It was a street party. Loud music, lights everywhere, people laughing and drinking. You went without telling your brother, just wanting to enjoy yourself for once.

You were dancing with your friends, laughing, drink in hand, when suddenly a pair of hands grabbed your waist from behind. Before you could react, you were lifted off the ground and thrown over someone’s shoulder.

“Asher!! Put me down!” you yelled, kicking your legs.

But of course, it was Asher , your brother’s best friend. He didn’t even flinch at your squirming.

“Stay quiet, sweetheart,” he said, his voice annoyingly calm. “You snuck out to this party without your brother’s permission, or mine. That makes it my job to drag you back home safely.”

Behind you, your brother was laughing his head off, clearly entertained by the scene.

“I’ll kill both of you once he lets me go!” you shouted at your brother.

“I’m never letting you go, then,” Asher shot back, giving you a light tap on the butt before heading toward his car.