Caspian Blackstone.

"Yes, it's because of you she's not alive." I heard her father say, my feet unmoving as those words were said by a father to a daughter, 'No person deserves to hear such,' I thought inwardly. My fist was tightly clenched as I averted my gaze towards Jordan; his eyes were expressionless, and he folded his arms across his chest—no remorse, no guilt, nothing. I felt infuriated, but I decided to stay still and see what would happen.

"Dad...she gave me life, and the least you could do is see Mum through me, not blame me for it." Her voice cracked as those words left her lips. I felt her pain, her eyes glossy with tears. I almost regretted my actions, but I knew I did what I had to do. I wanted her to find herself, to stop chasing shadows and see the potential within her, the woman with the big dreams.

"So you are... Not going to bail me out?" She asked after a few minutes of silence from her father and brother.

Jordan stretched out his hand and wrapped it around hers. He stared into her eyes as he shook his head. "I'm sorry, but we would have to keep you here to learn your lesson."

"Lesson! Seriously, Jordan, after everything that we once shared not just as siblings but as teammates, don't you see that I have always..."

"Enough, August. When you are ready to learn, you can inform the cops, and they'll allow you to talk to me on the phone." Her father cut her off, and just like that, he turned away and left. Jordan stared sadly, and for the first time, I saw guilt in his eyes before he also turned and left. They took steady strides towards where I was standing. I immediately lowered my face so Jordan wouldn't have to recognize me. My heart raced when they walked past me, but fortunately, none of them recognized me. I had told the cops that I'd be coming to see and check up on her, but I didn't expect to meet her family and hear words that cut sharper than a sword.

I found myself walking towards the metal bars. She lifted her gaze, her mouth hung open, her eyes wide in shock, but nothing came out of her lips. "What did you come here to do after sabotaging my reputation?"

"You don't get it? I want what's best for you, August. I want..."

"Just shut the fuck up because I remember; you don't give a shit about anyone, and you don't care about anything, Caspian, because you act like a robot on your team, useless and unprofessional." I stared, her words haunting me, my mouth refusing to say a word, because as much as her words hurt, she was right. Maybe I'm not just trying to help her; maybe I need her to help me find myself, to see maybe I'm not emotionless as everyone thinks I am.

Suddenly she went silent, eyes scanning mine. She walked closer to the metal bars as she wrapped her hand around them. "I know I shouldn't have said that, but it won't change the fact that you put me in this situation. You put that ring in my pocket; I know it was fucking you who did it."

"Me? You think I wouldn't have gone as low as doing that cheap scheme? To what end, August?" I asked rhetorically while trying not to smile because I love it when she sounds defensive.

She scoffs, lets go of the metal bar, and says, "So now you are not just stalking me; you are denying everything that you did." The way she said it made her look hotter in her silky red dress, smeared face, and disheveled hair.

Her eyes narrowed as she leaned against the metal. "You know I have always known you to be quiet, but I didn't expect this from you."

"I have always known you to be resilient, but I didn't expect you to just put your potential on hold because of a guy who will never value your presence even in the next few years."

"You don't know anything about Jordan." She counterattacks loudly.

"But at least I know the fact that you were the mastermind behind him winning that game."

She smiled weakly as she stepped away from the metal. "So this is what it is all about, to help your team win as well?"

I paused and thought for a moment, realizing that this rare gem is not only professional; she was intelligent, she observed, and she pointed out loopholes, and it makes her more beautiful in a way I can't explain. Realizing she had noticed I was behind the theft.

"Yes, that's why I'm here. Jordan will not appreciate your effort, but I'll be ready to bail you out of this sick hole only if you agree to be my coach."

"And what if I don't agree?"

I made my face expressionless, nodded my head, and turned away. "Then you can enjoy your stay here." I took every step carefully, hoping she'd stop me, but her silence was cutting deeper than it should because I have always admired August. From the day my teammate, Seb, had a fracture; I saw the way she had helped, the worried look on her face, and the way she handled the situation with class. Since that day, I can't get her out of my mind, but unfortunately, she prefers her sick stepbrother, who only calls on her whenever he needs something, and she'll always show up like a lost puppy.

I was almost at the door, and then I heard her voice, which pleased me more than I wanted to admit. "Okay, fine, but I’ll only coach you once a week,"

A smile curled on my lips because I know it'll definitely be more than a week.

"Okay, little rabbit, we'll see about that," I said before I walked out of the room, and then I went to the counter and asked how much for the bail. I was told a million dollars. I didn't hesitate as I swiped the card on the machine because the gem right there is worth more than a million dollars.

August Flynn.

"Miss Flynn, you have been bailed; please do well to change into more suitable clothes, and we will be escorting you back home." The police officer said calmly; the tone sounded respectful, while it made me raise an eyebrow in confusion.

I ignored it and nodded my head, and then I did as he had instructed. I was offered a new set of clothes and taken to a room where I could change. When I was done, I was accompanied by one of the cops to a car, where I slid in and was driven home.

