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32. The Lockwood effect
Last Updated:
2025-02-12 20:56:18
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Brother's Best Friend Loves Me Not 33. Collision Course
Steph's POV: “No, Zach's a really nice guy, I enjoyed myself with him.” I could hear Lucy's muffled voice in the living room. “Well obviously, he's the extravagant spoiled brat of a rich father. And a complete palyboy. I wonder how he's a basketball fan.” Sarah explained to Lucy the hundredth time why she shouldn't waste her time on Zach anymore. It had been three days and the name of that God forsaken match would still come up in one conversation or the other. I had tried very hard to not go to town on anyone. If the match and the Brian Lockwood talk began to get to my nerves, I would simply get up and leave the room. So far, everything seemed to be quite serene and I liked it that way. “Steph, we're going scrub shopping, wanna join us?” Stella popped into my room with some beetroot juice in her hand. Stella had suddenly come up with a “getting fit regiment” for herself, out of the blue. Saying she wanted to look better, apparently. But all I was seeing
Last Updated : 2025-02-13Brother's Best Friend Loves Me Not 34. Not The Same
Steph's Pov “So-” Beck opens his mouth to say a word but I cut him off. "Not now, Beck. I really can't right now." My voice comes out sharper than I intended, but he gets the message. His lips press into a thin line, and he nods, choosing silence over whatever he was about to say. My thoughts are relentless, clawing their way through my mind like a beast with no cage. I had gotten out of this situation once, but what if it happened again? What if it became a pattern? I just wanted peace. I wanted my life back, the one that didn’t include second-guessing my worth every time he decided I was convenient enough to chase. "It'll burst," Beck says, his voice interrupting my downward spiral. I blink at him, my brows furrowing. "What?" "Your brain," he clarifies with a smirk. "It'll burst with all this thinking. And you'll lose your fingers with all that twisting." I follow his gaze to my hands and realize he’s right. My fingers are tangled together, twisting and pulling, and
Last Updated : 2025-02-14Brother's Best Friend Loves Me Not 35. Hook or by Crook
Brian's POV I tied my laces tight in one swift move, getting ready for the practice match coach had assembled all of us for. Our coach was known for his devilish bark that he used to intimidate the opposing team members, but when it came to his own team, specifically me, he hyped you up so much, you'd feel bad for not doing well. “Here comes my Captain! Here comes my man. Now I know sometimes things get in the way, we end up getting distracted somehow or the other, very natural, happens to most of us,” whenever he began his speech this way, it meant it was a warning and that if the same mistake was repeated you were in for it. He began to whisper into my ear, like we were brothers, who'd been sharing secrets all our lives, “It's not you, it's these boys I don't trust. Which is why we really can't afford a distraction episode like the one in a previous match. Right, right.” He said, patting my chest with the back of his hand. “I know I can count on you, my man!” I was confiden
Last Updated : 2025-02-15Brother's Best Friend Loves Me Not 36. A Recipe for Disaster
Steph's POV “At this rate I'm never going to pass Mitchell's class.” Rebecca, a geeky girl in our class, complained, throwing her head in her hands. Mitchell had just left class finishing off his lecture, handing another assignment to us. “No, I'm being for real, they expect us to volunteer for fifty different community hours and do academically well too. I'm sorry but then I need days to be thirty six hours long.” Rebecca pulled her hair in frustration. “Is it the upcoming football league volunteering that's stressing you out?” Lucy asked, offering Rebecca some water to help calm her down. “See that's the thing, I know it's absolutely important. There are going to be famous people around, if even one of them recommended me, or gave me shout-out on social media, I could make it big. But at the same time, it'll be so time consuming. When am I supposed to study?” “Girl, you'll do well, like you do every time. Besides, think about the fact that you get to be around sexy baske
