Brick was luckily in the shower so I had time to honestly think alone. Dinner went...well? It depends on your definition of 'well'. I got to see the other side of the Jojo family that wasn't so glamorous, and its similar to mine. If we have so much in common why do we fight all of the time? I pushed those thoughts away as Butch popped into my mind. I got up to go search for him only yo remember I wasn't in my own home. I saw this phone sitting on the drawer next to a note. I slowly picked it up and it read :
A gift from us, mostly me.
X Brick
I didn't know whether to take this and go along or complete deny the gift because of my self dignity. Since Butch was more than my self-pride right now, I grabbed the phone and scrolled though the contacts. Everyone was inside, my family as well as his... I clicked the talk button and he answered on the third ring.
"Where are you?" That was the first question to come out of my mouth because I held so much concern. I ignored his question if who I was, and went straight to the point. He knew it was me.
"I'm near the house having a conversation, can I call you back?" He sounded tired and emotionally drained but I decided to poke a little fun anyways.
"Yeah, but quick question. Is she gorgeous up close?" I heard him slightly chuckle.
"Goddess. Now goodbye Blossom" With that he hung up the phone. I placed it back down on a nearby drawer. I seized the thoughts in my mind and took the time to actually observe the room. The walls looked like red velvet cake. The bed was without a doubt king sized meaning that he would stay on his side..hopefully. the sheets were black and his furniture was a creamy white. Maybe his room was red velvet themed... I walked up to the bed and felt the his silky satin sheets. So smooth and soft. I practically dove into the bed because honestly I haven't slept in a bed since I've been home. Nothing but hospital beds and Brent's bed. That was OK but this was fantastic. I let all my worries melt off as I self sleep overcome me. Just as I was about to let go, I heard Brick say something. I forced my eyes open to see him in only boxers while his body was still damp. The water seemed the glisten on his abs that seemed to be solid.
"You could wear more clothes..."
"Am I making you uncomfortable?" I nodded while trying to look away from his abs. He smirked while going into a drawer. "Looks like you have officially moved in" He picked up something from the drawer...It was my favorite bra. He turned it around to read the tag." A powerful pink bra with black lace in a 34 DD, do you have matching underwear to do with this? Can I see?" I threw a pillow at him as he began to laugh. i got up, grabbed the bra from his hands, placed it back in the drawer and shut it. I turned around to face him. He put on a pair of sweats which only made his sexier if that was possible. "Like what you see?"
"Just stay out of my stuff" He raised an eyebrow and slowly began moving closer.
"What's yours is mine..." He had me pressed up against the dresser, looking up at him. Curse his height.. I watched him smirk as he knew he had an advantage. Two can play that game. I leaned up to whisper in his ear.
"And what's mine is yours" I made my voice sound seductive and sexy. I felt him tense up. I took this time to move and take a shower while he stood there in astonishment.
I got out of the shower into the room in my underwear. Hopefully Brick wasn't in the room. I quickly scanned it and he wasn't. The cool air hitting my damp shin caused me to move faster. I went all the drawers but I couldn't find anything! I settled for one of Brick's shirts. It was a plain white tee-shirt but it fit me like a dress. i rolled my eyes knowing he would have a field day with this. I quickly got into bed, with the hopes of hiding this situation. As soon as I got comfortable I heard the door open. I turn my head to see Brick. "Making yourself at home I see" I decided to be a little friendly since he were in some sort of alliance right now.
"I haven't got a good nights sleep in a bed for a while now. I need this"
"I did pull you out of bed didn't I?" I narrowed my eyes at him.
"Don't mention it, seriously. Don't." I saw him smirk in response.
"I gotcha. Before I let you sleep, we got talk about the plan about tomorrow" I grunted, he took this as a cue to continue, "Tomorrow we will be making a public appearance at a charity event."
"I know the drill. Act all lovey dovey and be lady-like. Anything else?"
"We don't have to act." He made his way closer to the bed. I knew exactly what he was talking about. Before i gave too much blood, Brick and I had this moment. Something I thought I could depend on but it was a lie. I looked at the sincerity in his eye for a second and I just knew he wanted to try but I wouldn't give him the chance. I turned my head the other way looking at the window.
"Anyways, anything else on the agenda for tomorrow?" Hopefully he would drop this and we could move on
"Yes, there's lunch with the mayor and a visit to your dad" I tensed up.
"That last one... Is that a must on the list?" He avoided my question.
"What exactly happened?" That question got me to sit up but i looked away to avoid his glare. I knew he could pull this out of me. "We're partners now. Remember our conversation earlier?"
"I haven't even told my brother, why would I tell you?"
"Because in less than a month I will be your husband" His voice held such seriousness and some sort of authority.
