Page 42 of Make You Beg

“Where would we go?” Kira shouts as I exit the room.

I can’t have a proper conversation with Kayden now, but I want to at least let him know we can talk later.

That I’m here if he wants to.

I check the attic first, climbing the ladder but heading back down as soon as I see the window is shut.

Then, make my way downstairs to his room. The door is closed, and I knock to make my presence known.

A second later, I hear a click and let myself in.

“Close the door behind you.” Kayden’s voice is low and intense. He’s sitting at his desk, staring at his computer, with headphones on. “Lock it.”

I press the little button on the doorknob.

I haven’t been in his new room since he moved, but the layout is pretty similar to his old one.

Bed, TV in front, closet to the side. Except the desk is right beside the TV this time.

Standing in place, I stretch my hand to show the red puck.

“You wanted to talk?”

Kayden swings around in his computer chair. “Yep.”

The way his mouth turns into an O shape for a moment, and his eyes travel the length of me, sends tickles through my body. Anticipation builds up inside me.

“Are you going somewhere?” he asks.

My face falters.

I don’t know what I expected him to say. That I look nice, maybe? I knew he wouldn’t. I know Kayden doesn’t give compliments. Why do I even want him to? Stepbrothers don’t compliment their stepsisters. And we aren’t supposed to want to hear that from them.

“Yes.” I gnaw at my lip. “I’m about to go out for dinner.”

He raises an eyebrow. “With a guy?”

I shake my head. “Kira and Jasmin are treating me for my birthday.”

“That’s nice.”

“I just saw this.” I show him the red puck again. “And thought I’d check in with you. We can talk later if you want or⁠—”

“No need.” He stops me. “I’ll make it quick. It’s your birthday, after all. I’m sure you want to have fun with your friends.” He opens a drawer beneath his desk and takes something out.

He stands up, hiding it behind his back.

“I got this for you.” He stretches the hidden item toward me faster than I can react.

It’s wrapped in ugly brown wrapping, and it has a tiny bow made from red tape in the middle.

Book-shaped, and about the size of it, too. Anticipation bubbles up inside me.

“What is this?”

“Open it.”

He steps back to give me more room.