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We have a new toy to break.
Chapter Four
AURORA
“Sweetheart,are you sure you packed everything?” My mom looks over all of my bags and containers with a bit of worry etched in her face.
They had booked their honeymoon without realizing that it was the week that we moved into GC.
“Mom, I’ll be fine. Seriously, you’re acting like I’m a freshman.”
She huffs, “Well, going to community college is so much different than a university. And you’re staying on campus, whereas you were at home before …” she trails off.
I don’t want to remind her that had I gone to UNLV, I would have stayed at home because we lived close by. “I’ll be fine,” I say instead.
“Well, you do have your brother, Xayden, in case anything happens.” The mention of his name makes my blood boil. “Oh, there he is now!”
I turn to see mybrothersauntering up to me, a smile plastered on his face and a cocky sway to his walk. Awesome. Just what I needed. Him.
He’s in a tight black T-shirt with dark blue jeans and black cowboy boots. Even being an asshole, he’s still sexy as fuck.
Stop thinking about your stepbrother like that.
“Hey,sis. Whatcha got here?”
“Obviously, stuff for my dorm. You know, since it’s move in day and all.” I turn back around and roll my eyes as I pick up my backpack and throw it on my back.
“You know, I can help you get this up there. This way June and my father can get to the airport. We wouldn’t want them to miss their flight,” he says sweetly.
Which in turn makes me instantly suspicious.
“Oh, Xayden, that would be so helpful. Aw, that’s so sweet of you. I’m so glad Rory will have you while she’s here.” My mom places her hands over her heart as she gushes over Xayden and his chivalrous act.
Which is complete and utter bullshit.
“I’m so sorry that this trip was so poorly planned, Rory,” Aaron says from behind my mother. “I promise we
will make it up to you when we get back.”
“No, it’s all right. No need. I’ll be fine.”
“Well then, we’d better get going. Thank you, Xay, for helping Rory.” Aaron gives his son a hug and then comes over to me. And as awkward as it is, I give him a hug too.
When he steps back, my mom rushes over to me and kisses me. “I love you, Rory. My baby girl. I am so proud of you for following your dream. And I know your dad’s proud of you too.” The tears start for both of us as she wipes mine. “If you need anything, please call me. Okay?”
Sniffling, I nod. “Yeah, Mom. Thank you. I love you too. Go. You’re gonna be late, and I don’t want you missing your plane.”
She kisses me, and we watch them get in the car and drive off. A sadness creeps into me, but I push it down and ignore the wish for things to be like they used to be.
Turning toward all my stuff, I flag down a person for a cart.
“If you can grab that bag right there, I think I can get the rest up on the dolly.” I look up at Xayden and he’s smiling at me. And it’s not a nice smile.
A sudden pit grows in my stomach.
“Did you really think I was going to help you?” he says cruelly, his lips curling.
“You told my mom?—”