Chapter 3The Spoiler Effect

The comments felt vindicated. I felt like I was going to have a heart attack.

I jumped out of bed without putting on slippers, grabbed a brand-new duvet from the linen closet, and sprinted to Sebastian’s room.

I knocked lightly.

Sebastian opened the door. Moonlight spilled across his face, highlighting his sharp jawline.

He was shockingly handsome. I paused for a second, dazzled.

Then I shoved the duvet at him. "Brother! I heard your bedding got... uh, wet. This is brand new. Use this."

He stared at me. His dark eyes searched my face for a long time before he spoke, his voice raspy. "Why are you being so nice to me?"

Because I don't want to be homeless, bro!

But I smiled like an angel. "Because you're my brother. We're family."

He flinched like the word "family" physically burned him. "Family?"

I nodded vigorously. "Yup! I'm very useful. I'll take care of you and protect you!"

Suddenly, he smiled. It looked like snow melting in spring. "I'm the older brother. I should be the one taking care of you. Protecting you."

My heart did a weird little flip.

With Tyler, I was always the one cleaning up messes and taking the blame.

I rubbed my nose. "So, what do you like to eat? I'll tell the chef for tomorrow."

His lips curved up. "No need. The dishes you asked for today... those are my favorites."

I grinned. "I knew it! Who doesn't love sweet and sour ribs?"

Sebastian chuckled. It was the first time I’d heard him laugh.

I stared again.

When he smiled... he was lethal.