“Get sober soon!” I yell on my way out and am accompanied by Parker’s laughter as I close the door. A smile appears on my face as I take the stairs to the lobby.
Did I just get away with this drunken fucking mistake?
June
9 years ago
It was time to say goodbye to the old treehouse.
Our life as we knew it was over. We would move and start over in a new home. Our parents had clung to our old family house for as long as they could, but it didn't make sense to stay there anymore. Not when their company was turning over such big profits. We'd move that weekend, a new place in a safer, more expensive neighborhood. I was excited, but the thought of leaving all those memories behind stung.
So, I found myself sitting in the treehouse that morning. It was bright and early. Our parents were at the office, and my stepbrothers were still asleep. I climbed the rickety stepladder to the treehouse and smiled when I realized I couldn't stand straight in it anymore, either. My fingertips glided over things that were once considered treasures, which now laid forgotten, soaked by rain and mud in the abandoned playhouse.
I wondered whether the wooden box was still there. I looked for it, turning over rotting comic books and forgotten clothes. But it was nowhere to be found.
"What do you think you're doing, Junebug?"
I turned over my shoulder to find one of the twins on the stepladder leading up to where I was. Kade.
My heart skipped a beat, but I ignored it, turning back to the mess of abandoned possessions. "I'm just looking for something."
"We haven't been up here in years," Kade muttered. "Whatever you're looking for isn't here."
"What did you do with the box?" I faced him again as he climbed into the treehouse and sat down on the wooden floor. "Remember? Your mother's old jewelry box."
"I have it." Kade didn't elaborate, and I furrowed my brows as I stared him down.
"What do you need a jewelry box for, Junebug?"
"You wouldn't understand."
I knitted my brows together. "You might be surprised. Try me."
"I'm saving it for something," he finally admitted after a long pause.
"I want to have it." He laughed out loud, and I crossed my arms defensively. "What's so funny? It's not like you need it, Kade. You don’t wear jewelry. Why don't you give it to me?"
"You can't have my mother's jewelry box, June." He rolled his eyes. "She wasn't even your mom."
"Fine." I sat down on the floor next to him, ignoring the nervous butterflies in my stomach. I hadn't spent much time alone with Kade lately. It seemed like he was always avoiding me, doing anything and everything to stay out of my way. Which was funny since I was desperate to be in his company. But Kade always pushed people away. Everyone, except for his brother. Those two were thick as thieves.
"Are you sad about leaving this house?" He shrugged, and I groaned in frustration. "Why does everything have to be so difficult with you, Kade?"
His dark gray eyes twinkled with amusement. "Whatever do you mean, little sis?"
"Don't call me that," I responded instantly.
"Why wouldn't I? Parker does."
"Parker's different."
"Of course he is." His words were bitter, stinging me.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing, Junebug. Come on, we're leaving."
"Not yet." I crossed my legs on the floor, staring Kade down resolutely. "I want to stay here a while longer. We'll probably never get the chance again."
"What's so special about this place, anyway?" I didn't answer. What was I supposed to tell him? Definitely not the truth. Kade realized I wouldn't give him an answer and groaned. A cool breeze blew through the treehouse, and I shivered. "You cold?"
"A little." I wrapped my arms around my body for warmth, but Kade was faster than me, stripping off his gray hoodie and offering it to me. Reluctantly, I took it from him, telling myself I was only doing this because I was freezing. But as his scent enveloped me, I realized I couldn't lie to myself. Kade's hoodie was like a hug from my older stepbrother—warm, inviting, and a rare comfort. "Thanks for that."
He nodded, and we sat in silence for a few moments before I finally spoke again, if only to make things less awkward.
"You sad about leaving this place?"
"It's just a house, Junebug."
"It has so many memories, though."
"Well, you can always make new memories." He laughed at my crestfallen expression. "You're too sentimental, June."
"Or maybe you just can't deal with feelings," I muttered under my breath, feeling a blush creep into my cheeks.
"Feelings are for the weak."
My expression darkened. "So you think I'm weak?" His amused smile told me everything I needed to know, and it pissed me off.
