Page 6 of Send It

Colson

Lincoln looks at me from the other side of the fire and I feel my heart begin to race.

“You okay?” Brielle asks. “You’ve been weird since you picked me up.”

I can’t tell her the truth. That I can’t stop thinking about Reiss’ little sister, about how I wanted so badly to stomp my way up those deck stairs earlier and bend her over the railing.

“I’m fine,” I state. “Just tired from riding all day.”

Which isn’t exactly a lie. I am tired.

A glint of understanding appears in her eyes and she nods, walking away to grab herself a drink.

“What’s up?” Reiss says, handing me a red solo cup, but I push it back toward him.

“I’m not drinking tonight,” I state.

He steps back in shock, “Why not?”

It is out of character for me, and I’m well aware of my party boy reputation but as I stare at Lincoln, who’s currently tipping back a cup and swaying next to Stassie, I can’t drink knowing she’s drunk too.

What if something happens to her? Jackson is standing too close, whispering something in her ear.

“Just not really feeling it tonight.”

He laughs, “You sick?”

“Maybe,” I sigh, watching Jackson’s hand fall to Lincoln’s hip. “You just gonna let him rub all over Lincoln like that?”

He turns his head in their direction and shrugs, “She’s smiling, and Lincoln is a big girl now, Colson. I’m not naive enough to think she’s not had sex. She’ll be eighteen next week.”

The thought alone makes me want to rip his head off. How could he be okay with that?

“He’s an ass. He sleeps with everyone,” I argue.

He raises his brow, “So do you?”

“We aren’t talking about me,” I growl. “I’m not the one about to fuck your sister.”

His brows furrow and I realize what I just said, wishing I could take it back.

“I would hope not,” he says. “Why are you freaking out right now, Colson? What is going on with you?”

“Nothing, I look out for her just like you do,” I argue. “Well, like you’re supposed to.”

His eyes grow wide with surprise like he can’t believe I just said that, and I can’t either. So I backpeddle before he has the chance to speak, “I didn’t mean it like that. I just… You know that guy isn’t good enough for Lincoln.”

He grabs my shoulder and squeezes, “No guy is good enough for Lincoln, but I am not the asshole brother that walks behind her every step swatting them away. She is her own person, she needs to make her own decisions. If anyone disrespects her, then they’ll have me to deal with.”

I know that.

Trust me I do, but it's hard for me to watch her do something I know she’s going to regret later.

I watch as his hand slides dangerously close to her ass and her body language is confusing. She’s not exactly opening a door for him but she isn’t slamming it closed either. It’s annoying because earlier at the house, I would’ve sworn that she was flirting with me.

I look across the field to Brielle who is chatting it up with three other guys, and make my way to Lincoln.

“Linc, I think it’s time to go home,” I demand, grabbing the cup from her hand. Jackson’s head whips quickly in my direction.

Fire burns behind her eyes, taking her cup back. “I don’t think so.”

Jackson tries his best to wedge himself between us, but I don’t allow it.

“Come with me, Lincoln. Let’s go.”

Her brows furrow, as she stares at me, her eyes glossed over like she’s had a little too much to drink.

“I’m not going home yet,” she says. “I came with Stassie.”

Her pouting is cute, and her defiance is something that will forever turn me on.

“Get in the car,” I growl.

She crosses her arms, “Why don’t you go order your girlfriend around and leave me alone?”

“She’s not my girlfriend, now walk your ass to my car right now before I tell your dad where you really are”

Her jaw drops, “You wouldn’t.”

I challenge her with my eyes, “Oh but I would.”

I know she’s almost eighteen and that her dad probably wouldn’t mind that she’s at a party, but he would mind that she’s drinking underage. The thought of disappointing him upsets Lincoln, and I can tell she’s about to break.

“Fine,” she huffs. “Jackson, I’m sorry. I’ll see you around.”

I watch as she stomps her way over to Stassie.

“You’re fucking Reiss’ sister, bro? Even I didn’t see that one coming.” Jackson snorts.

“No, I’m not fucking her, but I’m taking her home so you don’t.”

He shakes his head and stalks off. “Whatever, man.”

I apologize to Brielle, and arrange a ride home for her. We aren’t together so she isn’t disappointed, and there were no expectations. Yeah we fucked, a few times actually, but besides that, we’re friends. Plus, I am smart enough to know she’s still hung up on her ex. Is it fucked up? Probably.

When I make it to my car, Lincoln is slumped in the passenger seat with her arms crossed.

She’s so fucking pretty.

Eyes the color of chocolate with the smallest gold flecks around the center, and when she turns them to me it almost brings me to my knees.

“You didn’t want to fuck that guy so you’re welcome,” I state.

Sitting up in the seat, she begins to wave her arms dramatically. “I’m welcome? I’m welcome ?”

The way she’s riled up is adorable, and the jeans she’s wearing scream fuck me, Colson . I try my best to erase that thought as quickly as it enters my brain.

“I don’t know what makes you think you have the right to dictate who I talk to but I can tell you one thing,” she snaps. “You can’t decide who I fuck.”

My jaw nearly drops, I’ve never heard her talk about fucking someone and I’m not sure what to make of it.

“What’s wrong?” She asks. “Don’t tell me you thought baby Bane was a virgin?”

Heat creeps up my spine and into my neck. I don’t want to hear about who she’s been with before. I might lose my shit.

“That’s enough,” I growl. “I don’t want to hear about it.”

She pouts, “But why not? You seem so fucking interested in being in my business I thought you’d want to know everything .”

She doesn’t take her eyes off me, and I do my best to swallow down the burning desire to take her lips to mine and show her everything .

Doing what I do best, I remind myself who she is.

Lincoln Bane. My best friend’s little sister. The biggest pain in my ass, the absolute bane of my existence.

“Lincoln, shut up. I’m your brother’s best friend. It’s my job to take you home when I see you doing something you’re gonna regret. You can thank me later.”

She turns those beautiful eyes back in my direction like daggers, “Over my dead body.”