Our Impenetrable Love

[1]

Brody Wall and I were sneaking around, keeping our relationship in the shadows.

[2]

At some point, he developed a taste for it and started wanting more.

[3]

So much more that he boldly confronted me in front of my actual boyfriend, demanding,

[4]

"How much longer are you going to keep me waiting?"

[5]

1

[6]

It was nearing the end of my 22nd birthday party when Brody pulled me into the stairwell, his slightly drunken eyes locking onto my lips.

[7]

"Sloane, I've got a birthday present for you,"

[8]

he murmured,

[9]

Then he leaned in for a kiss.

[10]

The smell of alcohol mixed with a faint minty scent hit me, and before I knew it, I closed my eyes, letting it happen.

[11]

Surprised by my compliance, he paused, resting his forehead against mine, our noses barely touching.

[12]

"You like that?" he asked, voice low.

[13]

Tilting my head up, I made the next move, kissing him back.

[14]

Brody leaned against the stair rail, grinning down at me.

[15]

"Ready to take a chance with me?"

[16]

he teased.

[17]

"What about your girlfriend?"

[18]

I asked, discreetly pinching my palm, trying to shake off the haze of the moment.

[19]

Brody was the kind of bad boy who radiated danger – wild, ruthless, and completely irresistible.

[20]

I knew from the start he was trouble.

[21]

Someone I shouldn't get too close to.

[22]

But danger has a way of drawing you in.

[23]

Brody chuckled, narrowing his eyes like I'd just said the funniest thing. "Isn't she with your boyfriend right now?

[24]

Are you really unaware,

[25]

or just pretending to be?"

[26]

I froze for a second, but quickly masked my reaction.

[27]

I'd known my boyfriend was cheating on me, but I hadn't realized he'd sunk this low, going after his own friend's girl.

[28]

Brody turned away, fishing a cigarette out of his pocket. He lit it, exhaling a cloud of smoke that swirled around us, obscuring most of his face.

[29]

The dim red glow of the cigarette flickered in his dark eyes, like a bright star at the edge of the night sky.

[30]

"So, wanna be with me?"

[31]

he asked again.

[32]

After finishing his cigarette, his voice dropped an octave, huskier now, blending into the night air and somehow sounding even more tempting.

[33]

I stepped closer, meeting his intense gaze.

[34]

"Do you even know what you're doing?"

[35]

His hand brushed against my cheek. "Of course I do. It's a win-win, isn't it?

[36]

Don't you want to get back at your boyfriend?"

[37]

he asked.

[38]

My boyfriend and Brody had been best friends since they were kids. And now, his best friend had slept with Brody's girl. So here Brody was, offering me the perfect revenge.

[39]

Using someone's own game against them? I liked the idea.

[40]

I wrapped my arms around his waist, giving him a firm squeeze.

[41]

"Let's go."

[42]

2

[43]

I never expected Brody to take me straight to his place.

[44]

"Couldn't we just go to a hotel?" I asked, tugging at his sleeve.

[45]

I asked, tugging at his sleeve.

[46]

He glanced around his room and smirked.

[47]

"How about you be a sweetheart and change the sheets for me?"

[48]

We sat in his living room, the tension thick between us. An hour passed before Brody suddenly slammed a vase onto the table, shattering it, and cursed under his breath.

[49]

"Ugh, this is so boring. I'm done.

[50]

Go find your precious Cole."

[51]

Cole Brown was my boyfriend.

[52]

We had been high school classmates and got together right after graduation. Though we went to different colleges, we stayed in the same city.

[53]

Back then, he was perfect – attentive and always putting me first.

[54]

I was headstrong, and he would always be the one to give in.

[55]

In our junior year, he entered a startup competition and got busy, pulling all-nighters and earning a lot of praise.

[56]

I admired him for his dedication and, wanting to support him, agreed to move in with him.

[57]

We spent those days learning how to run a household together, building our relationship through all the everyday struggles.

[58]

Our friends used to say we were the couple destined to make it. I believed it too.

[59]

But somewhere along the way, things changed.

[60]

The thought stung like a thousand needles pricking at my heart. I moved closer to Brody, kneeling in front of him, gently taking his hand.

