Twisted Chances

4. Nia (edited)

"No freaking way that actually happened!" Camilla screeched so loudly I thought my poor eardrums were going to file a complaint.

Oh right, did I ever mention? Camilla is one of my best friends. Amy too. Jas is close as well, though she's really more Camilla's partner in crime, so naturally, we all hang out together. We had called her earlier but, as usual, she was running late.

So here I was, spilling my secrets to Camilla and Amy.

And this one? Oh, this one was wild.

"I know, it's shocking," I muttered, burying my face in my hands. "Even I can't believe it... The person I've loved like a brother all my life is suddenly the one I wanted to kiss."

Saying it out loud made it sound even more ridiculous.

"I think I need to consult a doctor before I lose my sanity," I groaned.

We were sprawled out in Camilla's ridiculously huge room, surrounded by snacks, gossip, and legally obtained beers. Uncle Rhys had reluctantly agreed after some serious persuasion—well, persuasion mixed with Aunt Bridget's intervention. He nearly fainted when he realized his darling daughter actually drank. Honestly, our dads were hopelessly smitten with us. Lucky us.

"Girl, do you even realize what you're feeling right now?" Camilla asked, sipping her beer with a sly grin.

"No!" I shot back instantly.

"Do you have a crush on him?" she asked, eyebrows raised like a detective on the verge of solving a mystery.

"No, why would I? He's like a brother to me."

"You definitely wouldn't want to kiss your brother, right?" Amy chimed in, finally entering the room with her usual dramatic timing.

The three of us stared at her.

"I mean... I wouldn't," she added quickly, pouring herself a glass.

"AMY. What the hell?" Camilla screeched, horrified.

Amy just shrugged. "So that means Niko is not like a brother to you."

My heart sank a little at that. She wasn't wrong. If he really felt like a brother, I wouldn't have wanted to kiss him. I would never, in a million years, imagine kissing my actual brother. Ew. Absolutely not.

And yet... with Niko? My thoughts betrayed me.

"Why would I want to kiss him?" I asked stubbornly.

"Because you like him," they both said in eerie unison.

"No way," I denied it immediately. "Just because he's gotten a lot cuter and hotter since I left doesn't mean I like him. That's not enough."

I bit my lip and whispered without realizing, "I'm still not over him."

"What?" Amy asked.

Panic hit me as I realized I'd said that aloud. "Nothing," I said quickly, waving my hand. Thankfully, they didn't press further.

Amy grinned instead and pulled out a surprise. "Anyway, I think you need this more than any of us." She placed a full bottle of champagne in front of me.

Camilla's eyes sparkled. "You brought that?!"

"Yup," Amy said proudly. "And I think Nia needs it the most. Liquor makes the best decisions of your life."

"The hell it does," I muttered, but after their relentless coaxing, I gave in.

One glass turned into two. Two became three. Three became four. Until the whole bottle was gone, and I was very, very drunk.

"I think you should—hic—call someone to pick you guys up!" Camilla slurred, collapsing on her bed dramatically.

"Don't—hic—call Ethan," I stammered. "He'll kill me."

"Then let's call Niko," Amy said calmly, still sitting upright as if the alcohol hadn't touched her at all. Of course, she could hold her liquor like a pro.

Before I could protest, she was already on the phone. "Hey, Niko? Pick Nia up. She's drunk. We're at Camilla's place."

I heard a faint reply from him before Amy hung up and leaned back. "He's coming."

My drunken mind floated instantly to him. My sweet Puffin. My childhood partner-in-crime, my cheek-squeezing victim. Only now, those cheeks were gone, replaced by sharp lines and muscles. Muscles that would look amazing under a tight, body-hugging suit. Muscles I wanted to rip that suit off of.

The images hit me harder than the champagne. Him under me, lips parted, voice breaking with pleasure as I kissed down his neck. His lips against mine, hot and hungry. My body ached with the thought.

And then the door opened.

Niko stepped inside, and before I knew it, I was in his arms. He carried me bridal style, effortlessly, his scent filling my lungs. I clung to him shamelessly, pressing closer. Safe. Warm. Almost asleep.

He placed me gently in the front seat, buckled me in, then climbed in beside me.

The car ride was silent, but my thoughts were anything but. I couldn't stop staring at him. His hands on the wheel. His jawline. The way the streetlights carved shadows across his face.

I wanted to kiss him.

No, I needed to kiss him.

When we pulled up to my house, he leaned over to unbuckle my seatbelt. And that was it. I didn't think. I didn't hesitate.

I crashed my lips against his.

His mouth was soft. Hot. Addicting. My entire body lit up like fire, and I knew I was lost.

Author's note: Thank you to all of those who have reached my story over a hundred views. I am so freaking happy. When I started it I thought nobody would even want to read it. It's so awesome to see that people are enjoying this...Love you all ❤️✨