Fate (Choices #2)

by Lane, Sydney

  She's mine.

  Chapter 31

  My fingers itch to send Quince a text, but I'm just not that kind of guy. I've just always felt like if you had something to say, you should do it in person. I do make phone calls, but today... I feel like sending a text with one of those silly smiley faces tacked onto the end. I'm so whipped.

  I can't wait to see her today. I know we'll have to be careful until the time is right, so secret touches and stolen moments are all we have at the moment. But no matter what I tell myself, I do feel bad. Declan has been the best friend a brother could have. He's done nothing wrong, and I'm a total shit. I didn't just go after his girl. I stole her.

  I'm so happy, but I can't shake the feeling that something bad is going to happen. It's almost like I'm afraid to be happy because it might be snatched away from me. I tell myself it's irrational. Fate wouldn't bring her to me only to take her away. Right?

  The weather is so nice, so instead of driving, I decide to walk to class. I love summer time when I can go camping and swimming in the river, but I always welcome the cooler weather of the fall. It's perfect for hiking, and the heat isn't so vicious. Autumn leads to winter, my other favorite season. Skiing, snowboarding, what more could a guy ask for?

  When I get close to Starbucks, I see Quincy stepping out onto the sidewalk. I duck into an alleyway next to the store, waiting for her to walk by. When she does, I wrap my arms around her waist, pulling her into the alley. She struggles against me, and when I realize I scared her, I turn her to face me. She's spittin' mad.

  "Brody! You ass!" She punches me in the shoulder, and I'm shocked when it actually hurts. My girl has some fight in her.

  "I couldn't let my girl walk by without a kiss, could I?" I give her my special smile, and allow it to work its magic. She literally melts in my arms, launching herself at me. When her lips touch mine, I realize I've been craving this all day. Her lips taste like that girly tea she drinks, and she smells wonderful. I wrap a fist in her hair, holding her face in place as my lips assault hers.

  "Uh hem." Someone interrupts us. I pull back just enough to see who it is. I grin like a fool when I see our psych professor, Dr. Grimes. He grins back before shaking his head and walking away. When I look at Quince, her face is three different shades of red, and she's freakin' adorable when she bursts out laughing. Her laughter is contagious, and I laugh with her. Giving her a reassuring hug, I tell her, "Baby, that was hot! You should have seen the look on your face."

  "Ha, ha. You're so funny." She smiles, her face still on fire. Little Miss Perfect just got caught in a compromising position. Although I think it was funny, I'm not embarrassed at all. She's mine, and I'm proud of it.

  Sliding her backpack from her shoulders, I throw it on my back. The large, heavy backpack nearly swallows her tiny frame; I don’t know how she carries this thing. When we get to class, I shrug it off and hand it back to her. Declan is already seated, watching us walk toward him. I try to keep it cool, collapsing into my seat beside Eric without another glance at Quincy. It's just too damn soon for that. It threatens my good mood, but I push it back. I deserve to be happy. So I do something totally out of character.

  Me: Some girl attacked me on the way to class 2day

  She jumps when her phone vibrates. I wait for a reaction, and I'm not disappointed.

  LMP: Some guy attacked me. Coincidence?

  I laugh. Attacked her? She jumped me.

  Me: Want me to kick his ass?

  She doesn't respond, but I catch her smiling. Declan suddenly looks up, his eyes meeting mine. There is a question there, but I look away. I can't look at him too long without the guilt creeping in. Quincy must have noticed because she begins fidgeting nervously with her book and laptop.

  When class is over, my hopes to get Quincy alone are crushed. Declan walks with her, dipping his head to talk to her. She waves me off, and my blood boils. I know she can't be with me, but I'm not going to watch her with another guy either. I'm just not the kind of guy who can do that.

  Eric and I walk back to the house together. The silence becomes uncomfortable, so I just ask him outright. "You got a problem?" No reason to beat around the bush. His eyes flash, his fists clenching at his sides.

  "Yeah. And now, you've got a problem." He takes a calming breath before clarifying. "I know where you went yesterday, and I know who went with you. Dammit, Brody! That girl looks like a lovesick puppy following you around, and I know how you operate. This can only end badly." His words send a burst of anger straight through me.

