My Best friend's Brother

Consequences

~Aaron~

“Where are they?” I asked, following the officer, who happened to be one of my acquaintances. He shook his head at my impatience as he led the way.

I had arrived in Spain a few hours ago, and it was still quite early in the morning. After signing the bail papers—for both girls, of course. Not like I’d leave Joan here, knowing full well she had no one else to rescue her.

I had once been tempted when she and Rhoda were arrested back in New York. I’d left with Rhoda, who cried all the way home, and eventually bailed Joan out, instructing the cops to keep my identity hidden.

To her, I had abandoned her to rot, and it might just be one of a thousand reasons why she hated me. The good news was, I didn’t care.

Rhoda immediately stood up when she saw me. She had been curled at the far end of the prison room with a few brutal-looking women. Joan, however, remained seated. Her knees were drawn to her chest as she watched us quietly.

I paused for a second, taking in the expression on her face. Something stirred inside my chest. I wanted to rub the feeling away, but I couldn’t.

Newsflash: I did care after all.

“Aaron,” Rhoda muttered as the officer opened the gate. She stepped out, her head hung low. It was good she understood she was in trouble.

“You,” the officer pointed at Joan, who raised a brow—defiant.

“Come out, you’re free,” he said. I caught a flicker of surprise in her eyes before she masked it. She stood, dusted off her clothes, and stepped out.

Her gaze met mine briefly, and I clenched my jaw before turning away, walking out of the station with both women silently following behind me.

I got into the car, and they followed suit. Once I was sure they were inside, I drove off, my fists clenching and unclenching around the steering wheel.

“Trespass. Trespassing is a serious crime in Spain, and you both managed to pull it off less than a week after arriving,” I said once we’d gotten home, my voice cold.

“Care to explain?” I asked, staring at them as they stood side by side—one looking guilty, the other annoyed.

Rhoda’s eyes met Joan’s, and I could feel the silent conversation taking place between them. Hell, if it didn’t piss me off.

“I asked a question,” I said, and Rhoda’s eyes snapped back to me.

“It was my idea that—”

“It’s always your idea!” I snapped. She flinched, placing her hands in front of her defensively. I wasn’t sure if she was trying to take the fall for Joan or if it really had been her idea.

“I think I’ve been too lenient with you. You’re no longer a teenager. You’re a grown woman, for crying out loud, and this is your second time in jail,” I said, my nostrils flaring in anger.

“How do you think that reflects on you?” I asked. She stayed silent, her brown eyes turning glassy.

I rarely raised my voice at my sister, but if that was what it took to get her back in line, so be it.

“I’m sorry,” she said softly, twisting her fingers together. I shook my head.

“Your apology isn’t enough. You’re going to face consequences,” I said, watching her eyes widen slightly.

“Your accounts will be frozen, except for the one you use for work. You’ll earn the money you spend. I’ve also ensured you’re blacklisted from the top places you frequent in New York,” I said. She shook her head and stepped back.

“Aaron. You can’t do that,” she said, her voice rising in disbelief.

“Oh, I can, and I already have,” I said, watching a flash of hurt cross her face.

“I’m an adult! You can’t just go around freezing my accounts and blacklisting me!” she yelled. I tilted my head.

“Then act like one. Prove to me you’re responsible, and I’ll consider reversing it,” I said calmly.

She stared at me for a long moment before shaking her head and storming off.

Joan followed her, but I reached out and grabbed her arm, my fingers digging into her skin. She winced, staring at my hand before lifting her gaze to meet mine.

“I’m not done with you. Where do you think you’re going?” I asked. Her green eyes burned into mine, a clash of emotions swirling—anger, irritation, a hint of gratitude, and mostly, desire.

I released her arm, realizing my grip had tightened to the point where I might have drawn blood if I held on any longer.

She crossed her arms in front of her chest, tipping her head up defiantly. It felt like déjà vu—the same way Angela used to look at me.

I’d felt nothing for Angela, but Joan was different. She stirred all the feelings I’d buried deep inside. All I wanted now was to yank her hair and take her right there for assaulting my thoughts and for leading—no, supporting—my sister astray.

Our eyes held for a moment, tension sizzling in the air, daring one of us to make the first move. I was tempted. God, I was tempted. But I kept my sister’s presence in mind. She was just a room away, and doing anything with her best friend would not end well.

Joan broke the silence first.

“Why did you bail me out?” she asked, her voice hard.

I blinked, slightly taken aback. That was the last thing I’d expected her to say.

“Isn’t it obvious? You would’ve rotted in there otherwise,” I said, my tone nonchalant. Her expression tightened at my thinly veiled insult.

“Newsflash: you shouldn’t have. You’ve done it before,” she said, lowering her voice. “Just because we had s*x doesn’t mean you should go soft on me,” she added, flipping her hair over her shoulder.

“It’s boring,” she concluded, and my lips twitched.

I fought the urge to close the distance between us, my fists clenching involuntarily. I wanted to wrap my hands around her throat and squeeze—just enough to satisfy the ache, while I took what I wanted from her. But I stayed still.

“Who said I was going soft on you?” I asked, my voice cold.

She raised a brow, but before she could respond, I continued.

“Indulge my sister in any more reckless activities, and you won’t like the consequences,” I warned. She parted her lips, but I cut her off.

“This is your last warning, Madison,” I said, deliberately using her last name.

She stayed quiet, wisely so, because I was a man who always followed through on his word.

Her lips pressed together, and she stared at me through long, dark lashes before turning and walking away.

I watched the sway of her hips, feeling a mix of disappointment and relief that she hadn’t argued further. If she had...

I’d have backed her against the wall and taken her right there.

For now, I needed to keep my emotions in check. It was going to be a long month.

I ran a hand through my hair, exhaling deeply.

“f**k my life.”