"You're a woman." Kade shrugged, making me even angrier.
"So?"
"So, you let emotion overshadow everything you do." His eyes sparkled as they met mine. I knew he was just teasing me, but I couldn't help it—I always got so defensive.
"That's sexist," I hissed. "And misogynistic. And probably a whole bunch of other things I can't even—"
"Big words for such a little girl," he interrupted.
"I'm not a little girl," I hissed, picking myself up and bumping my head on the ceiling of the treehouse. "Ow!"
"Junebug." He spoke up quietly, but with enough resolve to finally shut me up. "I'm not saying it's all bad."
"Oh, thanks." I laughed sarcastically. "That's just great, then. Just mostly bad, or what?"
He stared back at me with twinkling eyes. This was why Kade and I never got along. Either he was teasing me, or he was pretending I didn't exist. He didn't answer, which only drove me crazier. Instead, he stood too, but he was mindful of the low ceiling and didn't hit his head. But his presence was overpowering in the tiny space, and I felt his closeness like an oppressive hug. The aroma of his cologne surrounded me—such a thick cloud of fragrance. Despite everything, I wrapped Kade's hoodie tighter around my body.
"Maybe you should stop treating every word out of my mouth like an insult," Kade suggested.
"Maybe I would if you didn't try to offend me with everything you say."
"I'm not trying to do that, I just—"
"Whatever." I shook my head resolutely. "Just forget it, Kade. Let's get back to the house before the movers get here."
"Junebug." I tried to move away, but his arms caught me before I could descend the stepladder leading into the backyard. "Stop being so fucking stubborn."
I stared up at him defiantly. Something passed between us then, a strange moment that made my heart skip a beat as I stared deep into my stepbrother's gray eyes.
"June," he muttered again. His fingers somehow found their way to my cheek, gently caressing my skin. "You're so pretty when you're mad."
"W-What?"
"Sorry." His hand dropped, but I caught it in mine and brought it back to my face. He looked for confirmation in my eyes, and I nodded, a barely perceptible tilt of my head. But it was all Kade needed.
His fingers wandered over my skin again, touching my reddened cheeks before slowly, tentatively moving to my lips. As he touched them, they parted. My heart was beating so fast I thought it would rip through my rib cage, and I was nervous as hell as I faced him. We'd never been intimate like this before. Even Kade giving me his hoodie was unusual.
"What are you doing?" I whispered, half-hoping he wouldn't reply.
"Just shut up," he grunted. "For once, keep that pretty little mouth shut."
I obeyed this time, my lips glued together around the tip of his pointer finger. He explored them with his soft fingertips, coaxing me gently to open them more. His finger grazed my tongue, and I flushed.
"Why are you so scared?" he asked, his voice surprisingly soft.
I couldn't bring myself to answer. All those feelings I'd kept bottled up for years were threatening to come out. The feelings I had for Kade were on the tip
of my tongue. I was reaching my breaking point. The moment when I confessed every desire, every forbidden thought I'd had about my stepbrother for years.
"Look at me, Junebug."
My eyes found Kade's. His finger slid from my lips. He didn't touch me, but his eyes felt like they were enveloping me in a warm, soft hug. With a start, I realized I was hoping he'd kiss me. What I'd do just to feel his soft lips on mine for one moment...
As if he was reading my mind, Kade leaned in. Our mouths were inches apart now, so close, yet still so far. I wanted him. I wanted to taste him, to sever our sibling connection and turn it into something else entirely. But I was too scared. Luckily for me, Kade wasn't.
He crushed his lips against mine painfully slow. His breath was fresh, cold yet somehow inviting, and instantly, my body sank against his. His arms wrapped around my neck and he pulled me in. My heart was hammering so fast I was convinced Kade would hear it and laugh at me. But he didn't. He just explored my lips with his. I thought he'd use his tongue, but he didn't. His kisses were soft, almost innocent if it weren't for the tension that hung between us.
"Kade, June, are you up here?"
