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"It's just a weird thing, I guess. My brother and Marcus are the opposite of calm in their everyday lives," I continue, tracing my finger along his strong jawline.
Lincoln shifts slightly and acknowledges, "Yeah, Ro and Marsh are the same."
I raise an eyebrow, surprised. "You're introverted. It's hard to believe."
He takes my hand and places a soft kiss on my palm. "I hate people." The look in his eyes makes it clear that I'm not included in that category.
Leaning closer, he gives me one last chaste kiss and nudges my chin forward. "Read."
I lean in, yearning for more, but Lincoln chuckles and props up his book to start reading. I try to focus on the words in front of me, but my thoughts are consumed by the complex limbo that Leia and I currently find ourselves in.
My hands must be trembling, because Lincoln suddenly reaches over and gently takes my book from my grasp. I whip my head around to meet his gaze, puzzled and a little irritated.
"Why did you do that?" I ask, my voice tinged with confusion.
Ignoring my question, Lincoln searches my face intently, trying to understand what's been bothering me. "What's wrong?" he finally inquires.
I hesitate for a moment, struggling to find the right words. "Nothing important."
His persistence doesn't waver, and he replies, "You've been staring into space for the past ten minutes. I'd say it's important enough."
I shift in my seat, feeling somewhat exposed. "Well," I start, looking around the room briefly before locking eyes with him again. "I'm in a minor fight with Leia."
His brow furrows in concern. "What happened?"
I recount the story, my frustration evident. "She went out with my brother when we were home over Thanksgiving break."
Lincoln's brows furrow further. "That's bad?"
I nod fervently. "Yes! They left and didn't tell anyone. I was home all alone, and when I panicked and tried to call them, neither answered. I thought they were dead on the side of the road somewhere."
His hand slips under my shirt, his touch soothing as he absentmindedly rubs my hip. "Damn, I can see how that would be a little concerning for you."
I continue, my frustration growing. "She thinks I'm upset because she went with Elliott, but I'm upset because she lied about it and then tried to make me feel like I was wrong for worrying about her."
Lincoln leans in closer, genuinely interested. "What was she doing with your brother?"
"Oh, they just went for a drive! Can you believe it? All that worrying for a harmless drive," I explain, the tension in my voice dissipating.
Lincoln removes his hand from my hip, briefly pushing his hair away from his face before resting it back on me. "I think I'm missing something."
I lean in, speaking in a hushed tone. "You can't say anything to anyone. Promise?"
A chuckle escapes him, resonating deeply. "Who would I tell?"
"Promise?" I press, trying to stifle a laugh.
He becomes serious. "I promise."
Leaning in closer, I reveal, "Well, Leia has had a crush on my brother for, like, ever. She's obsessed with the idea that they'll end up together."
Lincoln's expression tightens. "Oh, shit."
I sit up straighter, my curiosity piqued. "What?"
"When he came to skate that one Sunday, I saw him and Leia, and they looked a little too close, if you know what I mean," he admits.
I exhale with relief. "I know exactly what you mean. The problem is, they're never going to happen."
