“Hammered,” he says with a wide grin.
I nod. “And we had some crazy ideas, huh?” I ask.
He nods again, tearing off a chunk of brie I bought earlier and stuffing it in his mouth.
“I don’t know whether that idea was… my best,” I admit. He loves it when I’m wrong, so he should fall for this. Guess it’s the younger brother syndrome.
“Kade,” he says in a more serious tone. “You’ve had some bad ideas and done some pretty stupid stuff. But that one?” His eyes glisten, and I already fucking know this will end up a mess. “That one was pure gold.”
“Parker…” I try again, but he’s already launched into another tirade about June and how she will pay for everything she did to us. It’s getting harder and harder not to punch him.
Finally, I fake a headache—which is becoming increasingly more real—and head into my room. I don’t think I’ve ever been more thankful to have some privacy. I lie on my bed and think about what I’ve done. June keeps intruding on my thoughts, her name dancing before me, her full lips shaped in the letters that form my name, taunting me.
I say fuck it hours later, after two painkillers and a tumbler of whiskey burning my throat. I get my phone, and I hold it for a long time before finally calling her number.
It rings and rings.
“Hello, you’ve reached the private number of June Wildfox. Please leave a message after the tone,” her soft voice informs me, the words a sharp contrast to her innocence.
I’m thankful and upset at the same time that she didn’t answer.
And I’m pretty sure I call again and again, just so I can listen to the sound of her voice before I fall asleep. This is what June fucking Wildfox does to me.
She is on my mind night and day.
If I thought it was hard to stop thinking about her before I tasted her lips, I know it’s impossible now. I see her everywhere and still feel her touch on my sensitive skin. I jerk off, imagining it’s her hand that’s bringing me pleasure. I deal with my guilty conscience and try to ignore the hurt when she doesn’t call, all the while thankful for it—because I know she should stay away because we’re bad together.
Scratch that.
Together, we’re perfect. Her lithe body, my huge strong build. Her dark hair, my dark crop. Her green eyes, my murky gray pair. She is light, and I am dark, but together it just makes sense. But our parents said we shouldn’t. And June seems to agree because she stays away.
And the worst part is the fact that she doesn’t stay away from Parker. It’s the other way around—the two spend more and more time together as the days pass. And even worse, I have to listen to their escapades night and fucking day because Parker won’t shut up about them.
It’s all about June these days.
June bought me this shirt; June took me to lunch at this restaurant. June wants to get me an opening at an art gallery; June gave me tickets to this concert.
I don’t want to tell him she’s basically supporting him, because everything Parker tells me about our stepsister involves her giving him stuff or money. You’re her bitch, I want to tell Parker viciously. And she’ll never see you as anything but her stepbrother.
But I don’t say a word even though it’s hard to stop myself. I don't want to be the obsessive twin. I don't want to be the one who falls asleep dialing June's number without a single answer, either, but I am. To top it all off, I feel disconnected from my brother. He doesn’t have a clue about the kiss June and I shared. He doesn’t even know I’ve had a crush on her for years.
Parker is my twin. No matter who I’m with, he is my other half. He knows everything about me, and keeping this secret is tormenting me, tearing me apart, and making me grumpy as fuck.
He used to love June. I know he did. They were best friends. But now all he talks about when we’re alone is the money. He’s in it to win it—still stuck on the plan I’ve almost abandoned as a thing that belongs in the drunken past.
Parker is a user. He’s going to hurt her and take the money, and I can do fuck all about it because it was my idea. And selfishly, I want to be the one to make June laugh, make her cringe, make her blush. I want to be the one who hurts her. I don’t want Parker to have that power over me. But as the days pass, he becomes her confidant, and I become nothing but a memory from her past.
My mind blurs all days together. They become a mess of Parker coming and going, his smile growing bigger each day as he spends more and more time with June. I am never once invited to come with them. It’s like I don’t fucking exist. She doesn’t try to contact me, not once. Doesn't pick up the phone when I call her. And the days pass slower and slower.
