Chapter 7 Chapter 7

Brie.

I left the restroom and returned to the classroom a while later.By then, the lesson had already started.

The moment I walked in, Tristan turned to me and mouthed,

"Where have you been?"

"Restroom," I mouthed back.

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Serena glaring at me.I quickly looked away and returned to my seat.

Throughout the lesson, I was completely zoned out.And I wasn't even going to talk about how Serena practically wanted to crawl into Tristan's skin.

Once classes were over, I left immediately.I didn't want any more drama.Obviously, Serena would want Tristan to drop her off, even though Tristan and I were supposed to go home together.

Instead, I took the bus.On my way home, my phone buzzed and it was a message from Tristan.

(Why didn't you wait?)

I stared at the screen for a second before locking my phone without replying.When I got home, I took a shower, made myself a bowl of cereal, and headed upstairs to my room.About an hour later, Tristan finally got home.

As usual, he barged into my room without knocking.I was trying to study, but I guessed that wasn't happening anymore.

"Be cordial, Tristan. Knock," I said..

"Why did you leave like that?" he asked. "We were supposed to come home together."

"You just got together with your girlfriend. You needed to drop her off," I replied, even though it was a pathetic excuse.He'd dated plenty of girls before. I kept my eyes fixed on my books, pretending to read.

"Do you not like Serena because of what happened the other day?" he asked, his tone curious.

"No. Not at all. I have no problem with her if that's who you like."i replied.

"If you don't want me to date her, you can just say it." He shrugged. "You know I don't want you having problems with my girlfriends. I already told Serena we're just friends. She seems a little worried about us."

I twitched my lips.

'Of course I don't want you to date them, dummy.' But it's not like you'd ever date me. So what does it matter?

"It's fine, Tristan," I said, refusing to look at him.

"I'm just saying... you don't look happy."

"I'm good."

"Okay... if you say so."

He paused before speaking again.

"Oh, and I don't want anyone at school finding out we're step-siblings just yet." A grin spread across his face. "I'm throwing a party here tonight."That was the moment I finally looked at him.

"Tristan!" I exclaimed. "Dad said no parties!”

"I'm sorry, Brie. Serena wanted a party to celebrate that we're officially together. I couldn't say no. It's her first request," he explained.

I massaged my temples.Honestly… I didn't want to hear that name again.

"Okay, fine. I'm not coming downstairs for the party. And don't tell anyone I'm here either," I replied.

Silence fell between us.

Then, without warning, Tristan walked over and sat on my desk. He closed the book I was reading, making sure I looked at him.

Shit.

"Brie... honestly, what's wrong?" he asked, staring directly into my face.

"I said I'm okay," I answered, doing anything but looking at him.

Suddenly, he gripped my jaw, gently forcing me to meet his eyes.

Those damn green eyes.

"Are you mad at me or something?" he asked again.

One thing about Tristan was that he never took no for an answer.It was pretty obvious something was wrong with me.

Tristan always knew, no matter how hard I tried to hide it.

I slapped his hand away.

"I'm okay!" I shouted, looking away again.

"Okay... then come downstairs and help me make some cakes for the party guests."

"I'm studying," I declined.

"You always come out on top with or without studying, Brie." He smiled. "Just help me impress my girlfriend, at least."He chuckled.

"You do know I like Serena.”he confessed..

I was the last person who wanted to hear that piece of information right now.I shook my head.

Before I could react, Tristan scooped me up into his arms.

"Put me down, Tris! What the heck is wrong with you?" I protested.

"Nooo!" he countered with a laugh.

Tristan carried me downstairs and finally set me down in the kitchen.

"Don't go anywhere. Let me go get changed," he said, pointing a finger at me before heading upstairs.I let out a small chuckle, watching him rush upstairs like that.

I sighed in defeat and began taking out the ingredients for the cake.Not long after, he came back downstairs wearing a pair of shorts and a shirt that was left unbuttoned.

