Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 69488 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 347(@200wpm)___ 278(@250wpm)___ 232(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 69488 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 347(@200wpm)___ 278(@250wpm)___ 232(@300wpm)
“Upstairs,” Addie murmured. I stood next to her and took a deep breath so I wouldn’t yell at her. Instead, I held on to her arm and jolted her up.
“Leave it for now and go to bed,” I gritted through my teeth.
“But—”
“Just do as I tell you to,” I all but snarled. I knew my eyes were nearly bugging out. Addie’s beautiful chestnut-colored eyes darted away from me when she left. It took me all of five minutes to clean the mess up, but I had a plan, and now that Addie was upstairs in our bedroom, I was going to go through with it.
I headed back upstairs but turned to where Sofia was staying. I saw her light was still on and the door was ajar. I knocked, making the door open wider.
“Hey, little twerp,” I said while she was sitting on the bed, looking through her computer.
“Don't call me that,” Sofia hissed.
“I'll call you what I want,” I bit out, annoyed that she barely looked at me. I walked over to her computer and slammed it shut. “What in the hell is your problem?”
“Hey!” she shouted.
“You haven't been back home since you left. And don't think I hadn't notice that it's Addie making more of the effort. I get it. You don’t want to be here. You want a new life without all the baggage, but the girl in there is your sister and she did things, gave up her own dreams to make your life better,” I snapped.
“Who the hell are you to tell me anything? I never asked Addie to do anything for me,” Sofia said with contempt.
“Let me clarify this for you. I'm your brother-in-law, your sister’s husband, which gives me the right to say, get off your high fucking horse and treat Addie with more respect. You didn’t ask for her help? Go fuck yourself. She did it because she loved you. She did what was needed,” I snapped. “So you’re looking down at her now? Why? ‘Cause you’re at Yale? Don’t forget this, little girl, I pay for everything for you and the only reason why is because I love her. I do it for her. You selfish little shit! Just know that,” I sneered.
“I'm not selfish,” Sofia refuted.
“Then what do you call a girl who leaves her family behind and never once looks back, but damn well makes sure she get the education she wants?” I was barely containing my anger as I continued. “Addie gave up everything for you! The very least you can do is show her the respect and love she deserves.” Sofia's face contorted as her eyes filled with unshed tears. “Yeah, I know; you want to call me an asshole. Do it. Your sister calls me one at least once a day, but you know I'm right,” I spat out.
“I just wanted a break. Everything was just too much.” Sofia began to cry. “Every time I saw her on Skype or heard from her, my resentment grew.”
“The good thing about Addie is she loves you to death. Unlike me who sort of likes you only because you're her little sister.”
“I fucked up and I hurt her. Seeing her like that—I promised to make her life easier. I promised I would help her—I fucked it all up.” Sofia choked up as her tears fell.
“So? Fix it,” I said. “Addie just wants to be with you like before. Let it go. Life is too damn fucking short. Addie and I both understand that now.”
“How?” Sofia sniffled.
“I don't know. Just do it,” I said gruffly.
“Daimon, where are you?” Addie called out.
“Shit,” I muttered.
“What?” Sofia asked.
“If she sees me in here with you crying, she'll freak on my ass. She’ll go all big sister and blame me,” I grumbled.
“Good,” Sofia whispered as she smirked.
“Yeah, thanks, the feeling is mutual.”
“Addie? He's in here!”
“You just sold me out,” I said in a hushed voice. Sofia shrugged. Addie walked in, her eyes narrowed as she looked at Sofia then at me. “What did you do?” she shouted.
“He yelled at me, Addie,” Sofia offered.
“You yelled at my little sister?” Addie accused. Oh, fuck me! I looked over to the little shit, her eyes now beaming. She liked that I was going to get yelled at.
“Thanks,” I muttered at Sofia.
“You told me to fix it,” she grinned.
“Yeah, but don't sell me out,” I bit out.
“Would one of you mind telling what the hell is going on here?” Addie hissed.
“Nothing, beloved.” I kissed her forehead, left the room and closed the door behind me. That night I slept alone, Addie stayed with Sofia. I could hear them laughing and telling each other stories. Women!
Couples Date
Sofia left a few days after. Addie was finally in a good mood and I was happy they both figured things out. Damn this family and its broken relationships. Addie announced we were going out with her friends Elissa and Jace. When Addie had her back to me, I rolled my eyes. I seriously didn’t want to do this, but Addie cared for her friends, which meant I had to.