Read with BonusRead with Bonus

CHAPTER 4

WINTER

As I flip through the TV channels, I let out a deep sigh. Today was supposed to be the first day of my trip—the one I had to forgo when I was forced to move here.

Grabbing my phone, I shoot a message to Danni, my closest friend since our days in high school. She had welcomed me with open arms back then, showing me the ropes from day one. Despite our contrasting backgrounds in a lavish mansion with her down-to-earth family deeply involved in the antique trade and me in a modest flat on the city's outskirts with Mum-we've remained inseparable.

Danni's family, unlike my father, doesn't define success by wealth alone. They've built their fortune through their passion for antiques, yet they remain remarkably grounded.

With a bit of coaxing from Danni, I give in and decide to stay at her place, joining her for cocktails.

It's only been one night, but I'm already itching to escape the quiet monotony and immerse myself in the vibrant energy of her world.

...........

"God, I've missed you, Win. It’s so dull here without you!"

"I miss you too."

"So, what's it like living there?" Danni inquires, her voice brimming with curiosity. She lounges in her stylishly decorated room, surrounded by plush cushions and soft lighting. Adjusting the strap of her cocktail dress, she looks at me expectantly, holding her phone at a new angle.

I let out a sigh, dropping my eyeliner pencil and meeting her sympathetic gaze. She lounges on her bed, cocktail in hand, her expression filled with understanding.

"It's about as thrilling as expected," I reply with a hint of resignation.

"I'm still trying to settle in. Dad's as busy as ever, and Jenny... well, she's nice enough. Oh, and I got the job I applied for before coming here, so there's that at least..."

"I can't believe you're not coming with us," Danni laments, her voice tinged with disappointment. "Barcelona won't be the same without you."

My heart sinks at her words. We've been planning our first trip without parents for months, and I scrimped and saved to afford it. But Dad crushed all my hopes the moment he laid out his plans for my summer. The thought of missing out on our long-awaited holiday stings deeply, overshadowing any optimism I had about starting my new job.

"You're going to have an incredible time," I say, trying to infuse genuine enthusiasm into my voice, though I'm not sure how convincing I am.

"Yeah, I guess," Danni replies with a touch of sadness.

"So, how’s it been catching up with Zion? You’ve told me so many stories about him and all the fun you two had back in the day. I bet he’s thrilled to have you living there. Oh, and have I mentioned how insanely hot your stepbrother is?"

"Only about a thousand times since I first brought him up," I reply dryly.

"Well, it's true!" she teases. "He’s like a Greek god or something. Honestly, it should be illegal to look that good. I might have to admit, I’ve been stalking his Instagram a little... There's this one picture of him on the beach, and oh my god, that body. I practically drooled," she smirks. Her tone makes it clear that none of my friends would turn down the chance with him if it ever came up.

"So how did he welcome you?"

"It was....." I pause, reflecting on the few interactions I've had with him. "Interesting," I finally settle on, unsure of how else to describe the complex dynamic that exists between us.

"Interesting? Is that all you've got?" Danni raises an eyebrow, clearly expecting more insight into my cohabitation with Ben. I shrug nonchalantly, returning my focus to applying the finishing touches to my makeup. Despite my vague response, the night unfolds exactly as it should. We revel in the freedom of being eighteen, sipping cocktails, dancing, and flirting with a group of guys who eagerly buy us rounds of drinks.

The hours slip away unnoticed until almost dawn when we finally say goodbye.

......

Just as I'm about to drift off, the doorbell's sudden chime startles me awake.

I’m completely alone. I haven’t seen Zion since breakfast, and Dad and Jenny are off at some high-end event, judging by their fancy outfits. Feels like the whole place is deserted.

I hold my breath, straining to hear any movement, but the house remains eerily quiet, the echo of the doorbell lingering in the stillness. Intrigued, I cautiously approach the window, peering out to see if anyone is still at the door.

As I move to draw the curtains and return to bed, a flicker of movement catches my eye. Peering through the window, I spot someone slumped in front of the house. It doesn't take much deduction to recognize Zion’s silhouette. Hastily grabbing the hoodie draped over the chair, I shrug it on and hurry downstairs to his side.

"Zion?" My voice echoes softly in the stillness, but he remains unresponsive, lost in his world. I try again, louder this time, but it's only when I gently shake his shoulder that he stirs.

"What the fuck do you want?"

His voice emerges groggily, laced with confusion and an undertone that suggests he might have indulged in more than just rest. His eyes are unfocused, and the smell of alcohol clings to him, mixing with the faint scent of cigarettes. His dishevelled hair and wrinkled clothes add to the impression that he's had a long, rough night.

His eyes, normally sharp and alert, now appear clouded and unfocused, struggling to settle on a fixed point. His dishevelled appearance and the slight sway as he sits hint at a night that was more turbulent than restful.

"Let's get you inside," I urge, concern lacing my tone as I offer him a steadying hand.

"Can you stand?"

"Of course, I can fu**ing stand. I don't need your help," he snaps, his voice laced with defiance as he struggles to rise from the ground, only to lose his balance and slump back down.

Despite his bravado, a faint smirk curves my lips in response to his determined yet unsuccessful attempt.

"Alright, if you say so," I respond, struggling to suppress my laughter, barely able to hide my amusement.

His expression remains stoic, but a glint in his eyes betrays a hint of amusement too. Perhaps he's not as intoxicated as I initially assumed.

Using the wall for support, he finally manages to rise to his full height. Towering over me at well over six feet, he casts a shadow that makes me feel diminutive.

Despite my uncertainty about how much assistance I can offer, I instinctively loop my arm around his waist. A surge of electricity dances through me at our contact, and I sense his gaze locked onto me, intensifying the moment.

Avoiding his gaze and the tension that crackled between us, I concentrated on guiding him indoors. "I am fine," he insists, his voice unexpectedly firm compared to moments ago.

"You don't have to babysit me."

"I'm just trying to help," I murmur, my voice carrying a gentle undertone of concern that hangs in the air between us.

"Help? That's rich coming from the person who completely wrecked my life," he mutters through clenched teeth, his voice heavy with anger and frustration, each word landing like a punch to my chest.

His words hit me deeply. Why did he feel so neglected? Jenny is a wonderful woman; surely, he knows that. I can understand the loneliness in this big house. Dad barely acknowledges my existence. At least I have the comfort of knowing my mom is just a phone call away, always ready to support me. But Zion... he seems to lack that kind of solace and understanding from those around him.

Previous Chapter
Next Chapter