8. Linc

8

LINC

I could kill her. It would be a lot fucking easier than trying to keep her safe. And she’s definitely determined to kill herself.

I don’t want to be her keeper. And I really don’t want to go to a goddamn frat party tonight, but my sister showing up yesterday and her little speech got into my head.

It’s clear P is spinning out of control. I mean, Jesus Christ, walking into the shower with me this morning? What the hell is she trying to do to me?

Her naked body taunting me with my own right fucking there, dying to touch her. Resisting urges is definitely not my forte.

I park my car outside the massive house with Greek letters on the front and turn to Penelope. “There are better ways to get over him.”

Her eyes meet mine in the darkened car, but I can make them out clearly, the anger and resentment in them. “There is no getting over him.”

“Then what are we doing here?”

“Escaping, if only for a brief moment.”

She opens the door and climbs out. I stay seated, not wanting to follow her. I want to be anywhere else.

I let out a frustrated yell and punch the steering wheel before pushing open my door and jogging to catch up with her.

We walk inside the crowded house filled with coeds who are spread out in various states of inebriation. Some jackass with a beer bong is chasing a giggling girl, and two chicks in bikini tops are carrying around trays of Jell-O shots.

“Great, we’re in a fucking college party movie. Where are the togas?”

P grabs a Jell-O shot and tosses it back. “I think that’s next week.”

I hate what she’s wearing—a peach tank top with a low back and bare sides. She’s not wearing a bra. That fucking top is skintight and leaves nothing to the imagination, along with short, cutoff jean shorts with a black belt that cinches her tiny waist, making her look like a fucking Barbie doll. I hate it because I can’t fucking stop staring at her full, braless tits. And if I can’t, none of these frat douchebags will either.

“Why don’t you try to have some fun?”

I look at her like she’s stupid. “Have you ever known me to have fun?”

She grabs a vodka bottle and takes a swig right from it and hands it to me, leaning into me with one hand pressed against my chest. “I remember a time when you could. I remember a lot of things, Linc, like the sound of your laugh.”

I swallow the lump in my throat, my lips making a thin line. “I remember yours too.”

She shrugs and takes another swig. “Maybe you’ll hear it again tonight.”

Highly doubtful. By the way she’s already in the booze, my guess is she’ll puke before she laughs.

She places the bottle in my hand. “Loosen up, Linc.”

She walks off, scanning the crowd as I keep my eyes on her but staying put. She starts talking to some asshole in a purple hoodie, and I take a swig of the vodka.

Fuck. I don’t want to fucking watch this shit.

“I really like your tattoo.” I cringe when I hear the squeaky voice next to me and look to my left at the little blonde in a pink dress.

I’m assuming she means the forest scene on my forearm since the others are covered by my shirt. “Thanks.”

“You have any more?”

Damn, she moves quick . This is the part where we’d normally go find a more private place so I can show them all to her, but my eyes are on Penelope as a second douchebag joins Douche Number One and her.

“Guess she’s up for a double team tonight.”

“What?” The girl looks up at me, her pale lips parted as she examines me with curiosity.

“I gotta go.”

I leave the girl without remorse and walk to P, taking hold of her elbow. “Let’s go.”

She jerks out of my grasp instantly. “We just got here.”

“Who’s this? Your brother?” I hear one of the frat boys say, but I don’t bother acknowledging him.

“We need to go, Penelope.”

“We can take her home, man. No problem.” One of them grins, and I see him nudge his little friend with his elbow, both ogling P.

“She’s going home with me.”

“Not yet, I’m not.” She sounds like a fucking child as she moves to stand between the two guys, hooking her arms in theirs. “I’m going to have some fun first.”

“The hell you are, Penelope.” I stand in front of douchebag number one, puffing my chest out and looking him in the eye with warning. “She’s coming with me.”

He looks nervous, shifting from one foot to the other. “She doesn’t seem to want to go with you.”

“She doesn’t have a choice.” I look at Penelope. “We’re leaving.”

“You’re not my fucking boss, Linc. I told you a long time ago I don’t need you to protect me.” She unhooks her arms from the assholes and places her hands on her hips. “I’m a big girl.”

I’m so fucking annoyed, but I can’t leave her with these assholes no matter how bratty she’s acting. I move quickly, lifting her small body up and placing her over my shoulder, carrying her out to my car, kicking and screaming like a toddler.

If only it were true, and she didn’t need me to look after her.

There was a time when I couldn’t not do it, but now I’d kill for her not to be my responsibility.