Chapter 49 The Other Brother
"Look who came. Want to join in our little fun activity?" Annie giggled, her hands slowly buckling up my pants before she stood on her feet.
I pushed off the chair and it was sent spiraling to the other side of the room. "Vanessa.."
My eyes dragged over her body slowly—dressed in a purple gown, a slit at the side, exposing her long legs. Her hair was curled, a few strands falling over her shoulder. Smoky eyes, nude lip gloss—she wasn't extra. But also not less.
Her new profound sense of dressing was....appealing.
She looked even more different than the last time we met.
The last time, she looked like a fiesty girl, ready to take on the world with those loose pants.
Now, she looked sexy, beautiful—flaunting her broad hips and narrow waist that was lined up to her full boobs. I didn't know she could ever look this presentable. Ever.
"Derek..." Her eyes locked onto mine, pointedly ignoring Annie as if she weren't even in the room. "I came to talk about work. Are you going to indulge me?"
Annie scoffed, cutting in. "Acting like you didn't see me? What happened to being a sweet big sister? Something ate that up in you?"
Then, Vanessa finally spared Annie a look. One that wasn't soft, nor kind. Her gaze was sharp, so cold it could probably tear into skin.
"And you still haven't stopped being such an unpleasant moron, huh? What a waste."
Annie's face dropped. "Excuse me?"
"If you've got even a single brain cell left, you'll know to give us some privacy."
"So you can seduce my fiancé with those cheap clothes you got and fake boobs?" Annie crossed to her, sneering. "Hell no. I'm staying."
"Annie..." I said, and she paused mid-step. "Give us some privacy."
She spun, glaring back at me. "What?"
I ran a hand down my face, hating that part where she gets to play dumb to get her way with something. But still, I was patient enough to kindly tell her to leave. "You can't be here. I and Vanessa have work to handle."
Serious work. I wanted to add, but stopped.
Annie shot a sharp glance at Vanessa, then at me, stomped her foot, and stormed off. As she passed, she tried to shoulder-check Vanessa, but Vanessa was quicker. She shoved Annie aside with a swift push.
My heart nearly leapt out in worry when Vanessa sent Annie staggering out.
The door slammed shut afterwards, leaving just me and Vanessa.
Alone.
In the big-messy office.
My fingers tapped lightly against the table as I rounded it, moving to the front. I leaned against the edge, arms crossed over my chest, and fixed her with a hard stare.
I should've been mad. Should've evoked that frustration I was feeling earlier to teach Vanessa a lesson.
Make her apologize for crossing me.
But I didn't.
I knew not to.
Vanessa's heels clicked softly against the floor as she stepped towards me, her face blank.
"Have you read my terms and conditions?" She asked, flatly.
Right.
That.
I quickly snapped back to focus, my anger slowly slipping in. "Yes. And I think they're insane."
"It's not about what you think, Derek—"
"It's Boss to you. Show some respect, especially when you're in my building," I cut in, irritated by how easily she said my name now, like there wasn't a time she used to flinch just hearing me breathe nearby.
"Okay, Derek—"
"Vanessa, you're testing my patience."
She cocked her head, eyes raking over me, then let out a low chuckle.
"I see your scars are already fading. Planning to collect more? Ryker just got his CEO title back and he'll be busy, but I'm sure he could still spare you a few minutes."
My breathing slowed.
Was she threatening me?
"So you know?"
She shrugged. "Of course I do. My fiancé told me everything, right down to how you couldn't even hit him back. Said you were too weak to manage it."
Those words 'Fiancé' did something to me.
I shot to my feet and grabbed her arm, my grip firm. Through gritted teeth, I said, "Shameless, aren't you, Vanessa? Fiancé? Really? You've got the nerve to say that taboo to my face. "
"Taboo?" She laughed, unapologetic. "Coming from you, someone who's been with two sisters? Trying both brothers isn't so bad too. Especially when one of them's clearly cooler. And better."
And that was what did it for me.
I shoved her. Hard.
I didn't mean to. But I did without even realizing it on time.
She caused it. She wouldn't stop mouthing off, stepping on my toes, provoking me.
But by the time I snapped out of it, she was already on the floor. Her body twisted at a weird angle. Blood slowly pooling around her head.