[61]

"What if I made the first move?"

[62]

Would that make things more fun?

[63]

The next morning, I woke up in Brody's arms.

[64]

We hadn't slept in the bed. Instead, we had curled up together on a cramped sofa, our bodies tangled like vines growing together.

[65]

He was still asleep, peaceful and quiet, so I took the chance to trace the lines of his face with my fingers, lingering over his lips.

[66]

Suddenly, my phone rang, jolting me out of the moment. I quickly withdrew my hand, giving him a sheepish smile.

[67]

"You're awake?"

[68]

Brody barely opened his eyes, grunting,

[69]

"Answer the call."

[70]

I picked up my phone to see it was Cole calling.

[71]

The night before, he had claimed he had an urgent work issue to attend to. I wondered which hotel he'd ended up "working" at.

[72]

Surely, he wouldn't have the guts to bring someone home like Brody did.

[73]

"Hey, what's up?"

[74]

I answered.

[75]

After a few moments of small talk, his voice shifted, almost as if he were trying to sound hurt. "Why didn't you call me last night?

[76]

Are you upset that I left early?"

[77]

he asked.

[78]

I couldn't help but laugh silently. Did he really expect me to interrupt his "work" with a call?

[79]

"I figured you were busy. When are you coming back?"

[80]

I asked.

[81]

"I won't be back today. I've got to work late.

[82]

Take care of yourself, okay?"

[83]

I looked back at Brody, smirking.

[84]

"Don't worry, I'll manage."

[85]

After I hung up, Brody stretched lazily on the couch.

[86]

"Last night was rough. How about we grab some food?"

[87]

I checked my schedule, feeling a bit frustrated.

[88]

"I've got meetings all day. Maybe after ten tonight."

[89]

"Ha,

[90]

no wonder your boyfriend cheats on you."

[91]

Brody scoffed, giving me a mocking look.

[92]

I shot back,

[93]

"Like you're any better?

[94]

Didn't your girlfriend do the same?"

[95]

As I was about to leave, Brody slipped his arms around me from behind, the warmth of his chest pressing against my back. I could feel his heartbeat through the thin fabric of my shirt.

[96]

"When are you going to break up?

[97]

And how?"

[98]

I stared at nothing in particular, lost in thought for a moment before answering,

[99]

"Who said I was going to break up?"

[100]

3

[101]

After showering at home, I drove to the office.

[102]

And just my luck, I ran into Cole and Brody's girlfriend.

[103]

They were standing on the sidewalk, kissing goodbye after what was clearly a hotel rendezvous.

[104]

Disgusting.

[105]

Cole seemed to notice my car and, in a panic, pushed her away, trying to hide.

[106]

I didn't stop – I kept driving, pretending I hadn't seen anything.

[107]

Not long after, Cole called.

[108]

His voice was shaky, but he tried to play it cool.

[109]

"Hey, babe. Did you eat breakfast?"

[110]

"Not yet. I'm driving.

[111]

Why, want to grab breakfast together?

[112]

I can swing by your office,"

[113]

I replied nonchalantly.

[114]

He let out a nervous laugh. "Nah, don't worry about it. You focus on driving.

[115]

I ordered breakfast for you – it'll be delivered to your office. Don't forget to eat, okay?"

[116]

"You're so sweet,"

[117]

I said.

[118]

"Of course,

[119]

I'm your boyfriend, after all."

[120]

Yuck.

[121]

I almost gagged.

[122]

Later that night, around 9:50, I finished organizing my plans and stretched, finally checking my phone.

[123]

Cole had left me a missed call and three half-hearted texts.

[124]

I felt compelled to respond to none of them.

[125]

Brody, on the other hand, had sent me six messages.

[126]

"Lunch?"

[127]

one read.

[128]

"Done with work?"

[129]

read the second.

[130]

"Dinner tonight?"

[131]

read the third.

[132]

"???"

[133]

read another.

[134]

"How do you have time to sneak around when you're this busy?"

[135]

read the fifth.

[136]

The last message, sent just three minutes earlier, read:

[137]

"I'm downstairs at your office. Come down when you're done."

