Best Friend's Sister (Book 1)

20

I pulled up in front of the gym and went to Zerena's side of the car. I opened the door for her, "still need to punch something?" I asked.

She nodded vigorously, "hell ya."

I led her to the punching bags. I knew she'd hate the boxing gloves so I wrapped her hands with the cloth and held the punching bag in place as she threw punch after punch. I saw tears start to stream down her face but let her finish getting her anger out before I stopped her. I grabbed her hands and kissed them each before pulling her into a hug. She cried her eyes out, again.

  "I'm so tired Dean," she said.

  "What do you mean, Angel?"

  "I'm so tired of everything. I'm tired of my father being an asshole and I'm tired of my mother never doing shit about it. I'm tired of people thinking they can treat me however they want. I'm tired of having thoughts about you leaving me. I'm tired of letting Seth control my life. I'm just so tired," she finished.

  I pulled her closer, "Angel, you know I'll never leave you. But with Seth and your parents, I can't help you. You need to do that on your own. I'll be there beside you the whole way but to change things, that's on you. Ok?"

  She nodded, "Dean?"

  "Yes, Angel?"

  "Take me home."

  "You got it."

  "No, I mean my home," she looked me straight in the eye, hers full of determination.

  "Are you sure?"

  "Yes. I need to speak with my father," she said, then she froze and looked a little scared, "you will be with me, right?"

  "I'll never leave your side," I smiled.

  She nodded and tried to give a smile but failed. "Sorry," she apologized.

  "For what?" I asked, clearly confused.

  "You do so much for me and I never repay you. In any way. It makes me feel bad," she looked down at the ground.

  I took her chin with my thumb and pointer finger and lifted her head so she was looking at me. "Zerena you don't ever have to do anything. I do this because I care about you and your happiness. I would cross oceans and skies for you. Zerena," I looked straight in her eyes, "I love you."

  Her breath hitched, "I love you too," she said after a few long moments.

  I leaned down and brushed her lips with mine, I placed my lips on hers and she immediately responded. It was slow and passionate and it expressed how I felt without words.

  I pulled away and leaned my forehead against hers. "You ready?" She nodded as I got up, pulling her up with me. "Good cuz I'm ready to kick ass if I have too. I didn't really get to bash Hayden's skull in," I spat his name.

  She giggled. "What?" I asked.

  "You."

"Yes cuz that's totally a complete and understandable answer," I said sarcastically.

  She giggled again and her face just lit up. I grinned at her and her smiled grew. She turned and jumped on my back and I carried her the rest of the way to the car.

"God Zerena. I think you actually built some muscle with those weak punches. You're a bit heavier," I teased her.

  "Shut up," she rolled her eyes.

  "You love it," I said.

  "That I do," she placed a kiss on my temple and my heart skipped a beat. I know that we just said we loved each other and a simple kiss shouldn't really affect me but hey, that's what happens when your in love, right?

~~~

  I pulled up in front of her house and looked over at her, "ready?"

  She nodded and we got out. I took her hand and led her to the door. We opened it and were surprised to see a bunch of people dressed up in fancy clothes all over the house.

"Oh god," she face palmed, "I totally forgot. This is dad's company party, he sealed a deal and is celebrating."

"We can leave if you want," I pointed out, "we'll come back later."

"No, I'm going to do this," a look of pure determination took over her face.

I smiled at her, "alright."

We walked towards the people and starting working our way through the house. "Excuse me," Zerena tapped on a lady's shoulder, "have you seen my father, Darik Carter?"

"Darik Carter doesn't have any kids," the lady stated.

"I'm sorry, did you just say that he doesn't have any kids? Cuz I can tell you for a fact that he has kids, I'm one of them. There's also my twin brother."

"A child's dream," the lady said and walked away.

"That's it," Zerena walked to the stairs and stood up on them, "alright! Everybody out! This is my house and I want all of you out!"

They all laughed. "Child this is Darik Carter's home. He doesn't have any kids," a man called out.

"Yes he does! Someone find my father and I'll show you!" She answered.

"Zerena what are you doing?" Darik walked to the bottom of the stairs.

"So you told everyone that you don't have any kids," she glared daggers at him.

"It wasn't important that they knew," he shrugged.

"Not important?! What the hell is wrong with you?! Is it because you don't want your coworkers to know how you beat your kids?!" Zerena asked.

  The crowd gasped. I grabbed her hand to keep her at my side so she didn't punch her dad, though it would be quite the sight to see.

  "Zerena you know that's a lie," Darik said sternly trying to get her to shut up, "you need to top spreading lies. It's all for attention."

  "No," she said, "I will not stop. I won't stop because it's the truth. I haven't told a single lie. Why do think Seth and I leave every time you come home?! Huh?! Why do you think we stay as far away from you as possible?!" She turned to the crowd.