Lucy

She came by the apartment looking for Heather one day, I happened to be just getting in. I was bummed about not going to New York, but I’m so glad I got to meet Amanda and make friends with her. She worships Heather, which I can totally understand.

Although, I get the feeling she’s a sad girl. To be sixteen, she has a watchfulness about her. Like she’s looking over her shoulder. Seeing that, I asked her to come over after school to spend time with me. For two weeks, we’ve been hanging out at the apartment.

I just know this is something Heather and I will be able to bond over. Heather hasn’t really spoken much about Amanda to me. I would have been skeptical, when she arrived on the doorstep had she not looked so much like Heather.

I went out to get a few things to bake brownies for the three of us. Amanda should be coming by today, as well. I’m so excited.

I beam as I juggle the bags to open the front door. I may have over did it on the junk food. Happily weighed down with bags, I push into the apartment.

I smile when I see Heather’s bags dropped by the door. My smile falters from my lips, when I hear Heather’s laughter. Quickly placing my bags down, I start to move for the bedrooms at the back of the apartment.

A moan floats out, followed by more laughter, freezing me in place. I know I should turn and go back the way I came, but I can’t. I bite my lip and force my legs forward. I can hear my own breathing ringing in my ears.

I reach out a shaking hand to push the cracked door of Heather’s room further open. Tears tumble over onto my cheeks, as Braxton’s red hair between Heather’s legs comes into view. He’s so distracted by inhaling her, he doesn’t hear me. Neither of them do.

He’s naked. His shoulder blades displaying a tat that says, Brothers Black. His back and shoulders are tanned, muscular, and broad, holding her long legs up. Sweat trickles down his skin, showing his effort. Heather’s fingers move to lock in his hair, pushing him to devour her even more. He groans, pushing his face into her.

“Aww,” Heather sighs. “Babe, I’m so close.”

I look at her face, her eyes closed, a smile on her lips. Her features twisted in the ecstasy, I’ve always dreamed of bringing her. I jump a little, when a cry pierces the air signaling her climax.

Still not noticing me, Braxton stalks his way up her body like a panther. Lifting her legs over his shoulders, as he enters her, he releases a loud groan. I feel my heart shatter as I flinch at the sight before me.

His body rolls and pushes into hers, taking and giving. Every muscle flexing and moving, with his strokes of ownership. This doesn’t look like an accident or a first time thing.

“I love you,” Heather keens, tearing a sob from my chest.

They both still, their head snapping in my direction. I shake my head, as tears fall. I stumble back out of the room. Wobbling to the living room, where I sink to my knees. I can hear the loud sobs that rip through me. I’m just powerless to stop them.

I’ve lost her.

* * *

Heather

I look at Brax, who’s staring at the doorway with a scowl. My place was closer than the house he purchased. We’d come here not even thinking of Lucy. I honestly forgot she’s been here.

I close my eyes and run a hand through my damp hair. I don’t even know how long she was standing there. I was so wrapped up in Braxton, I didn’t hear a thing other than my cries, until her loud sob. Brax lifts to storm out of the room after her, I rush to get to my knees, grabbing his arm.

“Let me,” I sigh. “Please.” I add, when he looks like his going to protest.

His jaw works, but he gives me a curt nod. I climb from the bed and dress quickly in sweats and a t-shirt. I go to step out of the room, but Brax pulls me back against his chest.

“She’s in love with you. She’s been lying to you for a very long time. Lucy gave up her apartment a week before she moved in,” Braxton says softly.

I stiffen turning to face him. He looks down at me apologetically. My mind races. My face heats, as I start to get pissed off.

Turning I storm into the living room. “What the fuck were you doing coming into my room?” I snap, not using any of the gentle words I’d planned. “No, forget that. What the hell really happened with your apartment?”

My mind starts to spin and it all clicks into place. I stumble back, as I watch her look up at me, pleading with her eyes. I feel like I’m going to be sick. I feel so violated.

“You were never trying to get Billy back were you,” I say brokenly. “You lied to me. You pushed me to make out with you for a lie? I trusted you. I never lied to you. You were my friend, why would you do that to me?”

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t know what else to do,” she sobs.

I scoff. “Are you fucking kidding me? Do you know what I’ve been through. Do you know how long it’s taken me to get over him raping me?”

I’m screaming at the top of my lungs. I feel like I’m going to lose it. I’m so hurt. I trusted her. I thought I was helping a friend.

“Oh, my God, Heather,” Lucy’s eyes bulge, as she sobs.

“You’re no better than him,” I growl just, before I lunge at her.

Brax’s strong arms wrap around me, catching me just before my first punch connects. I fight against him needing to get my hands on her.

“I fucking hate you. I hate you. You stupid bitch,” I scream. “Get off of me, Brax. I’m going to whip her fucking ass.”

“I’m sorry. Oh, my God, you see me like him. I’m so, so sorry,” she sobs some more.

“Save that shit,” I hiss. “Get the fuck out!”

“I really am sorry,” Lucy hiccups, as she races for the door. “So, so sorry.”

“Choke on your sorry,” I spit. “You’re gonna catch these hands, when I see your ass. I promise you that.”

* * *

Braxton

I’m an asshole. I heard Lucy the moment she entered the apartment. I told Heather I didn’t trust her. Thanks to Sephora, I found out about the apartment while we were in New York.

However, I didn’t know about the scam Lucy was running to get Heather to make out with her more than two years ago. My stomach rolls as I feel the pain my baby is in. I hate that she had to find out this way, but Heather is so fucking hard headed.

Shit, I didn’t think Lucy would have the balls to come into the bedroom. I just meant for her to hear and hightail her ass out of here. Heather turns in my arms, wrapping around my waist.

“Brax?” she sniffles.

“Yeah, Baby,” I coo, rubbing her back.

“I’m going to kick your ass. None of this was a coincidence, I know you,” she mutters. When I don’t reply, she murmurs, “I’m sorry I didn’t listen.”

“Nothing to be sorry about. You’re an amazing friend. I’m sorry you got hurt,” I sigh.

“Yeah, me too, but it’s not your fault,” she pulls away. “I need a shower.”

I watch her walk away. Halfway to the hall, she pauses to look over her shoulder. “Well, you just going to stand there. I need you,” she says with a shaky smile.

That little smile tugs at my heart. She’ll bounce back. Just like my little hero. She’ll bounce back.