Chapter 4

My brother chuckles softly, his tone teasing:

"My sweet Aria, I know you can't bear to be apart from me."

Suddenly, my brother's gaze falls on my neck. His pupils constrict.

The next moment I'm pinned to the bed as he yanks open my collar.

My brother demands harshly: "Who bullied you?"

It's over. Even though I've been bundling up in the summer, my brother has still seen the injuries on my body.

They're from when Olivia and her gang beat me up at lunch.

But I can't tell my brother that.

Tears are forced from my eyes.

I shake my head: "No one. No one bullied me."

He stares at me intently. My eyes are full of pleading.

"Aria is being naughty," he says.

This position also makes me feel violated.

I just want this to end quickly.

"Go away. Don't stay in my room."

His breath fans against my neck.

Hatred flashes in my eyes.

"Don't make me hate you."

He sighs helplessly, finally getting up.

The door slams shut.

I start trembling, curling up in my blanket.

My brother is gone, but not completely.

The camera in the corner of the room keeps blinking green.

A sticky gaze remains fixed on me.

I know my brother will be watching my every move.

Until dawn breaks.