“Penn, please stop!”
I glance over my shoulder at Olivia, who stands nervously in the doorway. Her eyes are wider than I’ve ever seen, and her face is ghost white. She looks terrified, and I drop my arm immediately.
Ryan falls to his knees, clutching his throat and gasping for air.
“Stay the fuck away from my sister,” I spit. I scoop Olivia up and carry her outside, where Pacey and Ellie are arguing with Tanner and Travis.
“I tried, man. She said she had to puke,” Travis says as I slide Olivia into the front of my truck.
“Let’s just go,” I snap.
Everyone silently climbs in. I lift up the center console and make room for Olivia to sit next to me while Travis takes the passenger side. The others get in the back. No one says a word the entire drive.
The guys hop out when I pull up to the curb. I meet Pacey’s gaze in the rearview mirror. It looks like she wants to jump out, too, and stay with Travis. I grind my molars, my heart still thundering against my ribs. She turns away, scooting closer to the window to avoid my glare.
I take off down the road, and Olivia falls over, stretching out in the seat with her head in my lap. I brush the matted hair from her face, pressure filling my chest.
I’m fucking pissed. So damn angry at all these girls right now. What the hell were they thinking? They probably don’t realize Ryan’s a threat and that I’m sure he’s put his hands on my sister at least once, but probably more. She keeps denying it, but after looking into his eyes tonight, I’m convinced.
Pacey should’ve known better than to pull this shit and put herself and the others in danger. What if I hadn’t called? I’d have never known, and threenot-sober girls would’ve been in his house when he showed up, with no one to help them.
I want to turn around and unleash this pent-up aggression all over his face. I was so close, but seeing the absolute fear in Olivia’s eyes made me disgusted with myself. I wasn’t going to kill him. Just choke him out a little. Make him feel the same fear I saw in my sister when he grabbed her.
I look at Olivia, and the pressure in my chest intensifies. She’s all fucking comfortable in my lap, sleeping like an angel. I don’t want her to be anywhere else ever.
Idon’t want to be anywhere she’s not.
Fuck.
42
OLIVIA
The soundof yelling wakes me. I blink, confused at first, but then comforted by the familiar navy sheets and clean woodsy smell that is Penn’s bed. I inhale, reaching for him, but he’s not there. I sit up, hearing more arguing, and strain my ears.
Then the events of last night crash into me.
My stomach rolls, leftover anxiety and sangria swirling around. I remember everything perfectly, though I wish I didn’t. I could do without knowing that Penn held my disgusting puke-covered hair in his hands and rubbed my back while I vomited profusely.
I wasn’t that drunk, but the combination of worry and the lying to Penn had me so sick to my stomach I couldn’t hold it in anymore. It just kept coming, and when he showed up, it was even worse because I knew how upset he was with me by the tone of his voice.
I scoot off the bed and into his bathroom to clean up. I desperately need a shower and a professional blowout. A gallon of mouthwash wouldn’t hurt either.
Penn and Pacey are still arguing in the living room when I exit the bathroom. I shift on my feet, unsure if I should go in there and say something. Attempt to help Pacey out, or mind my own business.
“I cannot be worrying about this shit while I’m gone,” Penn says, frustration clear in his voice. He’s not yelling, but other than last night, I don’t think I’ve ever heard him yell. It was kind of scary how angry he was. I haven’t known him that long, but he’s normally so laid back. When he fought Chad, he was mad, but it was a controlled anger. Honestly, I found it hot. Last night, I was a little worried about that guy’s lungs if Penn didn’t let go. His face was turning a color I’ve never seen on someone.
I know he blames the guy for his sister getting mixed up with drugs and taking her away from them, but still, I was nervous.
“You don’t need to because you’re making me live with Mom, remember?” Pacey says.
I step back from the door, not wanting to overhear, but they’re making it impossible.
“And this is why. You need to be with someone who supports you and can look after you.”
“I’m not a child, Penn!”
He sighs heavily. “I know, but you should be with someone who loves you and wants to help you move on.”