I got distracted for a second, my eyes lingering on his abs and toned chest.

The moment I caught myself staring, I quickly looked away.I had barely measured the flour into the bowl when Tristan wandered over to my side.

"What do I do?" he asked, sounding unusually obedient.

I raised a brow. "We've made cakes before. Not once multiple times, Tristan. You have such short term memory each time”

"I swear I don't remember a thing” He chuckled, pressing his lips into a thin line.

“Of course I know,” I rolled my eyes dramatically.

"So... boss me around."He said.

I sighed “it's not funny,silly. You are only an expert at dating girls” I didn't even know when that came out of my mouth. okay now that sounds like jealousy.

“Jealous now, brie ? I can get you a boyfriend you know..all you have to do is ask. Be polite” He laughed, his eyes fixed on me..

"Crack the eggs." I said immediately, pointing at the eggs and attempt to change the topic. I clearly don't see myself liking anyone else soon.

"Easy." He replied, his tone sarcastic.

For the next few minutes, Tristan and I tried to make the cake, I mixed the batter while Tristan measured the sugar and butter. Surprisingly, he wasn't completely useless... until he nearly poured salt instead of sugar.

"Tristan!" I yelled out..

"What? They look the same." He defended, making a pout. I shook my head, massaging my temples.

"They're literally labeled dummy!"

"I was testing you." He whispered with a chuckle. I glared at him but not fiercely and continued what I was doing.

The cupcakes were finally in the oven, leaving us to prepare the frosting.

I poured the whipping cream into a bowl and began whisking.

Tristan leaned against the counter, watching me.

"Bored already?" I asked.

"No."

"Then stop staring at me, help me out."

"I'm observing, brie. At least that way I wouldn't disturb you to make breakfast "

"You're distracting me." I muttered.

The cream slowly thickened, and I reached for the sugar. Before I could stop him, Tristan dipped his finger into the bowl.

"Hey!" I cried out as he tasted it.

"Mmm."

"Don't eat it! That's for the cupcakes."

"I was quality testing."

"You've done enough testing today." I said and he laughed.

The next thing I knew, his finger reached toward my face and Cold cream landed on the tip of my nose.

I froze slowly. I lifted a hand and touched my nose, Cream.

I turned to Tristan. He was already trying not to laugh. "What..." I narrowed my eyes.

"...did you just do?" That was all it took.

He burst into laughter."Oh my God, Brie. You should see your face."

"Tristan!” I called out. He laughed even harder.

"You look adorable."

I scooped up a generous amount of frosting with my finger.

His laughter instantly stopped.

"Brie..."

"Yes?"

"Don't."

"You started it."

He took one careful step backward.

"Violence isn't always the answer, Sister."

I smiled sweetly. "It is today." I lunged and Tristan started running. I couldn't help but laugh.

I chased him around the kitchen while he laughed so hard he could barely run.

"Come back here!" I yelled.

"No!"

He rounded the counter again, and I followed, both of us laughing like little kids.

Just as I thought I'd finally cornered him, he grabbed my both wrist.

The frosting was still inches away from his face.

"You done?" he asked between breaths.

"No."

"You should give up." He persuaded.

"I never lose." I declined, shaking my head.

For a second, neither of us moved. His hands were still around my wrists.We were standing so close I could feel his breath. My heart instantly forgot how to beat. His green eyes searched mine. Then his lips curled into that familiar teasing smile.

"You're cute when you're angry." He said out of the blue.

My cheeks warmed. Without thinking, I leaned forward and rubbed the frosting right across his cheek.

I couldn't help it, I laughed, he kind of looked cute or well he was. He stared at me for a while and burst out laughing, I couldn't help but join him.

He slowly touched the cream on his face before looking back at me.

"Brie" he called out slowly, our gazes fixed on each other.

"At least now I know you weren't angry at me" He said and my heart melted .