they...

 

My thoughts drifted and I found myself running a hand over the upholstery. 

 

"Is there something that caught your eye?" I jumped back, startled, and saw Damien standing behind me with an indifferent expression.

 

"Oh my god!" I held a hand over my fast-beating heart. "A person your size has the right to make noise when moving around, you know!" I glared at him. 

 

"It's not that I made no noise, it's that you were too busy spacing out to notice my arrival." He offered a perfectly reasonable explanation, not leaving me a chance to retort. "So I ask again: Something catch your interest?"

 

"I was admiring the craftsmanship." I lied, badly. Dammit. Really? I couldn't come up with anything better? Damien wasn't fooled, I knew that. But he didn't call me on it. Didn't seem to care.  "Yes, I'm sure. Alright, come on then." That was all he said. Then he turned to leave. 

 

Seeing the abrupt way he just ended the conversation, I snapped.

 

"What's wrong with you?" I asked moodily. 

 

He paused, shooting her a look from over his shoulder. "Wrong?" 

 

I stomped my foot angrily. "You've been cold to me ever since I got back. Yesterday the main reason you talked was just to introduce your friends.  Today is a little different but I'm starting to think that's only because you can't avoid me anymore." I accused. "I mean, you used to be so open and nice. What happened. And even that hug back at the airport was so stiff and awkward like you'd literally rather be anywhere else. Even though you hadn't seen me in years, even though I was so excited to see you..."

 

It was such a stupid thing to cry over, but I couldn't help it. I felt wronged. 

 

A flicker of some unknowable emotion flashed in his eyes before disappearing instantly. His face didn't change at all. 

 

"Is that the problem? You want me to hug you better?"  His voice was a low rumble, almost sultry, a hint of amusement coloring his words. And then, without warning, he slowly walked towards me with all 6'4 of imposing height to his name. 

 

I forced myself to hold my ground instead of shying away like a nervous kitten. 

 

He didn't stop till he was right beside me, and I glared as if daring him to...to do what, I wasn't sure. But he didn't speak at all. 

 

He only took another step forward, his somber gaze intent upon my face. I just stood there, motionless, as he reached for the back of my neck and drew me into his arms.

 

Because his head was bowed, I could feel his warm breath tickling my skin. The hair at the back of my head rose, keenly aware of how close they were to each other. 

 

I felt my heart pound wildly, an utter betrayal, felt a pair of powerful arms wrap around my body and bring me in even closer. I completely melted on the inside, my body perfectly molding against his own as if they belonged together. 

 

The scent of his spicy musk assaulted my nose, and I couldn't help wanting to just take a moment to breath it in. I closed my eyes and responded to his hug, gripping the back of his shirt tightly in my hands so he couldn't let go. 

 

It felt so warm and comforting, so safe. 

 

I wanted to stay like this forever. 

 

My breasts were smashed up against his chest, and I could sense his heartbeat. Much more calm and steady than my own, strong and full of vitality.

 

"Damien..." I breathed, the small knot I'd carried these three years slowly coming undone and releasing a wave of emotions along with it.

 

I couldn't stop the tears from flowing. "I missed you, I missed you so much."

 

But he didn't reply. 

 

Why'd you leave me? Why'd you have to go?

 

My heart asked the questions my mouth didn't.

 

They could receive only silence.

 

 

 

***

 

 

He dropped me off at the office, not even saying goodbye.

 

I walked towards the door, nervous. A new school, a new town, and new people...

 

I spent a bit of my childhood here but I rarely the nearby town, more a small city now after development, and so she had no idea what to expect. My life had been entirely uprooted. Her old friends were gone, everyone was unfamiliar. She didn't regret it. It was her own choice. I only wished things weren't so on the rocks with Damien. For whatever reason that might be, I really presented it.

 

So I pretended an aloof coolness that I didn't feel before entering the office doors. A young, pretty-looking woman stood behind the front desk, maybe a year or two older than me. She idly flipped through a book, not even noticing me.

 

I waited for several minutes but the woman didn't react at all. Finally, after five more minutes of waiting, I decided to speak up. "Excuse me." I called.

 

"Yes?" The woman asked back instantly, surprising me.

 

"I'm here for my class schedule. I'm--"

 

For the first time, the woman glanced up, " The transfer student?"

 

I nodded, wary. In response to my affirmation, the woman got a suddenly interested look in her eyes that put me on guard.

 

"You're...Eveline, right?" 

 

"Yes...?" Even I myself wasn't sure if that was a statement or a question.

 

The woman brightened. "I knew it. Cami told me about you. You're Professor Gage's sister, aren't you?"

 

Does she know my brother? 

