7. Aria

7

ARIA

AGED 16

I t's my sixteenth birthday, and I'm at Lisa's big Halloween party. All my friends are here, dressed in costumes. The dance music pumps through Lisa's living room while people move to the beat.

I sip my punch, letting the sweet liquid cool me down after dancing my heart out. Scanning the room, I see Eva waving me to the snack table laden with chips, candy, and a huge birthday cake.

I make my way over to her and give her a hug. "This party is amazing! Thanks for helping Lisa put it together."

Eva grins. "Of course, girl! We had to make sure your sweet sixteen was one to remember, especially while Lisa's parents were out of town." She stuffs a handful of chips into her mouth.

As I reach for a brownie, I feel like someone's watching me. I glance around, but everyone is busy dancing or talking.

"Any cute guys caught your eye tonight?" Eva wiggles her eyebrows.

I laugh, shoving her shoulder. "You know I'm not looking for that right now. I'm trying to enjoy being a teenager." After what happened to Aaron, I can't imagine getting close to someone like that again.

Eva shrugs. "Suit yourself, but you can't avoid dating forever."

The sensation of being watched intensifies, prickling the hairs on the back of my neck. I subtly scan the room, and that's when I see him.

Jared. Leaning against the wall, arms folded across his chest, giving me that intense stare that always unsettles me. Ever since Aaron died, it was as if a switch flicked inside him, and while he can still be an asshole, he's kinder to me. He even acts protective. I don't get why.

His eyes travel over my witch costume, causing my cheeks to burn. Why is he even here? He hates my friends.

Jared weaves toward me through the crowd.

"What are you doing here?" I ask.

"Looking for you," he replies. "You shouldn't be here, Aria. You'll be in big trouble if your mom finds out you're drinking underage."

I narrow my eyes. "How did you know I'd be here?"

Jared leans in close. "I have my ways of keeping track of you."

The way he says that makes my stomach churn. "Mom doesn't need to find out. Please, Jared," I beg, knowing that while he's kinder to me, he can still be a complete jerk. "Just leave me alone. It's my birthday, for fuck's sake."

"I can't leave you alone." He chuckles. "Trouble follows you wherever you go, right? And I'm your older brother, so I have to protect you from it."

I shiver, feeling irritated and something else I don't want to admit. Jared always affects me like this. There's something dark about him that's weirdly fascinating. Not to mention, he's seventeen now and hitting the gym. He's stacked and absolutely gorgeous, with those piercing blue eyes and messy dark hair.

"I don't need your protection," I insist. "Just stay away from me, please."

He reaches out and brushes a hair from my face, his fingers lingering. "You say that, but we both know the truth," he murmurs. "You need me. Whether you like it or not."

Jared's hand slides down to grip my arm. I'm paralyzed at his touch, caught in the intensity of his gaze, unable to look away.

"Jared, let go of me," I plead, trying to pull away, but he tightens his hold.

"You know I can't just turn a blind eye," he says. "I'm the only one who can keep you safe."

I shudder at his words. "I told you I don't need your protection."

Jared's gaze darkens. "Yes, you do. You don't know what trouble you could get into here." He looks around, frowning. "I've been watching. I see how other guys look at you."

A flush creeps up my body and settles in my cheeks. "That's not your business."

"It is my business," Jared says. "You're my little sister, and I'll keep you safe."

"Stepsister," I correct him.

His eyes darken. "Whatever."

"Jared, please," I whisper, "let me enjoy my birthday. I promise I'll be careful."

He shakes his head. "I can't. You're too young for a party like this."

Lisa calls my name, approaching us. I feel relieved, but Jared grips my arm tighter.

"There you are!" Lily exclaims, oblivious to the tension. "I've been looking for you."

Before I can speak, Jared says, "She's leaving."

Lisa looks surprised. "Leaving? But?—"

"Now," Jared interrupts.

A surge of anger rises as Jared tugs me away. I look back at Lisa, silently begging her to understand. After all the effort she and Eva put into the party, I feel like shit. Jared has to come and ruin it all.

Once we're at his car, I yank my arm free. "Why did you ruin my birthday?" I demand. "You've been nice to me all year, and now you had to wreck the one night I was having fun!"

Jared has the decency to look somewhat remorseful, but his jaw is set in a stubborn line. "I'm protecting you, Aria. You don't know what the guys at that party are thinking when they look?—"

"I don't care!" I cut him off, clenching my fists. "It's my life, Jared. You don't get to just swoop in and make decisions for me. And I can handle myself. My friends are there, too. You're a complete asshole!"

He reaches out to cup my face, his touch gentle. "You're my little sister. I can't let you get hurt."

I flinch away, my heart pounding. "That's not an excuse," I snap. "You never cared before Aaron's death. Why start now?"

Jared's expression hardens, and for a moment, I'm afraid he might lash out. But then he lets out a long sigh. "I know I haven't been a good stepbrother," he admits, looking down. "But things are different now. I can't watch you put yourself in danger."

"So you thought you'd just humiliate me in front of everyone instead?" I spit, crossing my arms. "Nice job, Jared."

He winces. "I didn't mean for it to go down like that," he murmurs. "I just couldn't stand the thought of you getting hurt."

"Well, congratulations. You hurt me anyway." I turn away. "Just leave me alone. I don't need your ‘protection.'"

Before he can respond, I yank open the car door and slide into the passenger seat, slamming it shut. I refuse to look at him, staring resolutely out the window as he settles behind the wheel.

The drive home is tense. I feel Jared looking at me, but I ignore him. All I want is to get home and forget this awful birthday.