Controlling My Brother Pt 02

Three Weeks Later

Paula watched her brother emerge from the sea, large and powerful like some primordial god and couldn't help but shiver.

'Paula?'

Phillip's voice intruded on her meanderings. She tried to reassemble the past few seconds but couldn't figure out what on earth he had been talking about.

Late in the day the beach was emptying and the sand was cooling. The double date had been Paula's idea. When she had finally run out of excuses for deterring Phillip, she had instead sought the help of Jake and Jelena. Nothing like a family member to stymie a man's advances. The four of them had been there all day, and to Paula's surprise she had actually enjoyed herself. They had swum and laughed and gossiped, and even played a few rounds of beach volleyball. In a show of disrespect for the scorching sun, Phillip had bought them each a gigantic ice cream cone, carrying them back to the beach with the help of Jelena.

Paula was feeling pretty good about everyone. Phillip had proved himself gracious despite the roadblock to his courtship agenda, and Jelena had discarded her cool exterior long enough to have an actual conversation. And of course Jake was Jake. From the moment he took off his shirt he drew to him every pair of eyes on the beach. Including Paula's. He was fun yet respectful as he had always been, trying his hardest to make everyone laugh. He and Paula had been the strongest volleyball pairing, he soaring high and majestic, she throwing her body around with unselfconscious tenacity. They had hugged tightly after each of their victories.

'Sorry what did you say?' Paula conceded defeat.

'The ex called, an emergency apparently, I gotta go.'

Paula surprised herself with a twinge of mild disappointment.

'Call me later?' she called to his departing back.

The three remaining beach goers departed shortly after, laden like pack beasts with all the equipment of the day.

Jake and Jelena's new apartment was nearby and so 15 minutes later, sliding smoothly into the designated parking space, Paula prepared herself for another potentially awkward meal.

Upstairs and Jake set to work slicing and dicing, while the two girls sat on the couch, nearer today to each other than any occasion in the past. The apartment was modern and spacious, overlooking the rolling hills of the eastern suburbs. Jelena had already left her mark, with rugs fluffier, brick-a-brack more numerous, and inspirational quotes more nauseating than what Jake would ever go for on his own.

'We're low on onions,' Jake called from the kitchen and both Paula and Jelena turned, radiant, at the sound of his voice.

'I'll go,' they said in unison. Paula looked at Jelena and blushed.

'No really, it's okay,' Paula added. 'You have a shower and get yourself clean.'

Jelena inclined her head at the offer and Paula stood up to leave. She had made it down the hall and through the front door when a striding Jelena caught up to her.

'I'll go, actually. I forgot I need to get some things.'

Paula raised an eyebrow.

'Really, it's fine,' Jelena said quickly. 'You need the shower more than I do anyway,' she teased.

Paula exhaled with relief as she felt the hot water run over her body. She was blasting rock music on her phone at max volume, pumping her thighs up and down with the beat. The soap felt silky on her skin. She was feeling good. It wasn't for another 10 minutes that she caught herself. She was feeling

really

good, but why? For the first time in as long as she could remember everything was fine just where it was. She didn't feel any need to reach out and grip the world in her vice, and change it to suit her. The guitar solo to

Here Is No Why

began and she sang along, her voice booming in the small tiled room.

Her thoughts drifted to Jake. She wondered what he was doing. She pictured him chopping up vegetables, his face placid, his movements precise. Her smile broadened even more.

She thought she heard a soft click.

Was that the bathroom door? Through the fogged glass of the shower she thought she could see movement.

The song ended and a second later another took its place.

Her ears strained to hear through the beating of both the music and the water. She heard what she thought was the rustle of clothing.

Her mouth was frozen. Was Jake trying to join her in the shower?

'Since when were you in to this sort of music babe?' Yep. He was definitely in here.

Paula gritted her teeth. He thought she was Jelena -

again

.

She still didn't say a word. What was she supposed to say?

She turned her back to the shower door and directly faced the falling hot water.

'Babe?' His voice was louder this time. But maybe she could still pretend she hadn't heard him.

There was a rush of cool air at her back.

He was coming into the shower

. The next thing she knew his hands were around her waist and across her stomach. She started and let out a squeak.

'We have time babe, Paula will be at least another 10 minutes.'

Before she could react, his hands had moved higher and had gripped her breasts. Easily and firmly, as if he had done this a thousand times before. Brushing over her already stiffening nipples. Claiming her.