  "Fuck you, Eric. You think I'd do this to her and me, to Declan, if I didn't give a shit about her?" Give me a little credit here." He's my brother, but I won't hesitate to lay him out if he keeps talking shit.

  "Then you really do have a problem. If you love that girl, you're both in trouble. This can only end one way. Bad." He releases and clenches his fists a few times before wiping his hands on his jeans. "What are you gonna do?"

  "I'll give it some time before I do anything. But what I'm gonna do is love her. Respect her. Treat her right. That's what I'm gonna do." I shouldn't have to apologize for being happy.

  "Whatever you say, man. But when the shit hits the fan, I'm not getting in the middle. You'll be on your own." When we hit the steps at the house, he goes his way, and I go mine.

  I'm already in my room when I realize that I didn't use my smiley face at the end of my text. Dammit. Maybe next time.

  Chapter 32

  I traded a shift with a friend so that I could be off Friday. If she'll have me, I'm going to ask Quincy if she wants to go back up to the cabin this weekend. This wouldn't just be a trip for us, though. My mom and dad are headed up this weekend, and I'd like to introduce her to my family. My sister might even be there. I'm not sure if she'll come, but I want to do this right. For once, I can share her with people I care about instead of hiding and worrying about who'll find out.

  So, here I am, working on a Wednesday, when I look up and notice Quincy waiting on a table. I hadn't expected to see her tonight because it's not her normal night to work either. She's talking to a customer, leaning down so she can hear him. I can't take my eyes off of her. As if she feels me, her eyes rise up to meet mine. Her chest rises with her sharp intake of breath. Good to know I still affect her like this. I can easily see how flustered she is, and I smile, knowing I did it without even touching her.

  Turning back to the bar, I find several girls from our sister sorority waiting for me. A few of them say hi while a couple lean in, giving me a nice view of their tits. I'm not going to lie and say I didn't look, but I will say they didn't turn me on half as much as that one look from Quincy.

  I'm mixing drinks and serving them when I see Quincy walking my way. I meet her at the end of the bar, the girls forgotten.

  “I wondered how long it would take you to notice me. I was getting lonely over here.” Leaning across the bar, I try to catch a hint of her lotion.

  “Yeah, right. I see your fan club waiting for you.” She nods at the girls who are watching us with interest. I'm captivated by this girl. She's jealous, and I love it.

  “Ah, but that’s the thing, Quince. I only see you.” I reassure her, knowing she needs it for some reason. “Come here.” I lean across the bar, beckoning her to come closer. She looks over her shoulder, searching for Vince I assume, before leaning toward me. My lips graze hers, a gentle, but sweet, peck on the lips. I just branded her. Every guy in here knows she belongs to me now. That's the way it should be.

  When I walk back toward the girls, they're all wearing shock on their faces. Sorry, ladies. I'm officially off the market. No one has ever seen me act this way, and although it feels different, it feels right.

  Throughout the night, Quince steals glances my way. I act as if I don't notice, but before she can turn away, I shift my eyes to her quickly, letting her know I caught her. She always blushes before turning away. It's a silly game we play. Every chance I get, I touch her, even if it's just the tips of our finge
rs when I pass a glass to her. The sexual tension is so thick, you could cut it with a knife.

  At some point, Alex saunters over, wagging her finger at me.

  "You just had to do it, didn't you?" Mother hen is on the loose. I should have known I couldn't hide anything from her.

  "What's up, Alex?" A silly smile spreads across her face, like she knows a secret.

  "Oh no you don't, Brody. You're not going to get off that easy." She waits while I mix a drink before continuing, "I can see it written all over your goofy face. You've fallen for that girl. "Yeah, I guess I have. I can't hold back the smile, my heart catching in my chest.

  "Leave it alone, Alex. It's still too new, and you'll just scare her away with that kind of talk."

  Batting her eyelashes at me, she feigns innocence. "I would never do that, Brody. Anyways, I heard from a little birdie that she might feel the same way."

