Bully stepbrother

69. Activities

CADEN

The room was quiet as the sun barely rose when I struggled with a blurry vision. Squeezing my eyes with my free hand, I blinked rapidly before finally getting a clear view of the almost pitch-black surroundings.

There was the chirping of birds on the balcony, creating a sweet melody despite the cold weather. Despite the room heater, Mad and I were cuddling in a thick comforter above additional blankets.

I yawned and glanced at the nightstand clock, which said five in the morning.

I only had two hours of sleep, and it was enough.

It wasn't my protocol to sleep until daylight.

Yes, my parents had made sure I was awake before sunrise every day until I became this typical of myself.

The lovely scent of Mad's hair instantly descended upon me. That was before I reminisced about this whole situation: we shouldn't be laying here together at my father's. I shouldn't give him a reason to change his perspective on Mad. I shouldn't give him more reason to throw unnecessary fits.

Last night, I know I should've stood up for myself, but I don't know why with him present in a room, I seem to have frozen and done nothing to defend myself.

Pathetic.

I know, but with dad's presence, it's like I am ten and vulnerable again.

Those reminders affect me suddenly, and regret started dancing its way into my mind.

I will never stand up to him. I will always go through the same pain.

It was my hell.

Exhaling, I bring down my eyes to the reason I was still in one piece. She was laying on me. Our legs were tangled. Her hands were holding me tightly, and her cheek is pressed against my chest.

It's almost like she's scared of being alone.

Mad has to know that I am not going anywhere. Here was heaven to me, and I will give anything to be able to feel this every morning.

To stay in bed and benefit from her warmth against my body, the rhythm of her little tiny breathes.

Mad was a heavy sleeper, and two hours of sleep was never enough for her.

I know she needed rest, so I didn't attempt to wake her up.

With closed eyes, I just let myself relish this moment. My fingers tenderly messaged her scalp. Because having her to myself was priceless.

I wish we can freely have this without worrying about who's coming, who's about to prance through the door, or what society was going to create about us.

After a while of stroking Mad's hair, I heard her draw in a deep breath and her clasp around my torso loosen.

She shifted a little for our eyes to meet.

"Good morning!"

"I am still sleepy." She returns a smile.

"I know. I will take you to your room before dad and Martha wake up." I wish we never came here; we could be in bed in our apartment all day long.

Mad moans in denial, burying her face in the nook of my neck.

"Here." With a crook smirk, I began picking her in my arms.

"Caden, just a minute." She whines as I stood.

"You are going to keep requesting that," I said with her over my arms, as I quietly carry her in bride style to her bedroom.