To Hate My Stepbrother

Ava’s POV

We finished talking and we both went to our room but I wanted to sleep when the rain started and it came with a huge thunderstorm.

I hate rain.

Leaving my bed, I wrapped my blanket around my body as I got out of bed and walked down to the sitting room and even though staying there alone would be scary, I couldn’t sleep in my own room alone.

I laid on the couch when I heard footsteps and I looked to see Mason making his way down the stairs but he never lifted his gaze from his phone.

A small smile escaped my lips as I laid down more comfortably, I’m not alone anymore and I’d be able to sleep well now.

Even though I already knew he came downstairs because of me, he didn’t say a word or vocally announce his presence.

His eyes fixated on his phone and he was smiling at something on the phone, my stomach churned and I had no idea why I felt that way.

“Ava?” Mason called as he tapped me lightly and I opened my eyes to see him in front of me, I was already dozing off and ready to sleep.

“Why don’t we just go up to my room and sleep there? You’ll be more comfortable.” He suggested and my eyes widened in shock.

I didn’t think Mason would ever suggest something like that, especially since we’re both just getting to feel comfortable around each other.

“What? Are you crazy?” I asked in shock and I could tell that Mason was taken aback by my outburst.

“It’s just for the night and it’s also because I want you to be comfortable, I know that couch can’t be all that comfortable. Stop making it such a big deal.” He added with an eyeroll and although his intentions were nice, I didn’t want to.

Ignoring him, I didn’t say a word and moments later, I felt Mason pushing my head with a finger over and over again while reminding me how I’m currently acting like a kid.

Yeah sure.

Pot calling kettle black.

We argued for a little while and when I knew the banter could go on and on but wouldn’t lead to anything, he eventually left me on my own.

After that, we both ignored each other.

About five minutes later, I couldn’t be more grateful when I noticed him falling asleep on the couch opposite mine. He didn’t leave me to sleep on my own like I had expected and had instead slept with me in the sitting room despite how rudely I had treated him.

~~~

Groaning quietly, I turned around to see that it was morning already but Mason was still asleep. I should’ve just followed him to his room last night.

I picked up my blanket and covered him with it, the rain is still drizzling and it’s kinda cold too. I made my way to the kitchen and after taking my hot tea, I made breakfast for two.

Mason woke up and I invited him to the dining room with a welcoming smile. I could tell that he was surprised and somehow my chest tightened when I remembered the last time I made breakfast for two.

He completely ignored it and made his own but this time was different, Mason made his way to the dining and stared at the various foods in front of him and my tightened chest released.

I served him and we both started to eat silently, I’d already made up my mind to apologize to him this time no matter what it takes.

“I’m sorry.” I finally said and Mason looked at me in surprise and with a raised eyebrow, he had no idea what I was apologizing for.

“I’m sorry for being so hard on you and treating you badly when all you were trying to do was be nice to me, I shouldn’t have acted like a kid and I’m sorry.” I explained as fast as I could.

It seemed as though if I talked any slower then someone would kill me, my gaze was fixed on my food the whole time and when I didn’t hear anything from Mason, I looked up to see him beaming at me.

His smile was really wide and his eyes glinted, I knew he was smiling because I’d apologize but why does this sight make my heart flutter?

What has been going on with me these past weeks?

Everything Mason does gives me butterflies, goosebumps and my heart has been fluttering. It’s weird but I’d tried to convince myself that it was just a friendly feeling since we’re friends now.

We talked for a while before getting ready to go to a bar. I dressed better than I’d been doing for our dates and even Mason was surprised at how I looked when I got out of my room.

I had no idea I could pull that many men without even trying. I had a lot of them flirt with me while others asked me to dance and tried to strike a conversation with me but Mason ruined it of course.

He kept hovering around me despite how much I tried to get away from him. All the glares I focused on him didn’t faze him one bit.

Mason was being ridiculous.

Tonight of all time was when he had decided to act like some sort of big brother. He kept glaring at any guy I was flirting with and cutting into the conversation with subtle threats. At different intervals, he’d outrightly warn them to never come near me again. He also almost picked a fight with one of the guys at a point.

We were currently seated beside each other and nursed our drinks silently as we stared at those dancing, making out or doing the silly things they do in clubs. I couldn’t hide the scowl on my face even if I wanted to, one which Mason pointedly ignored.

“Hey handsome, wanna dance?” I heard a female voice drawl out about a minute later and when I glanced, I realised that she was talking to Mason.

He had been about to start flirting with her when I yanked him away and told the girl to scurry off that he couldn’t possibly dance with her, making sure to stop him from getting it on tonight like he did to me without remorse.

She was clearly annoyed but she left and I stared at Mason in disgust and I was shook when I saw a smile play across his face when I had anticipated a scowl.

All these seemed thrilling to him?

I pointedly ignored him after that, and the club got boring to me pretty fast after that, which prompted me into informing Mason that I’d like to leave. Mason clearly understood, being the reason behind my sour mood and moments later, we both stood to leave. I was still mad at the fact that he had scared off all those men and I couldn’t wait to give him a piece of my mind.

“Now listen here young man,” I started when we got out of the club and could speak without yelling. He raised a brow at me next.

“What you did in there, I’m warning you now to never try it with me again.” I added.

“What did I did in there?” He asked while scoffing a little.

“Scaring those boys off!” I yelled and he laughed, I desperately wished I could slap him but I can’t.

He took a step closer to me and I took one back until my back hit the wall and Mason hovered over me.

“I was only looking out for you, some of these boys are predators…” He was still speaking when I hissed and walked off.

Looking out for me? I never asked him to do that!Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.