What fucking sucks is that Parker gets to see her smile every goddamn day. And he never fails to tell me all about his meetings with June.
Did I know June started drinking coffee when she hated it as a kid?
Did he tell me June thinks blue looks good on him?
Oh, and did he mention June bought him art supplies to last him several months?
But the best of all, according to Parker, will be her face when he eventually breaks up with her. Because Parker is sure all this is building up to a relationship. And viciously, he can’t wait to hurt her.
It’s all my fault.
And I can’t do shit about it.
9
Parker
"Hey, Dale."
"Kade?"
"Nah, Parker."
"Oh, hey man." My brother's best friend's voice grows more distant, less interested, and I grit my teeth before I go on. I have to play nice with the frat boy to get what I want. There's no room for mistakes here.
"Haven't seen you in a while," I go on jovially even though I feel anything but.
"Yeah, your brother's been playing hooky on his friends." Dale laughs easily.
"Well, I think it's time you dragged him out again," I suggest, feigning innocence. "Kade's been all depressed lately, and I think he really needs a fun night out."
"This about that June girl again?"
"What?"
"You know, your stepsister or whatever. He's still hung up on her, I'm guessing?"
"I guess." My teeth grit, and my jaw hardens as I listen to him. Everyone knows about Kade's obsession apart from me, it seems. "So, what do you say? You and your friends should take him out tonight. I heard there's a new place called Pulse opening in SoHo. What do you say? Kade needs a distraction and a pair of long legs in his bed."
"Of course." Dale chuckles, and we share a rare moment of camaraderie. "I'll set something up for tonight with the boys."
"Thanks, man." I almost think he's going to invite me to come out with them. I would've said no because I have other plans, but my own desperation to be included in my brother's life shocks me. I've always wanted to be part of his friend group, but Kade's always pushed me away. We have our home life together, but Kade prefers to be Parker-free when it comes to clubbing and having a social life.
An awkward silence follows, and I quickly realize Dale won't be asking me to join them.
"Talk to you later," I mutter, cutting the call short.
That's one thing I can check off my list. My brother's friends are womanizers, and now that I've planted the seed, all there's left to do is to watch it grow. My brother will hook up with someone tonight. The boys will make sure of it, and it will crush June's heart. Luckily for her, I'll be there to pick up the pieces.
With my mission complete, I dial June's number next. She takes ages to pick up her phone, almost making me want to give up.
"Hey." Her voice is breathless.
"What’re you up to?" I wonder out loud.
"Just doing a workout." She laughs. The sound is so fucking sweet, but not as sweet as her moans will be. We'll get there. "What's up?"
"Was wondering if you wanted to hang out tonight," I go on easily. "Kade's going on another one of his pussy-hunting missions, and I don't really wanna stick around to see which one of his conquests he'll be bringing h
ome tonight."
"Oh." June sounds so hurt and disappointed. I grin to myself, pleased with how my plan is working out. "Sure, we can hang out. What do you want to do?"
"We could go out," I offer. "I kind of want to go clubbing, too."
"Clubbing?" She giggles. "That doesn't sound like you, Parker."
How would you know? I want to ask her. You have no idea what I'm really like. You don't know shit about me, and I'm going to keep it that way.
"There's this new club opening tonight, Pulse," I tell her, the cogs turning in my head. "We could hit it up. See what it's all about."
"Sure," she agrees after a short pause. "I guess I could do that. But I'm not drinking much. I've got another early start tomorrow."
"Of course," I agree. "Have your driver pick me up.”
I need to make sure Kade will be gone by the time June drops by. We say our goodbyes after agreeing to meet sometime after ten p.m. June says she'll bring some of her friends, too, which suits me just right. Girls love the artistic, broody type, and they're sure to fawn over me, which will hopefully put the right idea into June's head. The idea being that she wants me, not Kade, of course.
