I wish

Chapter 6: what now?

As he nuzzles into my neck, I can feel his forehead burning so I quickly push him off me and grab the bag of meds. He watches and pouts that I pushed him away.

"Go lay down," I say while pouring the liquid medicine into the little cup and handing it to him. He frowns at the medicine but takes it nonetheless. Once he finishes, he climbs back into bed. I quickly rush to the bathroom and grab a rag and get it damp then run back to him. He already has his mask back on and I chuckle while placing the rag on his forehead. Just then as I turn around to leave, he grabs my wrist and yanks me onto the bed with him.

"What? You need to rest and I should be getting home," I try to get up but he isn't too happy about that and he lays his head on my chest and grabs my legs with his. I sigh in defeat and play with his hair which is surprisingly soft.

"What are we now?" I ask while adjusting the rag on his forehead.

"Well, you're mine if you wanna be but I'm still gonna tell others that you're mine whether you like it or not," he says with a smile on his face. I flick his ear which makes him whine and pout like a child.

"Be serious for once, I don't want to be just another toy for you," I roll my eyes and he slides off his mask, giving me an annoyed look.

"You've never been a toy to me, I've always liked you," he smiles and plants a kiss on my lips, making my cheeks flush.

"Well, it felt like I was," I confess and look away.

"Look I may be an asshole and play people and it makes me seem like a prick but if I like you, you have my respect and I won't hurt you intentionally," he rests his head on my chest again. I'm not sure about that.

"I thought you liked my brother?" I say while playing with his hair again. Rylie's cheeks flush and he clears his throat.

"Cause he looks like you and I sometimes imagined him as you except I had to use his name instead which I guess is why I called you your brother's name. It just became a habit since I thought I wouldn't ever be like this with you," he nuzzles into my chest and closes his eyes. I'm not sure how to respond to that so I don't. Which is fine since he ended up falling asleep shortly after he said that. After making sure he was fully asleep, I got up and walked home. I don't know how I'm going to face him tomorrow. He liked me this whole time? But what if he's just playing with me as he does with everyone? No way I have his respect.

As I start unlocking the door, the door is swung open and the next thing I know, I'm being pulled into a tight embrace. I glance up and see Nick. He smiles down at me sweetly before breaking the hug.

"What took you so long? I was worried," Nick takes my bag from me and hangs it up. Right, I didn't tell him I was going to see Rylie.

"I just got held up at school, no biggie," he nods his head and ruffles my hair. Thank God he believed it.

"Well, I'm gonna go take a shower," I say while walking away and to my room. Once I'm inside, I slide off my shirt.

"So, are you gonna tell me where you actually were? there's a hickie on your neck" I quickly turn to face him and hold my shirt over my chest.

"Jesus Nick, you scared me, but I really didn't do anything, I just had to check up on Rylie," Nick cuts me off and places his hands on my shoulders.

"So Rylie did this to you?" he glares at the mark on my shoulder. Getting more annoyed the longer he sees it.

"Did he even get your consent? Did you even want him to do that? What else did he do?" he grips my shoulders to the point it starts to sting. Now that I think about it, he just said to dodge if I didn't want it. I didn't dodge. So that would count. Right?

"He didn't do anything wrong, all we did was kiss," I look to the floor. Why does it feel like I cheated? Nick sighs and pulls me into a hug.

"I'm sorry, I just don't want you hurt," he keeps his hold on me and hides his face in my neck. I push him away gently. What is with people saying that? Do I seem weak?

"Well, you don't know him like I do," I quickly grab a change of clothes and walk to my door only for it to be slammed shut and an arm reaching from behind me, pushing against the door. I tense up and hold onto my clothes tighter.

"What do you know about him? He doesn't care about you. He just want to use you. I've heard how he treats people. Your brother told me all about him," Nick puts his other hand on my shoulder and turns me to face him, pushing me against the door. I keep my eyes glued to the ground.

"Nick, you're scaring me," I say between clenched teeth.

"Answer my question, did he force you, and what do you know about him?" he places his hand on my chin and lifts my head to look at him. I close my eyes tightly and bite the inside of my lip.

"Not gonna answer? I just want to make sure you're not being forced to do something with that prick," he let out a soft sigh and I open my eyes. He looks concerned but he's never acted like this before.

"I already told you we didn't do anything besides kiss, I'm not stupid I wouldn't do something like that," even though I almost did. At least Rylie hasn't scared me. Nick doesn't say anything. He just nods his head and lets me go.

"I'm sorry Hunter, I just don't trust him, I want you safe," he rubs the back of his neck while taking a step back.

"It's fine, you're right, I don't know him that well but I want to get to know him more. Why does it matter to you what I do with Rylie anyways?" I ask while loosening my grip on my clothes. Nick just stares at me, pondering his answer. Almost like one will make him hate me and the other will gross me out.

"Nothing, I just want what's best for you, I apologize for my behavior earlier," he sighs and runs his hand through his hair then he walks out and leaves me there.