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

away for a moment before answering. "I lied to

do you mean? Why did you

his temples. "I don't know, okay? I just didn't want to deal with your worry and concern. I thought it would be easier to just make

why did you feel like

looking around nervously before answering in a low voice. "I've been doing

my

continued, unaware of my sudden alertness. "I couldn't find any record of LiveLaughLong Wellness

and he must have

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

cursed under my

me concerned,

should have done my own research before agreeing to come here. I just

eyes locked onto mine.

feeling a wave of regret wash over me. "I 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 think." I sighed,

in surprise.

Miss Stefan and Dr. Nixon about my suspicions," I said, my eyes locked

and I noticed a flicker of something in his eyes.

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

And let me

shouldn't go around looking for

my line, Hendrix. I'm always

"I mean it, Angel. You shouldn't

Stefan and Dr. Nixon, maybe 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 nothing to