Paula yet out a yelp. She had to put a stop to this.

'Jake!'

She turned around, at the same time yanking his hands away from her.

He sputtered, speechless, his face reddening.

They remained that way for a good 5 seconds, neither of them uttering a word. He took a step back. His eyes did a quick pass of her body. Then another. Paula took the chance to do the same. He wasn't fully erect yet, but the sight was still mouth-watering. His body was firm and hard and gleaming with a sheen of water.

Finally the spell was broken.

'I'm so sorry,' he mumbled and exited the shower. The bathroom door slammed and Paula was alone again. She leant back against the shower wall feeling petrified. But also very very satisfied. Her brother had checked her out. And he had definitely liked what he saw.

The rest of the night passed with neither of them saying a thing about what had happened. Jelena returned from the shops and seemed oblivious to any strangeness between the two siblings. Dinner proceeded uneventfully. Whenever Paul met Jake's eyes they both immediately looked away. His hand touched hers when they both reached for the same salad bowl, and she could have sworn he lingered longer than normal, but maybe it was just all in her head. Later that night when she finally left, they didn't hug, which was unusual. Paula felt distressed. She had been in all sorts of physical contact with Jake over the day, and she didn't know when it would come again.

Down in the parking lot she sat in her car for 5 minutes before turning the ignition, trying to find a way to line up all the events of the day in a way that made sense. But she couldn't get it to work.

She was nearly home when her phone buzzed. She was on a narrow street, cars parked close either side, reflecting dimly the street lights above. Sne snatched up her phone. It was a text from Jake.

Do we need to talk about what happened?

She thought for a moment and responded.

Maybe? I don't know...

She truly didn't know. What would it even accomplish? But at the same time, the thought of talking about those things with her brother excited her. He would be right in front of her, thinking about her body, no doubt valiantly trying to pretend he wasn't. She pulled over and tried to slow her breathing. Her hands were clammy on the wheel. A twig falling from a tree above skittered across the windscreen. A thought occurred to her. After a moment she felt calmer. She composed another message.

I'm feeling pretty awful about it actually. I think we do need to talk.

She grinned wickedly.

--------

'It's only fair,' she said triumphantly.

Jake stared at her in disbelief. He had arrived at her flat at 7am the next morning, anxiously wringing his hands. He handed her the bagel he'd so thoughtfully purchased en route, before pacing up and down in front of the sofa. Paula had been up for an hour already, settling herself, trying to figure out the exact wording she would use.

'It's only fair,' she repeated, softer this time.

'Is this some sort of sick joke?' he asked. He tried to sound angry but Paula didn't buy it.

'You saw my body, you touched my body. The only way we can make this right is if I get to do the same to you.'

He laughed, this time with genuine scorn.

'I can't believe I was actually worried. I didn't get any sleep. I come over here first thing. I buy you a fucking bagel,' he gestured to the bag, now limp in Paula's hand, with a dramatic flourish, 'and... and...' he trailed off weakly.

Throughout the tirade Paula had maintained a half amused expression. She gave him a cheeky smile.

'Would it be so bad? Please, it would genuinely help. I feel so exposed. It's unfair.' She finished with a pout.

Jake rolled his eyes.

'Are you sure this isn't a joke?' he said with exasperation.

'Yes I'm sure.'

His shoulders slumped.

'So what, you want me to just whip my kit off right here and you give me a quick grope and then we're done?'

'Mmhmm', Paula said, nodding.

He blushed. He began to tug at his shirt, paused, and checked to see Paula's reaction. She raised her eyebrows expectantly. He pulled it off in one swift motion, revealing his bare chest. He had a light covering of chestnut hair and his skin was firm and lightly tanned.

'The rest of it,' Paula said.

He rolled his eyes and began to fumble with his belt. Soon his jeans were around his ankles and he kicked them off. Only his briefs remained.

'Nearly there,' she said, goading him.

'Do I really have to?'

'Deal's a deal'

'There was no deal! You guilted me into this!'

'And it worked beautifully,' she gloated.

He stared back at her, his face red.

'Please,' she wheedled.

He began to inch his briefs down, revealing first his cropped pubic hair. Then with a blur he pulled them all the way down. He was totally naked, breathing heavily. He could only stand it for a moment before both his hands went to cover up his groin. But it was too late, Paula had already seen his cock. It was flaccid, she had noted with some disappointment, but the sight of it still stirred her.

