Chapter 353
Zach ignored his sister’s confusion and stepped outside the front door, scanning the street left and right, but there was no sign of any black sedan.
Puzzled, Mirabella touched her nose and turned to face Zach. “Zach, what car, what weird people are you talking about?”
“I saw everything!” Zach huffed, walking back towards her.
“What did you see?” Mirabella paused, then recalling the recent events. She realized what he meant. “Are you talking about the car that dropped me off?”
Zach nodded, “Yeah, and there was a guy!” That was the main point.
After a moment’s thought, he added, “That car must’ve been parked in front of our house for at least ten minutes.”
Well, she didn’t need to guess what Zach had misunderstood. Mirabella spread her hands. Her gaze was clear and direct. “What if I told you it was just a friend? Would you believe me?”
“Of course, I believe what my sister says.” But he wouldn’t put the same trust in anyone else. After all, his sister was so pretty, so charming, so innocent – what if some no–good jerk tried to take advantage of her?
Mirabella nodded, “Good, let’s go back inside.” After saying that, she headed back into the
house.
Zach was momentarily stunned. Was that it? No further explanation? He glanced outside one more time, then reluctantly closed the door and followed her in.
Once inside…
“Mira, you are home,” Shawn noted, not as suspicious as his son had been.
“Why are you still up, Dad?” Mirabella asked as she poured herself a glass of water.
“I was waiting for you to come home before I hit the hay.” Shawn yawned, and then said, “I’m heading to bed now. You kids should get some sleep too.”
Shawn took a few steps, then turned back to glance at Zach, whose expression seemed a bit sour. Shaking his head, Shawn made his way upstairs.
Mirabella took a sip of water and felt Zach’s gaze on her like a shadow since she had entered the house. Placing down the glass, she rubbed her forehead with a sense of resignation. “Zach, this is only going to hurt our sibling bond.”
Zach perked up, “There’s a way to not hurt our bond.”
Mirabella glanced at him, staying silent. It seemed she was saying, “You’re asking for a punch.” Somehow, Zach picked up that unsaid sentiment from just that one look from his sister.
1/2
10:55
Clearing his throat, he approached and laid
w his rules, “From now on, you need to be home by 8 PM. It’s not safe for a girl to be out alone. If you’re going somewhere, you can call me, and I’ll pick you up.”
Mirabella watched him silently. When Zach felt her gaze, his once confident stance wavered, and his eyes shifted. “Just… never accept rides from strange men, okay?”
Mirabella shook her head. “I’m going to my room, Zach.”
Without another word and no desire to hear any more lectures, she turned and headed upstairs. Zach, undeterred, followed close behind. “Miras, you gotta understand, there are too many con artists out there. You’re young. Don’t get taken in by sweet–talking strangers.”
Mirabella’s pace quickened.
“And another thing I’ve been meaning to tell you. Those boys at school, stay away from them. They’re all bad news…”
Zach continued his monologue right up to Mirabella’s bedroom door, which promptly shut in his face, cutting off his protective tirade.
Zach stood there and felt speechless. Was being a big brother ever easy?
