Morning light poured through the diningroom windows, turning the syrup on Alex's untouched pancakes into liquid gold. He sat rigid, fork in hand, staring at the empty doorway like it might bite him.
Lina hummed at the stove, flipping bacon. Mark scrolled his phone, coffee steaming. Everything was normal. Except Alex's pulse was a war drum.
Then she appeared.
Laura leaned against the doorframe, red hair in loose waves, eyes burning with payback. Their gazes locked: hers a silent promise of hell. Alex swallowed.
What fresh torture is in her sleeve today?
Lina served breakfast with a smile. Mark looked up. "How was studying, Laura?"
Laura slid into her chair, sideeyeing Alex like a predator. "It was great, Dad. Brother is very good at teaching." She licked syrup off her thumb: slow, deliberate. "But some parts of yesterday's lesson need to be opened and clarified. I can't wait for tonight's study session."
Alex shivered. Tonight. She's planning something nuclear.
Mark beamed. "That's wonderful. Alex, make sure she gets everything clearly tonight."
Alex opened his mouth: nothing came out. He sideeyed Laura. She was smirking.
He bolted down his food and stood.
Laura's voice dripped sugar. "Dad, can I ask something?"
Mark instantly: "Sure, princess. Anything."
"There's this new book: just released. I'm dying to get it. But the library's far."
"No problem. I'll drive you."
"But you have work...."
"They can wait." Mark waved it off. "Family first."
"No, no, Dad. Brother can drive me, right?" She turned to Alex, eyes gleaming.
Mark didn't even blink. "Of course he can."
Alex's eyes went wide.
Dad didn't even ask me.
Mark slid his black Amex across the table. "Take my card. Get her whatever she wants. Be careful driving."
Alex nodded, throat dry.
Lina frowned. "One book, Laura."
Mark chuckled. "Honey, let the girl live. What am I gonna do with all this money?"
Lina's voice softened. "Money is the problem for those who don't respect it. No matter how much caviar you can buy, respect every inch of bread."
Alex's chest tightened. Dad really picked the best. Even buried in grief, Mark never missed.
Laura smiled sweetly. "Yes, Mom. I know. I won't waste a cent." Then she turned to Alex, voice silk. "Brother, let me know when you can take me… there."
That pause nearly stopped his heart.
Mark's eyes flicked to Alex: commanding.
Alex croaked, "Anytime's fine."
Laura clapped. "I'll get ready then, brother. Wait for me."
She sauntered out: hips swaying, victory in every step.
Mark turned to Lina, eyes soft. "Honey, did you see that?"
Lina's voice cracked. "Yes. Alex, sweetie… thank you for being a brother to Laura. She never had one. Not even a proper dad." Tears welled. Mark stood, wrapped her in a hug.
Alex's throat burned. "She's my sister, Lina. I'll always try to be her brother."
Yes. I will.
Problem is, my sister is a wicked little demon.
Twenty minutes later: she descended.
Laura looked like she was walking into a festival of sin.
Crimson sundress: backless, thin straps crisscrossing pale skin, hem flirting high on her thighs. The neckline plunged dangerously, barely containing her breasts: every step threatening a wardrobe malfunction. Gold body chain glinted across her collarbone, dipping between her cleavage. Red hair in wild waves, lips glossy cherry, eyes lined sharp enough to cut glass. Heels: strappy, skyhigh. She smelled like vanilla, jasmine, and revenge.
Lina's jaw dropped. "Why did you...."
Mark cut in, grinning. "Don't ruin the fun of young people. Let them enjoy life a little." He kissed Laura's forehead. "Go hunt your books, princess. Alex, take care of your sister."
Laura's eyes locked on Alex. She winked, leaned in, and whispered hot against his ear: "Let's go, brother. Our first date is waiting."
Alex's keys nearly slipped from his hand.
This isn't a bookstore run.
This is a fucking execution.