I am now standing in front of the house, my heart racing, thoughts lingering as I take a step forward. I raised my hand and knocked, my fingers trembling. Seconds turned to a minute; no one responded. I knocked again, then the door slid open. My mouth hung open, and my hand lowered as Jordan stood, shirtless; he was wearing shorts, and his hair was slightly messy. His presence made me forget that he had abandoned me to my fate at the station, and I found myself ogling his exceptional physique.

"You're back..." He sounded nonchalant until Avery arrived behind him; a towel was wrapped around her waist, and she hugged him from behind and sucked his earlobe right in front of me. I sucked in a breath, trying not to act pathetic in front of him.

So I ignored them and walked past him, heading to my room, which was upstairs. Every step felt heavier as I heard their laughter, giggles, and muffled kisses. I was now standing in front of the door, and, with trembling hands, I twisted the doorknob, but it wouldn't budge. I tried once again; it was the same thing.

"Jordan, why the hell is my door locked?"

"I don't know, but I believe Dad would be in the best position to explain it better." I shook my head, taking a breath, trying not to let my emotions cloud my reasoning. I walked back to the sitting room and sat on the couch, waiting for my father. I saw the way Jordan would frequently steal glances at me while holding Avery, only for me to hear her whisper something I didn't expect: "I'm sorry, Jordan, but I'll be traveling to California in a day, and I will spend a month there." The news shouldn’t have pleased me—but it did, so I brought out my phone and pretended to check something so I could hear the full information.

"But Avery, we would be getting married soon, and I have my life here; I can't leave you here so we can eventually get married in California."

"You know my career lies in California, and I have to leave to be able to achieve my goal."

Silence followed, while I hoped that he'd say no so I could spend time with him and make him realize that he had been chasing the wrong person.

"Okay, I'll think about it."

"What! What about the team? Are you just going to abandon it?" I snapped unapologetically.

"August, please, not now. I know you have always cared like a little sister, but this is a relationship matter, and I'd appreciate it if you..."

"Oh, that's it, a sister...I get it now," I interrupted him mid-sentence, my voice cracking, wondering why it hurts.

"Or don't tell me you have always seen Jordan more than a brother, August..." She paused, let out a subtle laugh, and added, "I have always known, but I didn't believe it because you guys are siblings."

"Step siblings," I corrected her instinctively.

Jordan, who once didn't show any sign of emotion, suddenly turned to me. I couldn't properly read his expression, but I knew something was lingering in his mind. "August...so is it true?"

"True? About what?"

"Don't play dumb with me. Have you always seen me as more than a brother? Have you imagined yourself being intimate with me?"

That question hit harder than it should have. I swallowed hard, my breath hitching, wanting to scream a loud yes, but knowing Jordan is getting married soon and nothing would ever come out of it, so I just shook my head without saying a word.

"Are you sure?" He asked again, his voice deeper this time.

"What difference does it make? You are getting married anyway," I let out before storming out of the room, finding myself outside the building. I refuse to let those burning tears slip again; I can't continue hoping for the impossible. I know Jordan doesn't love me as much as I do. Every day I see him, I find myself craving his touch, holding his hand, and kissing his lips, but I know it's just a fantasy, and I believe it'll always be that way.

"August, what are you doing here? Are you not supposed to be in jail?" The voice of my father thundered. I lifted my gaze and immediately dried my tears as I straightened up to look at him.

"I...I was bailed out?"

"By who? Don't tell me, you committed another theft to get yourself out?"

"Dad, are you sure I'm really your daughter?" I asked, slowly, my voice trembling.

"I have been asking myself the same question; that's why I wanted to carry out a paternity test, to be certain that you are my daughter."

I nodded my head, tears sliding. "And what if I am?"

"Then you will get the opportunity to continue living in my house, but before then, I want you to leave this place." That explained why my door was locked—my father was throwing me out. I wish my mom were here; things wouldn't have ended up this way.

"Dad, I'm your only child; Jordan isn't even your blood." My voice cracked, hoping he would listen.

He scoffs and turns away, only to come back with my bags, urging me to leave. I stood there frozen, my feet unmoving, facing reality—it was no longer a nightmare I could wake from.

I was outside the building, my body shivering, my heart racing, and my stomach grumbling in hunger. I closed my eyes, wondering what I had ever done wrong, only for the rain to start pouring on my bare skin, making things worse.

"Please get in, little rabbit." A deep voice said as a car door was opened for me to slide in. Without thinking twice, I entered the car, trying to get some warmth. His voice reverberated again, which made me realize I might have just found myself in an inevitable situation. "I had to do what I did because you need to understand that your family doesn't value your presence enough to keep you there, but I do."

August Flynn.

My body shivered; I could feel the cold penetrating my nerves. I didn't think too much about what he said; my heart raced, and my body trembled as he let out those words. I lifted my gaze, trying to determine whether I had misunderstood his words.

He didn't utter another word as he started the engine and drove to his house. It was still raining heavily outside, his masculine physique still in the car, unmoving, and not his eyes staring into the distance.

