Page 18 of Protector

King would probably get crazy protective if he knew how extreme my feelings were for Puck and, in retaliation, how I think Puck is starting to notice me.

So even though I hate that he’s gone by the morning, I’m grateful he leaves once I’m asleep.

I get dressed in a pair of denim shorts and a simple black cami that tucks in nicely, slipping on my trainers and heading out of my room.

I’ve clipped my hair back out of my face and let it fall loosely around my shoulders.

Another thing that’s changed this year. My hair has grown thick and dark and falls in curls down my back naturally. I don’t know if I got it from my mum, but I’m grateful, regardless.

I pass Maria in the kitchen, grabbing an apple and kissing her on the cheek before heading outside.

The boys are all on the grass, kicking about another football, and as I plonk myself down on the bench not far from them, I can’t help but smile.

I’ve been adamant my whole life that my version of reality isn’t real. The way I live isn’t how every other teenage girl lives. They didn’t grow up invisible.

But where others may be seen, by many strangers' eyes day in and day out, I’m seen by the only set of eyes that matter.

Others might have to go through life, making friends, just to lose them. But mine are here with me forever.

At least, I hope so.

King comes running over, grabbing the apple out of my hand and taking a bite.

“Hey, that was mine!’” I push on his arm, and he laughs, giving it back to me.

“You’re so gross,” I huff, but take a bite out of it anyway.

“What are you up to today, Bonbon?” he asks with a smile, wiggling his eyebrows.

Since King accepted the fact I wasn’t going to ever leave them alone, he’s been insufferably close to me.

It’s almost like the last few years never happened.

But it feels nice to have my brother back.

I think it took him a lot of adjusting to Daddy being more demanding of him for things. Now that he’s been caught up with school and exams, he’s trying to get his head around why his always kid sister is now not so much a kid and also very much in love with one of his best friends.

Not that he knows the last bit.

He’s always had a lot on his plate, my big brother, and though I will never understand or be able to relate to it, I love him all the same.

And I know he loves me just as much.

I look at him and roll my eyes.

“Well, first, I thought I’d pop into the shops, get a few new items for my wardrobe and maybe sit down at a restaurant and have a three-course meal. Then I might decide to walk home, because it’s such a lovely day, and on my way home, I’ll bump into the man of my dreams, and he’ll offer to walk with me, holding my hand, and then he’ll kiss me on the doorstep, and I’ll come in and tell you and Daddy about the wonderful day I had.”

His eyebrow quirks, letting me waffle on, just patiently waiting for me to finish.

“You read way too many romance books,” he says, getting up and stretching his arms out. “But I’d probably skip past the part where you meet a guy who walks you home.”

“Oh yeah, and why’s that?” I ask curiously, knowing he’s going to go all big brother on me.

“Well, one, I’d have to kick his ass,” he laughs, backing up. “And two, what would you tell Puck?”

He throws a wink over his shoulder, and then runs back to the boys, grinning like the Cheshire Cat, and my cheeks heat up.

I always thought if King knew my feelings for Puck, or his in return for me, if he had any, he would play the overprotective big brother role. But his response, joking with me about it, has me confused.

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