  I look toward Quincy, finding her waiting for me. She's already cashed out and has her things ready to go. "Alex, can you watch the bar? A certain birdie needs me to walk her to her car." I've told her that she's not to walk out back by herself. It's too dark, and you never know who is waiting out there.

  I put my hand out to Quince, and she hesitantly takes it as we walk down the darkened hall and out into the night. She suddenly seems shy, looking at the ground between us. She kicks a rock, watching it skip across the parking lot. I reach for her, cupping her chin in my hand.

  "Don't hide, Quince. I need to see your eyes." Gently, I tilt her head until her eyes meet mine. When I pull her close, she rises on her toes, pressing a quick kiss to my lips before stepping back. I don't know what she just did, but that wasn't a kiss. "Oh no, that was not enough." I pull her back to me, lowering my mouth to hers. I only release her when she's been thoroughly kissed, and her lips are swollen. Laying her head against my chest, the knife in my heart twists again. I don't want to let her go. I want to be able to take her home with me, walk through the door without an explanation, and hold her close all night. "Quince, I don't know how much more I can take." I can't make her do anything, but I sure wish she'd hurry.

  I can't wait to show her off to the rest of the world.

  Chapter 33

  I give Quincy the space she needs, but I send her a text every night to let her know I'm thinking about her. Just a quick goodnight message before I go to bed. She's the last thing I think about before I fall asleep, and she's the first thing I think of when I wake. All of that for a few stolen kisses throughout the day. It's so worth it.

  Eric mentioned going to Bliss tonight with Jenna and some of the others, and I know that if Jenna goes, Quincy won't be too far behind. It's my chance to talk to Quince about going to the cabin with me this weekend. Plus, I can't miss out on an opportunity to watch her dance. I'd be stupid to pass that up.

  When we get to the club, Eric and I go upstairs to get some tables. A few other brothers are with us, so we push a few tables together in the corner. No sign of Jenna or Quincy. I grab a beer and sit at the end of the table. I'm not alone for long, though. A few of the girls I know from Players' come over and pull up chairs around me.

  In the past, I wouldn't mind, but tonight, I have no interest whatsoever. Sure, they look good enough, and I might have taken them up on their offers if I didn't know I was lost in a particular girl named Quincy Priest. Everyone else pales in comparison.

  One of the girls leans close to me, her breasts on display. I'm getting annoyed with the conversation, and I'm tired of brushing her off. I swear it feels like the harder I try to get rid of her, the harder she tries.

  I'm so relieved when I look up and see Jenna and Quincy. I can't look away as Quincy walks in my direction. She looks stunning. Her dark hair is braided the way I like it, although I'll try to make sure it comes down soon enough, and she's wearing those tight pants called “skinny jeans”. Now, I'm not sure why they're called that when I see girls who are definitely not skinny wearing them but whatever. On Quincy, they look hot. Edible. By the time she looks at me, I'm already hard, straining against my jeans. Our eyes meet, and I see the longing there. She's been missing me, too. As her eyes take in the girl next to me, I see something akin to disgust wash over her face. She barely contains her distaste as she gives her the once over. I don't give a shit about this girl. As a matter of fact, I don't even remember her name.

  Jenna heads off toward the bar, and Quincy takes a seat close to Eric. That will never do. I get up, ignoring the girl's groan of disappointment, and make my way to the other end of the table. Quince turns, looking for me while still shooting darts with her eyes. I lean over her shoulder, my lips near her ear, and whisper, "Play nice, Quince." Her cheeks burn as she shivers in response to my heat against her back. I choose the seat next to her, sliding it closer before I sit down. "I've been waiting for you to get here all night."

  "Right, you didn't even know I was coming, Brody." She's miffed, her eyes darting back to the girl who was sitting with me. I love this jealous side of Quincy. I know jealousy is not becoming, but damn, it drives me wild when she gets territorial. Jealousy can be good when it's coming from the girl you're crazy about.

  "Eric said he was meeting Jenna, and I knew you'd be wherever she was." I think it's a good thing, that she and Jenna stick together. “I didn’t even want to come, but I couldn’t resist an opportunity to see my girl dance.” It's true. I wouldn't be here if I didn't think she would be here. The club scene just doesn't do it for me anymore.

