Darn Stupid Brother You Are by Mairee

Chapter 17

Angel's POV

"Is that all you think about when you look at me?" he asked again.

I didn't get what he was implying. Or I pretended not to understand.

I felt a flutter in my chest, and my mind went blank. I tried to speak, but my voice caught in my throat. I cleared my throat, trying to compose myself. "I... uh..."

I couldn't think of a response, and my eyes dropped to his hand, still holding mine.

But before I could continue, Hendrix smiled, seeming to enjoy my flustered state. "Seriously, Angel," he repeated, his voice a little softer now. "Do you only see me as your stepbrother?" Finally I got myself.

Why was I feeling flustered by him?

I glared at him and snatched my hand away. "Maybe I spoke too soon," I said, trying to regain my composure. "You're still a kid, and you still act like one. The only thing you know how to do is charm girls."

Hendrix's eyebrows shot up, and he let out a low chuckle. "Woah, so you think I'm charming?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

I stammered, feeling my face heat up. "I-I didn't mean it like that."

Hendrix chuckled, clearly enjoying my discomfort. I punched his arm, trying to play it cool. "Shut up."

We both laughed together, the tension between us dissipating. For a moment, it felt like old times, like we were just two friends joking around. But as we sat there, catching our breath, I couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted between us.

I began to notice things I hadn't thought much about before. The way Hendrix's eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled. Or the way his long hair curled slightly at the nape of his neck. I felt a flutter in my chest, and I quickly looked away, trying to shake whatever feeling that was.

about you? What were you

for a moment before answering. "I lied to you, Angel. I wasn't

"What do you mean? Why did

to deal with your worry and concern. I thought it would be easier to just make something

why did you feel like you had to lie to me? What were

looking around nervously before answering in a low

back straightened immediately and my eyes narrowed. "What kind

alertness. "I couldn't find any record of LiveLaughLong Wellness Center online. No website,

remained silent and he must have mistook it for disbelief because

Or rather, what I didn't find. And it's not just that. I've been talking to some of

under

looked at me concerned, "Are

before agreeing to come here. I just trusted Mom's judgment..."

onto mine. "What do

mean, I didn't question anything. I just assumed this place was legit because Mom said so. But now...I don't know what to

widened in surprise.

Nixon about my suspicions," I said, my eyes locked on Hendrix's.

and I noticed a flicker of something in his eyes. But he didn't say anything,

would you do that?" Hendrix asked, his voice a little

They get on my nerves. And let me tell you, they didn't seem too

around looking for trouble. Confronting people like that...it's not

my line, Hendrix. I'm always

it, Angel. You shouldn't dig too deep.

all the doctors and medics, Hendrix. I mean...this whole place! You said it yourself, they don't exist. What instifution doesn't exist online in the twenty-first century? When I confronted them, they didn't seem fazed at all. It was like...they were waiting for me to figure it out. And I think they'll stop at