Chapter 7: A Supportive, Caring Big Brother

When we pulled up to the mall, once again, he politely opened the car door for me to get out and even opened the door when we got to the mall. I could get used to this.

The one thing I couldn’t get used to was how big everything was around here. Within the mall were many people with multiple booths and shops. I was always wary of groups back in the west side of the city, Come across a wolf pack when you’re alone and that can spell trouble.

Even though this crowd was nothing like the cutthroats back where I grew up, my senses were still on the override and it made my body stiffen. My tension immediately eased when Julian lightly placed his hand on my back and led me through the crowd. Then he let his hand slide down my arm and gently grasped my smaller, rougher hand into his. It felt nice… it wasn’t every day my hand was held, most of my life I’ve had to hold my own hand. It gave my chest a feeling like something was fluttering inside.

But eventually, I snap out of my trance and yank my hand out of his once I remind myself who I am and my own strength within me.

When the hell did I ever start needing a shoulder to lean on?!

“Do you mind keeping your hands to yourself?” I muttered in a deep voice while staring straight ahead, my eyes narrowed as usual when I felt annoyed.

Julian looked taken aback and looked away. “I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable…” He murmurs softly, his gorgeous blue eyes reminded me of a kicked puppy.

Fucking hell. How can someone so hot be so damn cute??

I couldn’t resist heaving a loud sigh as I rubbed the back of my neck. “...It’s fine. Don’t worry about it.”

It shattered my pride, but I felt a little better knowing that I could rely on the man I had to consider my brother now.

Julian led me to a department that sold clothes that suited my tastes and, with his permission, I bought whatever I pleased. From more tank tops, to ripped-up skinny jeans, a sexy nightgown, a leather jacket, a bikini, laced bras, and sweaters for the night. I even bought my favorite popcorn and chips with salsa. Shamelessly, I bought most of them while Julian was off in another department buying his own stuff. When he returned to me, his eyebrows lifted in surprise when he saw my two big bags hanging over my shoulders.

“Is there still stuff left for other customers?” he teases me.

“Ah, I’m sure they’ll be fine,” I smirked with my joke. My green eyes then landed on the little bag he had in his hand. “Whatcha get? Books?”

“Huh? Oh this?” he asked nonchalantly while looking down at his bag. “Something I thought could come in handy later. If you’re done here, we should get back home. Dinner will start soon.”

“Ah… right…” My good mood dropped like a rock with the thought of going back to the giant mansion. Being in the same room as Grace was still irritating to me and Gabriel was a little too enthusiastic for my liking. But, at least I get to see my mom again. Though I was still reluctant, we left the mall and drove back to the August Mansion. Once again, Julian played the gentleman role and even carried one of my stuffed bags. As we came back inside, thankfully, I didn’t run into my mother with my giant bags of goodies while he had only one little bag.

Julian followed after me into my room and placed my hefty bag onto my bouncy bed at the same time I hauled the bag I was carrying onto it. I heaved a loud, tired sigh and rotated my throbbing shoulder. While I did so, he reached into his smaller bag.

“By the way…” He says before pulling out a box. “I got you something.”

I tilt my head curiously as I take the box and my eyes widen dramatically when I see what’s inside. It was a brand-new iPhone 14. I’ve seen, let alone held, a phone this advanced and expensive. Back on the streets, I would’ve killed to get a hold of a phone like this just to sell it for some big bucks.

“Holy shit… this isn’t for me, is it??” I had to ask him just to believe what I was seeing. When I finally looked away from the new phone and to his face, the pleased look in his eyes and satisfied smile was the only answer I needed.

“I already put my number in there. So, give me a call whenever you want to talk to me, ok? Even if it’s in the middle of the night, I won’t mind a midnight text from you.” Though his tone was genuine, I couldn’t help but snort at his chosen words which I thought were ridiculous.

“Shit, man… I don’t even know what to say! A simple ‘thank you’ wouldn’t be even close…” I murmur absent-mindedly as I take the advanced iPhone out of its box and turn it on, I can’t help but get a little excited when I see that it’s already charged. I felt like a kid in a candy shop, I’ve never received anything this nice before in my entire life.

Julian gave a little shrug with his broad shoulders, his expression never changing. “Like I said, a midnight text would be good enough for me.”

His words sounded less ridiculous now and his kindness was almost suffocating. But at the same time, it made me feel special.

Why is that? He’s only helping me find my way here… right?

Despite my confused thoughts, my heart was still touched and it showed in a rarely given smile.

But that smile immediately flipped when the bag that I had roughly flopped onto my bed had rolled to the side and the top part of my laced bikini fell out of it and then onto the floor. Before I could even react, he picked up the bra part of my bikini and inspected the design briefly. Another blush coated my cheeks out of pure embarrassment. As much as I was enjoying spending time with my stepbrother, these random awkward moments were becoming nerve-wracking.

Thankfully, he just gave another charming grin like usual and lifted one of his brows while handing it back to me, though I did see a hint of intrigue in his dashing, blue eyes. “Nice taste.”

Once again, he lightened my mood with just a few words, making me regain a bit of my pride as well and I took the top of my bikini back. “Yeah, I know. My tastes are always the best.” But as I tried to take it back, his hand gripped mine tightly before I could withdraw. I was taken aback when I saw him inspect my hand next and brush his thumb across my knuckles. It took me a second to realize he was looking at the scars on my knuckles. Scars from being in too many fistfights.

A frown formed on his lips. “You’ve lived a tough life, haven’t you?” I was silent to his question. Was it tough? I can’t recall… every day was the same thing back then. My guard was swayed when he lifted my hand up to his face and softly pressed his lips against my knuckle. His gentle kiss lasted for a long second until he barely separated his lips from my hand and looked up at me from beneath his blonde eyelashes. “You have beautiful skin.”

My words were caught in my throat as my heart pounded and my cheeks felt like they were on fire. Even if I did want to say anything, I didn’t get the chance since a maid knocked at my bedroom door. “Miss Arlee, dinner is ready,” she says followed by the sound of footsteps fading. The interruption made Julian release my hand.

“I’ll see you later.” he finally says with another grin and then leaves my bedroom.

Once I was alone in my bedroom, I let out a heavy breath and flopped down onto my bed while placing my hand on my chest. I haven’t ever felt my heart flutter like this before. It left me speechless, motionless, I would even say helpless. I slapped the palm of my hand to my forehead as I tried to drag myself back into reality. “Fucking hell…”

My flustered reaction made me think differently about the dinner waiting for me. Julian will be there, right? Will he sit next to me? Will he talk to me again? Should I wear something revealing? …Why am I thinking this way??