[138]

I thought about it for a moment before typing a single word in reply: "Okay."

[139]

4

[140]

Brody and I had just finished getting cozy in the car when a video call from Cole popped up on my phone.

[141]

Startled, I almost sat down on Brody's leg hard enough to break it.

[142]

After adjusting my clothes, I stepped out of the car and answered the call.

[143]

"Babe, why is your face so red? You're not feeling sick, are you?"

[144]

Cole asked, sounding concerned.

[145]

I touched my face.

[146]

"Maybe it's from the wind, but I'm fine."

[147]

Cole frowned, staring at me with a thoughtful expression.

[148]

My heart skipped a beat, worried that I might've slipped up.

[149]

But then he said,

[150]

"You might have caught a cold. Your voice sounds hoarse."

[151]

Oh, how perceptive.

[152]

Cole went on to tell me that he'd finished work early and was heading home to spend time with me, suggesting I come home soon too.

[153]

I got back in the car and told Brody the news. He leaned back in the seat, smirking.

[154]

"Can't you stay a bit longer, maybe pull a late shift?"

[155]

I shook my head.

[156]

"Nope, gotta go."

[157]

When I got home, Cole was lounging on the couch, watching TV, looking full of energy.

[158]

Guess nothing lifts your spirits like a guilty conscience.

[159]

"Honey, you've had a long day,"

[160]

Cole said, springing up to grab my bag as I walked in.

[161]

But as he got closer, he hesitated, his nose twitching. "Why do you smell like smoke?"

[162]

That'd be your friend's post-hookup cigarette.

[163]

After finishing my thoughts, I spoke softly,

[164]

"Stressful day. I can quit if it bothers you."

[165]

Cole wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close.

[166]

"Babe, you should quit your job. Let me take care of you."

[167]

I stiffened in his embrace, not daring to move, feeling waves of nausea rise within me.

[168]

Sensing my silence, Cole squeezed me tighter.

[169]

"Is it because I'm not doing enough for you?"

[170]

I clenched my fists and forced a gentle, reassuring tone.

[171]

"I just don't want you to overwork yourself, Cole. I'm really tired. I'm going to shower and rest."

[172]

After I took a long shower and dealt with some work, Cole suddenly came up behind me, wrapping his arms around me again.

[173]

I instinctively pushed him away.

[174]

He looked at me, puzzled.

[175]

"Why are you being so distant?"

[176]

Distant?

[177]

Hadn't we always been like this?

[178]

He'd be on his phone, I'd be doing my thing, and we'd go a whole evening without exchanging a word. And even if we did talk, it ended quickly because we never had anything meaningful to say.

[179]

Then Cole noticed something. He lifted my hair, pointing at my neck.

[180]

"What's with the red mark here?"

[181]

Almost instantly, an image of Brody flashed in my mind – his lips pressed against my neck, his deep voice vibrating in my ear.

[182]

"Must be from the humidity,"

[183]

I replied calmly, glancing at the mirror to check the mark myself.

[184]

Cole didn't push further, just asking if I needed anything.

[185]

When I declined, he simply lay back on the bed, glued to his phone again.

[186]

Watching him, I suddenly realized something – he was only trying to make up for his guilt.

[187]

Well, too late for that. I'd already been compensated, courtesy of your best friend.

[188]

5

[189]

Brody's bar was hosting its third anniversary party, and both Cole and I were invited.

[190]

When we arrived, Brody was still busy, so we were greeted by his girlfriend, Lillian Morrison.

[191]

She was also the woman Cole was cheating with.

[192]

Looking at her, it was hard to believe that someone so sweet and innocent-looking had the guts to cheat on Brody.

[193]

"Sloane, it's been a while! Your makeup skills keep getting better,"

[194]

Lillian said warmly, linking her arm with mine. Then, as if on cue, she shot a sly wink at Cole.

[195]

I saw it, but acted like I didn't.

[196]

"Your no-makeup look is impressive too. Those lashes look so natural."

[197]

Lillian smiled sweetly, batting her lashes.

[198]

"My lashes are naturally long, you know."