Last Updated : 2025-02-16Brother's Best Friend Loves Me Not 37. The Game Begins
Steph's Pov The day had arrived. The atmosphere buzzed with energy, a mix of excitement and nerves hanging heavy in the air as the university’s football league event officially began. The gymnasium-turned-stadium echoed with the rhythmic sounds of sneakers squeaking against the polished wooden floor, the distant chatter of enthusiastic spectators filling the background. I walked into the main hall with my volunteer badge hanging around my neck, my fingers absentmindedly tracing its edges. The scent of freshly polished floors, sweat, and faint cologne from passing players assaulted my senses. I tightened my grip on my clipboard, mentally preparing myself for what was about to come. Keep it professional, Stephanie. The thought replayed in my mind like a mantra, though my heart had other plans, hammering against my ribs in anticipation—or maybe dread. I knew what I had to do: check the players’ vitals, ensure they were fit for the game, and keep my head down. But my luck had
Last Updated : 2025-02-17Brother's Best Friend Loves Me Not 38. A confrontation
Steph's POV Brian's team had won, but for me, the night was far from over. After the game, the stadium buzzed with post-match energy—audience cheering, players celebrating, and music blaring over the speakers. Rebecca was busy chatting with some team members, Lucy and Sarah were taking pictures with the winning players, and I, well… I just wanted to disappear. I had done my job. My volunteer duties were over. There was no reason for me to stay. But the moment I stepped into the quieter hall leading to the exit, I felt it. That presence. A shift in the air, like a predator closing in on its prey. I knew before I even turned around. Brian Lockwood. My body stiffened as his deep voice cut through the distance between us. “You’re still running, Hudson?” I closed my eyes for a brief second, inhaling sharply before turning to face him. He leaned against the wall casually, arms crossed over his chest, that familiar smirk playing on his lips. But his eyes—dark, intense—
Last Updated : 2025-02-19Brother's Best Friend Loves Me Not 39. Unfinished Business
Brian’s POV The rhythmic sound of fists hitting punching bags echoing through the space. Right now, I was picturing Beck’s smug-ass smirk and the way his fingers had curled possessively around Steph’s waist. I threw another punch. Hard. The bag jolted violently, the chains creaking overhead. Beck, leaning in like he had every fucking right to touch her. His fingers brushing over her skin. The way Steph had leaned into it, playing along with his little act. I growled under my breath, slamming another hit into the bag. Fucking Beck. I was losing my mind over a woman who had sworn she hated me. A woman I had pushed away three years ago because I thought I was doing the right thing. But seeing her again? Having her look at me like I was nothing more than an inconvenience? Like she had moved on? It burned. I didn’t realize how worked up I was until my next punch sent the heavy bag swinging wildly. “Alright, alright, Jesus Christ, dude.” A hand clamped on my should
Last Updated : 2025-02-19Brother's Best Friend Loves Me Not 40. Crossing Lines
Steph’s POV Beck had always been safe. That’s what I told myself as I sat next to him in his car, watching the city blur past in streaks of neon and headlights. Spending time with Beck had become easy. Comfortable. A welcome distraction. Between classes, study sessions, and the occasional coffee runs, he’d seamlessly integrated himself into my routine. It wasn’t something I actively thought about—it just was. If I needed someone to fake a boyfriend moment to throw Brian off, Beck was there with a smirk and an arm around my waist. If I was running late to class, Beck had somehow already grabbed me an extra coffee. It was convenient. And, more than that, it was nice to have someone who didn’t press too hard, who didn’t ask uncomfortable questions about my past or try to get under my skin the way Brian did. I forced the thought away as Beck pulled into the parking lot of our usual late-night spot—a small, cozy diner tucked between taller buildings, glowing with warm yellow light.
