Deceiving My Bully Stepbrother

(Ava)

I crossed my arms in front of my chest, my eyes narrowing at the front of the building as I waited for Theo impatiently.. "And he called me rude.." I scoffed, waiting in the backseat for him as I shook my head in disbelief. I know it's only been five minutes..but still..does he have no regard for other people's time?

I was about to pull out my phone to text my mom we might be late when Theo finally showed up.

He came striding out of the building, walking as casually as ever as I bit my tongue, trying to hold in all the snarky comments that wanted to come out. I bet if I ignore him that would piss him off even more..he is the type of guy who loves to be the center of attention..I just know it.

Theo opened the door, his eyes landing on me just as I turned my head, refusing to give him any acknowledgment. "Ah, I see you are capable of learning some manners after all." He remarked while sliding into the car and shutting the door.

I didn't respond, my eyes fused to that window as I pretended like he didn't even exist..it was just me and the driver..no one else..

"Perhaps not.." He grumbled, and I just scooted closer to the door..knowing the moment we got to the restaurant, I was bailing.

I watched as the car pulled out of the parking lot, making me relax a little from knowing I wouldn't have to be alone with this jerk for too long.

"So, I take it you got all of your work finished for the day?" He began, and I felt my brow furrow in confusion..was he trying to make conversation or something?

"Yes Sir." I quipped in a snarky tone..I just couldn't help responding.

Suddenly I felt Theo's hand gripping my chin, making me tense as he turned my head towards him forcefully.

"What did I say about looking at me when I'm speaking to you?" He stated, causing my eyes to dart to his..and if looks could kill..he wouldn't be alive for long. I was giving him the best glare I could muster.

Theo chuckled, his full lips twitching into a smile as he studied me carefully.

"I believe office hours are over..so technically you have no authority over me whatsoever." I snapped, reaching up and gripping his wrist tightly before pulling.

Theo just tightened his grip, making me gasp as his fingers dug into my skin. Not enough to hurt me but enough to annoy

me.

"Do you want to know what I do with little brats like you?" He breathed, the threatening tone in his voice not going unnoticed as I swear something changed.

I let out a shuddering breath, those brown eyes growing darker as the car suddenly came to a stop..snapping me out of whatever the hell this was. Thank god we were here.

"Take your hands off of me Theo..or I won't hesitate to break it." I said with a smile, making Theo laugh in my face before finally pulling his hand away.

I wasn't lying either..I took self-defense classes in college my sophomore year. I knew a few moves.

"That..I would like to see..but I have a feeling the next time my hands are on you..you won't be asking me to take them off of you." He said in a deep husky tone before turning away from me and stepping out of the car.

What the hell was that supposed to mean?! I just stared after him for a few moments wondering what he was talking about.

But before I could slide out of the car fully, Theo kept walking away from me, heading straight for the restaurant and not even bothering to wait.

"What a freaking asshole." I muttered under my breath while turning to the driver and thanking him for the ride.

I stepped into the high-end restaurant, my gaze gliding across the crowd of people as a young man suddenly approached

me.

"Can I help you miss?" He asked, giving me a big smile as I quickly returned it.

"Um, yes, I am here for the Hart reservation." I explained, making the guy glance over his shoulder briefly.

"Ah, yes..we just escorted your husband back." He said quickly, making my eyes practically pop out of my head.

"Oh no..he..he isn't my husband..he is my stepbrother." I explained before laughing nervously, feeling my cheeks burning red from embarrassment.

"Well, my apologies, I must've misheard him." The guys said while smiling even wider at me.

What the hell..did Theo really say that? Was he trying to make me snap or something? Why is he so freaking weird?

I was eventually escorted back to a private area where I heard Theo laughing at something loudly as I walked up. "Oh Ava, you look beautiful darling. How was your first day?" My mom asked, making me glance towards a smug-looking Theo as I hugged my mom. "It was good. I actually work with someone who I went to school with." I explained, making Theo stop laughing.

"Who?" He asked curiously, and I wanted so badly to keep ignoring him, but my mom would probably scold me for being rude.

She is dead set on getting Theo to like her..and so far she hasn't had any luck..obviously..the guy has the personality of a wet noodle.

"Johnnie King." I replied, not wanting to drag it out.

"Oh, she seems like such a lovely young lady. Theo and I saw her play at one if the school recitals a few weeks ago." Richard explained before hugging me next and sitting down.

I didn't mind Richard..I felt like he tried a little too hard at times..but other than that he treats Mom how she deserves to be treated.

I have never seen my mom happier and that's all that matters truthfully. But I can tell he doesn't know how to act around me exactly..like he doesn't want to overstep and take the fatherly role. So he is more friendly than anything.

"Yeah, she is a really sweet girl." I responded, meaning it fully. Johnnie was way nicer to me than I deserved..that's for sure. "Miss, can I get you something to drink?" The same guy from earlier asked, giving me a warm smile. "Um, yes please, can I get a glass of red wine?" I asked, making the guy nod his head.

After the guy left, we ended up chatting about what everyone had been up to and I noticed Theo went kind of quiet.

He just kept glancing across the table at me..and when the server came back, he started to get short with him..even his dad commented on his rude behavior..but I think that's just Theo in general.

We were about to leave when I quickly excused myself to the restroom..I washed my hands and went to leave when someone quickly pushed on the door, making me go back inside.

"What the hell Theo?!" I gasped, surprised by the fact that he was now in the girl's room with me. Then he reached over, locking the door.

"Do you like that kind of guy?" He asked me darkly, making me fill with confusion.

"What guy? I don't understand.." I responded, wondering what the hell was going on right now.

"The waiter..he clearly is only interested in getting into your pants." Theo spat, making me flutter my eyes rapidly before laughter burst from my lips.

"Are you serious right now?" I asked, making his jaw tick as he took a step closer to me, causing me to take one back.

"I am very serious right now. Are you interested in that man? Tell me." He demanded, making me shake my head in disbelief.

"I'm not doing this.." I muttered and went to walk away, but before I could..Theo gripped my arm and spun me around. And before I knew it..he crashed his lips to mine..causing all the air to rush out of me in a gasp. Okay..I was not expecting that..