Bully stepbrother

45. Eyes don't speak

MADISON

I played DJ on our road trip to Santa Cruz. With the windows down, music filled the air, our hair dancing freely. Caden's hair was lustrous, while mine was a mess. Mentally, I sighed, thinking, "So help me, God."

Santa Cruz was just a forty-minute drive thanks to Caden's powerful car.

Every now and then, Caden flashed me a nurturing look over his sunglasses or held my hand when his phone wasn't demanding his attention.

"Why are we here?" I asked as we pulled over on a shopping street.

Caden simply smiled and extended his hand when we both stepped out of the car.

Suspicion crept in, but I let him intertwine our hands as he guided us through the bustling promenade. It was a sweet gesture, one I found myself needing more and more these days.

The mall was filled with people going about their business, oblivious to us. No one noticed the affectionate step-siblings happily window shopping, or if they did, they kept it to themselves. None questioned our intimacy, just like any other couple in the mall.

We stopped in front of a bike store, and I puzzled over the colorful symbol that read 'SANTA CRUZ BIKE.'

Stepping out of his embrace, I looked at him with wide eyes, asking, "Caden, what's your plan?"

"Nothing, come on." He playfully booped my nose with his finger, then twirled me in a dance-like move before pulling me back into his arms.

"Caden!" I protested.

"Come on, we haven't even explored the bikes, and you're already disapproving."

"I'm not disapproving, I'm just..." I started, but he interrupted as his eyes landed on something. "Look what we have here—a folding bike, and it's bright red." He pointed to it, leading us towards the display.

Caden was not only taller and stronger but also used to getting his way. I couldn't possibly object, so I laughed and followed him.

"Welcome, sir, how may I help you?" A female voice behind us snapped us to attention. We turned to find a slim brunette wearing the bike brand's t-shirt.

She seemed barely able to breathe, her eyes locked on Caden, as if he were some irresistible deity. She forgot to welcome me or offer her assistance, caught in Caden's charm.

Oh, for fuck sake.

Sure, Caden had that effect on people, but she needed to get her eyes off customers and focus on her job.

"Can we get a bike suitable for students?" Caden inquired, glancing around the store.

I don't think the lady managed to respond to his question, still captivated by Caden. A bit frustrated by her fixation, I managed to speak up. "Caden? What—no, I..."

"Please excuse us." Caden pleaded with the lady who evolved into a grinning sculpture servant of his, and when she remained under his charm, staring at him like he was some god, he brought his eyes back to me and grabbed my arm, pulling me to some angle decent for a private conversation.

With me pressed against the wall, he told me, "Your bicycle is ruined. You need a better one, though I don't think I would ever let you cycle again after what happened."

I raised an eyebrow, ignoring the growing attraction between us. "What do you mean?"

"We'll ride to and from school together," he announced, a few inches away from me.

He can't be making such a commitment; he's not the type. "I go to work," I pointed out.

"I can drop you off and pick you up when you're done."