Page 78 of Anger

Shaking my head, I tease her just to get the spotlight off me.

“Baggy clothes again, Brin? Do you have anything in your wardrobe besides T-shirts and jeans that are two sizes too big for you?”

I love Brinley more than life itself. And with the choices I’m considering, I can’t lie and say the thought of what will happen to her if I leave isn’t tangled up in the mix. She’s the only friend I’ve ever had in life. The only person who’s ever loved me back simply because I’m me.

Brinley doesn’t want something from me, and she will bend over backwards to help me out. How can I repay that loyalty by walking away and deserting her?

With her constant fears about the outside world, Brinley needs me as much as I need her.

Abandoning her isn’t an option.

Brushing her brown hair away from her face, Brinley scowls in response to my comment.

“It’s not like I’m going anywhere important or have anybody to impress. As soon as I’m done dropping you off, I’m heading back to the library to finish studying.”

I grab my bag and keys, step out to stand beside her then lock my door. “Or…” I suggest, my voice saccharine sweet, “You could finally face your fears and give Myth another chance.”

My smile widens and her scowl becomes a grimace.

“Don’t start with me Ames—”

“Come on, Brin, just one drink? Or maybe a few sodas? A bottle of water? I don’t care, just stay with me and protect me from the big, evil, snooty dude. He’s been a serious grouch lately.”

He’s been more than that, actually, but Brinley doesn’t need to hear the details. Telling her the truth would just scare her to death. For being so scared of the world, there’s another side of her that’s protective. Not many people see that side. But I know it’s there.

She rolls her eyes. “Then break it off with him. Why do I have to protect you from a guy you are willingly sleeping with? I’m not even sure I can protect you just by being there.”

“You can,” I explain, “by going into the dressing room with me and sitting up at the second-floor bar. Granger won’t mind me leaving my cage and taking breaks as long as you’re there with me.”

Wrapping my arm with hers, I beg her to stay tonight as we descend the stairs from my floor to the parking lot.

“Everything will be fine. You can ask Patrick before going in. The security is super tight now, so nothing will happen. No fights. I promise.”

She groans and attempts to tug her arm from mine. I refuse to let go.

When we reach the car, Brinley finally frees herself from my hold and turns to face me. She leans back against the car door.

“I have studying —”

“You always have studying. You’re a straight A student, Brin. But you need to let loose occasionally. Have some fun. Be social.”

Another groan, but her defenses fall, and defeat slumps her shoulders. “It’s only been two months, Ames. Can you really promise everything has changed in so little an amount of time?”

I nudge her shoulder with mine. “Two months without a single fight. And I highly doubt tonight will be the night someone starts some shit.”

Giving her my best game smile, I beg, “Please?”

At first, I think she’s going to agree. I can practically see the submission bouncing around in her thoughts. But at the last second, she shakes her head and continues her refusal.

“Not tonight. I have a test next week that’s going to be a killer. I’ll stay with you after that test is over.”

Now I’m the one who’s defeated.

“That’s fine, Brin. But I’m holding you to it. I won’t let you fester and rot in that library anymore.”

Nodding, she opens her door, and I run around the car to open mine. We arrive at Myth fifteen minutes later.

“You’re late, Ames.”

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