Page 2 of Brother's Little Birthday Girl

“Later, sis.” Knox kisses me on the cheek, and I watch him go.

“Shorts,” my mom reminds me again when my brother disappears down the hallway.

“Okay!” I roll my eyes and change. When I come down for breakfast, I find both my dad and my brother are gone.

Mom starts talking about a million things for the party before dragging me out of the house for the day. While we’re out, I get a new dress, and I don’t tell her that I chose a dark blue one because it’s Knox's favorite color. After the dress, she took me to get my hair and nails done.

By the time we get home, I have to go straight upstairs to get ready for the party. Once I’m done, I go to peek in Knox’s bedroom, but the door is closed. Part of me wonders if he invited any of his old friends to the party tonight. Knox was always popular, and I get jealous thinking about what new friends he might have wherever he’s living now.

When I hear a sound coming from his room, I freeze. Then a second later, I realize he’s groaning. Thinking that something’s wrong, I rush over and fling open the door. I gasp when I see him standing there naked with his hand wrapped around his cock.

His eyes meet mine. “Sis,” he grits out then starts to cum.

“Sorry,” I mumble before closing the door and racing downstairs.

The party has already started, and there are several people here. My mind races as I replay every detail of what I just saw. Was he holding a pair of my panties? And did he have a tattoo? I swear it looked like my name written on his chest, but that can’t be right. It all happened so fast.

“Layla.” My mom calls my name. “Come say hi.” She motions for me to come over, and my feet move on autopilot. “Are you okay? You’re flushed.” She puts the back of her hand on my forehead, and I lean away.

“I’m fine,” I tell her.

“How about I get you a drink?” Peter cuts in. He doesn’t wait for a response and grabs my hand to lead me away. “I brought a little something fun to celebrate.” He lifts his shirt to show me a bottle of alcohol. I’ve never drunk before, but maybe one won’t hurt.

After what I just saw, I’m going to need it.

Chapter Two

KNOX

By the time I make it downstairs, Layla is talking to that jackass Peter. My dad told me all about her “boyfriend” and how she was a good girl and I needed to stay away.

All my life they’ve been telling me to stay away from my sister, but it’s no use. We share a special bond that they don’t understand, and they never will. Layla loves me, and I love her. Now that I’m back, I’m not leaving until she comes with me.

Just when I take a step toward Layla, my mom cuts my path off. “Don’t ruin this night for her,” she says in a sharp voice.

“You mean don’t ruin it for you,” I say, and her eyes narrow.

“You’re not welcome here anymore, Knox. We’ve made that perfectly clear.” She straightens her shoulders, and I wonder what it must be like to hate your own son.

“Yes you have. But don’t worry. I’ll be out of your hair soon. I’m only here to celebrate my sister's birthday. You know, the one where you’re not allowed to control her every move anymore?”

“This is her home.”

“For now.” I shrug. “But if I were you, I’d play nice. Or you’ll be seeing your daughter about as often as you see your son.”

A woman I don’t know comes over and butts into our conversation. “Edith, you have to tell me who you used to cater this party.”

My mom decides between scolding me or pretending we’re a nice normal family, and I guess saving face wins. She starts to tell the woman all about it while I walk away in search of Layla.

When I find her, she’s standing close to Peter in the library. Her cheeks are flushed, and she looks uncomfortable as he moves in closer. Not waiting to find out what happens next, I go in and loudly clear my throat.

Their heads snap up in my direction, and while Layla looks relieved, Peter looks annoyed. He reaches out and puts his hand on her arm to keep her from coming to me. Big mistake.

“Get your hand off my sister,” I order, my voice cold and threatening.

“Why, so you can touch her instead?” He sneers. “We all know why you were forced to leave, Knox. I just can’t figure out why you’re not ashamed enough to stay away.”

“What’s he talking about?” Layla asks innocently.

---