Darn Stupid Brother You Are by Mairee

Chapter 103

(Angel's POV)

The room was heavy with tension. The kind that pressed against your chest and made it hard to breathe. Hande, Charlotte, Cylan, Bundah, and Eddie were all watching silently, and darting their gazes between Hendrix and me like they were waiting for a bomb to go off. Thomas stood near the corner; his jaw was tight, his arms were crossed, and his eyes fixed on Hendrix like a hawk.

Hendrix ignored them all and focused solely on me. Without another word, he grabbed my arm not roughly, but firmly enough to let me know he wasn't going to let me go until he said his piece.

"We need to talk," he said urgently.

I hesitated, my heart pounding. "Hendrix, now's not "

"Now," he cut in, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Thomas took a step forward. "If you have something to say to Angel, you can say it in front of all of us." Hendrix turned his head slowly and locked his gaze with Thomas's. "This isn't for you. Stay out of it."

Before Thomas could respond, I put a hand up. "It's fine," I said, glancing at Thomas. "I'll hear him out."

Thomas's jaw tightened further, but he gave a small nod and stepped back. Hendrix didn't wait for my approval; he led me out of the room and down the hall, stopping only when we were far enough away that no one could hear us. "Okay, what is it?" I asked as I pulled my arm free and crossed my arms over my chest. "What's so important that you had to drag me out here?"

Hendrix ran a hand through his hair. His eyes were darting around like he was searching for the right words. "I overheard something," he started. "Dennis and Dr. Joe. They were talking about... about us. About you and me. And about Dad." My stomach tightened. "What do you mean?"

"They called me a liability," he said bitterly. "Said I was jeopardizing their plans because I've been skipping treatments. And Dennis... she didn't argue. She was in on it, Angel. She's working with Dr. Joe."

I took a step back as I processed the gravity of his words. "Mom?" I whispered, shaking my head. "No, she wouldn't-"

"She would," Hendrix interrupted, his voice rising. "And she has. Don't you see? This whole thing-us being here it's not just about me getting better. There's something else going on, something bigger. And Dennis and Dad... they're part of it."

even. But working with someone like Dr. Joe? It didn't make sense. Or maybe it made too much

needed to be ready for. But he didn't explain. Just said I should stay out of trouble." "And you think it's connected

"It has

leaned against the wall, my legs feeling like they might give out. "This doesn't change anything," I said finally. "We still have to stick to the plan.

in my stomach. "I... I don't

looked like he might lash out. But then he took a step back and slumped his shoulders. "Fine," he said. "But when this all blows up in your face, don't

wouldn't be fair if I left him out, right? We started this together; it won't be fair if I just secluded him from it

Right?

out

and the way his jaw tightened. His resistance was obvious, but so was my determination. The group quieted as we

part of this," I declared. I looked at each of them in turn, daring anyone to object. "We started this together. And no matter how strained things are right now, he deserves to see it through." Hande raised an eyebrow

uncomfortably but nodded. "Not that I have an issue, but, uh, is he

said suddenly, gruffly. His gaze didn't meet anyone's directly. "I'll

moment before Bundah sighed. "Fine. The more, the merrier,

still hammered as I turned to Thomas. I needed to be sure. "Can we talk?" I whispered and tilted my head toward the

expression flickered with something unreadable, but he nodded and followed me out. As soon as we were alone, I reached for his arm. "Are you okay with this? I mean, really? I don't want this to cause

moment. "He's your brother, Angel. And you've been planning this together from the start. I won't get in the way." My throat tightened. I didn't know whether to feel guilty or grateful. "Thank you,"

he turned back toward the room, I saw the tension in his shoulders. The

and the ever growing feelings I had for Thomas, I felt like I was sitting on a knife's edge. And one wrong move could send everything

...

(Cylan's POV)

on the edge of my bed, staring at the small pile of notes and photographs spread out in front of me. Each one was a piece of the puzzle, a glimpse

picked up one of the photos. It was a blurry shot of a patient being escorted into the West Wing by two staff members. Their face was hidden, but the fear in their body language was unmistakable. I didn't know who

I couldn't sit