Page 60 of Seducer

“What did I do now?” he demanded and that was it. It!

“You will go back to that goddamn university where you will apologize to Mr. Jarvis. You’ll fucking grovel if that’s what it takes, promising you’ll never do anything that stupid again. And you will pay for the damage to his office yourself. Not by my checkbook. Do you fucking hear me? You will not be expelled from school. You will graduate before you look for a job and if you don’t like it, tough. I’d had it with you acting like a child while I’ve been working my butt off to try and give you everything possible. Everything. Fucking… everything.”

I’d never lost my temper with him this way. I’d never gotten so close to breaking down completely. The look of horror on my brother’s face brought shame to my mind, but I remained angry. I was finished with anyone taking advantage of me. I wanted to live. I deserved to enjoy life. I just couldn’t take it any longer.

I dropped my head into my hands and leaned against the wall, sobbing as silently as possible. I had to get control of myself. This was so unlike me. I was a terrible sister.

Kyle remained quiet. What could he say to the hysterical woman standing in front of him? I finally jerked my head up, sucking in my breath. His look of horror had shifted into one of surprise. But I wasn’t entirely certain I’d gotten through to him.

“I need to take a shower and get to work.” My statement was perfunctory, as emotionless as I could make it. I passed by him without being able to look him in the eye. The worst thing was that he’d laughed so hard as he’d told me what had happened. He held no remorse. Where had I gone wrong in raising him?

I stopped just outside my door, hoping he’d stop me, say something. Anything. He didn’t. I closed the door, even locking it, which was ridiculous.

Then I flung myself onto the bed.

Now even my little brother was acting as if I wasn’t good enough to play a goddamn video game. How fucking hard could it be? He had no understanding of the sacrifices I’d made, the lies I’d been forced to keep. He’d been oblivious to most of them and I’d purposely kept it that way. I’d wanted the little boy to try to have a normal life.

Every penny I’d had in savings had gone to Kyle’s bail. Yes, I’d get a portion back if everything went well, but there would be court costs and attorney’s fees. Kyle never kept his part-time jobs for long. He had grandiose ideas, acting as if he’d soon be making six figures so he could take care of me.

He had no clue as to how difficult the real world could be. None.

Sniveling wasn’t going to help me achieve my goals. I would discover everything I could about the Obsidian Society and somehow manage to be a part of whatever selection process they used. I could envision it now. All the glorious perks. A high six-figure salary, a fancy office, a couple of estates and cars. All mine. And a lifelong membership that meant job security.

I was almost giddy at the thought, even if at this point the society was still based on rumors.

Time for a shower. I’d have a calmer discussion with Kyle later. Then we’d make a plan. He was not getting kicked out of school. Period.

Only fifteen minutes later I was ready for work. My hair was in the usual tight bun, my makeup little more than mascara and some lip gloss, and my outfit just about as conservative as possible. I looked nothing like Wild Kitty.

Thank God for that.

My eyes were tired from the long night. I grabbed my glasses, which was what I usually wore to the office instead of contacts. Staring at a computer screen all day usually gave me a headache. Besides, the glasses were slightly tinted, hiding the color of my eyes. Right now? I was grateful for that. I’d need to lay very low for a while.

Until Zach forgot all about me and our crazy night.

Perhaps today I was a little haphazard in my appearance, but being late wasn’t the best concept at this point. I worked in administration, my boss not a very nice woman to work for. I grabbed my suit jacket and headed out my bedroom door, stopping in the hallway just outside Kyle’s door.

He lived on campus, but would always have a room in my home. He was my brother. My only flesh and blood.

I knocked on the door, trying to smile instead of snarling. A full two minutes passed. I knocked again. Nothing. “Kyle? I need to leave for work.” When he didn’t respond, I opened the door.

There was no sign of him.

Groaning, I headed toward the kitchen and living room, finding nothing but a note on the kitchen counter.

Sissy

I’m sorry. I’ll do what I can.

Back soon.

Out with buds.

K

I dropped the note, laughing almost maniacally. He had no clue what I’d gone through and honestly, I wouldn’t be able to push it down his throat nor did I want to.

That didn’t mean my heart didn’t ache and for the first time in well over a year, I wished my parents were alive.

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