Deceiving My Bully Stepbrother

(Johnnie)

I let out another laugh, feeling my sides start to hurt as Charlie told me a story about the time he went surfing and had his trunks ripped off by a massive wave.

I don't know why I thought it was so hilarious...everything he said seemed to make me laugh.

"I can't believe that really happened." I gasped before reaching forward and grabbing my water.

I guess Charlie is the son of our new neighbors. He is actually twenty-two and his half-sister is the blonde who has attached herself to Caspian like a leech. Her name is Morgan and she is twenty-five.

The other girl is Morgan's best friend, her name is Kassie and she seems pretty nice from what I can tell. She and Milo seem to really be hitting it off.

I had been trying my hardest to avoid Caspian but he wasn't making it very easy..considering he was now sitting across from us and giving me the death glare..luckily my brother, Robin, and Alder were all sitting at the table with us. "So Caso, I hear you play ice hockey, yeah?" Charlie asked before tipping back his beer and taking a drink.

"Not too often." Caspian quipped as he kept his narrowed gaze on me..I knew he wanted me to look but I refused..no freaking way was I going to meet that gaze.

"f*****g liar, he is actually the captain of the team and even got a full ride." Alder snorted, making Charlie smile and nod as Alder continued nagging at Cass for not telling the truth.

"I don't think your boyfriend likes me very much." Charlie suddenly whispered while leaning into me as I turned my head, meeting his soft blue gaze.

"My boyfriend?" I asked in confusion, seeing a lopsided grin pull at his face.

"Yeah, the cranky bloke over there." He responded before flicking his gaze over to Caspian and then back to me.

"Oh, no..he's not..we're not.." I rushed out, making Charlie laugh as he leaned in a little closer. Why did he think Caspian was my boyfriend? Didn't he see Morgan and him making out earlier? "So, do you then? Have a boyfriend?" He asked more softly now as I shook my head no.

"Do you? Have a girlfriend I mean." I asked awkwardly, feeling completely out of my element as I tried not to sink under the table and crawl back to the house.

"Nah, but maybe I just might by the end of the summer." He winked, causing me to laugh nervously.

Okay..I know it was probably just a line and he had to be a major flirt to everyone..I guess I just never experienced something like this before. It was making my stomach go crazy with nerves. Suddenly I felt a hard kick delivered straight to my chair, making me jump as I let out a yelp.

I let my eyes glide up as I looked across the way to where Caspian was now fuming.

"House Now." He mouthed, making me frown as I shook my head no.

"Johnnie..I'm f*****g serious." He said again, making me roll my eyes before putting my attention back on Charlie.

"Wanna go for a swim with me?" Charlie suddenly asked, making me nod my head and smile before standing up.

"Yeah, just let me put more sunscreen on." I said before standing and heading to the other table.

"I can help if you like." Charlie offered.

"I think she can handle it on her own." My brother suddenly chimed in, surprising me with his now overly protective tone as I frowned.

Looking back, I saw Ben, Alder, and Caspian all glaring towards Charlie..making me feel confused. Weren't they just laughing and having a good time?

That's when I noticed Caspian and Ben exchange a look like they were in on this together or something.

"Actually, I would love the help." I blurted, my words shocking everyone..even me.

"Then..Robin will do it!" Ben suddenly yelled, making Robin do a double take as she was sipping on her sparkling wine.

"Just let the hot Aussie do it..for f***s sake..she is an adult after all." She retorted, making Ben start choking on the air he inhaled rapidly as Caspian stood abruptly before marching over towards me.

"I will f*****g do it." He gritted through his teeth before gripping my arm and tugging me over towards the table. "Caspian..what are you doing?!" I whispered hastily as everyone was now staring at us curiously..especially Charlie. "No way in hell am I letting that creep touch you." He said lowly as he grabbed the bottle of sunscreen and squirted it in his hands.

"Besides, Ben doesn't like the way he is hitting on your right in front if his face." He added, making my mouth fall open..seriously..now he has Ben on his side.

Before I could protest any further, he slapped the sunscreen across my back and began rubbing it in. His movements were fast and diligent at first and slowly began to calm as everyone headed to the pool.

I stood there frozen, the feeling of Caspian's large palms gliding across my skin making my heart race as I bit my lip nervously. I swear every touch caused my skin to tingle with sparks as he trailed his hands down slowly. "Okay..I get it..you are trying to make a point and it was well f*****g received." He whispered next to my ear, causing my skin to prickle with goosebumps as he made his way down my back.

"What point would that be Caspian?" I asked, feeling his palms glide up to my shoulders now and down my arms.

"That you can get a guy's attention. Now that you have...we can end this little game." He stated firmly, his words causing me to scoff as I turned to meet his gaze.

"Why does it have to be a game? Maybe I genuinely like the guy..and he seems to be into me..so.." I might've been pushing it a little.. Charlie was hilarious but I honestly wasn't sure if he was really that into me..

"Yeah, into your ass and tits.. the guy hasn't stopped eye f*****g you since the moment you walked out here. Has he really showed any interest in you at all? Because from what Ben and I saw..he didn't ask you a thing..oh..besides if you were single." Capsian hissed, his words making my stomach drop as I stood there for a moment, trying not to let my emotions take over.

"Yeah..because that's all I have to offer right? I am ugly like you said..so maybe I should just take what I can get..considering no one would ever want trash like me." I spat, feeling Caspian's hands freeze as I have had more than enough of this. "Johnnie.." He whispered, his voice softer than I had ever heard it in years.

"If you will excuse me.." I interrupted him before turning and walking to the pool..I wanted so badly to go to my room and hide out for the rest of the night..but then he would win..I can't let him win..not this summer.

I slowly walked into the pool, heading towards where Charlie was leaning against the side. He was watching as Milo, Ben, and Alder were playing volleyball.

"You didn't want to play?" I asked nervously, making his head turn towards me as I felt a little awkward now. His once friendly smile wasn't so warm anymore.

"Nah, I think I might head back over soon. Got a few mates stopping by tonight. We are going to a party tonight a couple of houses down." He explained, making me nod softly as I felt like Caspian totally ruined the mood now.

"Oh cool, well, maybe I will see you around then." I said with the best smile I could muster.

"Or, you could stop by the place. Then maybe we could hang out without the cranky bloke hovering around." He bent down, his voice low and seductive against my ear as my eyes widened.

"Y..you want me to go with?" I asked, making sure I understood him correctly.

"Yeah, I do." He smiled, making my stomach flip as he scooted a little closer, causing his muscular arm to brush up against mine.

"Okay, what time do you want to meet up?"

I definitely need to call Anna about this one..