 

"You know my brother?" 

 

The woman laughed as if I'd said something funny. "Well yeah, everyone does. He's pretty famous around here." So not JUST the University campus then. "My older sister even takes one of his classes, you know. " She sighed. "That man, he really is...quite something." Her pupils widened noticeably, letting Evie know exactly what she was thinking.  And feeling.

 

Ah...so that's how it is, I thought.

 

I immediately disliked the girl. Triss and Cami might've made a fool of me, but that stopped now 

 

"Well then, hold up so I can get your schedule for you. " She looked at the computer screen. 

 

"Oh," She said after once she was done. "You've got Mr.Mich as your first class. Bummer." She looked at the clock to her right. "You're not late but if you don't hurry you'll probably be sent outside. He hates when people aren't already seated by the time the bell rings...And you don't know your way around yet..."

 

My heart sped up. 

 

Great, I'm going to get in trouble on my first day? Really? Come on! 

 

Seeing my panic made the woman pause.  

 

"...Know what? Let me walk you there. I'll explain everything, don't worry. The guy's strict but not unreasonable." 

 

"But don't you have to stay here?"

 

"Not really, it's fine. Not many people come here anyway, so I'm good. Ms. Revi should be getting back any minute too, I'll just let her know about this later. I'm Tess, by the way."

 

Tess stretched out her hand.

 

I took it, unable to stop myself.

 

"Evie. Thanks." I muttered.

 

"No problem," Tess said cheerfully. "Just be sure to mention who helped you to that brother of yours, eh?" She grinned.

 

My dislike grew. 

 

She said it like a joke but her intentions were too obvious. The flushed cheeks gave her away too easily.

 

"Of course." I lied. 

 

I'd never say a word of it.

 

Tess nodded, pleased, before beckoning with her finger. "Let's go, shall we?" She paused. 

 

**********

 

The same pattern repeated itself in the classroom. 

 

When Mr.Mich--a balding older man with a mane of grey hair and a hard look in his eye--sat ms down on a seat to the back and allowed the class ten minutes of free time to ask questions, I was immediately assaulted with a dozen questions by nearly every person in the room.

 

"So you're really Prof. Gage's sister?" One boy asked. 

 

"How lucky...Ugh, I'm so jealous!"  A girl commented.

 

"Right?" Another girl by her side smiled. "I saw a picture of him with my brother and sister the day he first started working there. Oh my god, he looked so cool!"

 

"So what kinda guy do you like?" Another boy came up and asked daringly.

 

"Your hair's so long and pretty, what kind of products do you use?" Some other girl inquired, her own hair holding streaks of a multitude of colors ranging from hot pink to a cool violet and seemingly every color in between.

 

"Gotta boyfriend? If not, want one?"

 

"Want to hang out later at the Bean? My treat!"

 

"Say..."

 

"Do you..."

 

"Can I..."

 

I felt too overwhelmed. Luckily Mr. Mich noticed my plight and told everyone that the time was up. Even though it wasn't.

 

Dissatisfied, they returned to their seats.

 

Mr. Mich taught History and luckily the subject of this particular class was one I'd already read about. Which meant I wasn't totally lost, and was able to refuse  Mr. Mich's offer to allow me to pass on the assignment. 

 

When the bell rang to signal everyone to begin the transition to their next class, the multicolor-haired from before stopped at her desk.

 

"Yo, new meat." She peered over her shoulder and looked at the schedule I had out. "Cool, we take most classes together. Come now, Rabbit, let me show you around."

 

I was so shocked that I nearly dropped my bag.

 

The girl noticed and looked at me weirdly. "What?"

 

I laughed, a little awkward. "No..It's just, my brother always used to call me that too."

 

"He did? Eh, great minds think alike. You totally looked like a frightened rabbit back then so I couldn't help but think of it. It's official, that's your new nickname from now on."

 

The girl, nodding to herself, pulled me to my feet and towards the door.

 

They were outside before I knew it, the girl's enthusiasm and overbearingness completely making me unable to figure out this strange new creature. 

 

"I'm Bea, by the way. Well, Beatrice. But if you call me that last one, I'll kill you."

 

" Bea, got it." I valued life. Specifically mine.

 

"Atta girl. So, Mrs. Roberts' class is up next. I think you'll like her. Teaches English, but she's pretty cool. Plus she's totes hot. Not that I swing that way, but like, she gives great tips you know?"

 

I could only smile and nod, not sure what to say. But Bea didn't care much, simply continuing to move at her own pace and not minding the lack of reply at all.

 

***

 

Mrs. Roberts was a tall blonde, her icy blue eyes fiercely intelligent.  Somehow she faintly reminded me of Cami.