My brother comes home a few hours later, mentioning that his friends invited him for a night out. I feign innocence and tell him I'll stay at home. I wait until he leaves with his friends before shooting June a message to let her know I’m ready.
When the limo pulls up in front of our shitty apartment building, I'm already waiting on the curb. I'm wearing my brother's peacoat, a white V-neck, and ripped black jeans with black boots, and I've even stolen some of my brother's aftershave and cologne. I look fucking good. And the proof is in the glowing faces of the three girls June brought with her.
I set my sights on one of them right away. She's petite, slender enough so I could just throw her over my shoulder. Her hair is dark like June’s, and she's wearing the skimpiest outfit out of all the girls. Easy fucking prey.
Quickly, I realize the girl is as obsessed with June as I am. She looks up to her. In fact, she looks like her fucking mini-me.
June's lips brush my cheek as I sit down in the car, and the girl, whom she introduces as Dove, swallows me up with her eyes on the way to the club. We pop open a bottle of champagne. The drinks are flowing, and even though June looks a little distant, I know tonight's going to be a good night. Especially when Dove's hand sneaks to my knee, not even five minutes after we pulled away from my curb. The girl's staking her claim already. I kind of fucking like it, being the object of attention. My brother's the one girls always notice, but not tonight. Tonight is my fucking night.
Pulse is busy by the time we pull up, and I'm starting to worry we won't get in. But the moment the bouncer sees us pull up in a limo, he removes the red rope and allows all five of us to enter the club. I smirk at the guy, not failing to notice the jealousy he regards me with.
The music is booming, and the drinks are flowing in the club. June gets us a VIP table where Dove proceeds to get so mind-blowingly drunk, I'm shocked she can stand after the half hour we've been there. She's half-sitting, half-lying on my lap by that point. I thought June would be jealous, but she seems totally uninterested, staring into nothing as I caress her friend's ass. She doesn't give a shit about me... but she will eventually.
Discreetly, I scan the crowd on the dance floor. It doesn't take me long to spot one of my brother's buddies who's making out with a raven-haired girl. The rest of his party is close by too, and I spot Kade, staring listlessly into thin air. Just like June.
I position myself so there's no chance Kade will spot me. The other two girls with us, whose names I've already forgotten, are quickly whisked away by two men. That leaves Dove, who's half-passed out on my lap, me, and June. I can see men staring my stepsister down, wanting to approach her. But every time they do, I glare at them until they change their mind, adding to her unapproachability. I'll be fucking damned if I'm gonna watch June hook up with someone tonight. She's mine.
I wait until the timing's perfect before leaning over to June and telling her I'm taking Dove for some fresh air. Her friend's babbling, drunk out of her mind, and June thanks me profusely for taking care of her. Fucking perfect. Everything's working out according to plan.
I half-carry, half-drag Dove into the back alley behind the club. We're not coming back, not if I can help it.
While I sit June's drunken friend down on the curb, I spot a pretty blonde having a smoke outside. I approach them, asking for a light and smirking at the girl. She seems interested enough, and her eyes glow when I pull out a fifty and ask, "Want to have some fun?"
I feed her some bullshit about pulling a prank on my twin, and the girl, Lexi, goes along with it. I give her the money and tell her to find my brother in there and turn on the fucking charm. She's more than eager, and I grin to myself, pleased with how well my plan is working out. All the pieces of my plan are aligning, and there's nothing else for me to do but enjoy my night out.
I call a cab and give the driver the address of my old home. He helps me get Dove in the car. She's blabbering on the back seat as we drive to June's home. There, we're greeted by the housekeeper, who still recognizes me. I tell her I couldn't get the address of her place from Dove, so I just brought her to June's house instead. The way that housekeeper looks at me makes me feel like a goddamn saint even though I'm anything but.
With the housekeeper’s help, I get Dove in one of the guest bedrooms. I tell her I'll just wait until she feels better, and to go to bed, and the stupid bitch trusts me. I wait until the half-conscious girl dozes off, make sure the hallway's empty, and sneak into June's room.
