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.

were you

and he looked away for a moment before answering. "I lied to you, Angel. I wasn't with a

you mean? Why

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

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

hesitated, looking around nervously before answering in a low voice. "I've been doing some research, Angel. On

my eyes narrowed. "What

of my sudden alertness. "I couldn't find any record of LiveLaughLong Wellness Center online. No website, no social media, no reviews. It's like

remained silent and he must have

didn't find. And it's not just that. I've been

cursed under

me concerned, "Are you

own research before agreeing to come

onto mine. "What do you

head, feeling a wave of regret wash over me. "I mean, I didn't question anything. I just assumed this place was legit because

widened in surprise.

confronted Miss Stefan and Dr. Nixon about my suspicions," I said, my eyes locked on Hendrix's. "And they really looked

of Dr. Nixon's name, Hendrix stiffened, and I noticed a flicker of something in his eyes. But he didn't say anything, and I didn't

asked,

on my nerves. And let me tell

"Angel, you shouldn't go around looking for trouble. Confronting people like

incredulously. "That's my line, Hendrix. I'm always the one giving that

eyes narrowed. "I mean it, Angel. You shouldn't dig too deep.

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