Chapter 4 Chapter 4

Brie.

A slight hiccup escaped my throat at the sight of Tristan's cock. It was quite huge! No wonder ladies were always following him around like he was some mini god.

My first instinct was to part my lips and scream.

I had never seen anything like that in my entire life, and it was all his fault for prying into my journal!

Not only would he find out I'd had a crush on him for years, but he'd also read all the embarrassing, dirty thoughts I'd written about him. I couldn't even imagine how awkward that would be.

The moment I opened my mouth to scream, Tristan clamped a hand over it.

My heart pounded wildly against my chest, and my cheeks burned with embarrassment. I just hoped he didn't notice, because that would make this even more awkward.

"Shhh, Brie. Don't shout," he whispered, his eyes fixed on mine.

I almost melted.

I gulped hard, forcing myself to stay composed.

Tristan effortlessly scooped me up, making my heart slam even harder. He carried me over to the bed and gently set me down, tossing my journal beside me while I simply stared at him, too stunned to react.

He picked up his towel and turned to me, clearly amused.

"I guess you've never seen something that hot before, huh? Nerdy Brie," he teased. "You were about to scream and cause a whole scene."

I rolled my eyes, quickly looking away.

"Put your damn towel on, Tristan," I muttered, raising a hand to shield my eyes. "That is so scary.”

Tristan snorted out a laugh.

"Scary, Brie? Or hot?" He winked.

"I don't give a fuck," I hissed, pretending to be tough, but only God knew what I was feeling.

The next second, a knock echoed through the room.

Both our eyes widened.

Tristan was still fumbling with the damp towel around his waist. If Mom walked in now, this would look unbelievably weird.

"Brie!" Mom's voice came from outside the door.

Without wasting another second, Tristan dove under my bed.

"Brie, can I come in?"

"Mom, give me a minute! I'm in the bathroom!" I called out.

I quickly climbed off the bed. By the time my feet touched the floor, Tristan had disappeared completely beneath it. His towel had come loose again, and I hurriedly nudged it farther underneath with my foot before taking a deep breath.

Then I opened the door.

Mom walked in, followed by a few workers carrying the rest of my luggage. I tried my best to act normal.

"Oh my God!" Mom exclaimed, looking around the room with sparkling eyes. "Charles is so thoughtful, Brie. This room is absolutely beautiful. I'm sure it's everything you've ever wanted."

"Yes, Mom," I replied with a small smile. "I really appreciate him."

She wandered around the room, admiring every little detail while the workers brought in my last suitcase before quietly leaving.

Once the door closed again, Mom walked over and took both my hands in hers.

"I want you to be happy, Brie," she said softly. "I want the very best for you. And I truly believe this life... this family... is the best thing that could happen to us."

She smiled warmly.

"And I hope becoming siblings with Tristan won't be too difficult. You two have always gotten along so well since you were kids."

My lips pressed into a thin line.If only Mom knew there was nothing brotherly about the way I felt for Tristan..

"Yeah... I know, Mom," I said, forcing a smile. "I'm happy to be here."

She pulled me into a tight hug.

I hugged her back, guilt settling heavily in my chest.

Mom left the room, and I heaved a deep breath, shutting the door behind her.

Tristan climbed out from under the bed, still uncovered.

I closed my eyes, rubbing my temples.

"It was hard staying under there... Sister," he said.

I turned to look at him. He was finally wrapping the towel properly around his waist.

"Don't come into my room without being properly clothed."

"Why, Sister? Scared you might fall for me?" he teased.

Safe to say I have always been.

I just don't want to make it worse, but now I have to stay in the same mansion as Tristan.

Is it ever going to get easier?"I need to arrange my stuff, Tristan... just give me some space."

"Why? I can help," he insisted, stepping closer to my luggage.

"No!" I shunned him.

Would I even be able to breathe if he stayed here one more second with his chest still exposed?

Tristan stood still.

"I mean... you have to go. Go get dressed," I said quickly, opening the door as I started pushing him out.

"Okay, okay. I guess you don't need my help, Sister."

"Brie," I corrected.

"Okay, fine."

By this time, he was already outside, so I quickly shut the door and leaned against it, grabbing my fragile heart. It felt like it was about to rip into pieces.

Time passed quickly as I arranged my things, finished my assignments and Tristan's and did a little reading.

Night soon came, and Mom called me downstairs for dinner.By the time I came downstairs, everyone was already seated.

Tristan's face lit up the moment he saw me. He tapped the empty seat beside him, gesturing for me to come over.

"Oh, Brie, you're here," Mom said with a smile.

I settled into the seat next to Tristan.

"Good evening, Mr. Langford," I greeted.

He nodded warmly.

"Good evening, Brie. I hope you're enjoying your first day. And I hope Tristan is treating you well."

"Of course, Dad," Tristan answered before I could. "She's my best friend turned sister."

"Let's eat," Mom said enthusiastically as she served dinner. Tonight's meal was grilled chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, buttered vegetables, fresh salad, and warm garlic bread.

We all dug in, the clinking of cutlery filling the dining room.

"Oh, Brie," Mom called just before we finished eating.

"Yes, Mom?"

"Your stepdad and I will be leaving tomorrow for our honeymoon, and we'll probably have our court wedding while we're away. We would have loved for both of you to come with us, but you both have school, and we can't risk

you missing classes," she explained.Honeymoon already?

Does that mean Tristan and I would be staying alone in this fucking huge-ass mansion?