SUBMISSIVE TO MY BROTHER'S BESTFRIEND

OWAIN LUTHER

I staggered away from Malcom, my fingers threading through my hair in frustration.

Malcom wouldn't lift his head, guilt branded on his face, not because Yasmin caught us mid-fight, but because Karima just witnessed it all.

I strolled up to Yasmin, draping an arm around her waist. "Yasmin, you didn't mention you'd be flying in." I met her gaze.

Karima had already stepped in, pulling Malcom to his feet, though he still avoided her eyes.

Yasmin? She brushed my arm off like I was contaminated.

I would be lying if I said that little stunt could actually shrug off the scene she just witnessed.

"I asked you a question, Owain. What the hell happened?" She snapped. Her eyes flicked to my swollen, bloodied lip.

"It's nothing, alright? Can we focus on why you're here?" I insisted.

D*mn. Wrong move. Her eyes narrowed, sharp as daggers.

"Seriously? That's what's important now, huh?" She shot a glance at Karima who instantly avoided her gaze. "Because you sure aren't thrilled to see me. All you care about is why I'm here. Well, guess what, honey... I came to clean up your mess."

That was all she said then, spun on her heel and stormed off.

That's Yasmin for you. What was I expecting? An honest conversation? Not when she's this p*ss*d.

And now, her unexpected arrival in New York has thrown my plans into turmoil.

She was supposed to wait for me to return to Thailand-not just hop on a flight and show up here like this.

"You know I don't know my way around here, Owain. Why are you dragging behind?" Her voice cut through the silence.

Right. I snapped out of my head and picked up my pace, leading her toward my room.

I didn't bother glancing back... but I didn't need to. I could feel Karima's eyes burning into my back, watching me walk away.

***

KARIMA HEART

The moment Owain strutted off with his sassy handbag of a girlfriend, I turned to Malcom.

He was staring down at his palm like it held some invisible secret, like it could somehow shield him from what I was about to say.

Owain picking a fight? That was expected. But Malcom? He'd never been the type. Always the level-headed one, always preaching self-control and keeping your cool.So whatever led him to throw hands with Owain had to be serious.

But... He was obviously not ready to talk about it so I'd cut him a slack.

"I should get you some ice pack for that lip," I said, already getting up.

He didn't answer. Just stayed still until he caught my wrist and gently tugged me back down.

"I'm sorry, Karry," he muttered, his voice low with guilt. "I'm sorry you had to see that."

I gave a soft nod, forcing a small smile. "It's okay. I'm sure Owain started it anyway. But what I really want to know is... what the hell did he say to get you so riled up? You've been best friends forever. He's a pain in the *ss, yeah, but you've always handled him. Why snap now?"

Malcom looked away, his jaw tightened. I was actually expecting him to spill it. Maybe the part I really needed him to clarify. "He thinks I'm too protective... as a brother."

I narrowed my eyes. That was it?

His expression said he was done talking, but mine said I wasn't buying it.

But I still waited for him to probably add to it... But his silence said it all... That was all to it.

"Seriously? You two threw punches over that?" I asked, giving him my best I-know-you're-lying stare.

He sighed, catching it. "That look tells me you don't believe me."

"You're right. Because it doesn't make any d*mn sense, Malcom."

"I told you the truth."

"Okay, fine. Can I go get the ice now?"

"You still don't believe me?"

"It's not that. It's just... I don't care if you fought him. I care that you're lying to me. You're holding something back, and I can feel it. I'm sure of it."

"There's nothing else to say! You're blowing this out of proportion." His voice rose sharper now. "Just say what you really want to ask."

"Fine." I shifted on the bed, my voice slicing through the room. "What was he talking about?"

He blinked, confused.

"I heard it," I said, slower now. "That you're in love with me and definitely keeping a secret too. I heard it, Malcom. So start explaining because none of this is making any d*mn sense."

His expression twisted into genuine confusion.

"Silly," he said, a faint, unconvincing smile tugging at his lips. "You're my sister... who else would I love?"

He wouldn't meet my eyes.

"Don't make me feel like I'm crazy for asking this, Malcom."

"But you are," he said quickly. "This is ridiculous. I don't even know what you think you heard."

I let out a sharp breath, my patience thinning. "Fine. I'll just go ask Owain. He seemed pretty sure about it."

I turned to leave, and that's when his voice came harder, way too sharper than the last.

"You need to stay away from Owain. He's a bad guy, Karima. I don't want you near him."

I spun around, narrowing my eyes. "And now he's the villain? Really?"

"Since when do you question me like this?"

"Since you started lying to my face. I'm not stupid, Malcom."

He clenched his jaw. "I told you the truth."

"No, you told me what you thought would shut me up."

I stepped back, every part of me burning. "I don't care if you fought Owain. But I do care that you're hiding something from me. Something big."

"There's nothing else to say." He murmured.

"Fine," I bit out. "Keep your secrets. Just don't expect me to stick around while you lie to me."

And with that, I walked out the door, not waiting for whatever excuse he was still holding onto.

But deep down... I couldn't lie to myself... maybe I'd pushed too far.

After all, I had my own secret too. One I hadn't told him either.

I felt guilty.

But even with the guilt weighing on me, I still needed the truth.