We sprung apart, but it was a beat too late. Mom appeared on the stepladder, her bright smile fading as she saw what we'd been doing.
"We'll be right down, Rachel," Kade muttered, clearing his throat. I couldn't even look at her. My face felt like it was on fire, burning up from the inside.
"What were you two doing?" Mom glanced back and forth between the two of us. "Please don't tell me it was what I think it was."
"It was nothing," I whispered.
"It didn't look like nothing to me." Mom pulled herself up into the treehouse, ignoring me as she crouched between us. Her glare was trained on Kade now, and the next words she spoke came out in a hiss. "She's thirteen, Kade. Thirteen."
My stepbrother's eyes met mine over her shoulder.
"Don't look at her."
"Mom, would you calm down?" I managed. "It's nothing. It was just a harmless kiss..."
"Harmless?" She glared at me next. "He's your stepbrother, June. He's family. It's totally inappropriate."
I felt shamed then. I was burning up and cold at the same time, the embarrassment of being caught making me flush an even deeper shade of red.
"You're overreacting," I said to Mom.
"With good reason." She turned to face Kade again. "I don't want this to happen again. I mean it, Kade, or I'm going to tell your father. And we both know he wouldn't like this."
I knew she was right. Kade and Parker's Dad, Mark, wouldn't like the thought of us together. He was traditional and valued family above everything else. I felt shame then. Deep, dark shame that made me think something was wrong with me because I was so attracted to my stepbrother. But I couldn't help it. I wanted Kade. I wanted to see where our connection went, not watch the flame go out the moment it was lit.
But because Mom had caught us, it seemed as if it was all over before it even began.
"Promise me right now, Kade," Mom insisted. "You won't touch June again. She's off-limits for you. You understand me?"
"Loud and clear, Rachel," Kade muttered.
"Good." Mom crossed her arms and glared at me next. "Same goes for you, June. Don't give into this. It's wrong and inappropriate. Now come on, we have packing to do. The movers will be here in twenty, and Mark and Parker are waiting."
I nodded wordlessly. She didn't even leave a moment for me to talk things through with Kade. She followed us closely as we made our way back to the house.
And from then on, every time I was alone with Kade, I felt my mother's watchful eyes on my back, her cryptic words ringing in my ears.
"Miss Wildfox."
"Yes?" I look up from the report I'm reading, realizing I've been so caught up in my memories I've gone through several pages of it without even knowing what I'm reading. A flush creeps into my cheeks as I stare at Barbara, one of my maids who wears an excitable expression and is holding up the landline phone.
"A call for you, Miss Wildfox."
"I don't have time right now," I mutter.
"I think you do," she muses. "It's your brother."
I'm up in seconds, grabbing the phone from her hand and not even caring about how desperate I must look to her. Barbara leaves the room with a knowing smile, and my hand shakes as I hold the phone to my ear.
"Kade?"
"Parker." My expression falls instantly, but still, it's good to hear his voice after all the time that has passed.
"Parker!" I grin, sitting back down at my desk. "I haven't heard from you in so long. I'm so glad you called."
"Me too." I can practically see the mischievous grin on his face. "Look, I'm just setting up for dinner, and I wanted to ask if you'd like to drop by. You know, have something to eat."
I don't want to break his heart and tell him all my calories for the day have been accounted for. Besides, one extra meal won't kill me. I'll just work myself twice as hard in my exercise routine tomorrow.
"I would love to," I manage. "Can I come by your place in about an hour?"
"Great. Can't wait to see you."
"I can't wait either," I admit, cutting the call and struggling to fight the smile off my face as I race to my closet to find an appropriate outfit.
I hope Kade is there, too.
7
Kade
Work goes as work usually does, and the hours pass slowly. My eyes are getting tired from staring at the computer screen, and my hangover is making my head pound. But finally, it’s time for me to go home, and because I’m feeling extra grateful that Parker doesn’t seem to remember a thing from yesterday’s drunken planning, I decide to grab a few treats at the deli on our street.