  Eric and Jenna come back, bringing us both a beer. I'm not sure I like the idea of Quincy drinking, but as long as I'm here to watch out for her, I guess she'll be fine. I notice that neither of them act as if there's anything wrong with me sitting here next to her. Maybe they're ready to accept us, too. Seth watches with curiosity, as if he's trying to figure out what exactly draws us together. Thank fuck he doesn't say a word.

  Resting my hand on the back of her chair, I absently run a finger across her shoulder. She responds to my touch, smiling at me before nervously looking around to see if anyone is watching. I can't wait until we don't have to worry about that anymore. I'm lost in the softness of her skin when I look up and see Declan coming our way. I jerk my hand back, trying not to be obvious, and a heavy feeling settles in my stomach.

  Since Quincy is wedged between Jenna and me, he takes a seat across the table from her. I'm just fine with that.

  He smiles, saying, "Hey, Quince." He wears his heart on his sleeve, and as wrong as it is, it pisses me off. That's my girl he's trying to charm with those dimples.

  "Hey, Declan. I'm glad you came." She's not lying. I can tell she's happy to see him. If I thought there was a way they could still be friends after this, I don't think I'd mind. Maybe I could be bigger than that.

  I almost lose it when he leans across the table and asks, "Wanna dance?" No way in hell he's going to get the chance to lay his hands on her body. I reach under the table, resting my hand on Quince's thigh. Squeezing gently, I try to get my point across. She's not doing this in front of me. I think I've been very patient, but tonight, I'm not feeling so generous. She freezes, unable to speak, as her eyes widen on him.

  I interrupt, "Dec, why don't you have a beer with me first?" Quincy looks away, trying hide her relief when he agrees. She relaxes beside me. I know she's uncomfortable, but I can't resist. I turn to her and ask, "You, Ok, Quince?" Yes, I know it's not nice.

  She narrows her eyes on me, and I get the distinct impression she'd smack me if she could. “Yeah. I’m, um, I’m going to dance with Jenna.” She speaks loudly, and Jenna turns when she hears her name. Jenna reaches for Quincy's hand, almost choking on her beer when she spots Declan.

  “Oh, yeah, that sounds great! I’ve wanted to dance since we got here!” Again, I'm thankful for Jenna. I don't know how or why, but she's actually helping me.

  The girls head to the dance floor, and it takes everything I have to stay seated. Declan watches Quincy go, his face pensive. In his eyes, I see his confusion, and I ha
te like a bitch that I've caused all of this. If I could have just kept my hands to myself... well, that wasn't an option.

  As we talk, his eyes roam over the dance floor, searching for Quincy. I'm feeling so conflicted. He's my friend, and I feel shitty for what I've done. But she's my girl, and I wouldn't change that for the world. I just want out of this bar. Here, in this crowd, it kills me that I can't touch her. Fuck, I can't even act like I know her. I know every intimate detail about her. Me. I'm the only one who knows how she likes to be touched and what pushes her over the edge. Yet, I can't claim her. The inner caveman inside of me rebels. This is fuckin' bullshit.

  I make an excuse to get up, saying I need to go take a leak. I have no intention of doing any such thing. I'm going to get my girl and get the hell out of this place. It's not hard to spot the girls. Every guy in the place is watching them. Jenna is tall and attracts a lot of attention, but Quincy is hot as hell. Anyone with a dick would notice them, especially when they're together. But neither of them notice. They are dancing in their own little world, oblivious that they're being eye-fucked by every dude in the place.

  Quincy is dancing slowly, her body swaying seductively with the music. Her braid is dangling over her shoulder, and sweat beads on her forehead. I watch as she closes her eyes and raises her hands in the air. She has no idea what she does to me. I approach her from behind, wrapping my hand around her waist and pulling her into my hips. I don't want there to be any question who she is here with. She leans back, recognizing my body as I press into hers. We dance with her back pressed into my front, my erection painful as she grinds against it. When she turns to face me, it almost hurts to look into her eyes.