Page 63 of Restrained

“P.” It’s another warning from my brother, but it’s unnecessary. I know that she’s hurting.

“When I slept with him the first time, I didn’t know, Penelope. I thought he was just a client.”

She’s been crying. I can tell by how red and puffy her eyes are. “And last night, you knew the truth and still slept with him.”

“I’ve never felt like this before, Penelope. And you’re right, I don’t have much experience with men. I’ve put a lot on hold for my career and then trying like hell to put my family back together.” They both wince at that, but I keep up my momentum. “I don’t regret that at all, but now Hayden is here. And there is this wild connection with him I can’t explain.”

“He. Is. A. Liar. You’re smarter than this.”

“He is your brother. He comes from the same place as you.”

She leans in closer to me, her eyes darkened and angry. “If that’s true and he shares any blood with that horrible woman who birthed me, he is not to be trusted.”

“You share her blood too.” I don’t shy away from the intensity of her eyes. “And you’re one of the best people I've ever known. It’s not all about DNA.”

“No, it’s also about upbringing. And they were both shitty with her.”

“You turned out great.”

She looks so lost as her hands fly up in the air. “Because I was rescued by the fucking crazy-ass Sterlings.”

“You saved us just as much as we saved you.”

Linc’s lips turn up as he tugs her to his side. “That is the truest statement ever said.”

“I’m happy you found someone, Lola. I’ve wanted you to do something for yourself for a long time but not my fucking long lost ‘brother’.” She uses air quotations because she is in firm denial, especially when she’s angry and broody. I see the resemblance between Hayden and her clearly.

“Come to dinner tonight.”

Her brown eyebrow lifts in surprise. “What?”

“Come to dinner. Ash is here. I’m inviting Mom and Tony. And Hayden.”

“No fucking way.”

“Penelope,” I start, and she raises her hand.

“No.”

“You need to meet him, really meet him and get to know him.”

“I don’t want to know him.”

Surprisingly, Linc backs me up. “Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad.”

Her eyes fly to his. “Wouldn’t be so bad? Are you insane? Maybe he’s a deranged psychopath banging your sister for some crazy-ass reason. Maybe he’s going to kill us all. Or just her. Or me. Not so bad?”

“Maybe you’re overreacting a little?” He may be whipped, but he doesn’t have a problem challenging her.

“I’m not going.” She turns back to me. “It’s not happening.”

With that, she heads up the stairs and leaves me alone with Linc. “Fuck. You know we were having a good go of things. Fucking daily. Showering together. Having a good life. She’s even going to marry my ass this fall and then... Boom.”

“Yeah well, it wouldn’t be a Sterling wedding if it wasn’t a little complicated.”

His lips tug into a smile. “No congratulations?”

“I knew you two assholes would get married sooner or later.” I smile and hug him. “Congratulations.”

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