Deceiving My Bully Stepbrother

(Johnnie)

"I think we should go to the cops..this is serious." Ben rushed out before leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees.

"Sadly, that isn't going to do anything..the least we can do is get a restraining order, but it's not even Dad who is following them." Alder sighed as he continued to pace the living room.

"Plus the texts weren't incriminating..the ones from his phone at least. They just said to call him back and to not ignore him." He added as I snuggled into Caspian's side.

I could feel the anger pulsing off of him in waves..

"Well, what if we got a few of the guys together and showed them we aren't easy to mess with." Moose chimed in, making Viva sigh before pointing at him.

"Don't even think about it..and none of you are doing anything about this." She stated firmly before walking over to us and placing her hand on Caspian's shoulder. "Caspian did the right thing in telling me..and I will have it all under control."

"Mom..what are you going to do? If the police won't get involved..then how can we stop this?" Alder asked worriedly as Viva looked towards him intently.

"I am going to make a few calls...I didn't want to have to do this...because you know I hate asking him for things..but I have no other choice." She whispered as Caspian stiffened before snapping his head to his mom. "Mom..you don't have to do that..I can handle.."

"No..your Grandfather will be able to fix this.Many paragraphs are missing. Read the complete book on J o-b n-l b. c (o) m. It's more of a pride thing for me than anything..but Grandpa Walt will be able to help." She added and I glanced over towards Caspian, watching as he nodded once before resting his face in the crook of my neck.

I have never heard them speak about their grandparents on their mom's side before. So this was new..honestly, I thought they had passed away..

"I didn't realize your mom's parents were still alive." I whispered, making Viva scoff.

"If you could call it that..They aren't very involved..they live in New York now and I probably only see them once every couple of years. My dad..he isn't the warmest person." She explained, making me nod my head in understanding. "He's a dick..let's be honest here." Caspian grumbled, making me shoot him a surprised look.

"Caspian, language please.." His mom muttered.

"It's true..he only speaks to you when he needs something.." Caspian grumbled before shutting his mouth as his mom gave him a warning look.

"Do you think Grandpa will help? After the divorce and everything.." Alder stated, making Viva sigh before she plopped down on a chair and tilted her head back.

"Surprisingly he offered to take your father down back then..but I didn't want to cause issues..if I would've known then what I know now..I would've taken it up with him." She grumbled and turned her head towards me now.

"Come on, let's just try to forget it for now. Dinner should be here any minute." She changed the subject as I glanced toward Ben who was biting his nails nervously.

For some reason he came without Robin..in fact, I hadn't heard much about her lately and I have been talking to my brother every day since getting back.

I went to stand up when Caspian tightened his grip around me.

"Where are you going?" He asked before frowning.

"I just want to go check on Ben..something seems up." I explained, making Caspian look toward Ben before glancing back

at me.

Caspian had been extra clingy since leaving the apartment..like, even more than usual, which was a lot to begin with, let's be honest.

"Baby, I will literally be two feet away..okay?" I whispered, my hands settling on either side of his face as I bent forward and gave him a kiss.

I watched as Capsian nodded his head up and down before sighing.

Then I managed to somehow wriggle out of his hold..which he didn't make easy..

I walked over to Ben as he stared absent-mindedly at a picture on the wall. It was one with all of us kids together.

"Hey, how are you holding up?" I asked, making him glance towards me before sliding his fingers through his hair anxiously.

"Fine..everything's fine." He rushed out as I gave him an incredulous look.

Then I watched as his eyes darted through the room, realizing we had some type of audience as Caspian's gaze practically burned a hole through us.

"Come on, let's talk over here." I whispered, making Ben nod before Caspian went to stand.

"You stay here. I will be right back, I promise." I stated while looking at my now pouting husband before I dragged Ben to the other room.

"Benji..what's going on? You know you can tell me anything.." I whispered, feeling my stomach tighten as I examined my brother closer..he looked like he hadn't slept in days.

"Fuck..I just...I don't know what the hell is happening. I don't even know who the hell I am anymore and all I want to do is drink and forget all of this shit..and now Robin is staying at her mom's and..and everything is falling apart Jo.." He choked out, making my heart ache as I stepped forward, letting my brother wrap his arms around me and engulf me in a hug.

"Hey, it's okay to feel lost and confused..this was huge Benji..and I can't even imagine how you feel..but I am so proud of you. The fact that you haven't slid back into those old habits..that you aren't keeping this in..that's huge Ben." I praised my brother..knowing how he spiraled so badly after Dad died...that's why I have been calling every day..I was afraid how he would cope with this.

"But you don't have to do this all on your own..we have each other and there are so many people who care about you and love you." I reassured him as I felt his head nodding up and down as he clung to me tightly.

"I know it's shocking to learn Dad wasn't your real father..but Ben..I don't think it matters if you were blood..Dad loved you so much, and I know for a fact he still would..you know that too right?" I asked, making my brother start to cry as the sound ripped me to shreds..I hated seeing him cry..it rarely happened.

"How could she do this to us." He let out, making me rub his back in a soothing motion as I just held onto him.

"I don't know..she is just a selfish person I guess..but we must've learned not to be from Dad..because I know you would never do that..you are such a good guy Ben. You always had dad's heart and sense of humor." I said softly as Ben sniffled while burying his face against my shoulder.

"Mom is going to wake up one day and realize exactly how much she messed up..but at that point..we will already have moved on..we will be happy with our own lives and not need her anymore..I think that will be punishment enough for her..don't you? To see us happy without her?" I said, making him nod before pulling back and staring down at me.

"Since when did you become the big sister.." He mumbled, making me laugh as I reached up and wiped his tears.

"I always was..remember when you were sixteen and I was ten, and I tried to beat up that kid for stealing your bike?" I reminded him as he just laughed and continued to peer down at me.

"Yeah, and I had to carry you off over my shoulder."

"See, I've got your back no matter what."

I smiled brightly as Ben hugged me once more.

"Thanks sis..I love you."

"I love you too..I did want to ask though. Is everything okay with Robin?" I didn't want to pry..but something tells me it might not be good if she is staying at her mom's house.

"We are just taking a break..I didn't want to drag her down with me..I just..I don't know if she can handle it. She has a lot of s**t of her own that she is still coping with." He whispered, making me nod in understanding. "Well, do you want me to reach out to her? If not I understand."

Ben studied me for a few moments before finally speaking.

"Yeah..maybe it would be good if you do...thanks Jo..you are the best." He whispered and hugged me once again.

After a few more moments, we headed back into the other room as Caspian instantly pounced on me.

"f**k I missed you." He rushed out before kissing me roughly as I couldn't help but laugh.

"I was just in the other room..it's okay baby, I'm not going anywhere else without you, I promise.."

Caspian didn't tell me exactly what his dad said..but it really must've freaked him out..all I know is that nothing can keep me and Caspian apart..and I guess I just have to keep reminding him of that.

We will figure all of this out..and hopefully, there will be no more surprises because I swear if there are..I might just have a damn stroke.