[199]

Sure.

[200]

And if you told me you didn't grow leg hair, I'd believe that too.

[201]

As we moved past the booths and into a private room, Cole and Lillian joined the others in a round of cards, while I sat quietly next to Cole, just watching.

[202]

After a while, Brody entered, holding a limited edition LV handbag, instantly catching everyone's attention.

[203]

While the others gushed about how lucky Lillian was, Brody stopped in front of me and handed me the bag.

[204]

"Cole, you asked me to get this limited edition bag for Sloane, right?

[205]

Here you go."

[206]

Cole froze for a split second before forcing a smile and nodding.

[207]

"Of course. Who else would it be for but my girl?"

[208]

With everyone hyping him up, I took the bag.

[209]

I understood it was time to act the part.

[210]

Turning away slightly, I pretended to wipe away non-existent tears. Then, with all the emotion I could muster, I faced Cole, my voice full of affection.

[211]

"Cole, I was really disappointed when you left early on my birthday. But I know it was for your career, for our future. I never blamed you.

[212]

I can't believe you got me this bag to make it up to me. I'm so touched. Thank you for always caring about me."

[213]

Cole's expression softened with guilt, and he shook his head.

[214]

"I haven't done enough for you yet. I'll do better."

[215]

Lillian, unable to contain herself, leaned over and touched the bag.

[216]

"Wow, I'm so jealous, Sloane!"

[217]

Brody pulled her back, his voice cold.

[218]

"Alright, I heard you."

[219]

Lillian pouted.

[220]

"Then buy me one too!"

[221]

Brody glanced at her, smirking.

[222]

"We'll see how I feel."

[223]

Later, I stepped out to use the restroom, not expecting Brody to follow me.

[224]

He cornered me inside, locking the door.

[225]

"Aren't you going to thank your other boyfriend?" he teased.

[226]

"Stop it, you're acting like a creep,"

[227]

I said, trying to push him away, but he didn't budge.

[228]

His eyes narrowed as he toyed with my hair.

[229]

"I know what you're doing. If you want to play, I'm game."

[230]

I stayed silent.

[231]

There are many ways to play this game.

[232]

We could both crash and burn, or we could part ways – one choosing the high road, the other staying on their reckless course.

[233]

Brody chuckled, ruffling my hair.

[234]

"I get it. I'm just the convenient tool, huh? And useful."

[235]

Useful?

[236]

Confident, isn't he?

[237]

6

[238]

When I came back from the bathroom, I immediately noticed that Lillian's eyes were red, as if she'd just been crying.

[239]

Cole's expression was off too, and he was deliberately chatting with other people, clearly avoiding Lillian's gaze.

[240]

It didn't take much to guess what had happened – most likely, Lillian had thrown a fit out of jealousy over the expensive gift Cole had "given" me.

[241]

If only she knew it was actually from her own boyfriend. That would be something.

[242]

Brody had orchestrated the whole thing, using Cole's name to give me the bag, just to stir up tension between Lillian and Cole.

[243]

His goal was to create conflict between them – a perfectly calculated move to pit the two against each other.

[244]

The real kicker was what I'd seen while in the bathroom: a message from Cole to Brody, asking, "Why did you suddenly spring for such an expensive bag? I could never afford something like that, and besides, my girl prefers practical things. She doesn't need a luxury gift."

[245]

Brody's reply? "Lillian's been nagging me for that bag, so I thought I'd mess with her a bit. Just take it – consider it my good deed for the day."

[246]

Not long after, Brody returned to the room.

[247]

He was followed by five waiters, each holding a bottle of liquor with sparklers lit on top.

[248]

The atmosphere reached a fever pitch as the small fireworks lit up the room.

[249]

Everyone cheered and applauded for Brody.

[250]

"Brody's so generous," Cole whispered in my ear, clearly impressed.

[251]

"But he's not the kind of guy you settle down with. Great as a friend, though. Really loyal."

[252]

I bit my lip and nodded.

[253]

"Yeah, you're the reliable one."

[254]

A few rounds of drinks later, Cole, teary-eyed, held my hand.

[255]

"Babe, I want to have a drink with you."