Off Limits, Brother's Best Friend Chapter 23

Chapter 23: You Know My Access Code

Brianna

“Nothing is wrong, I was space out?” I shoved my phone into my pocket and tried to smile.

“I was going to run down the block and grab some coffee for everyone. You want to join and help me carry everything back?” Kate asked and I nodded yes, telling Zaveri that I was leaving the register.

When we got outside, I took the evening air into my lungs to settle me down. It was probably too late for coffee but whatever, I will probably get one anyway. I noticed right away how many people looked at her, some because she was hot and some because they were appalled by all her ink and how she dressed and with the dimple piercing in her.

“Yes, people will always judge you, I bet they were judging the pair of us, Miss high fashionista model lady.” She teased me and tugged on my trousers. I chuckled, we couldn't look more opposite.

“I think everyone who enters Bizzyaski Ink judges me, I don't look like I fit in but I liked working there.” I said, letting my nerves settle on our walk down to the cafe.

“Good, we like having you work there too.” She kindly said to me.

“So, you and Bryce are siblings? But you are of no relationship to that best friend of his, right?” She tipped her head at me.

“Callan? No, not at all.” I shook my head, she grinned and further dimpled her cheeks.

“What? No!” I immediately denied.

“Oh, shut up, even I find him insanely fucking hot. Suits aren't usually my style guy but he has got all those tattoos beneath and trust me when I tell you it was damn fine to look at!” She winked and my eyes went wide.

“Have you seen him without a shirt?” I asked, I was now worried these two have hooked up before.

“Yes, he comes to the shop to get his work done. He was meant to get another piece soon, although I don't know when.” She said, I swallowed hard. I can only imagine the sight.

“Look at you drooling.” She shoved me and I almost tripped on my heels but she quickly steady me before I could.

“Sorry, I forgot you wore those things.” She waved down at them.

Both of us entered the cafe and I pulled out the list of different drinks to be sure I ordered everything correctly. I had Zaveri text me the order, I saw a missed call from Ezekiel but I can't handle that right now. Not in front of other people because apparently I can't hide my obvious discomfort from people whatever I am shaken by. When we got back to the shop, everyone grabbed their coffee and for a second, we were all in the middle part of the shop where the two open chairs are. They aren't located in private rooms that were used for easy tattoos like finger tattoos or even arm or hand tattoos. Ethan was in another snapback, Zaveri had a muscle t-shirt on today which showed his tattooed pecs and Sandra had her hair up in this high pony with some hair wrapped around the elastic to cover it. It looked really cute, her style is very different and you can't nail it down.

I was finally back to check Ezekiel's other messages to me since my shift was ending and I was done cleaning up some of the room with Zaveri. I felt ice in my veins again so when Zaveri offered me a ride home, I instantly took it.

'Working?’ That was what Ezekiel sent and I felt like he had eyes on me even though I know he isn't here. I was afraid to be alone.

“How are you liking the city? Make any friends yet?” Zaveri interrupted my silent panic.

His car was pretty nice, Sandra told me their parents were rich so I guess regardless of their own success, they have always had money.

“I have no friends but I do love the city.” I half chuckled. I was trying to ignore my phone.

“We here are your friends, we are going out this weekend. You should come with us.” He invited me, it was my first time being invited out and it excited me.

“Okay,” I smiled.

“Really?” He glanced between me and the road, seeming pleased.

“Definitely,” I nodded and when we got to ares and he said my building, he whistled.

“So this is where my buddy lives now, fancy.” He looked up through the windshield.

“Yes, I don't even recognize this version of my brother. Last time we lived together, we were middle class citizens.” I joked, he chuckled but it was time for me to leave the car. I said good night and headed inside the building.

Now I know that this building is very secure. It was why my brother wanted us to live here but with Ezekiel's message weighing on me, I was feeling so uncomfortable being alone. When I got to our floor and unlocked the door, I was home all by myself. I couldn't stand it, I called my brother to ask when he was but he texted me that he was on a date and couldn't answer. I stewed for a moment before deciding on something. Since I couldn't reach Bryce, I texted David and asked for Callan's phone number. He seemed unsure of why I might want that but didn't dare say anything about it. This is how desperate I am. I am willing to go to Callan just so I am not alone tonight and when I received the phone number, I texted him.

‘Hello, this is Brianna. I hope you don't mind but I asked David for your number because I can't reach my brother. Are you home?’ I sent, a few minutes passed but then I heard the buzzing of my phone and saw he responded. My stomach flipped but for a whole different reason.

'Yea, I am.” His message was short and to the point.

Am I really willing to do this? When I didn't respond right away because I was deciding on if I should really do this then I ended up getting a call from him. I quickly answered and sounded like an idiot when I saw hello.

“Did you need something?” His deep voice asked and it heated my core.

“I did, I..I am.. locked out.” I lied. If I just said I wanted to come up, I think it would be weirder than if I pretended I forgot my keys.

“You know my access code, come up.” He invited me to that private elevator that only moves if you have the code.

I still remember it from the week I lived there, he doesn't seem like a very trusting man so I am surprised he didn't change it after I left.

“Okay, thank you.” I squeaked out before hanging up.

I was suddenly nervous, I looked down at myself. I was wearing teal trousers with my white top, harness and designer shoes and I had bought all this with his money. I rented a bag this week that matched perfectly and it was a beauty to behold. I looked very good style wise today.