She took two quick steps across the room and stood inches from him.

'That wasn't so hard was it?' she said archly.

'Hurry up,' he grumbled.

She placed her hands on his chest. The touch was familiar to her, but to him it had been the first time she had planted her hands on him so intimately. Slowly she slipped them lower. All the way her eyes were locked on his, and he held the stare defiantly. Her hands were on his sides, then briefly his buttocks, before letting them hang at her sides.

'Well?' She said. They were at the final cusp.

'Are you for real?'

'Does it look like I am?'

Finally he looked away. He turned his head to the side and dropped his hands. No longer was his cock shielded from her view and touch. She inhaled the scent of it. Her heart was beating wildly.

She laughed loudly and stepped back.

'I got you good brother.'

He swore.

'God damnit. I knew this was all a joke.' He bent over and scooped up his puddle of clothes.

Paula laughed again with genuine pleasure.

'Well it definitely worked.'

'What did?'

'I feel so much better now,' she said beaming.

'At my expense,' Jake grumbled.

'Oh come on, you know you look good and you revel in it. Even if it's your sister who's the one doing the ogling.'

He blushed but didn't deny it.

'Can you at least turn around while I still have some dignity?'

She turned his back to him while he re-clothed himself. When she turned to face him again, he was surprisingly at ease. The only sign of what had just happened was his slightly rumpled attire.

'Anything else I can help you with?' he asked mildly.

Paula, momentarily flummoxed, just shrugged.

'We could hang out more?' she said hopefully.

In answer he went to the front door and began to put on his shoes.

'I'll see you later,' he said firmly.

Oh.

Paula was left wondering if she had the last laugh after all.

------

The next day Paula arrived at work at 7am. Of course no-one else was around, so she settled in comfily and scanned her overnight emails. She felt a kind of stillness, like her insides were kept in place by emergency diktat. Phillip didn't stick his head in when he strutted in an hour later, nor did Emma, arriving with three coffees none of which was for Paula.

Her phone buzzed. It was from Jake. She sat back in her chair and the peculiar stillness was gone, replaced by an uncomfortable anticipation.

Jake:

Beep

Paula:

Bring me a coffee? Bitch Emma didn't

Jake:

Fire her lol

Paula:

Hey I'm the one that gives advice, not you

Jake:

I will bring you your coffee, o wise one

Paula:

Make sure to kiss my feet as you arrive. And no eye contact allowed

Jake:

I probably can't actually. Work crew relying on me

Paula:

When's your first raise?

Jake:

I dunno. Trying to be my career coach as well as relationship coach?

Paula:

These Three Tricks Will Triple Your Salary. Employers HATE Them.

Jake:

For real though, what do I do to get a raise, coach?

Paula:

I give advice only on receipt of payment (coffee)

Jake:

But I don't like your feet, and I do like your eyes

Paula:

Ok whatever just make it quick rookie

Paula shoved her phone away in exasperation. It slid across the desk and thunked to the floor. She had expected Jake to be unsettled by what had happened the day before, but he seemed to be perfectly normal. She was the one letting everything get to her.

Emma poked her head around the door.

'Everything okay?'

'Ever felt torn in two completely different directions?'

Emma looked surprised by this rare disclosure.

'Can I help?'

Jelena laughed.

'Coffee would have been great but it's fine. I'll be fine. Thanks for the concern.'

Emma slouched back to her desk, leaving Paula to wonder if she'd been too curt, yet again.

Jake arrived 15 minutes later, bearing the coffee as promised. He maintained a very serious eye contact all the way from door to desk, and Jelena giggled when he placed it ceremoniously before her.

'So what do I do?'

Paula sighed.

'Be uniquely good, make sure your superiors know it. Then ask them for a raise or promotion. If they say no, ask what you would need to do to get one. Then do what they say. If you don't like their answer, quit and find a new job.'

'That actually makes a lot of sense.'

Paula gave an exaggerated shrug. 'They don't call me Perfect Paula for nothing.'

Jake laughed.

'Your text banter is much better, sorry sis.'

'Oh shush, doesn't your team need you?'

'Yes coach,' he replied drily, and exited the room.

Paula felt tingling all over her body.

She sighed and returned to her work. Three separate clients had requested advice on the same government tender and she pondered how to respond. Around 11, Emma buzzed through with a surprise.

