Rave & Roses {A Rema Fanfic}

33 - ZARA

The door burst open to reveal the last person I expected to see. It was none other than my very angry older brother, Michael.

"What the fuck is going on here?!"

My entire body froze as fear shot through me like lightning. Michael's face was thunderous, his eyes blazing as he stormed into the room. I quickly untangled myself from Divine's embrace, my heart hammering against my ribcage.

"What...what are you doing here, Michael?" My voice barely held steady.

Michael ignored me, his fiery glare darting between Divine and me. "I asked a question!" he barked. "What the fuck is going on here? Zara, are you—"

"I can explain!" I stammered, raising my hands as if to ward off the hurricane I knew was about to hit.

Michael's lips curled into a sneer. "Explain what? How long has this been going on, huh? How long have y'all been fucking each other?!" His attention snapped to Divine, his expression shifting to pure disgust.

"Michael!" I gasped, my cheeks burning with humiliation.

"I knew it!" Michael spat, ignoring me. "You think I didn't see the signs? You think I'm stupid? The secret fucking looks, the way you'd always be around her! Inviting her to your shows, hanging out for no reason! God, Divine, you're pathetic!"

"Bro, chill, I—" Divine began, taking a step forward.

"Don't call me bro! Bros don't screw their best friend's sister!" Michael roared, his voice shaking the room.

"Michael, stop it!" I yelled, panic tightening my throat.

"Shut the fuck up, Zara!" Michael snapped, rounding on me.

Divine's eyes darkened. "Yo, don't talk to her like that!" His voice dropped, sharp and dangerous.

Michael took a threatening step closer to Divine, his shoulders squared. The air in the room crackled with tension, thick enough to choke on. "And if I do? What the fuck are you gonna do about it, huh? Fight me?"

"I don't want to fight you," Divine said quietly, his fists clenched at his sides.

Michael's laugh was sharp and bitter. "Too bad, 'cause I do."

Before Divine could respond, Michael's fist collided with his jaw with a sickening crack. Divine stumbled back but didn't go down. The room seemed to shrink as Divine's own fist shot out, catching Michael square in the nose. Blood spattered the floor.

"Stop it!" I screamed, running toward them.

They didn't stop.

Michael grabbed Divine by the collar, slamming him against the wall. "You think you can just fucking take what's mine?!"

"She's not yours, Michael!" Divine roared, shoving Michael off.

Michael lunged at him, driving a fist into Divine's stomach. Divine grunted but retaliated with a blow to Michael's ribs, sending him staggering back.

"STOP IT!" I shrieked, grabbing Michael's arm and pulling with all my strength.

"Get the fuck off me!" Michael snarled, shoving me aside.

I flew across the room, hitting the wall with a bone-rattling thud. The world went black for a second, pain exploding through my ribs.

"Zara!" Divine yelled, rushing to my side.

I barely registered him kneeling beside me, his hands cradling my face. "Are you okay? Zara, talk to me!"

I tried to sit up, but the pain was unbearable. "I'm fine," I lied, my voice trembling.