It feels like it's been ages since I've been here even though it's only been a few days. I've gotten into the habit of sneaking onto the property. I can't stay away. Not when June's at the touch of my fingertips, just waiting to be taken.
I've gathered so many of her things now. A hairbrush. So much fucking underwear. Even her perfume—she always wears the same thing, Chanel Chance, and I'll forever associate the fresh scent with my pretty stepsister. As I enter her room, I allow myself time to roam through. I go through her drawers. I mentally catalog her lingerie collection. I lie on her bed, careful to hide the creases in her bedding after. I wonder how many times she's touched herself here, thinking about my fucking brother. That's going to change. Soon enough, she won't be thinking about Kade anymore. It's time for me to take my twin's place.
Before I leave, I grab another of her thongs and stuff it in my pocket. I'm ready to sneak back out of the house, but I run into Dove in the hallway.
"Parker? My head's killing me," she groans. "Can you get me a glass of water?"
"Sure," I get out through gritted teeth. I pour her some tap water and take it back to the guest bedroom where she's waiting for me. Dove gulps down the drink and mutters a thank you as she lays back down on the bed. "You need anything else?"
She pulls herself up on her elbows, eyes meeting mine as she smiles mischievously. "You."
"Me?" I smirk. "What do you need me for?"
"Come here." I don't do what she wants right away, and she pouts. "Don't you want to fuck me?"
Girls like Dove are so fucking easy. All they want is a good-looking guy to give them some attention, and some dick. It's almost fucking boring because it's so goddamn predictable. But I'm more than ready to give the girl what she wants. Fucking someone else in June's house is an offer so tempting I couldn't possibly refuse it. Besides, knowing my stepsister is getting her heart broken by brother dearest has just made my cock harder than ever.
I lie on the bed with Dove. She kisses me, sloppy and smelling of champagne, but she's fucking hot, so I endure it. Especially because she doesn't fight it when my hand slips between her legs and starts massaging the wet spot on her panties.
"Strip," I order her, my voice growing darker with desire. "All your clothes off, now."
For a moment, I'm convinced she'll say no. But then she picks herself up and peels her
dress off. The bra and panties follow next. I admire her silently. She's hot, with tits that are at least a D-cup and a perky little bubble butt, both a sharp contrast to her thin body.
"Put this on." I throw June's thong I stole earlier at her, smirking. The girl hesitates, and I realize I'll have to turn on the charm. "Come on, little bird. Be a good girl for me."
She flushes but doesn't question me. She puts on the thong and joins me in the bed again. My hands explore her sinful body, and I groan as she pulls out my hard cock.
The whole fucking night, I have to fight June's name off my lips.
10
Kade
Two weeks pass without me noticing. It’s strange because they’re the longest two weeks of my fucking life.
It’s Friday, and some old friends have roped me into going out with them. Since my kiss with June, I’ve been avoiding them when before that, we would go out at least twice every week. My friends Dale and Jeff call me out on it, asking if I’m in bed with a booty call every night. Only I know that couldn’t be farther from the truth.
I finally take them up on their offer, and I decide to go to a new club called Pulse with them. It’s opening night, and I’m hoping to get my mind off a few things.
I’ve ignored Parker almost completely, and he’s so wrapped up in his plan he doesn’t even notice. So when I announce I’m going out, he just nods, too busy with what has quickly turned into his own project.
That night as I shrug on my leather jacket, I promise myself this night is June-free. I’m going out to forget and have some fun while I do it. I put on my military black leather boots and quickly glance at the mirror.
I hate looking at myself lately, because it feels like I’m staring at my brother, and all I picture is him talking about June. And it fucking hurts that while I look the same, she chose him over me. She chose to ignore me, while spending time with my twin. Shaking my head, I say goodbye to Parker and head out the door. He doesn't even respond.
Tyrant Twins: A Dark Twin Romance Page 7