"Dear god."

A sultry, velvety feminine voice travelled across the distance before you could see her. Axel's hand was on your side, squeezing enough for you to feel the old bruises ache. They were several weeks old, inflicted by his own hand. His face darkened at the sound of the woman's voice.

"Nova? What the hell are you doing home?"

The woman turned the corner and stepped into the room, and wasn't she just gorgeous. A top that hugged her bosom and showed off her curves, her slender legs wrapped in a skirt. The epitome of beauty and class. With a sneer on her face and a cigarette dangling between her lips.

In all your time coming to Axel's house from the university, you had barely interacted with anyone except the maids. It was the first time seeing his older sister, and all you knew about her was 'she's a bitch'. Axel's words.

She took you in, face softening, but there was anger in her eyes. It was strangely familiar to the anger you had seen in your brother's eyes. Like when you blatantly disobeyed him.

"Can't I visit my own home, Axel?"

She scoffed, blowing out plumes of smoke. She continued to eye you, her eyes lingering on the barely hidden bruises on your neck. Axel's hand immediately went to pull your shirt up, scowling. He didn't think you'd have visitors.

"She's not worth our time, baby." Axel cooed softly into your ear, like you were a scared little deer. That's what he made you feel like: powerless, helpless. But Nova wasn't having it. She narrowed her eyes, and snarled.

"What the fuck is that on her neck?"