The Brothers

Chapter 10

I'm tempted to sleep in Harry's shirt but I quickly decide against it. My pajamas are more comfortable, and after what just happened with Charlie, I don't think sleeping in nothing but a T-shirt is a good idea. 

My body is still trying to soak in the shock so there's no way I'm risking that again.

"I want to change into those pajamas."

"Well, then change?" Willy c***s his head to one side, clearly confused.

"I mean, I'm like....naked. Would you step out for a moment?"

"Oh.."

Why is this so awkward? I realize that it's only Willy who hasn't seen me naked yet and the thought is disheartening. I have no idea what has become of me, flashing my naked body to everyone around here.

He walks out and closes the door behind him.

I take off the T-shirt but the moment I reach for the pajama bottoms, the door opens.

I'm set to scream as i turn around.

"Willy.." I start to say something like 'get the hell out' before I realize that's it's not him.

"Hush, it's me."

Of course it's Harry.

"I'm getting dressed." I point out the obvious.

"Then go ahead and get dressed. I have some things to do."

I'm holding the pajama pants over my front, staring at him in disbelief. He places the ice cubes on the dresser then he sits on the bed and opens his laptop.

"I told Willy to step out for a moment so I could have some privacy."

"You can use the bathroom." He says absently as he opens the photo he was looking at last night and just stares at it.

Sighing, I grab the clothes then I walk backwards to the bathroom.

I'm glad he doesn't look at me even once.

"Keep the T-shirt on." He calls just before I lock the door.

I roll my eyes as i tug on the pants. I could wear my pajama top to piss him off but I decide otherwise. I put on his T-shirt again and I splash some water on my face to get rid of the sticky make-up, trying hard to avoid my bruised jaw.

Harry lifts his eyes from his computer when I reenter his room and looks at me once, then he goes back to whatever he was doing.

Oh, Willy! I remember that he's supposed to be waiting outside so I walk towards the door.

"Where are you going?" Harry's voice stops me in my tracks.

"Willy is waiting outside."

"He's not."

"He is...."

"He's not there, Bridget. I asked him to leave."

"Why? I want to talk to him."

"You can talk to him in the morning."

I bite my lower lip in an attempt to calm down. Harry is not only annoying at times, he's also domineering and bossy as hell.

"I want to talk to him right now."

He lifts an eyebrow then and I can tell that he hates being challenged.

"Bridget, Charlie just punched you before he tried to r**e you. Are you not shaken at all?"

"Of course I am. That's exactly why I want to talk to Willy."

"You can talk to me."

"Harry-"

"I'm just trying to protect you. Come here."

I flinch.

Charlie said the same thing to me before he tried to force himself on me.

Ignoring Harry, I pick the makeshift icepack, and I place it over my swelling jaw before I lean against the dresser.

I close my eyes as the throb subsides.

"I asked you to come here."

My eyes c***k open.

"No."

"Why? You think I'm gonna hurt you?"

"I just want to talk to Willy."

His shoulders fall in disappointment but he squares them immediately.

"Fine. Suit yourself."

He flops back on the bed and ignores me totally.

I walk down the hallway to Willy's bedroom. He opens the door when I knock, and his face breaks into a huge smile when he sees me.

"Come in."

I sit on his bed while he pulls the only chair in the room and sits opposite me. His eyes widen when he sees my jaw.

"My God! What happened to your face?"

"I-" I shake my head when tears fill my eyes. "I got into a fight. It's nothing, really."

"It sure as hell looks like something to me. Let me see."

He sits beside me then he gently pushes the package from the swelling. His eyes flash with anger.

"Who did this to you?"

"Some girl downstairs. I don't know her. I was drunk."

I simply don't know how to tell him that his brother did this.

"You shouldn't be involved in such fights, Bree. Those girls are ruthless drunkards and I'd rather you stay away from them."

"I know, Willy. I'm sorry for picking a fight."

"It's fine. I wish I could lay my hands on whoever did this."

"It was my fault."

"No, it wasn't. I doubt you have the capacity to hurt anyone." His voice is right in my ear and I turn slightly to look at him, and the slight movement I make brings our lips together.

I tense and so does he. He pulls back immediately and we look at each other. I've never seen such gentleness in one person. His eyes are smoking hot and laden with emotions and his lips are slightly parted.

He reaches to touch my jaw and when his hand moves to smooth my hair from my face, I tense.

Flashbacks of Charlie forcefully touching me make chill bumps form on my skin, but I don't pull away from Willy.

I don't want to hurt his feelings.

He is the only guy who has ever treated me like this; like I matter. I've always been non existent to people. I know for a fact that I'd rather be here than in Harry's room, with Harry and his bipolar self.

Willy pulls me into a hug and I go willingly. He places his chin on top of my head and inhales at my hair.

"I'm really sorry." I say quietly.

"About?"

"Earlier. You know, when I messed up your jeans."

He lifts my head from his chest and looks at me, his eyes alive with concern.

"It's fine, Bree. Forget that it happened."

We both look up when the door is pushed open and Charlie walks in.