Page 24 of The Penalty

But still, it shouldn’t matter. Maybe we should fess up and move on. It’s not as if we’re planning on keeping it up. It was only one weekend. I study Dev looking for some sign of what he’s thinking, but his mouth is pressed together in a neutral line, thick forearms crossed over his chest, and eyes blank. No help there. Looks like pretending it never happened is the vibe.

“I’m fine. Just been running around.”

“Got it. Last-minute panic cleaning. I shudder to imagine what this place looked like before we got here.” His eyes are fixed on my bedroom door. I back up, crossing my arms as I stand guard in front of my room. Even though I know it’s fine. I shoved everything into my suitcases. But I’m sure he’d find something that itched at his brain. And I’d know. They don’ttell you about that side of the super special twin connection. Having spent so many years so close together, we can read each other’s facial expressions. Hope he can’t see the guilt in my eyes.

Chapter 8

Brotherly Love

Dev

A sweet citrus clouddrifts over my shoulder and the smooth fabric of the couch slips in my sweaty fingers.“Shit.”

Beau stops in the doorway, looking up at me with concern. “You need a break?”

“No, I’m fine. Just slipped. I got this.” We’re almost done with the unloading. I can hold it together until the end of the day. Even if it feels like the longest day of my life. Keeping my eyes from lingering on her is taking more effort than lugging all the furniture and boxes.

I resist the urge to turn around, knowing I’ll find her staring at me. The liquid pools of her blue eyes are swimming with a mix of confusion and hurt. She’s there. I can feel her presence.

There’s a warmth and tingle of awareness when she gets closer. It’s different from the usual alert mode I’m in. Alwaysaware of the mood in any room, waiting for someone to erupt in anger. Always waiting for the unexpected.

It’s easier here. Beau has his own issues, and he may be a little much sometimes, but I trust him in a way I’ve never trusted anyone else. That’s probably why I’m comfortable around her, too. She is his twin sister, after all. All of that shared DNA must make her feel safe, even though I hardly know her.

“Can you put it against that wall?” Her question forces me to turn her way, not wanting to look like a complete asshole, but I drop my eyes to stare at my feet before they lock with hers. They’re so magnetic, I’m afraid I’ll get dragged in and not be able to tear myself away. Beau would for sure notice something.

“Come on, Sissy. This thing is heavy. Did you stuff it full of free weights before you called the movers?” Beau swipes at a sweaty lock of hair drifting toward his eye.

“Seriously? Big, strong hockey player can’t handle moving his sister’s things? Suck it up and stop complaining. What’s the point of working out every day if you don’t actually use those muscles?” She pokes him in the arm.

“Obviously, I use them for hockey. No one told me I’d be obligated to lift heavy shit for my little sister for the rest of my life.”

“Two minutes older hardly counts. Nor does this...” She waves her arms down her body, gesturing to the full curves and thick thighs that felt so good wrapped around my hips.

Sweaty hockey bag, that asshole D-man on UPenn’s team I’m looking forward to crushing this year.The thoughts are enoughof a distraction to soften up the hard-on that’s threatening to make its presence known.

“Whatever.” Beau reaches over, scrubbing his knuckles over the top of her head in a childish move that has her squealing and slapping at his hands. “You’ll always be my little sister. You know. I’m really glad you’re going to be around this year. I’ve missed you.” He slides a hand to her shoulder, pulling her into his side for a quick hug.

The casual contact and teasing words are foreign to me. I’ve never shared that kind of relationship with anyone.

I clear my throat. “Maybe I should take those into the bedroom.” I gesture to the cardboard boxes stacked next to her door, and she stops slapping at her brother. Her mouth drops open the slightest bit, pink tongue darting out to swipe at her lips as she gets caught in my gaze.

“Yeah, sure. Just watch out for Loki.”

Her words disappear into the background as I bury myself in an armload of boxes, needing to give myself a little space from her before I do something catastrophically stupid.

I place the boxes down carefully against the wall before shutting the door and leaning my head against it. The sounds of the siblings bickering in the next room mean they won’t be coming in here anytime soon. Good. I need a moment to get my shit back together. I can’t bring myself to shut my eyes. Not in a strange place, but I count to five as I drag a deep breath in before blowing it out slowly.

Pull yourself together, Connell.

I got this. The physical barrier of the door provides enough distance to calm me down. All of me. Even the unruly eager part that really wants to see Cece naked again. He’s going to have to get used to disappointment.

A quick, dark shadow flickers to my left, snapping my body back into alert mode. “What the fuck?” I jump back, letting loose a high-pitched screech as something skitters across my foot.

There’s a flurry of activity. Cece and Beau, rushing through the door, some small creature darting around. Everything’s a blur as I struggle to gain control of the quick pants of my breathing.

“Lucy? What’s wrong?”

Beau steps over to me, dropping a hand onto my shaking shoulder.

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