Darn Stupid Brother You Are by Mairee

Chapter 64

(Angel's POV)

It was late, the kind of late when the air felt thicker and every sound echoed louder than it should. Hendrix had messaged me earlier with just a simple "Meet me?" and I knew exactly where he meant. The abandoned basement. Our spot. I hesitated at the top of the stairs as my heart hammered against my ribs. Every step I took echoed in the silence and reminded me of how wrong this was, but I kept moving and felt drawn to him like an ant to a cube of sugar. The door creaked when I pushed it open and revealed the dimly lit space, the familiar scent of dust and something else that smelled like us.

He was already there spotting on his signature grey shorts and tank top under a grey jacket. He was leaning against the old cracked wall with his hands shoved into his pockets. When he saw me, his lips curved into that half-smile that always made my heart stutter. "Took you long enough."

I rolled my eyes and tried to ignore the butterflies in my stomach. "I wasn't even that late."

"Hmm," he hummed and stepped closer, his eyes never leaving mine. "I thought you'd changed your mind."

"About meeting you?" I teased and raised an eyebrow. "Never."

He smirked, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. There was something different that night, I could feel it. "Come here," he murmured, and I didn't hesitate as I closed the distance between us. The moment I was within reach, his hands found my waist and pulled me against him. It was getting too normal and familiar between us, but it still sent shivers down my spine every time.

"Hendrix," I started, but he cut me off when he pressed his lips against mine. The kiss was desperate, like he was trying to drown out whatever thoughts were swirling in his head. I melted into him and threaded my fingers through his hair to tug him closer.

It was always like that, always intense and consuming, but that night there was an edge to it. He was kissing me in a way that made my heart race even faster. He pulled back just enough to rest his forehead against mine, his breath hot against my lips. "I can't... I can't keep pretending, Angel."

as my chest tightened.

and clenched his jaw. "That I don't feel this. That you're just my stepsister." His grip on my waist tightened as if he was

of what?" I whispered even though I knew. I knew, but

you," he confessed, his voice raw. "Of loving you the way I do. It's wrong, but I can't help it. And every time I try to push you away, you

"You're not supposed to be the one I

"Hendrix-"

I'll ruin you, ruin us. And I can't stand the thought of losing you, not now, not fucking ever." My throat tightened and tears stung my

and let out a bitter laugh. "But I already have, haven't I? The moment

you didn't," I said as my

realized had fallen. I hated how much I cried in front of him ever since our relationship got so complicated. "I'm terrified

I said even though the words tore at my heart. "Maybe we

sharp and desperate. "Don't say

we can't keep doing this," I argued even though my body betrayed me and leaned closer to him, craving his touch. "It's wrong. We both

voice that made my chest ache. "I don't

wouldn't let me, and his arms wrapped around me to

cracking. "Please, just don't let go. Not