The Stranger is My Brother-in-Law

Alessandro's POV

“Micah's like a second dad to me.” Sarah went on, her words continuously piercing through my chest, and then she leaned in closer to drop an innocent statement, “you'll love him. Everyone does.”

I didn't know which was worse.

Having Sarah spit out praises that had guilt creeping in with every second that passed by, or the fact that Mr stranger ... .no, Micah, looked me dead in the eye and said, “We’re family after all, I want to believe that my sister's in good hands. .” Acting like we'd never in fact met….had sex last night.

“I…” I took a deep breath and turned my back on them, ignoring the icy gaze burning through my back. “I need some air, I'll be back.”

I bolted out of their reach before anyone could stop me, my heart hammering and my palms becoming clammy from the heat of just how close my one-night stand had been.

I mean, I thought I never saw him again, but here he was—in the flesh. He even looked more handsome and manly in his three-piece suits, and his messy hair last night was now tousled and styled into a formal look.

One that had me gawking at him shamelessly a few minutes ago.

Gosh, what have I done?!

I can't believe he's my fiancée’s brother! My brother-in-law!

And I told him everything…. everything last night. Is he going to tell on me?

Judging from his snubby attitude, I doubt he even wants to talk to me anymore…

I ran some fingers through my hair in frustration and buried my face into my palms for some minutes. Alright, think positive. It's not like it's the end of the world.

“Ah, there you are.” Mr. Duvall’s voice called out from behind, the hairs on my skin prickling in attention as I froze in place.

Oh, come on! Why does everyone keep finding me? I mean, this place is freaking huge!

“Hello, Mr. Duvall.” I said, forcing out a smile as I slowly turned around to face the man.

“Champagne?” He asked, and suddenly, a waiter was whisked out of nowhere to our fronts at his command, the tray of glasses tilted to me.

Nodding, I took the nearest glass and downed it without hesitation.

“Attaboy. That's the spirit!” He exclaimed, patting my back with a laugh.

I joined in, though it sounded nervous and unsure. Then, from the side glance, I caught Micah watching us from across the grounds, his gaze unreadable and cold, almost like seeing me here pissed and irritated him.

Did he hate me that badly?

The smile on my face immediately faded away, but I quickly hid it with another gulp of champagne from the waiter.

“So, I heard you've met my daughter already.” Her father began.

“Y-yes sir.” I cleared my throat.

“Although this is strictly business alliances, what do you think of her?” The champagne in his hands swirled with curiosity as his hawk-like eyes narrowed down on me.

"I, umm…she…”

He's testing me, isn't he?

“Father, the event's about to start.”

I bit on my lips, my toes doing that curling thing again—thank God I'm wearing shoes—and turned to see Micah, his hand on his father's shoulders, as he nodded towards the gathering crowd at the stage.

“Ah, yes. Get Sarah. In some minutes, you three will be summoned.” Mr. Duvall exclaimed as he walked briskly away from us, dusting some imaginary dusts on the place Micah had put his hands.

Weird.

I gulped, suddenly remembering I wasn't alone and turned to look at Micah who was still giving me that icy-cold look.

“Micah, I—”

Before I could finish my words, I was dragged out of the grounds towards the back of the exit.

“Hey! Let me go!” I exclaimed, but the words started to come out as muffles as his hands wrapped around my mouth.

He's actually an asshole! What did he want from me now of all times?

Didn't he hear what his father said?

“Are you going to scream at me again?” He asked, tilting his head to the side. A familiar gesture that brings back memories of last night.

I inhaled sharply and threw him a glare, choosing to stay quiet rather than give him the answer he wanted.

“You're still stubborn.” He chuckled, finally releasing my mouth.

“And I'm out of here.” I gritted through my teeth, turning sharply to leave, but was suddenly pinned against the wall, his hands hovering above my head as he looked down at me with dark, clouded eyes.

“You left me once, I can't have you walk out on me again.” He whispered the words against my skin, making the ice in my gut slowly melt at his will.

“What are you saying?” I snapped, suddenly feeling angry and trapped about everything. “You're her brother! You knew, but you still chose to play me! And all you're thinking about is your ego when I left in the morning, really?”

A tensed silence fell over us, my chest rising and falling as I glared up at him from under my lashes.

“I didn't know until this morning. Then, I saw your face, out two on two…and then, jackpot.” He confessed, “Trust me, if I knew beforehand. I wouldn't have showed up.”

Ouch.

“Wow, thanks for letting me know how much I disgust you.” I spat out, my gut still brewing with hurt and anger. “Can I go now? My fiancée is waiting for me.”

“Oh, now she's your fiancée?” He taunted with a chuckle, shaking his head.

That's it.

I tugged on his tie, hard, flashing him angry eyes as I leaned in closer to put him in his place. “Look here, you don't have to be an asshole just because of what we had. Besides, you can lie to yourself, to everyone around, but…I know what you felt. Don't lie to yourself and tell me you didn't feel it too….”

He clenched his jaws, eyes narrowing into something that looked like confliction and a glare.

“That you didn't want more.”

“Alessandro….” He whispered in a sense of urgency, almost like he was done with this conversation, but oh no, I wasn't! He thinks he could just boss me around as he wishes!

“No, I'm not done!”

“Listen, Al—”

“I'm not listening to you, to anyone, as a matter of fact. I'm only doing this because I have no choice, but you don't have to be an actual jerk!”

“Alessandro…” Sarah's voice from behind made me freeze, my eyes widening as I quickly slid away from Micah, laughing nervously as I tried to pretend to adjust his tie.

However, Sarah's eyes didn't peel away from us, her arms crossing over her chest as she passed Micah a glare.

Oh shit, was Micah trying to tell me she was coming?

Shit, maybe I should've really listened to him. Fuck, damnit, shit.

I opened my mouth, looking for the right words to spill, but when nothing comes out, I cursed under my breath.

I'm screwed, ain't I?