Semua Bab Tempting The Graves Brothers: Bab 41 - Bab 50

Soon enough, Zion came back with his hands completely full of grocery bags. I immediately got up from the table to help him carry some into the kitchen, grateful for the distraction.He set the remaining bags on the counter and looked around the quiet room. "Where's Noah?" he asked, wiping a bit of sweat from his forehead."We finished the lesson, so he stepped out," I said, trying to sound as casual as possible. "To meet Peach.""Ah, right.” Zion smiled, starting to pull cartons and snacks out of the bags."Noah didn't tease me or anything today," I added, leaning against the counter. "He was actually really quiet and focused."Zion paused, a genuine, happy expression washing over his face. "Well, I guess Peach is really good for him. I honestly hope they last."I bit the inside of my cheek, the conversation from earlier still ringing in my ears. "Do you really think they would last, Zion?"Zion stopped unpacking for a moment, thinking it over. "Hmm. Knowing my brother and his track

The next morning, the sharp blare of my alarm woke me up at exactly 6:00 am. It was time to get ready for class. I dragged myself out of bed and went through my daily routine—showering, brushing my teeth, and trying to wash away the stress of the day before.When it came to picking out an outfit, I wanted something that felt put-together but still casual. I chose a fitted brown pinstripe button-up top with a deep V-neckline. The fabric was ribbed and stretchy, hugging my waist and creating an hourglass silhouette, while the slightly flared sleeves added a feminine, elegant touch. The earthy brown color made the outfit feel warm and expensive-looking instead of overly flashy. To balance out the polished top, I paired it with a low-rise distressed denim mini skirt that brought in a cool early-2000s aesthetic, complete with a frayed hem to keep things casual and edgy.Once I was dressed, I grabbed my bag and headed down. Mom left early, I guess, because I didn't see her anywhere around t

Out of nowhere, Noah burst into laughter.It wasn't a soft chuckle or a smirk; it was a loud, bitter, mocking laugh that bounced off the walls of the empty kitchen. I froze, completely caught off guard. My anger faltered, replaced by a jarring wave of confusion."What?" I demanded, my chest tightening. "What is so funny?"Noah’s laughter died down, but the cruel smile remained stretched across his face. He leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table, bringing his face dangerously close to mine. The amusement in his blue eyes vanished, replaced by something dark, sharp, and entirely merciless."You know one thing I always loved about you, Khione?" he asked, his voice dropping into a smooth, deadly whisper. "It’s how completely delusional you always were. And still are."I blinked, the words stinging before I could even fully process them. "I'm not—""You genuinely think this is about you choosing Zion?" Noah interrupted, cutting me off with a sharp, dismissively cold tone. He lea

I dropped my heavy bag onto the entryway floor, the loud thud echoing through the completely silent house. Walking through the dark hallway felt like wading through deep, heavy mud. Every muscle in my body ached, and my mind was so thoroughly fried that I couldn’t think straight.I didn't even bother turning on the living room lights. I just went straight upstairs to my bedroom, shedding the fitted brown pinstripe top and denim skirt as if they were contaminated by everything that had happened today. I kicked them into a corner and walked right into the bathroom, turning the shower knob entirely to hot.Stepping under the steaming spray, I leaned my forehead against the cold tile wall and let the water pour over me. I just wanted to wash away whatever day today was.I washed away the memory of flipping over that history script to find a giant, mocking zero. I washed away the cruel, mocking sound of Noah’s bitter laughter at the dining table, and the horrifying sound of Zion’s fist bre

I stepped out of the car, and the door clicked shut behind me. Xalia gave me one last encouraging nod before pressing her foot on the gas, her car driving off down the street and leaving me standing entirely exposed on the curb.I swallowed a huge lump of spit, my throat dry as sand as I stared at the front door. Taking a deep, ragged breath, I walked up the porch steps, my feet feeling incredibly heavy. I raised my hand and knocked firmly on the door.Silence.I waited for a few agonizing seconds, my heart hammering against my ribs, before I knocked a second time, louder this time. Still, nothing happened. By the third time my knuckles struck the wood, a frustrating wave of heat rushed up my neck. I knew he was in there. I was entirely convinced he was doing this on purpose, intentionally leaving me out on the porch to sweat and humiliate me just a little bit more after yesterday's disaster.Just as I raised my hand to bang on the door again, it swung open with a sharp click.Noah s