“Don’t get mad at me because you don’t watch where you park your ass.”

“Wait, when were you at her house and why?” Willow grilled.

“Call of Duty. Duh. What’s your issue?”

“You’re fraternizing with the enemy? My own brother!”

“No one told you to give it up and get the guy sprung,” he had a disturbed look in his yes as he snatched a fry out of Willow’s tray.

“You don’t know what you are talking about, Buddy. Don’t start rumors.”

“I don’t have to. It’s already out there. Dash put the order out that you were off limits weeks ago. The poor schmuck from the other night was the only one to try but that was only because he’s new. Don’t worry. Dash already spoke with him too.” He shot Willow a devilish grin and her face paled before turning red.

“He had no right –”

“Tell him that, sis. I’m just an innocent bystander.”

“As his twin, I can tell you that Dash is up to something. He’s sneaky. He may be quiet now but I assure you he’s plotting so I hope you’re ready to give in.”

“That’s not going to happen,” Willow scoffed but it sounded forced.

“Willow, maybe talking to him instead of ignoring will work better. Tell him how you feel,” I suggested. Keiran may have been right. I was a hypocrite.

“My brother doesn’t care about how Willow feels or what she wants. He is acting on his own feelings now and what he wants is you. Right now, he’s looking for a weakness and the right moment to pounce.”

“This isn’t a war, Sheldon.”

“No, this is a Chambers. You’re screwed.”

“Thanks.” Willow replied dryly.

“Anytime, babe.”

“That is why I stay single,” Buddy included smugly.

“Because you’re ugly?” Willow asked.

“Just for that, I’m inviting Dash over tonight.”

“You better not!”

“Already happening,” he taunted, pulling out his phone and sending a quick text.

“That’s it. I’ve disowned you.” Buddy scoffed and rolled his eyes before locking them with mine.

“So Lake, what did you do to my boy?”

“And who would that be?”

“The muffin man,” he replied impatiently. “You know who.”

“What’s it to you?” I asked rather than answer his question.

“Because he’s is snapping and snarling at anyone who even walks past. He’s got some serious Lake fever going on.”

“What?”

“Yeah. I swear you guys are better than my stories.” I shook my head at Buddy. He really did watch soap operas faithfully.

“I can handle Keiran.”

“Can you?” His tone was laced with seriousness and his eyes bore into mine with concern in his eyes, a complete opposite of his normal playful self.

“Yes, Buddy. I promise.” And apparently I’m a liar too…

* * *

“I’m going to the fair tonight with Willow and Sheldon.”

“Oh?”

“Yes.” Silence. “So?”

“So, what?”

“Nothing.” More silence. “Are you mad at me?”

“Should I be?”

“No.”

“Then I guess I’m not.”

I was growing sick of his short answers. Keiran had been giving me the cold shoulder since I made Anya eat my locker at school. It didn’t seem like the situation with Anya was enough to walk around with a stick up the ass. We haven’t exchanged words since then. It was after school and we were lying in his bed, having just finished a few sweaty rounds of sex. He’d tricked me into my car by telling me he’d take me home but I ended up here instead.

“I think you are, though.” Silence again. “You won’t talk to me,” I tried again.

He released a breath. “You’re pissing me off.”

“Ditto.”

“I want you to stay away from Anya,” he ordered. Bingo! We have communication!

“Believe me, I don’t approach her willingly. Besides, she started it.” He stared me down until I shrunk back in my seat. “Fine,” I huffed.

“What time are you going to the fair?”

“Six.”

“Don’t do anything stupid tonight.”

“Yes, Dad.”

“Lake…”

“Lighten up. You can’t control me, Keiran, so stop trying.”

“I can and I will,” he answered unapologetically. I don’t know why I bothered to tell him otherwise. Keiran would always do what he wanted but he wasn’t God, no matter how much he pretended to be.

“I won’t let you.”

“You can’t stop me. Do you even really want to or are you trying to save face?”

“I – I don’t know.” It was the truth. I really didn’t know.

“Listen. Trevor may be there. Don’t approach him and don’t provoke him. If he gets near you then you call me. Immediately. Do you understand?”

“Keiran, he can’t come within a thousand feet of me. I will be fine.”

“Do you need me to repeat myself again?” The look in his eyes told me to drop, which I did reluctantly. His body tensed when he mentioned Trevor, which was weird for someone who claimed not to care.