Last Updated : 2025-02-20
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Brother's Best Friend Loves Me Not 86. Epilogue
Steph's Pov It was one of the other event of Rita and Simon and to be honest, I had lost count on how many parties they threw for their wedding..pre-wedding, post wedding etc etc I walked over to the buffet table, scanning the offerings. The waiter removed the cover from one dish, wafting the aroma of the succulent shrimp into the air. All of a sudden, my stomach did a flip and a wave of nausea washed over me. My face paled, and my mouth started watering in a bad way."Oh no," I muttered to myself, my hand over my mouth. "Not now."I didn't hesitate, turning and making a quick departure, my hand over my mouth as I hurried to seek out a secluded area in which to compose myself. The pharmacy was compact but well supplied, with rows upon rows of medicine, toiletries, and other necessities. I walked to the family planning area, my heart racing in my chest. I looked at the shelves, my eyes finding a familiar brand of pregnancy tests. I picked one up and quickly headed towards the check
Brother's Best Friend Loves Me Not 85. Stephanie, Soon to be Lockwood
I stood in front of the bathroom mirror, looking at the bright red mark along the nape of my neck. I pressed it tenderly, it didn't hurt as much, but it looked pretty serious. As much as I loved this mark on my neck, I knew I couldn't go out like this. Especially not in front of Simon. Moreover, today Simon and Rita had organized a pool party for everyone, which meant swimsuits, which meant if I went out wearing a hoodie everyone was bound to find out what was happening. I sighed heavily looking at myself in the mirror, then began to fish for a concealer in my makeup pouch. “Is something wrong?” Brian said, walking in, wrapping his arms around my waist and resting his chin along my shoulder. His deeper voice sounded sexier in the morning. I smiled at my half-asleep boyfriend, with his hair ruffled, as his spicy masculine smell hit me. “My very loving boyfriend has left his very own mark on my neck, and now I don't know how to cover it.” I complained to him. “I don't remember he
Brother's Best Friend Loves Me Not 84. Twin Beds
Steph's PovBrian and I walked into the suite Simon had booked for us and froze the second we entered the room. It had two twin beds. I really had to give it to Simon, he was consistently playing the role of a protective brother really well. I looked at Brian and rolled my eyes and he grinned.“Well, this clearly won't do," he said, locking the door and began to push the two beds close. I wanted to mock Simon saying, “See, ya got nothing on me,” but we were really too old for this so I decided against it. While Brian fixed the beds, I explored the suite. The bedroom was truly beautiful with a gold and white colour combination. Right next to the beds was a massive window down to the length of the floor, overlooking the clean, magnificent blue sea of Hawaii.The bathroom was tiled with wooden floors, with a massive bathtub covered with glass doors. When I saw the shampoo, soap and toothpaste on the shelves, the hoarder in me wanted to grab at it immediately, however I controlle
Brother's Best Friend Loves Me Not 83. The Wedding
Steph's Pov I was curled up around Brian, with his arms around my body. This had been more intimate. Back then I was young and cautious, I didn't know what to do. Today, I was sure with Brian, I knew he loved me, and I wanted to prove it to him that I loved him more. I wanted to touch him; I wanted to be weird, and I was not ashamed of it because I knew he would not judge me for it. “I've had sex after a very long time. I'm glad it was with you. I wouldn't have it any other way.” I said to him as he played with our fingers. It was this that I had wanted. The care after the sex. The assurance that I was not only wanted for this. That nothing had changed; if anything, this had only brought us closer. We ordered pizza. When he went to pick it up, I wore his shirt and looked at myself in the mirror. It looked better on me than it did on him. It smelled just like him. Man, I could bathe in his scent. I was immersed in these thoughts when he came back in. Seeing me in his shirt, his f
Brother's Best Friend Loves Me Not 82. The beginning of forever
