Deceiving My Bully Stepbrother

(Ava)

I let out a loud groan as I felt like I had been hit by some type of bus. I drank way too much last night..I swear I will never go out with my cousin again..she and her friends go way too hard for me.

I lay there for a few seconds, my head buried under the pillow as I tried to get the world to stop spinning..or maybe just my brain.

"Drink some water. It will help." A deep voice said..no..not just any deep voice. A voice that has haunted my dreams for a little over a week now. Maybe I was hearing things..this had to be a dream, or could I still be drunk? "Here, take these Ava. I also ordered us some room service."

Room service?! Where the hell were we?

That's when it all came crashing back..oh god..this wasn't a nightmare..it was real.

I was dancing on the dancefloor, finally starting to let loose as I felt someone come up behind me..thinking it was the redheaded guy.

Boy was I wrong.

"I can't believe I finally found you." Theo whispered into my ear, making me freeze as I felt those familiar hands grip me tighter.

"Please...never hide from me like that again..I know I f*****g deserved it..but Ava..these past eight days have been brutal." He confessed and I didn't know what the hell was happening.

"Theo.." I began, making him turn me around as I swear all the air was knocked out of me in an instant..he looked..horrible.

His hair was a disheveled mess like he had been running his hands through it all night..he had stubble on his face and his eyes had bags under them.

I didn't know what I was thinking..but suddenly I found myself touching his face. My fingertips brushed along his prickly jaw as he shut his eyes in response..letting out a trembling breath. "Why are you here Theo?" I asked softly, meaning for it to come out much more harshly.

"I've pretty much been living here for the past week." He said honestly, making me frown as I felt my brow furrow.

That's when I seemed to snap back to reality, my hands placed flat on his hard chest as I went to push away.

"Wait please..just let me hold you for a few more seconds..then I promise I will let you go." He rushed out, the desperation behind his words surprising me as I tried to pry his hands off of me. "Theo..this isn't a good idea. I can't do this.." I rushed out, starting to panic as I felt like everything around me was coming closer and closer, trapping me in this tiny space.

"......" I began, starting to pant as my cousin suddenly came up.

"Ava? Are you okay?"

"She needs some fresh air, let me take her." The stated firmly.

"And who the hell are you?" Brandy exclaimed, looking at Theo in confusion.

"I'm her boyfriend." Theo suddenly quipped, making me scoff as I tried not to laugh and pass out at the same time.

"Ooooh...so you're that asshole who broke her heart." Brandy said as another guy came over and I quickly realized I had met him in Theo's office before.

"Ladies..can I have a word with you for one moment? Theo, get Ava some water. Actually..you both could use some." The guy muttered, making Brandy shoot Theo a glare as he started to help me towards the counter. "I..I think I drank too much." I groaned, making him look at me worriedly as he helped me onto the stool.

That's when I saw him slip off his jacket and cover my legs with it. He began muttering something about the smallest dress in the world and eventually made me chug some water. Many paragraphs are missing. Read the complete book on Jo-b n-l b. c (o) m. "Why..why are you here Theo? Were you trying to pick up another girl? One who will give you all the kinky s*x and babies you could ever want.." I slurred, making Theo frown as he seemed surprisingly hurt by my words. "Don't..Don't do that." I snapped, making him lift his hands in surrender before setting my water back down.

"What Kitten? What did I do?" He asked innocently and I quickly narrowed my eyes at him.

"That right there..you aren't going to suck me in again Theo Hart..I'm serious..this time I'm done..for good." I said before crossing my arms in front of my chest and turning my head away.

That's when I felt Theo's hand grip my chin, forcing my head to turn back towards him as our eyes met. I saw a sadness in those chocolate brown orbs..and it freaking killed me..but I can't let it..I won't let it.

"I know Ava..and I agree with you..you deserve a lot better than someone like me. And what I did..I'm sorry. It was wrong in so many ways." He said softly, leaving me staring at him in shock as his words truly left me speechless. "That's why..I vow to do it right this time..no more pressure..no more taking control..I am leaving it all in your hands, Ava Wilson." He said, going to drop my chin.

He was leaving it up to me? What does that even mean? I studied Theo carefully, confusion filling my head as I leaned forward slightly, examining his face.

"Are you really Theo Hart?" I asked, poking his chest like this could be some type of hallucination or mirage.

"Yes, it's really me.." He whispered, and I don't know why I did this..but I guess it was the only way I would for sure know..but I gripped his shirt and yanked him to me, pressing my lips firmly to his.

He was definitely caught off guard. But I kissed Theo, feeling those familiar sparks that exposed inside of me as I let out a sigh before pushing him away.

"I guess it is you." I muttered more to myself than anything.

"You had to kiss me to realize that?" He asked humorously, making me nod before I swayed a little on the stool, trying not to topple over.

"We should get you home.. You definitely had too much to drink." Theo grumbled and I couldn't help but scoff.

"I'm fiiinne...I can get home myself. I don't need your help." I grumbled and went to jump off the stool, my feet completely missing the ground as I went tumbling down face first.

"Yep, that's what I thought." Theo grumbled and before I knew it..I was chucked over his shoulder and being carried down some hallway.

"I..I'm not going to have s*x with Theo..ever again..so if you think we are doing that, then you are dead wrong." I rushed out, making Theo let out a booming laugh as he turned down another hallway.

"I wasn't counting on it Kitten. The next time we have s*x, you are going to be the one to initiate it. I told you Ava..no more pressure or control." Theo reminded me and I just rolled my eyes. Being in control was his whole personality..there is no way he can change that.

"Yeah..we will see about that." I grumbled..and then Theo brought me into a room and the last thing I remember was him tucking me into bed..

So here I am now..waking up in that same bed he had put me in..

"Why did you bring me here Theo?" I asked, finally taking the pillow from my head as I saw Theo sitting in a chair a few feet away..of course he was back to his flawless self now..clean shaven and everyhting.

"Like I told you last night Ava..I want to do this the right way. I want to start fresh.."

"Fresh? What does that even mean?"

"It means..I want to start from the beginning..no contract..no sex..no control..just me and you getting to know one another."

"And how are you going to do that Theo." I laughed dryly, wondering what game he was playing.

"I want to ask you out on a date..a real date."