'Your brother's girlfriend is downstairs, wants to talk to you in your office?'

'Did she say about what?'

'Not really, she sounded strange.'

'Well send her up.'

Paula watched as Jelena strode across the floor, not quite so graceful as her previous visit. Her shoulders were scrunched up under a sweater and her hair was a mess.

'Hi,' she said with a small voice, once she had stepped into Paula's office.

Paula gestured to the seat opposite, and Jelena obliged.

'I'm sorry to surprise you like this. I just needed someone to talk to. My friends, they never understand.'

Paula nodded, seeing exactly what type of 'friends' Jelena was likely to have.

'How can I help?'

'It's Jake - has anything happened to him in the last few weeks? He's changed.'

'In what way?'

'He's distant, confused almost. After Jervis Bay he was so excited. He jumped me as soon as we got back home, it was crazy, he was all over me, in a frenzy.'

Paula coughed.

'Oh I'm sorry, is that gross for you to picture?'

'No it's okay.' Paula was blushing.

'Well after that first time, he changed completely. Stiff and awkward. Like I said, as if he was confused, thoughtful. I keep trying to give him what he wants but I don't think it's working.'

The implications of what she was saying pealed like triumphant bells. Paula hid a smile.

'No I'm sorry, I can't think of anything that's happened.'

'Has he said anything to you? I know he texts you all the time, I can tell.'

'Just that your dad is visiting and was grilling him, evaluating him.'

Jelena blushed. 'Yes he can be intimidating. I told him I was serious about Jake and he's a very protective father.'

She paused, gathering herself.

'I have to ask you something. That night in Jervis when I was away, did a girl visit?'

Paula's lips twitched, threatening to betray her.

'No of course not. Why?'

'When I got back to the room, it was different, the

smell

, the way he was lying there sprawled on the bed.'

'Did you ask him about it?'

'Would

you

have?'

'I promise you, no-one visited, I would have noticed.'

Jelena nodded sadly.

'He really looks up to you, you know. He talks about you so much. His eyes light up. One time he was in the backyard pacing around talking passionately to himself about some philosophical problem. I asked him what he was doing and he said he was having an imaginary debate with you about some disagreement you two have. Sometimes...,' she struggled to go on. 'Sometimes I wish he'd be as excited about me. He can be so calm.'

Paula had to bite down even harder on her smile. She reached out to give Jelena an awkward pat on the hand. Jelena sat there looking like she wanted to say more.

'Well, thank you,' she said awkwardly.

'It's nothing. Don't worry about Jake, he can get moody sometimes. Things will be back to normal once he's sorted it out.'

Jelena didn't look any happier. But abruptly, she scooted around the desk and grabbed Paula in a hug.

When she had gone, Paula looked to the heavens and smiled. Torn in two completely different directions indeed, why did one of them have to make her feel so damn good.

She walked briskly past Emma, barely acknowledging her. She slammed open a bathroom stall and kicked off her panties and hitched up her skirt as fast as she could. Then spread her legs wide against the stall and began to pleasure herself ferociously. Her hand was a blur, her clit was burning, the walls of the stall creaking as her whole body shook.

Jake, Jake, I need you Jake, I want to sit on that face of yours and feel your tongue, to grind myself into you, to hear you groan

.

I want you to beg for my control

. She climaxed in under a minute.

When she got back to her desk there was a note from Phillip.

Date night Friday.

Paula inwardly groaned. The worst part was that she actually kind of liked him.

---

Paula floated through the rest of the day. When she got home she went determinedly to her painting room and didn't leave it for two hours. She heard her phone buzzing intermittently from the distant coffee table but left it there, knowing that by the time she did succumb there would be a trove of messages from her brother waiting to be cracked open. Maybe he'd be sarcastic, maybe he'd be pragmatic, maybe he'd even be sweet. She hummed as she painted, only half focused on the canvas, the remainder of her attention tending to the growing garden of fantasies she had taking over her mind.

Finally she emerged around 9pm and began to ready herself for the gym. As she slipped into a sports top and leggings she lingered in front of the mirror. She frowned, trying to arrange in her mind combinations of possible images and captions she could send to Jake. She settled on 'Bet you didn't know your sis was this fit' with a side-on shot of her body, every contour starkly visible, her expression completely neutral and vacant.