Chapter Two

Aubrey

We pull up outside my apartment. Hugo is dropping me off on the way home. It was he who got me the apartment. I had absolutely nothing when I finally left my ex. If it wasn’t for Erica and Hugo, I don’t even want to imagine where I would be. My ex took everything. The apartment, the car, all my money and told lies to my ex-boss, which got me fired—his way of getting me back for leaving and finally breaking free of his control.

“Aubrey, there is a chance my brother may start hanging around. Please, stay away from him. I know you're an adult, and I have no right to tell you what to do, but I'm looking out for you. He is both troubled and damaged. All he does is cause harm to others. He is my brother, and I love him. I owe him a lot, but you don’t need to involve yourself with him. It will end up in heartbreak.” He sighs.

“I promise to stay away from him. I have no interest in finding someone else. Thank you for the lift home. Thank you for everything.” I smile.

“You are family, Aubrey. You don’t need to keep thanking us.” He replies.

“Sorry, I can’t help it.” I chuckle.

We say our goodbyes, and he waits until I am inside before he drives off. I’ll keep my promise, but I can’t deny that Everett has been on my mind since I met him. He is unbelievably handsome. His confidence is alluring, but that has gotten me into trouble before with guys. The last one has made me swear off them for a while.

I let out a sigh as I step into my apartment. I’m still getting used to being by myself. I was with my ex for five years. I had become accustomed to having someone around. I know I’m better off without him, but I still feel lonely at times.

I collapse onto the couch and kick my feet up. I can’t stand wearing heels. I try to wear them as rarely as I can. I need to shower and make something for dinner, but I can’t be assed right now.

The sound of my cell phone signalling a message grabs my attention, and I take it out of my bag. A text shows from an unknown number. I’m worried that my ex has somehow obtained my new number, and it’s causing me to panic. I hesitantly open the text.

Tell me, Aubrey, did my brother warn you to stay away from me? –EA

Everett! How the hell did he get my number? Hugo would not have given it to him, I know. Did he get it from my personnel file? It’s the only place that comes to mind.

Yes, he did. Where did you get my number?

Hugo did say he would start hanging around. I never thought he would text me tonight.

I thought so. And what did you tell him? Where I got your number doesn’t matter.

I promised him I would stay away.

Oh, and you think you are going to manage to keep that promise, beautiful? X

I don’t understand. Why is he interested in me? Women like me are not the type that men like him are interested in. My cousin Erica is the kind of woman they pursue. She is beautiful, confident, intelligent and feisty. I am plain, shy and still trying to work out what I want in life.

Yes, I am. Hugo and Erica have done a lot for me. I would never betray their trust. Please delete my number and leave me alone.

That isn’t going to happen. I always get what I want. I can tell you’re attracted to me. You will only be able to fight it for so long, sweetness xx

I sigh and toss my cell away. I don’t reply. Ignoring him will make him move on, I’m certain. I pull my ass off the sofa and head for a quick shower. Leaning against the wall, I close my eyes and allow the warm water to ease my muscles. It feels good. I am so tense these days. It is not quite as bad as it was at first, but it is taking its time to ease.

It takes me twenty minutes to shower before getting into my pyjamas. Pasta sounds good for dinner tonight. Fast, simple, and delicious. It doesn’t take long to prepare, and I soon sit down with it and a small glass of wine. It’s time to relax and unwind. My new job is great, but I easily get worn out. I take benzodiazepines for anxiety, which also causes fatigue. I hope I can stop taking them someday, but I’ve been on them for quite a long time.

I snuggle up in a blanket and search for something to watch while enjoying my meal. I only manage a couple of bites before a loud knock on the front door steals my attention. Who the hell is at my door? If it were Erica or Hugo, I’d have heard from them by now. I stop the TV, set my bowl aside, and quietly make my way to the door. I peer through the hole and am shocked by the identity of the person on the other side.

Everett! What is he doing here? A part of me wants to ignore it, but my gut tells me he won’t go away. In order to calm myself, I take a few deep breaths before opening the door. He’s wearing jeans and a hoodie. I make an effort not to let his dark eyes and perfectly squared jaw distract me. His smile, combined with those irresistible dimples, is almost too much for me. No! I refuse to let him do this to me.

“Everett, what are you doing here?”

“I wanted to make sure everything was alright with you because you ignored me. People don’t ignore me unless something is wrong.”

Intensely, he gazes down at me from his towering height of six feet something, while I stand at five feet five.

“I-I-I am fine. You shouldn’t be here. It is a step too far.”

I must be firm because I have a feeling he won’t back down easily.

As he approaches, I retreat a few steps into my apartment. He saw it as his chance to enter. He closes the door behind him, and it makes me feel a little uneasy.

“Why not?”

“You already know the reason,” I reply.

He smirks. “Or you are using my brother as an excuse.”

“It doesn’t matter either way. I made a promise to stay away from you, and I always keep my word. You have no idea what they have done for me and what I have been through.”

He seems to be inching closer with every word I say. “You are a grown-ass woman. They can’t tell you what to do. Plus, they would never know.” He smirks.

I swallow hard, ignoring his intoxicating scent. I inhale deeply. It is time to take charge again because I refuse to let another man make me give in to him.

“No! Get out! Now.” I state firmly.

He doesn’t look pleased with me standing up to him. He falls silent and continues to stare down at me. I ignore the pounding in my chest.

“Your loss, baby doll.” He laughs, turns and walks out, closing the front door behind him.

I breathe a sigh of relief and secure my door. Hugo shouldn’t find out about this. He would be so mad, and I don’t want him fighting with his brother because of me. Is this the end of it? Or does he have a plan up his sleeve?

I let out a groan and took a seat to finish my meal. Tomorrow, I can handle it as long as he doesn’t contact me tonight.