Page 62 of Restrained

“Come to dinner. Really meet Penelope and the rest of the family.”

“I can’t do that. Penelope probably hates me.”

Getting her to agree to this is going to be difficult, but it doesn’t mean I won’t try. “I’ll talk to her. I want you guys to know each other.”

“Isn’t your youngest brother in town?”

I laugh as he turns even further in my arms, pressing my body down to the bed below him. “Yes. You might as well meet them all now.”

“You were serious about theusthing, weren’t you?”

I look into his eyes, my heart beating erratically. “Yes.”

I hate vulnerability, but I still feel safe with him. And the smile on his lips tells me I'm right to feel this way. “I’ll come to dinner. I’ll do anything you want me to do.”

“Awfully submissive, Mr. West.”

He laughs, his lips brushing over mine. “Yeah, that’s really fucking weird.”

“Just go with it.”

He smiles into a kiss, and I wrap my arms around his neck.

So utterly happy despite finding out about his lies only yesterday. I’m in deep, but everything feels right.

27

LOLA

Leaving Hayden’s home was not easy, but I need to talk to Penelope. Even if that means having to take her wrath.

I knock on the front door of the house she shares with my brother, and it’s Linc who answers. “Hey, I’m not sure she’s ready to talk yet.”

“I know she’s upset, but I need to see her.”

“You’re wearing the same clothes you had on last night.” My eyes shift to Penelope who’s coming down the stairs.

Shit. I should have gone home and changed, but I don’t want to hide anything.

“I am.”

“You were with him last night, weren’t you?”

“Yes.”

Linc looks uncomfortable as Penelope moves to stand by his side, her arms crossed. I’m sure she told him about me sleeping with Hayden. “You slept with him? After he fucking lied? You went to his house and spread your legs for him? Jesus, Lola, I thought you were smarter than that.”

Her disgust stings, but I stand with my shoulders squared. “I care about him.”

“You just met him. And I get it, more than most, Lola. The first dick always sticks with you.”

Now Linc looks really uncomfortable, which is odd for my brother. “Maybe I should let you guys talk.”

“Don’t leave.” Penelope’s eyes plead with him before she turns to me. “He’s a liar.”

“He’s not, Penelope. I’m sure this is hard to hear, but he is your brother.”

“He’s not, but even if he is, he’s still a fucking liar. And you’re willing to believe him and not just that but also let him into your body. Why? Because he’s the first male to give you any significant attention.”

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