All Chapters of Falling For My Brother's Best Friend: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

"Well, not like that," Tasha says, breaking the silence after my declaration. Her eyes sweep over my hoodie and capris with barely concealed horror.I brush my hand over the soft fabric defensively. "What's wrong with this?"Tasha doesn't even dignify that with a response. Instead, she sighs dramatically and grabs Jess by the arm. "Come on. We have work to do."Before I can protest, they're pulling me toward the stairs. I catch a glimpse of Cade as I'm dragged away, expecting to see shock or maybe even defeat at my unexpected rebellion.Instead, he's smirking.That infuriating, knowing smile that suggests he's still three steps ahead of whatever game we're playing. Our eyes meet for a split second, and somehow, inexplicably, he looks like he's won.I grit my teeth as Tasha practically shoves me up the stairs.My room becomes ground zero for what Jess calls "Operation Make Quinn Look Human." She raids my closet with surgical precision, tossing aside anything that looks like "what my an

Quinn"One more round! One more round!" Jess slurs, waving her empty glass like a victory flag before downing another shot of… God knows what. Probably poison in liquid form.She sways dangerously on her heels, then breaks into some off-key version of what might be a Katy Perry song. The sound makes half the remaining party-goers wince and drift away from our corner of the kitchen."Jess, maybe we should—" Tasha starts, but Jess cuts her off with another loud chorus that makes me question every decision that led me to this moment.I knock back the shot glass from Jess's unsteady hand before I can think better of it. The alcohol burns like liquid fire down my throat, and I immediately start gagging."Ugh," I choke out, eyes watering. "Never again."But the burning sensation is nothing compared to the memory blazing through my mind. The feel of his mouth on mine. The way Cade devoured me like he'd been starving for it.That barbarian stole my first kiss.Not that I was saving it for som

Quinn."I'll be in my room if you need me," I announce, pushing up from the couch. "But it's best if you don't."I shoot one last glare at Cade before leaving. He watches me without saying a word, his expression darker and more serious than usual. There's something in his eyes that sends a chill down my spine—like he's calculating something, planning his next move in whatever twisted game we're playing.I turn away, refusing to give him the satisfaction of seeing me unsettled.The guys continue their ridiculous argument about vigilante justice as I head upstairs. It's stupid that they're even debating this. There's no excuse for murder. Period. The law exists for a reason, and anyone who thinks they can operate outside it is delusional.Back in my room, I lock the door and lean against it, exhaling slowly. The house feels too small suddenly, too crowded. Living with six hockey players—with him—is suffocating in ways I didn't anticipate.I need a distraction. Something familiar and com

I don't know what on earth I was thinking coming here.Velvet Lounge is nothing like I imagined—which is ridiculous because I've never actually been to a gentleman's club before, so what exactly was I imagining? The reality is overwhelming: dim lighting, deep red velvet everywhere, and women on stage moving with a confidence I've never possessed in my entire life.One dancer works the pole with impossible grace, her body fluid and controlled. For a moment, I'm transfixed—and maybe a little jealous of how easily they move, how comfortable they seem in their own skin.I glance down at my outfit. T-shirt and leggings—the most "casual" thing I own, which I'd agonized over wearing because it felt too revealing. Now I realize how completely ridiculous that was.I should have said no to Jess immediately. This is insane.But I need money. Dad can't afford to pay for both my tuition and Beck's expenses—Beck's still in high school after staying back twice, and the costs are adding up. As great

Cade.Quinn stares at me, eyes wide with panic, like she genuinely believed a flimsy mask would be enough to hide from me.Cute.Even if Quinn was somehow transformed into a completely different person, I'd still recognize her. I could pick her out of a crowd of thousands just from the way she stands, the tilt of her head, the sharp intake of breath she takes when she's nervous.She could be turned into an old woman, and I'd still know it was her. That's how deeply she's carved into my brain."Let me go," she demands, trying to scramble off my lap.My hands tighten on her hips, holding her firmly in place. "Why are you running away now, Princess? You seemed pretty comfortable a few seconds ago.""Cade, I swear to God—""You've soaked through my pants," I say bluntly, watching her face flame red. "But sure, keep pretending you weren't into it."She squirms, trying to create distance, but I don't let her. "You're disgusting.""Am I?" I tilt my head, studying her flushed face, the way he