"We can't go outside like this, because you will get drenched."

"But..."

"We are already here?" He cuts in. I nodded gently, feeling scared of his intimidating demeanour for the first time since I had ever known him.

"I don't have an umbrella in the car."

"I can feel my bones begging for heat," I protested, my lips pressing tightly.

His lips turned into a sinister smile; he leaned closer and said, "That's why you have my body for warmth." I don't know when I subconsciously pushed him against the car door, finding him more like a jerk.

"You pervert."

He shrugged and leaned against the seat, the sinister smile still on his face like he was enjoying every bit of it.

"I'm sick and tired of your little dirty tricks, and you need to understand that I never agreed to come with you in the first place, and if you won't provide the umbrella so we can get in, then I might as well go back to where I came from."

"Okay." He muttered nonchalantly; it crushed something in me, and my heart raced. I don't know why his unperturbed behaviour made me feel so much rage.

"Okay? Is that all you are going to say?"

"If you want to leave, who am I to stop you?"

My fists clamped tightly. I didn't know when I got out of the car and started walking through the rain, each droplet landing on my skin. I closed my eyes, my heart beating, and wondered if I was making the wrong decision. Every step felt heavy, every inch was regretful while wondering why I had left the car in the first place. When I was far ahead, I wanted to go back so badly because I knew I didn't have anywhere to go or anyone to run to. Then a car stood beside me; I refused to look back because I knew it was Caspian.

The car kept following, but I didn't bother turning back. Then I heard a familiar and soothing voice: "August, it's raining; please get in." I turned, my feet remaining frozen in the same place. I could feel a tingling sensation in my tummy as I stared at those familiar blue eyes. "Jordan, w... what are you doing here?" "I asked," my lips trembled.

"Don't ask questions, just get into the car."

"I... thought... that..."

"You thought nothing; just get into the goddamn car." There was something about his voice that I couldn't seem to smother, like it had a magnetic pull that always told me what to do without knowing how to control the feeling. I found myself moving towards the car, my hand reaching for the doorknob, when a hand grabbed my wrist in time. I turned and saw Caspian beside me, his hand resting against my wrist. His face was wet and drenched. His abs are revealed on his white linen shirt.

"Don't tell me that you are about to enter his car after what he did to you?"

Looking at him and recalling what he did, I immediately pulled away my hand, my fist tightening. "You know what, Caspian? I have had enough of your bullshit, because I'm not finding this shit funny anymore."

"No, I'm being realistic. This is the moron who treated you like trash, and you are going with him?"

"Hey, dude, what's the big deal? Do you know my sis..." The words of Jordan were caught in his throat as he leaned closer to the window to take a better look. "Holy shit, Caspian!"

Then I saw Caspian immediately raise up his hands in surrender, nod his head, and turn away. "You know what? You can go with the loser since that is what you want." With that, he turned and left. The rain kept pouring, which made my tears mix with the droplets.

I immediately entered the car, and I realised it was the car that my father had bought for himself. When I was inside, I gritted my teeth due to the cold. I slowly averted my gaze to look at Jordan. I noticed the smile that he once had on his face had faded away.

"W... what is it? You seem upset."

"Yes, because why would you enter my car with your drenched body in my car?"

My eyes widened, my brows slightly furrowed, wondering if it was Jordan who had lovingly called out my name moments ago.

"But you told me to," I muttered gently when I managed to find my voice.

"Yes, I told you, I brought some clothes so you can change before entering and not get in like that..." He said those words while making an expression of disgust.

"Yeah...you are right," I managed to say after moments of silence.

He raised an eyebrow, clearly showing confusion. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, you are right for treating me the way you have always treated me, because I gave you the liberty to always treat me like that."

"Oh, come on, it is not like that."

"You don't need to say anything else, Jordan; I now understand better. Please enjoy your stay in your brand-new car."

With that, I slide out of the car without a second thought. I felt another wave of cold hit my skin, my ears felt a weird pain, and my feet were unmoving. I started walking away; a side of me wanted to look back and see if Jordan would run after me and beg me, but to my utter bewilderment, he ignited the engine and sped off.

I shook my head as another set of tears mixed with the rain down my cheeks; my lips made an ugly shape as I cried in the rain without holding back, wondering why it hurt badly.

"I know Jordan would always be the jerk that he has always been, and that's the reason why I had to wait for you." The voice of Caspian muttered beside me. I noticed the smile he had on his face; it made my heart skip a bit.

"What the fuck are you..."

"Shh... just go with the flow." Before I could protest, he went ahead to carry me in a bridal style. I instinctively wrapped my hand around his neck, holding him as if my life depended on it, because I didn't want to fall for any reason. The smile on his face made him look even more gorgeous. I tried to avoid looking at his mesmerising eyes, but it was like they were calling out to me softly.

In a few minutes, we were in his house, and he took a few steps to his room; he slowly placed me on the bed as he muttered softly in my ear, "I know you are cold, and I believe my body would be the best warmth your body would ever need."