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CHAPTER FOUR

JULIA

My eyes widens and I raise my arms to protect myself from him, but nothing happens.

Silas steps between us, holding his brother back from hurting me.

He snarls at me, “You need to pick your battles better.”

Sebastian is panting, with his chest rising and falling. His brown eyes are almost glowing amber. I frown, blink, but it’s gone. I must have imagined the pure fury in his eyes. My heart is pounding hard. I crossed a line. That much is obvious and I shouldn’t feel guilty about it, considering how much of an asshole they’ve been.

“You better watch your back!” He sneers, then storms out.

Silas glares at me, then follows his brother, leaving me alone.

My whole body is trembling and my eyes stings with tears. This isn’t how it was supposed to go. It was supposed to be better but now, I’m in hell.

I lock my door, and sink into the tub. My head is still, but I ignore it. My chest aches painfully. Silas and Sebastian seem to be the bad boys in their school. A school I’m starting.

I groan as I think of the inevitable bullying.

Eventually, I step out of the tub and change into shorts and a tank top. Almost immediately, my mom knocks.

I open the door with a smile that feels drawn on.

“Hey, baby, you look good.” She smiles at me.

She has changed out of her travel outfit and is now wearing a beautiful dress.

“You look beautiful, too.” I smile as I pack my long ginger hair in a bun.

She nods, looks around the room, and frowns when she sees the library on the ground.

“I thought they helped you with it.” She asks.

“They did. I knocked it down while taking out a book. You know how clumsy I usually am.” I lie effortlessly.

She nods, “Can you wear a dress instead? We’re having dinner at a restaurant close by. Your surprise is ready, by the way.”

“Really?” I smile, excited, and she nods.

She leaves, and I change into a bodycon dress. I let my hair flow behind me and apply lipgloss. I wear my favourite sandals, grab my purse, and skip downstairs. I love surprises. Steve seems wonderful, but I can’t help but wonder why his boys are so scared of him. Sebastain didn’t seem scared. He seemed hurt.

“Oh, there she is.” Steve smiles as I walk down the stairs.

I smile at him. “Hi, Steve. Heard I have a surprise?”

“You do. Come on.” He urges, and I nod.

We stepped outside with my mom. There are two cars in the driveway. I frown when I see Sebastian and Silas. They’re dressed differently, and I have to admit, handsomely. Their gaze connects with mine. I don’t look away, though. I don’t back down. Silas smirks and drags his gaze down my body. Sebastian does the same, lingering on my hips and full breast.

Heat flushes down my spine, and I look away.

“Here you go.” Steve smiles and hands me a key.

I frown, “What’s going on?”

“It’s a car, Julia. Your car key.” Mom whispers.

I freeze, “No!”

“Yes. Consider it a welcome home gift.” Steve nods.

I scream in shock and delight, “Oh my God!”

I run to the car and open it. My car. Steve bought me a car. Oh, my! I run to him and hug him tightly, “Thank you!” Then, I turn to my mom, “I have a car!”

“Yes, you do.” She giggles, hugging me.

“You can drive it later. We have a reservation we don’t want to miss.” Steve says and I nod. I glance at the twins and find their faces in a tight mask of indifference, but Sebastian can’t hide his anger.

We get in Steve’s car, and he drives us to the restaurant. I unfortunately have to sit beside Silas, but I do. They don’t say anything, but I notice Sebastian’s clenched fist and Silas’s placating hold on his arm. I look away from them and glance out the window.

Soon, we’re at the restaurant, and are ushered in.

Steve orders for us, much to my displeasure, but I say nothing and smile. He bought me a car. The least I can do is take whatever he gives me.

Dinner is very tense and uncomfortable. Mom notices and tries to help.

“So, boys, what can you tell me about school? Steve tells me you’re a genius with maths, Silas, and you, Sebastian, play like a guru.” She smiles.

Of course, Sebastian plays. He needs somewhere to channel his stupid rage.

“It’s fun., Silas responds calmly.

“Oh, that’s nice. What of you, Seb? Can I call you, Seb?” She beams.

He doesn’t respond. He stuffs so much bread in his mouth and eats it like a caveman.

“She’s talking to you, Sebastian!” Steve orders, and Mom cuts in, “Oh, no, no, he doesn’t have to talk with his mouth full. They don’t have to talk, they just have to listen.” She smiles and begins.

“I understand that you’re used to having your Dad all to yourselves, but we’re not here to cause any trouble. Your Dad and I are in love, and that’s the funny thing about love. It creeps in, slips through our defences, and before we know it, we’re head over heels in love. Love is perfect and beautiful. I love your Dad. I love my daughter, and I want to love you too. I know you probably have no room in your hearts for us, but please, try.” She articulates with a warm smile.

“This is the beginning of a wonderful time. We are going to be very, very happy. I am certain. Julia, your sister, will start school in a few days, your school, and it will make us very happy if you can help her settle in. You helped her with the bookshelf, now, help her with this, let’s be a family.”

Silas flashes a grin, and Sebastain follows suit, “We’ll take care of her.”