"Don't speak as if you actually have some type of power over me. I had no choice plus I'm still debating on whether i should beat your ass or torture you later" I narrowed my eyes as him, sending my best death glare. He rolled his eyes and laid on the bed with his arms behind his head in complete relaxation.
"I surrender. No more fighting when we both want the same things. Let's just work together, go it?"
"Don't command me to do things" he rolled his eyes.
"I'll take that as a yes. You seen the phone i got you?"
"Yeah, thanks. I called butch to check up on him"
'Oh yeah... You two must be really close. Buttercup used to be really close but along the line we fell off. Bubbles and I became closer. I'm their brother so of course I'm protective, but someone can only do so much..."
"I understand." My mind began to float back to the conversation Brick and I had when I was giving blood...
"Even in the most stressful situations you can act so normal, how?" I saw Brick sitting in a chair, across the room.
"Don't think about the negatives too much. Live your life. I have 100 percent belief everything will be fine."
"100?" I nod. "How? My father is STILL missing, Your father and brother might die! Your step mom and best friend-"
"Ex best friend" I quickly corrected him.
"Ex best friend have some type of slick shit going on AND my mom is missing!" I quickly turned to brick, completely forgetting about his mom.
"You have no idea where she is?" He shakes his head. "Dammit we have no leads and we're getting around like ducks!"
"It's ok Pinky because you have 100 percent belief." He smirks. "We'll figure this out and all will be fine. I promise." I noticed the honesty in his eyes. I chuckle at the irony. "What's funny?"
"One moment you're the biggest jerk in the room and the next you comforting guy. What gives?"
"One moment you were just a hot girl in the club and the next you're the only hot girl that I trust" I raise an eyebrow.
"So your just a jerk in clubs?"
"I might have had a few drinks, and gotten into an argument with my dad. At that point I didn't want to think about anything." He was looking down, avoiding my eyes.
"What were you arguing about?"
"My dad's ready to retire from being boss. I'm ready for the responsibility but he doesn't think so because I'm not married. How stupid does that sound?" I could tell he was trying to suppress his anger.
"Very stupid, but father knows best. I heard your father believes in arranged marriages. Who do you think he's gonna make you marry?"
"He can't make me marry anyone"
"He'll disown you then you will be shunned"
"So be it. I'd rather be shunned than forced to marry some woman I don't know. I can't even imagine it" He slightly chuckled.
"I could. Your first date would be your honeymoon!" I laughed while he looked at me with cheerful eyes.
"What about you? Who are you gonna marry? Brent?" My eyes widened.
"Brent? Eh, maybe. Him and I are close but I don't know. I don't feel I'm ready for marriage. I'm only 23, marriage is not on my agenda. I still have had my 'first's yet" He looked at me curiously.
"You're 'first's?"
"First kiss. First date. First time."
"Seriously?" I nod and he starts laughing.
"Wow, I tell you something so intimate and you laugh in my face. Great to start a friendship"
"No, it's just. Blossom, you're so beautiful. Guy should be jumping at any chance to be with you like starting bar fights." I smile at the hint he gave me. "Thank you for trusting me enough to tell me something so sacred, and honestly I admire you. Most girl are so quick to get rid of those things."
I turned to face Brick, "Wouldn't you rather be shunned than marry me?"
"Yes, but I'm following your plan. Like I promised, even if that does mean marrying you. I gotta look at the positive side. At least your hot" He smirked while I hit him with a pillow. "I mean a girl with 34DD breasts , a small waist AND nice ass. No way I'm complaining" I playfully hit him.
"Brick!"
"What? I'm a guy. We notice these things! Just like I noticed you're wearing my shirt. Nice touch, if I must say" He smirk turned into a smile. His smile was breathtaking. I just stared at him in astonishment, taking this rare sight in. Brick wasn't a bad guy, he only did what he was told to. Maybe I should take the chance to actually learn who he is...
The sun somehow managed to peak through the curtains and felt as if it was burning my skin. I felt something heavy wrapped around me. I turned around to see that Brick had his arm around my waist while he slept so peacefully. i watched him sleep so peacefully. His features turned soft and his hair was unruly making him look more child-like. So this was the real Brick Jojo, behind the tough family, behind the designer clothes and sexy smirk. We were up last night just talking. We talked about everything from music to food and sports. We keep it friendly, just getting to know each other if that's how you want to think of it. Maybe I wouldn't mind this little arrangement. Brick seemed to be neat and we had some things in common. He was definitely a interesting person not to mention hot. Not like rockstar hot but like manly hot. The type of hotness that doesn't go away it only gets better! Oh gosh, what am I saying? I watched Brick stir. Am I talking aloud? i watched Brick stir then slowly open his passionate red eyes. His lips curled into a small smile. "Good Morning, Pinky" I couldn't help but smile back.