I even throw in some gorgonzola cheese, which used to be Parker’s favorite. It may not be the stuff we were used to—and the smell makes my stomach roll over—but I’m sure he’ll appreciate it.
I take the stairs two at a time, and my usual worried smirk is replaced by a smile today. Things are gonna fucking work out. I’ll explain the plan again, he’ll understand, and I’ll have her. I produce my keys out of my pocket and fumble with them, trying to get the door open. Because that’s what this has been about all along. Sweet, innocent…
June.
Standing in front of me, opening the door for me—to my own goddamn apartment. Wearing Parker’s college sweatshirt. I clench the paper bag in my hands, and at that moment, I know I had it all wrong. Parker remembers everything. He acted on it, too, while I was busy at work, earning money for both of us. And she’s here now.
“Hi,” June says softly, her doe eyes big and trusting. "I was hoping you'd join us."
Without saying another word, I walk in like I’m in a trance, and when Parker catches my eye, he winks at me.
He winks at me.
I’m about to strangle him, but in the next second, I’m wrapped in a bear hug by June. “I missed you so much,” she whispers in my ear.
I have to restrain myself, so I don’t respond to her affection, and my hands form fists at my sides. She’s pressed so close to me I can feel her jutting hip bones poking me through her jeans. All I want to do is tear her the fuck off me. Get her the hell away before my body acts of its own accord, and I force her to do something else entirely.
“What is she doing here?” I ask Parker, stepping out of June’s touch and ignoring the hurt coming off her body like a fragrance. "Did you invite her, or is this another one of her stalkery trips?"
“I thought it was about time we buried the hatchet,” Parker says cheerfully and brings a bowl of salad to the kitchen table. I see that it’s already set with two plates and there’s sliced baguette as well as some charcuterie. I wonder who paid for that, I think bitterly. It's probably the money for takeout I keep leaving him... “It’s been too long since we had June over, don’t you think?” Parker teases.
Oh, so she’s June now, when before, he always called her little sis. I hate his guts right
now, and I know I’m being unfair, but I want to grab her and carry her into my room to do all the things I’ve dreamed about to her. Forget Parker. She belongs to me.
“Am I allowed to eat here?” I ask viciously instead of responding to my brother’s words, nodding toward the two places he’s set. “Or should I leave?” Somehow, I don’t feel welcome in my own goddamn apartment.
“Yes, please—stay,” June jumps in cheerfully, and I turn around to look at her. She’s acting like she owns the place, and it bothers me because it’s the one thing I paid for myself. I’m the one who pays the rent here, and her dirty money will do her no good, no matter how good those jeans look on her. And I’m trying not to look.
“Are you staying?” I ask her, and she flinches a little.
“Parker invited me for lunch,” she says softly, but then she raises her chin. “I didn’t know we needed your permission.”
Well, that’s fucking new. June is always quiet, obeying everything we say. But now she’s standing up for herself? How goddamn refreshing.
“It’s my place, so you do, yes,” I reply coldly, and her eyes burn with a quiet fire I’ve never seen before. And I’ll be damned if it doesn’t turn me on even more than her usual sweet and submissive personality. Fuck me. I've been with her for a few minutes, and I'm already losing my cool. "So? What do I need to do so you’ll leave? You need a written note or something?”
She looks taken aback for a second, but I don’t regret it in the slightest. She doesn’t belong here, not in her designer heels while carrying a handbag that costs more than our rent does.
“Ignore him, June,” Parker tells her cheerfully. “He’s being an ass. Why don’t you sit down? I’m sure we can have a nice time without Kade, too—his loss, right?”
He’s shooting me daggers with his eyes across his shoulder as he sits June down. I’m so angry I could slap him on the spot even though I have no right to do that. It was my idea, I think, just to punish myself further.
“Enjoy your dinner in that case,” I say, the venom spilling out of my words. I turn on my heels and walk out of there. I have no idea where I’m going, but I need to get away. I'm not about to sit down to a family reunion with a stepsis I want to be balls deep inside, and my idiot fucking twin brother.
Tyrant Twins: A Dark Twin Romance Page 5