|Butterflies|

*Alexa's POV*

The mute button shone in front of my eyes. I knew I was going to get in deep trouble for this, but it had to be done.

I pressed it. Blake was officially muted, which meant he wouldn't be able to use my account at all - which gave him no access to my book. Because of this, I could express my feelings for Louis without hesitation.

I wondered how long it would take for Blake to notice and either force me to unmute or tell Elonzo.

The door bell rang, not giving me enough time to think about what I would face in the future. I threw my phone on the bed and rushed down the stairs.

Of course, when I touched the last step, I walked sensibly, not wanting to show any of my step brothers how excited I was.

They were all at the door, dressed up in suits. I felt as if it was a business meeting more than a lunch.

Blake had fire in his eyes, clearly telling me something happened between him and Elonzo once Ieft from his office.

Elonzo, as usual didn't show much emotion, though he was ignoring Blake's presence.

I was confused to where I had to stand as it seemed as each of them had a certain position. Luckily, Tyler quickly pulled me by his, slinging his heavy arm over my shoulders.

Elonzo opened the door, which went in front of my face, not giving me much access to look at Louis.

They walked in, but stood right where the door was covering me. I heard Mr Gomez greet Elonzo and start a small conversation.

I mentally sighed, already getting tired of standing. I leaned over on Tyler and yawned.

"Shall we go inside?" Elonzo asked, which I was thankful for. The door was finally closed. Mr Gomex and Louis were in front, being guided by Elonzo.

Louis was looking around the house as well walked, he gave a quick glance at me before staring ahead of him.

I suppressed a smile that wanted burst out at the sight of him. He and his father were wearing suits too. It felt weird as I was the only one who didn't dress up so formally.

My black leggings and red crop top (of course a black inner tucked in so no part of my stomach was shown) was definitely going to stand out.

We went into the dining room, where all the food was already set neatly. I told a seat, and immediately Ryder and Tyler sat next to me, Blake on the opposite side.

Louis didn't dare sit next to Blake. Elonzo was at the head of the table, Mr Gomez - who was pretty oblivious of the protectiveness - near him.

I fiddled with my hands as everyone placed food in their plates. I waited so everyone could take their portion without having to collide with other hands for the same dish.

Looking at the dishes, I noticed that it was all fancy food. I would've worked perfectly with some pizza.

Once everyone has taken food and entered a conversation with each other, I reached it for yellow rice with lettuce and tomato.

"So," Elonzo's voice boomed loud enough to gain everyone's attention. "We would all love to know Alexa's progress."

There murmurs of agreements from my step brothers.

"Well, it has only been two lessons, but she's doing pretty good. She opened a bit yesterday, I'm glad she's overcoming her shyness quickly," Mr Gomez said.

Everyone glanced at me, which made me blush from the attention and look down at my food, hoping my hair covered my face.

"That is pretty good to hear," Elonzo replied. "How long do you think she'll take? We would love to know her more."

I stared at Elonzo. He did know I was right here. If Mr Gomez told me how long I'd take, my mind would make sure that I would take longer.

Mr Gomez looked at meand back at Elonzo."Each person takes their own time, I'm sure she'll open up to whatever she wants to say when she's ready."

They went back to having a conversation to themselves. Will had joined them. Blake's temper was rising while Ryder and Tyler slipped salad into his food while sniggering.

Louis stayed quiet picking on his food. I had no one to talk to either, so I copied him.

Once everyone was done, we stood up. They all started walking and front of me and it started to get to crowded so I waited behind. Louis had the same idea as well.

I glanced at him and he gave a smile, which I shyly returned before blushing a bit and looking away.

His smile was enough to give me butterflies in my stomach. His smile was enough to make me smile. His smile was my whole world.

No one was left in the room except for Louis and I.

"Have you been around yet?" He asked, making me glad he started a conversation as it would've been awkward to just leave.

I shook my head. "Well..." He started off,"I could show you show you around if you like?"

It felt nice to have my step brothers be called as my real brothers. I don't think they'd allow me to even walk out of her house with Louis.

"That would be great," I managed to say, but unable to get to the line where I wouldn't be allowed to go anywhere with him.

"Maybe I could have your number and we could decide a plan over phone?" He asked. Elonzo would be angry for this, but it was my only chance.

"Sure," I agreed, giving him my phone that was on the table.

He smiled, and exchanged our numbers. I spent the whole time staring at him. When Louis looked up to hand my back my phone, I acted as if there was something wrong with my nails.

As I put my phone back on the table, the twins stormed in.

"Come on Alexa," Ryder said through gritted teeth,"Mr Gomez and his son have to be heading home now." Tyler had already grabbed me by shoulders and pushed me out the room as Ryder said this.

I quickly looked back at Louis who was following close behind. He was smiling a bit, probably understanding how protective the twins were.

Mr Gomez and the rest of my step brothers were already waiting by the door. Blake had his hand curled into a fist, Will had plastered on a smile that was a bit fake. Elonzo.. Well, he was cold as usual.

"Thank you so much, once again, for having us to lunch," Mr Gomez said, putting an arm around Louis.

"It's been nice to have you over," Elonzo replied.

We said our goodbyes as Louis and his dad got in the car and drove off.

"I'll be in my room reading!" I quickly said before anyone could protest.

---

This book's ending soon :(