"Good Morning" I didn't say anything about his hand because I somewhat didn't mind. I just watched him as he watched me, neither of out smiles going away. Brick realized his arm was around me but instead of moving it, he pulled me closer to his chest. I couldn't help but giggle as the smell of cinnamon, cranberries and aftershave overwhelmed me as I leaned closer into him
"I'm guessing you slept well" He smirked, looking down on me.
"I slept fine, now let me go. You're being too comfortable with me." He didn't the opposite and held me closer.
"Don't act like you don't like it" He wiggled his eyebrows, in suggestion. I gave him a stern facial expression.
" Move Red."
"Red? I like it. Look at us. We have little nicknames already." I got myself out of his grasp and straddled his waist. "I like this position."
"If i didn't know any better i would think you were attracted to me" He placed his hands on my hips.
"Would that be such a bad thing?" He smirked looking me directly in my eyes. I leaned down whispering in her ear.
"Yes because I won't be the only one" I swiftly got up and left, leaving behind a discombobulated Brick.
After getting out the shower, luckily the room was empty. I scanned all the drawers again, no luck. I walked into his closet and noticed most of my things on the right hand side. Remembering what was planned for today, I pulled out a cream peplum dress and these soft petal pink pumps. I lotioned myself down with my favorite raspberry lotion then did my makeup and hair. The closet had it all. It was like a closet in a closet. Through the second door was my own personal room. I sat at the jewel incrusted vanity and began to brush my long, damp vibrant red hair. I quickly blow dried and flat ironed my hair and lightly did my make-up.
I heard Brick come in as I was zipping up my dress. He leaned on the closet door frame and watched me. "Need help?" I didn't want to admit it but I did need help. I couldn't reach all the way to the top, but I had too much pride to ask for help. I avoided his eyes but I felt him come closer. He zipped my dress up and whispered in my ear, "I like it. Oh and you're welcome" I turned around.
"All this intimacy has to stop, you're only teasing yourself"
"It's not like you don't like it" He stepped closer.
"stop it, we have a mission today. Now get dressed, we have to meet Butch at breakfast" I left Brick standing in the closet while I left for breakfast.
"Well I'm glad to here that you had peaceful night last night. Glad to hear nothing was too weird." She paused, talking a sip of her tea. "Did Brick discuss today's plans with you?" I nodded in response just as Buttercup and Butch entered the room. I eyed Butch down but he seemed to be avoiding me. "Look at what the cat dragged in? Anything you would like to say before you sit at the table, Buttercup?"
"If I wanted to say something I would have said it" She looked deadly tired. She wore a camo crop top and black high-waisted shorts and grey converse. Simple yet something told me she was off. She grabbed a muffin off the table and left with Butch trailing behind her. He gave me the 'call me' signal before following suit. Rosaline seemed to growl.
"Amazing how kids could grow to become so disrespectful. After all you've done" She was genuinely angry as it showed in her features. Such beautiful flawless features corrupted my such anger. There was obviously much more to her than I thought. Before I could come say anything, I saw her face lit up. I turned around to see Brick. I saw him wink at me. He placed a kiss on him mother's cheek.
"Morning Mama, gorgeous as always" Then he came over to my chair and kissed me on the cheek.
"Morning Blossom" He sat next to me. I saw Rosaline smile out of the corner of my eye. I sat back chewing on my food. Let today's events begin...
After breakfast Brick and I met Buttercup and Butch at some small diner in town. As I walked up to the table, I noticed them all cuddled up together and when they saw me nearing they quickly pulled apart. "Don't stop on the account of us, please continue then Pinky here won't be so stuck up"
"You tried to make a move on my sister?" Butch suddenly got serious.
"Boys, let's stay focus. We're here for a reason. Blossom and I don't have the best past, you don't see us at each other's necks." She looked at me. I guess this was her way of a peace-offering. "Now, Butch told me about this movement going on. I want in"
"How do we know that you're not still joined to your father's hip?" i was watching Buttercup because I didn't quite trust her, but obviously Butch did. His hand was around her shoulders comfortably. wonder what happened with them last night...
"I'm not, after last night..." She looked away for a second then came back. "Last night was a wake up call to me. I know what I want now, so am I in?"
"Depends on what you know?" She smirked at me mischievously.
"What do you want to know?" Now I'm starting to like this girl.
"I need to know how Rosaline, Maurice, John and Sedurita are connected" She looked at me as if I asked her what one plus one was. She leaned closer to Butch and began the story. The story of the past...
Comment, do you like the longer chapters? Lemme know!