Beck's POV: Each time I came into this room, there was a new challenge, a new obstacle waiting to be cleared. Today, however, was different. Today, I had the most vicious man I'd ever had the misfortune to meet - Richard Rivers staring right back at me. Thankfully, things were looking in our favour. Whatever amount of money Richard had paid Tony Martinez evidently wasn't enough, he was wasn't prepared, totally. He was seated in the front row, his face having a smug look, playing dumb, playing the bereaved husband. We all knew, however, his dirty little secret. I knew he was guilty of Lyla's murder, of the atrocities she had been subjected to at his hands. I sucked in a deep breath, bracing myself for what lay ahead. It was time to put a stop to Richard's game. It was time to play my strongest card. I addressed the judge, speaking firmly. "Your honor, I'd like to have Miss Stephanie Hudson take the stand." Stephanie got up, looking me straight in the eye, and walked toward
Brother's Best Friend Loves Me Not 81. The Trial
Stephs POV: The courtroom was filled with hushed conversations and the occasional sound of papers rustling. I took in the room, my eyes finding the familiar form of Brian, his shoulders set and his jaw clenched.But I was able to get to him before I could, as a frazzled-looking reporter blocked my path. He was a rumpled sight, wearing a tattered hoodie and jeans, his eyes puffy from lack of sleep. He looked like he'd been running around for days picking up leads.".......and welcome back to NBS News," he declared, his voice echoing through the courtroom. "I'm reporting live from the courthouse, where the much-awaited doping case against NBA star Brian Lockwood is about to be played out. The public has been waiting for answers, and today, they'll finally have their opportunity to witness justice being served."He took a moment, his eyes sparkling with a blend of enthusiasm and fatigue."Lockwood, the golden boy of basketball, stands accused of taking performance-enhancing drugs to get
Brother's Best Friend Loves Me Not 80. A favor to ask
Steph's POV: I sat on the couch, watching as Cirril paced back and forth across the hotel room. It had been a week since we'd received the devastating news of Lyla's death, and the days that followed had been a blur of lawyers, meetings, and media scrutiny. I still shuddered, when I thought of her death. She'd been driven to insanity, and the only escape she found was in death. Unfortunately, she took her child with her. Brian had been released from the hospital, but his health was still fragile. The dark circles under his eyes seemed to be deepening, his eyes sunken and hollow. He looked exhausted, both physically and mentally. Cirril was on a video call, arguing with yet another lawyer who was refusing to take on Brian's case. "You're asking for five times the normal price? That's ridiculous!" she exclaimed. I watched as Brian tried to calm her down, his voice soft and soothing. "It's okay, Cirril. We'll find someone else." But Cirril was having none of it. "No, we won't! They'
Brother's Best Friend Loves Me Not 79. Breaking Point
Brian's POV; I groggily reached for my phone, wincing as I sat up. Cirril's name flashed on the screen. "Cirril," I answered, trying to sound more alert than I felt. "Brian, where are you?" she demanded, her voice shrill with worry. "Do you realize the kind of mess you're in?" I rubbed my temples, trying to ward off the impending headache. "I'm at the hospital, Cirril." There was a pause on the other end of the line. "What? How are you at the hospital?" I sighed, not wanting to get into the details over the phone. "I'll explain everything when you get here. Can you please just come?" Cirril's voice was laced with frustration. "Obviously, I'm coming. Is that even a question?" I hung up the phone, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. Cirril would know how to handle this mess. As I waited for Cirril to arrive, I glanced over at Stephanie, who was sitting in the corner, watching me with concerned eyes. I smiled weakly at her, trying to reassure her. Cirril burst into the room
Brother's Best Friend Loves Me Not 78. A Reputation on Line
Steph's POV: I stayed at the hospital. I couldn't leave him. I didn't want to leave him. I am not going to leave you alone ever again Brian. The nurse in me kept checking his vital signs. The entire night I could not sleep. The nurse had given Brian a sleeping pill and a painkiller, to soothe his pain and allow him to rest. I kept walking around, tucked him in, but I could not put myself to sleep. There was this constant fear that something was about to happen. In moments when I did drift off to sleep, I would wake up, with a jerk with a sudden feeling that I was running away from something. At about three in the morning, I saw Brian's eyes flicker open. I immediately went up to him. “What is it? Does it hurt somewhere? Do you need something?” I asked him in fear. He slowly put his hand up and beckoned at me, then patted on his mattress beside him. He was asking me to lie down beside him on the bed. Tears began to stream down my face again, looking at Brian's condition. This
