Bully stepbrother

11. Errands

"Good morning," I embarrassingly greeted the innocent young man seated in the front row, as usual.

"Hey," he responded with a genuine smile as I settled next to him.

"You beat me here."

Asher playfully narrowed his eyes and pointed, "I always make it to class before you."

His innocent gaze intensified my guilt, and I looked away. As always, I found myself apologizing for Caden's behavior. "Asher, I'm really sorry about what Caden did to you."

Over the weekend, I doubted if I could ever look Asher in the eyes after my ill-mannered stepbrother's actions. But he was my first and only friend in college, and I couldn't let Caden ruin that for me. I had to salvage the friendship I found. Besides my studies and my recent friend Caleb, Asher had been one of the positive aspects of my college experience so far.

"It's okay," he simply said.

"It's not. I should have done something; it's not fair," I muttered quietly.

Of course, I should have taken action. I knew I had nothing forceful enough to affect Caden's emotions, but I should've tried. Maybe I could've called Dad and framed the asshole so he would face the consequences he deserved. Dad would undoubtedly choose me over him without a second thought. What Caden did last week was unreasonable and very childish. I felt so ashamed admitting it to Asher.

"Don't blame yourself, Maddie. He cares about you. I'd do the same for my sister."

And that's Asher, the naive young man who believed bullies had their reasons. Well, maybe some did, but Caden certainly didn't. He chose to exist only to manipulate me and destroy my contentment.

"You wouldn't hurt an insect; you're kind," I pointed out. The constant assurance I was receiving from people these days about how much Caden cared for me was starting to provoke me. If only they knew how cruel he really is; none of them would see my situation from their weird perspectives.

"Right," Asher mumbled in agreement.

I let my face fall into my palms, feeling ashamed.

This was insane. I had to stand up and set boundaries with Caden. If I didn't, this would never end, and I would be left alone, just as he planned.

"Please forgive me for dragging you into this."

"It's okay, I'm serious," he smiled widely, meaning the words he spoke.

He didn't have to go through my mess, but he still offered to help. "What if, after class, we go see my uncle and get you a job?" he suggested, nudging my ribs gently until a smile formed on my face.

"That sounds great."

"What sounds great?" The familiar rich and controlling tone interrupted, followed by a scent that stirred something in the pit of my stomach, setting off fireworks in my vision. That's how I knew it was my arrogant, prideful stepbrother.

"None of your concern," I sternly replied without looking at him. I couldn't afford to struggle with the strange feeling his closeness invoked. Looking at him would only make things worse, and worse meant trouble when it came to Caden and me. He was my stepbrother, and I should only hate him, not the other way around.

"Fine, come to my left. You're sitting in Avery's area," he said with a smirk.

Okay, I looked. My eyes flew to him, and it was like I hadn't heard him correctly. Damn, if he didn't look better than any boy I'd seen on magazine covers.

"You must be kidding," I managed to breathe.

"No, get moving, or do I have to pick you?" He had a bold expression on his face as he lowered and slid into the seat next to me.