Chapter 12: Shared Territory
My thoughts about being willing to sleep anywhere just to be with them vanished before I could fully savor them. Mom frowned with that soft look of disapproval that made her look younger, and she shook her head as she came closer to ruffle my hair affectionately.
"No way, Ethan," she declared with a firmness that left no room for argument.
"You haven't come back after all this time just to sleep like a stranger in the living room. You'll share a room with one of your sisters."
Lila straightened her back, a subtle smile curving her lips as if she was about to offer her own room, but Ava was faster.
"He can stay with me!" she exclaimed, practically jumping in place. Her clear blue eyes sparkled with almost childlike excitement. "We used to share a room all the time when we were little, remember? Now the bed is bigger and there's plenty of space."
Ava looked at me with that spoiled expression she knew worked on me, tilting her head slightly and making a small pout. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Lila's expression change completely; she shot her a glare, clearly annoyed, pressing her lips together.
"I don't mind sleeping in your room, Ava," I said, giving my little sister a smile.
Ava lit up with happiness instantly and let out a little squeal of joy, clinging to my arm again. Lila let out a low snort and crossed her arms, but she didn't say anything else.
"Perfect," Mom said, giving me one last caress on the cheek before standing up. "Ava, help your brother take his things upstairs while Maya and I prepare dinner."
Maya stood up as well, giving me a warm smile that stirred something in my stomach. As both of them headed toward the kitchen, I couldn't stop my gaze from dropping. The sway of their hips was hypnotic. Mom's light dress traced the mature, round curve of her ass with every step, while Maya's — more exuberant and firm — stretched the fabric of her black leggings to the limit, forming a perfect heart shape.
'What the hell is wrong with me? They're my mother and her best friend…'
The internal conflict hit me like a bucket of cold water, but the image of those two figures disappearing down the hallway stayed burned into my mind.
"Come on, Ethan, I'll show you the way," Ava said, tugging at my hand enthusiastically.
"Are you sure you want to sleep with her?" Sophia intervened from the sofa, arms crossed. The movement made her elbows press her breasts upward, accentuating their volume noticeably.
"That's a lie! Stay out of it, Sophia!" Ava protested, her cheeks flushed with anger.
Sophia let out a mocking laugh, clearly enjoying having riled up her little sister. Before the argument could escalate, I grabbed my suitcases and gently pushed Ava toward the hallway.
"That's enough. Let's go before it gets any later."
As we walked down the hallway, I heard Ava muttering under her breath in a tone that no longer held any of the innocence I remembered:
"That big-titted bitch always wants to ruin everything…"
I froze for a second. The little Ava who used to collect flowers and hug me to sleep now talked like that. Time had really changed more than just their bodies.
We reached the room at the end of the hallway. The scent hit me first: a sweet mix of lavender, vanilla, and freshly washed clothes. The room was a perfect reflection of her personality — soft pastel tones, stuffed animals on the shelves, old photos, and a decoration that made it feel cozy… and far too intimate.
"Don't look at my stuff! I haven't cleaned up yet," she said, blushing, and hurried over to the dresser to cover some of the plush toys.
She bent down to open the bottom drawer and my breath caught for a moment. As she leaned over, her pleated skirt rode up slightly, revealing the soft, thick curve of her thighs. But what really made me look away was what she was pulling out to make space for me: a handful of lace and cotton panties in light colors, some delicate and soft, others simpler. The fabric looked incredibly plush between her fingers.
I felt like an intruder stepping into a private sanctuary. That strange discomfort pushed me to scan the room, seeking refuge in the wooden furniture that still bore marks from our childhood games.
"There," Ava said, standing up with a triumphant smile and pointing to the empty drawer. "You can put your clothes here."
"I don't need a whole drawer, Ava. The suitcase is fine," I replied, trying not to bother her.
She immediately pouted, crossing her arms under her chest, which made her breasts sway slightly. Without waiting any longer, she grabbed my suitcase, lifted it onto the bed, and began unpacking it herself, carefully placing my things inside while smiling with satisfaction.
I watched her in silence, feeling a huge warmth in my chest at seeing her so happy and spoiled. Home felt real… but the tension growing in the shadows of this house was something my years of training had never prepared me for.
End of Chapter 12