Chapter 24 The Younger Sister is the Cutest Creature in the World
"I already ate," Amelia said, glancing at Tobias. "Tobias, if you’ve got stuff to do, I can hit the mall on my own."
"I'm free..." Tobias began, then quickly coughed and changed his tone. "I mean, you just got here from the sticks and don’t know your way around. No way you'd find the mall by yourself."
He spoke more firmly, "Since I’m free today, I’ll take you. That way, Kevin won’t give me a hard time when he gets back."
"Alright then." Amelia nodded. "Let’s go, Tobias."
Tobias was taken aback. "You're going to the mall dressed like that?"
Amelia looked down at herself. "The outfit I wore yesterday got sent to the laundry by the maid. This is all I’ve got."
But isn't that a nightgown?
And it’s so revealing!
Tobias noticed Amelia was wearing a thin-strapped white nightgown, showing off her slender legs and delicate shoulders and collarbone.
Amelia’s blonde hair was smooth, and her eyes were clear and innocent. Walking down the street like this would definitely turn heads.
"No way!"
Tobias immediately said, "You can’t go out dressed like that. It makes it look like the Martinez family can’t afford proper clothes. If you don’t have anything else to wear, you can wear mine."
"Wear yours?" Amelia blinked.
"I'll find you a T-shirt and shorts. Come with me to my room."
Tobias’s tone left no room for argument as he grabbed Amelia’s wrist and led her upstairs.
Tobias’s room was on the second floor.
Upon entering, the room's decor and layout reflected Tobias’s rebellious yet carefree personality.
Dark gray wallpaper, heavy navy curtains, and black and gray bedding.
A glass cabinet full of mech models and Gundams, an expensive-looking computer setup, and an unusually large Bluetooth speaker.
Tobias told Amelia to wait while he searched the closet. After a moment, he came out with a black T-shirt and shorts.
"Uh," Tobias scratched his head. "All my clothes are black, not really what girls usually like. You'll have to make do for now, but we can get you some new ones at the mall."
"Okay," Amelia said effortlessly, taking the clothes. "Thanks, Tobias. I'll change now."
Hearing Amelia say she’d change right there, Tobias froze, then quickly turned around, his ears tinging red.
"Go ahead and change. Let me know when you’re done."
As he heard the sounds of her changing, Tobias hesitated before speaking, "About last night, I owe you an apology."
"An apology?" The sounds stopped.
"I misunderstood you. I thought you were the one who bullied Rachel at the party, but after watching the video, I realized I was wrong."
Amelia paused, then softly said, "It’s okay, Tobias."
Tobias sighed in relief, then heard Amelia continue, "I just feel a bit envious of Rachel. Tobias, you really care about her."
"Having a brother who cares so much must be wonderful."
Hearing the longing in Amelia's voice, Tobias felt guilt creeping back in.
Oh man, she sounds so pitiful.
Tobias thought about how Amelia grew up in the countryside with Rupert, without any family around. Now Rupert was gone too.
Amelia had finally come to the Martinez family to find her other relatives, but from the moment they met, he had been cold to her. And last night, he had treated her so poorly.
Amelia and Rachel were both his sisters.
He had approached Amelia with hostility, which was unfair.
After all, it wasn't Amelia's fault she was born out of wedlock, nor was it her decision to be engaged to Quentin.
"You have one too," Tobias suddenly said.
"What?" Amelia asked, then added, "I'm done changing, Tobias."
Tobias turned around.
Standing at six feet tall, Tobias's T-shirt looked oversized on Amelia, almost reaching her thighs.
The black shorts were loose, making Amelia's legs look even more delicate in contrast to his skin tone.
"I mean, you have a brother too."
Tobias took a deep breath and walked over with a belt he had found in the closet.
"Stand still." Tobias said in a low voice.
He leaned down to tie the belt around Amelia's waist to keep the shorts from falling off as she walked.
They were standing very close, and the room was silent.
As Tobias's hands circled Amelia's waist, he could hear his own heartbeat quicken.
"Tobias?" Amelia called softly.
Tobias looked up, meeting Amelia's pure gaze, and his breath caught.
So cute.
Amelia, dressed in his oversized clothes, looked like a child playing dress-up. So cute.
Tobias felt a twinge of shame.
He had always been indifferent to the girls who secretly liked him, only caring about Rachel. They had played together as kids, though they had grown apart as they got older.
Rachel had a boyfriend now and spent most of her time with Quentin, not as close to her brothers, including Tobias.
But Tobias liked the feeling of his sister depending on him. It gave him a sense of accomplishment.
He thought sisters were the cutest beings in the world.
And Amelia, right now, was so cute.
Her big eyes blinked at him as if he was the only one she saw, and she listened to him so well.
"Call me brother," Tobias couldn't resist ruffling Amelia's hair. "I don't like being called Tobias. Call me brother."
Amelia's hair got mussed, a few strands sticking up. She obediently called out, "Brother."
Fuck!
Too cute.
Tobias fought the urge to pinch her cheeks, taking a deep breath. "Alright, now that you're dressed, let's go."
Feeling his spirit lifted, Amelia smiled a little.
Tobias seemed so irritable and angry, but he was simple-minded and soft-hearted. A little bit of acting pitiful, and he would melt.
As they walked out of the Martinez Mansion, Knox was waiting by the car. Tobias led Amelia to the car and gave Knox the name of the mall.