Deceiving My Bully Stepbrother

(Johnnie)

"No, not that one..the red one with the white flowers." Anna said while I held a blue dress up to my body.

"I didn't see the red one." I mumbled before walking back over to my suitcase on the bed and shuffling through it.

"It's at the bottom..why didn't you hang everything up yet?!" She groaned over the video call, prompting me to glance over my shoulder and narrow my eyes at the phone.

"You're seriously asking me that? How long have we known each other Anna?" I quipped..I never really unpacked my suitcase..I just shuffled through it and shoved everything back in when I was done..might be a bad trait of mine now that I think about it. "Yeah yeah, you slob." She laughed and then I turned around and found the dress.

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" I asked nervously..feeling like maybe this was a horrible horrible idea..

I ended up giving Charlie my number and he said he would be waiting outside at around 10:30 pm to pick me up..I am freaking...this is the first time I am ever doing something like this..especially alone. Well, Charlie said Kassie and Morgan will be going as well..so at least I can hang out with them...even though I am not the biggest fan of Morgan so far.

Kassie and I ended up talking a little more after Charlie left and I really like her vibe..she was totally into Milo but I'm hoping she didn't invite him because then I know for a fact that Caspian will show up..

"Babes..you said yourself that the girls will be going and it is within walking distance. One bad vibe and you call your brother." She reassured me..now you see..Anna has been to a lot of college parties.. I on the other hand..not a single one. I felt like this was the most dangerous and reckless thing I was doing in my damn life.

If Kassie and Morgan weren't going, I would've said no for sure.

"Okay, I better finish getting dressed." I said nervously before letting out a deep breath.

"You got this girl..and please for the love of God kiss that damn Aussie..if not for yourself, then do it for me!!" Anna joked, making me laugh as I said my goodbyes and hung up.

I looked down at my hands where the red dress Anna told me to wear was hanging down to the floor.

It was a beautiful sundress that went past my thighs and had frilly sleeves that flowed over my shoulders. I decided to pull my hair back so it was out of my face and clipped it in place.

I put on a little bit of lip gloss and some eyeliner before a loud splash suddenly drew my attention toward the window.

I slowly stepped forward, peering outside as I saw someone was now swimming in the pool. I recognized that tattoo back from anywhere.

Caspian began swimming laps, his movement smooth and powerful as he seemed to dominate the water completely..he was a beast.

I stared down at him, thinking about the rest of the day I had as I suddenly found myself wishing things were different..

I began to wonder why Caspian was acting so strange and why he suddenly seemed to care what I was doing...it felt..weird.

I had grown so used to the cold frigid Capsian, that I never thought I would see a gentle side to him again..at least not with me.

I used to sit down by the pool, my eyes focusing on Caspian as he swam back and forth as I would wonder if our kids would come to this house too..would we be like our parents and come here with Ben and Alder's future partners?

But now I wonder if Caspian will come here with whatever woman he decides to let in.. the one girl who will get that gentle side and make him laugh and smile..I used to imagine myself in that role...now I know that was only a silly daydream..

I think after this, I don't want to come back here anymore..I think this is it for me. I'm ready to move on..I really don't think I want to see Caspian's happily ever after. Even after all he has done to me..it still would be too much to bear.

I looked away from the window, blinking away those tears I hated crying so much as I looked in the mirror one last time.

Then I heard my phone ping as I went to grab it.

From Charlie: Hey, we are just outside in the front.

To Charlie: Okay, be right out.

I sent back before taking a deep shuddering breath and nodded my head. You got this Johnnie..it's time to live.

I grabbed my purse before putting my phone in it and went to step into the hallway.

I knew Ben and Alder were already passed out because they drank way too much at dinner. But I decided to creep down the hall and be as quiet as possible anyways. At least Caspian was outside in the pool..so that would keep him busy for a while. My mom and Dave..yeah..I didn't want to think what they were doing..

I rounded the corner and almost let out a damn scream as I saw someone now standing in front of me.

"Shit." Milo cursed before looking at me in shock as I just stood there frozen..blinking at him. He looked like he was dressed for a party just like I was...that's when he let out a sigh.

"You're going to the party too?" He asked, prompting me to nod as he glanced behind me for a moment.

"Capsian is outside swimming." I informed him, thinking that's who he was looking for.

"Fuck..he is going to kill me..okay, let's go quick." Milo rushed out before starting down the stairs as I nodded in response.

So he was sneaking out too!! Oh my god..I felt so relieved to know Milo was going now..

"Johnnie, don't leave my sight for even a second okay? I'm serious...we don't know what we are walking into." He explained and all I could do was nod..yet again.

"Come on." Milo said quietly before walking towards the door and slowly opened it as we both slipped out.

That's when I saw a jeep waiting outside by the front of the driveway.

Kassie stuck her head out, waving excitedly at Milo as we walked over hastily.

"Hey guys, ready to have some fun?" She asked before smiling widely.

Milo opened the door, offering it to me first when Charlie suddenly spoke up.

"Hey Johnnie, come sit up front with me lovely." He said, causing me to pause before smiling at him and walking towards the front of the car. Charlie leaned across the middle and swiftly pushed the door open for me as I pulled myself in.

The moment I sat down, I swear my nerves were going insane.

"Wow, aren't you a beaut, f*****g sensational." He said with a broad smile as my eyes roamed down, realizing he was only wearing swim trunks. That's when my eyes glanced towards the back, noticing Morgan and Kassie were in their bathing suits too..crap..I didn't get that memo. "Hey girlie..you can wear one of my suits..Charlie didn't seem to pass on the info." Kassie laughed, making me nod as I felt my cheeks warming. Considering the party was only a few houses away..I didn't even know why Charlie drove because we were literally there in five minutes.

We stepped outside and Kassie immediately took my hand before dragging me towards the house. Dozens of people were drinking and talking outside as their eyes glanced towards Kassie and I.

I just kept my head down, trying not to freak out as I felt Milo following behind us closely.

"Here, put this on while I go get us some drinks." She said before shoving a blue bikini into my arms.

I blinked down at it..realizing this thing was much smaller than what I was used to as I peeked over at Milo.

"Jo, you don't have to wear it..maybe just stay in the dress." He said above the loud music as I looked down at the bikini once again.

Glancing up at him, I realized he had his shirt still on and I honestly felt more comfortable with wearing the dress... "Thanks for the swimsuit but I think I will just keep this on for now." I said to Kassie as she came back with two drinks in hand. Milo promptly took one before Kassie smiled and shrugged before taking the swimsuit back.

I had a feeling what she gave me would've been super small and even more uncomfortable than what I wore earlier. "Hey Jo! Come meet my mate Rj. He's the bloke who's party this is." Charlie explained before waving me over. He now had a drink in his hand and I soon realized there were a few more people with actual clothes on..so I felt better.

"Nice to meet you Jo, why don't you come have a drink with us?" Rj said with a smirk, he had dark brown hair and tan skin with light green eyes. He was a few inches shorter than Charlie and a lot leaner too but he had a dimple on his cheek thet definitely gave him a certain charm.

"Jo..maybe you shouldn't drink." Milo suddenly blurted before grabbing my arm.

"Just one won't hurt right?" I said before giving him a smile and stepping towards Charlie as he reached over and slid his arm around my waist, making butterflies explode through me.

Then something else began to form inside of me..a type of uneasiness that I didn't know where the hell it was coming from as I tried to shove it deep down.

Your are just nervous..that's all..so chill Johnnie..just one drink and then that's it..nothing should go wrong..right?