 

Even so, I liked her, as Bea promised. She was nice and funny and had a twinkle in her eye. She also didn't mention my brother, unlike how the rest of the classmates did. 

 

"Here you go, Evie." She'd said before the class had ended. "It's your homework today. It's a short story we've all been reading. Ah, The Secret Woman....One of my favorites. We'll talk a bit about it tomorrow, so get it done, please?"

 

I nodded obediently. "Will do."

 

"Hey, Evie." Bea had floated over. "Off to the next one. Chemistry, eh? Seriously, what's with this sadistic school, giving us Chem and History so early! Plus Pre-calc, which is like the epitome of all things boring and monotonous. Hate math." She whined.  

 

"Really? I like it, actually..." 

 

My lips turned slightly upwards, a certain figure coming to mind.

 

Bea looked over as they exited the room, laughing. "Haha, sorry, forgot what Prof. Gage's specialty was." Then she narrowed her eyes as she thought of something. "But that's different. Not everyone has a hot, intelligent older brother to teach them math. If I had one then I wouldn't have this problem! Although I guess it wouldn't be the math I'd be focusing on..." She gave a licentious laugh. Then considered, saying, "But I suppose if I did have a brother like that I wouldn't even consider him hot. That would be too incest-y for my tastes. Can't get behind the wheel of that particular boat when it applies to me."

 

Bea seemed like the kind of person who honestly spoke her mind without any care towards other people. 

 

I liked that, there wasn't much to think about with a person like her. Made things easier.

 

But...

 

"Does everyone here have a crush on my brother?" I wondered aloud. It seemed like it. At least the students. 

 

Bea snorted. "Yeah, probably, but it ain't hard to see why. The guy oozes sex appeal so that devastates the female population here. And he's a pretty fun, interesting guy from what I hear, easy for people to get along with. The guys can't hate a person like him, hell he's practically their idol. Both popular with the ladies and a cool dude? Envy runs deep. Have to say, your brother, if what that cousin of mine says is true, really is one of a kind.

 

"Although as his sister I guess you already know that. You probably got spoiled rotten as a kid too, eh? I can imagine the Prof. being that kinda brother. All warm and carin' and stuff."

 

Bea had little to no idea how much her words made me feel miserable.

 

That had been the case, but ever since I arrived he'd barely even smiled towards me.  

 

Instead, he chose the exact same day I came to have a fuckfest with those two sluts.

 

And he knew I was just upstairs too. But did he care? Nope. 

 

That wasn't the brother I remembered. 

 

"He certainly was."

 

Bea nodded, not noticing the was part of that statement. "Heh, just as I thought. Anyway, moving on. Prepare yourself, knave. Mr. Whitmore is goddamn sadistic fucker if ever there was one."

 

**********

 

"So where're the sadistic tendencies?" Evie asked in a whisper.

 

"Please, don't you see it? Look at him. A guy that cute, and he's not made a move on any of the horny teens here? Single, wears glasses, sophisticated? Has ultra-tight-fitting shirts? But for all that, he's never tried to hook up with any of these pretty and vigorous young maidens in heat? A complete sadist, he can be nothing else." 

 

I shook my head in wonder. "You're calling him a sadist just for that? Wow. Ever think his tastes don't run that young? Or he doesn't, I don't know, want his teaching license revoked or whatever?

 

Bea huffed. "That's no excuse. He probably gets off on seeing us stew in our own hormonal juices, unable to find release from the torture."

 

"Oh my god, you're insane." I giggled, amused by her words.

 

"What, don't tell me you aren't the same?"

 

"He's not my type. Even if he was, I--"

 

"Please. As I said, you're just spoiled. Hmph. Must be hard, though, hm? Having to compare men to that brother of yours and find them lacking."

I blushed, slapping her arm. "I don't do that!"  

 

"Oh, I'm pretty sure you do."

 

"How?"

 

"Remember that guy who asked you out to the Bean a while ago?"

 

"Huh? There was a guy like that?" I couldn't couldn't recall...and what's this Bean thing?

 

"See. Instant proof. I'll have you know, that guy's a player. Jacob Broschart could walk up to any random woman, ask for a date and have to beat back the hordes who'd jump up to offer their maidenheads. Or so the story goes. Yet you can't even remember his face, can you?"

 

I blinked. Was there such a person? 

 

"That dull, blank look gives you away, my lovely." Bea patted her on the back. "Don't try to deny it, hon. The only way you could have a reaction like that to a guy like him is if you were already ruined by someone even hotter. It sucks, I know, but you have to realize that your standards are just too damn high!"

 

 

32