My Overprotective Brothers

Chapter 23

The drive to the mall was loud.

The twins kept bickering in the backseat, arguing over whether Miles had actually cheated in their race.

"I barely pushed you!" Miles insisted.

"Barely is still pushing!" Alex shot back.

"You pushed me too," Henry muttered.

"That was an accident."

"Sure it was," I mumbled, resting my forehead against the window.

Elijah sighed from the driver's seat. "Can you two not start a fistfight before we even get there?"

"No promises," Alex muttered.

Henry, beside me, sipped his coffee like he had already checked out of the chaos.

I didn't say much on the drive, already dreading the moment we'd have to step into the crowded mall.

When we finally arrived, the parking lot was packed. Elijah managed to find a spot near the entrance, but just looking at all the people walking in and out made my stomach twist.

"Alright, everyone out," Elijah said, shutting off the car.

The twins immediately shoved past each other to get out first, nearly tripping in the process.

"You seriously can't walk like normal people?" Easton asked as he climbed out.

"Where's the fun in that?" Miles grinned.

I was the last one out.

As soon as I stepped onto the pavement, a rush of noise hit me—cars honking, people chatting, the distant echo of music from inside the mall. The entrance doors slid open and closed nonstop as waves of people moved in and out.

I swallowed hard.

I hated crowded places.

Before I could even think about it, I reached out and grabbed Elijah's hand.

He blinked, glancing down at me. "You okay?"

I hesitated, then nodded. "Just... don't want to get lost."

Elijah squeezed my hand reassuringly. "You're not gonna get lost, Adrian. But you can hold on as long as you need."

I felt a little embarrassed, but I didn't let go.

Easton gave me a knowing look but didn't say anything.

Henry noticed, raising an eyebrow. "You do know we're not five anymore, right?"

I shot him a glare. "Shut up, Henry."

He just smirked.

Elijah ignored him and looked at the others. "Alright, you guys know the plan. We'll meet at the restaurant for lunch."

"Yeah, yeah," Alex waved him off. "Let's go, before Henry starts whining about shopping again."

"Too late," Henry muttered.

The twins took off toward their favorite store, Henry trailing behind.

Easton nudged me. "You ready?"

I glanced toward the crowded entrance, took a deep breath, and nodded.

Elijah squeezed my hand one more time before leading me inside.

The second we stepped into the formal wear store, I sighed dramatically. "This already looks uncomfortable."

Elijah rolled his eyes. "You haven't even tried anything on yet."