On My Brother's Bed

Chapter 6

Rhett's POV

Shit.

Shit.

Shit.

Micah was back. How? Didn't he make it to his trip?

I pushed away from Astrid and grabbed my towel, tying it quickly around my waist.

Footsteps echoed on the stairs. He was getting closer to his room.

"Rhett? Are you in?" Micah's voice asked, louder than before. "Don't tell me you're taking a nap, you sleeping ass."

Astrid's eyes widened.

"Rhett–"

I didn't think twice. I pulled her into the walk-in closet. She tried to protest, but I shut the door firmly–just in time before Micah strode in.

He paused at the doorway, brows furrowing. His brown eyes gleamed as they landed on me.

Dammit.

I walked away from the closet with slow, measured movements. The towel still clung to my hips, and I hoped Micah didn't suspect anything. Luckily, Astrid stayed silent. Good girl.

"Did you just shut the closet?" Micah asked, striding fully into the room.

"Yes," I replied instantly. "I couldn't find any proper clothes to wear, and I got pissed."

He stared at me for a moment before bursting into laughter. I stayed still, watching him with a blank expression. Micah was a jerk. A damn jerk.

"Does it look funny to you?" I asked, raising a brow.

He stopped laughing and straightened, though a smirk tugged at his lips.

"Why are you even here?" I pressed. "Aren't you supposed to be on your trip?"

His expression shifted with sudden seriousness.

"Ah, yes. I'm supposed to be, but apparently, I missed my flight," Micah said, perching on the edge of the bed. "I'll just have to leave early tomorrow."

I hummed in response, silently praying he would get up and go. But he didn't.

Instead, he lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling for a few moments like he was lost in thought. Then his gaze slid to me.

"Have any idea where Astrid went? She's been going out a lot lately."

I blinked. Yeah, your sister's in your closet, dude.

Rubbing my temple, I shook my head. "No idea. She probably went out with her friends or something."

"Friends? Astrid doesn't have any friends apart from Talia," Micah said, narrowing his eyes. "I'll just text her."

Oh... shit.

Micah reached into his pocket and started typing on his phone. He sent the message, but Talia wasn't online.

Thank goodness.

My silent prayer was answered when Micah rose from the bed, concern etching into his face.

"Talia isn't online. When she replies, I'll know where Astrid went. But for now, I need to eat something," he muttered, and his stomach growled right on cue.

He reached for the doorknob. "Meet me downstairs in five minutes. We need to talk."

I nodded curtly and watched him leave.

Finally.

Once I was sure he was gone, I sauntered to the closet and opened the door only to find it empty.

"Astrid?" I called, my voice low and steady.

Silence.

"Astrid?" I called again.

No response.

What the hell?

Just as I turned to leave, a small hand slid around my waist from behind, followed by a faint whimper.

Astrid.

I perceived her scent before I looked. That addictive lily scent of hers that always find a way to drive me insane for a beat.

"Astrid?" I said, meeting her eyes.

She quickly pulled her hand back and glared. "Has he gone?"

I gave a short nod. Astrid stepped out, exhaling in relief.

"Astrid–" I began, but she brushed past me with a scoff, leaving the closet.

Before I could say another word, she was out of the room.

I turned toward the floor-to-ceiling mirror, my fists tightening at my sides.

Did I just let my best friend's sister go down on me?

I stared at my reflection, but all I could see was her–those creamy thighs, those lips forming a perfect 'O' when–

Damn.

I shouldn't be doing this. I shouldn't be consumed by Micah's sister. She was still young. She still had a future. And I sure as hell shouldn't be the one to ruin it.

Right there, I vowed not to touch Astrid Cole again.

*

An hour later, Micah and I sat at the dining table, eating. Halfway through, he cleared his throat.

"You're still not up for that job offer I mentioned, Rhett?"

I paused on the fifth forklift and looked at him. "I'm not interested in moving from place to place. I told you, I love living in LA. I'll get a better job soon though."

"Really? Not interested at all?"

I set down my fork and reached for a tissue. "Yes. I'm not interested. I appreciate the help, Micah, but I'm not a fan of constant travel like you."

He chuckled softly. "Does that mean cool guys don't stress themselves?"

I smirked. "At least you called me cool."

"Dude," he laughed, tossing a tissue at me. I dodged and went back to my ramen. That's when her voice came through.

"Micah, you're back? I didn't know you were here."

Liar.

I didn't look up. I kept eating until my plate was almost clean.

"I texted Talia to ask where you were, but got no response. Where did you go?" Micah asked.

A pause.

Then, "I was at Talia's place. Phone was switched off."

Baby, you lie too much.

I kept my head down. I refused to meet Astrid Cole's eyes–she was a walking temptation.

Not until I heard her say, "Anyway, since you're here, I'll be heading out for a party tonight. I might be late."

I snapped my head to her and regretted it instantly.

Damn me.

She was wearing a short, fitted gown that clung to her curves and barely covered her thighs. Her hair was pulled into a bun, and her red lipstick gleamed under the dining light.

"Dressed like that?" Micah's protective tone cut in.

Astrid's gaze flicked to me, then back to him. "Don't stop me, please. It's a girls' thing. I promise, no men." She pressed a hand to her chest like she was taking an oath.

Micah's face shifted, but he didn't argue.

"Fine. But be home early."

"Okay." She smiled, leaning down to kiss his cheek.

My throat dried instantly. I should've looked away, but I didn't.

"I'll be back on time," she said, her voice dripping with excitement. She headed for the front door, and we heard it click shut.

For a brief moment, I kept eating in silence. I'd admit, Micah was a great cook. I could barely make tea, but he seemed to know every recipe in the world.

Typical Micah.

Then he spoke–and my fork froze mid-air.

"Rhett, you're my best friend. You'll help me with this, right?"

No.

"Yes," I said before I could stop myself.

"I want you to keep an eye on Astrid. I don't trust that she's going out with Talia, so I want you to follow them."