“I’m going to head back to my dorm,” I say quietly to the twins before taking a deep breath.
“Briar—” Sawyer starts, but Asher cuts him off.
“Let me walk you back.”
I chew on my lip as I wrap my arms around myself. I’d rather be alone, but I also know that’s a stupid idea. “Sure.”
He nods while Sawyer just looks deflated.
“I’ll see you tomorrow?” I say to him, trying to apologize without uttering the words I know he won’t accept.
“You bet your fine ass you will,” he growls and pulls me in for a hug that is so goddamn good, it threatens to tear down the walls I’ve built up to hold back all of my emotions. He kisses the top of my head before pulling back and glancing at his brother. “Get her home, then get your ass back here. I’m calling a family meeting.”
Asher nods and holds out his hand for me, which I take. I could be confused about them and what we’re doing, but I decided earlier that I would just roll with it and see where it takes us. That's how I’ve lived my entire life and I’m still here, so it can’t have been the worst idea.
“Come on, Beautiful. Let's get you back,” Asher murmurs, and I nod. “Wait a second, I’ll grab the leashes and we can take the monsters out for their walk.”
He disappears into the kitchen and when he comes back the puppies go crazy, yipping like he’s dangling fresh meat in their faces. He hands me a black leash and motions toward Shadow as he handles the rest. Shadow instantly sits when I look down at him, and I swear my heart melts a little. Screw Travis and his shit. Shadow is the only guy I really need.
“Ready?” Asher asks as he opens the door into the brisk night air, the puppies already pulling to try to get outside.
I nod and head out first with Shadow, and he follows behind.
One day I’ll get to just have a good day. One entire day without someone trying to shit all over my happy.
Or maybe I won’t and the Travis Kensingtons of the world will always win.
CHAPTERTHIRTEEN
Iwalk out of my Intro to Writing class and find the twins leaning against the wall opposite, wide grins on both their faces.
“Surprise!” Sawyer says, jumping forward and waving a piece of paper in my face.
“Surprise?” I ask, laughing at his obvious excitement.
He wraps me in his arms and spins me around while Asher watches on with amusement. “Sawyer, put me down!”
“Yes, Mr. St. Vincent, put the poor girl down,” Mr. Hamilton, my Intro to Writing professor, says sternly as he steps into the hall.
Sawyer, obviously, doesn’t put me down, he just grins at the professor cheekily. “But her poor legs need a rest, sir. I’m just being chivalrous.”
“I’m sure,” the professor deadpans before looking back at me. “However, this is a place of education. Put the girl down, Mr. St. Vincent.”
Sawyer sighs before sliding me down his body, and my cheeks flame at the obvious grope he gets as he does. “Spoil sport.”
“Yes, Mr. St. Vincent. You're not the first to call me it. I’m sure you won’t be the last. Have a good weekend, Miss Moore,” he says before walking down the hall, the sound of his shoes clicking on the wooden floor.
“Is he always such a buzzkill?” Sawyer pouts.
“Not always. Now then, what is this surprise?” I ask, trying to distract him.
He grins at me before glancing at Asher. “I don’t know if she’s ready for it.”
“You might be right, little bro,” Asher teases, and I pretend to pout, folding my arms across my chest.
“Now who’s the buzzkill?”
Asher clutches his chest like I’ve wounded him and I can’t help the giggle that escapes my lips.