I have no idea what he looks like.
I know he’s broad and strong.
I know the deep rumble of his raspy voice.
I know his woodsy scent.
I know how his rough, huge hands feel.
I know that he controls me.
And I let him.
Two
Two weeks ago…
Briana
“This is going to be epic,” Taylor shouts.
I giggle, nearly skipping alongside her to keep up because the universe skimped on me when handing out inches.I’m five foot—if I stand really tall and straighten my spine and elongate my neck to its fullest.
Desiree loops her arm with mine.She’s not very tall either.
Ronie is walking backward in front of us down the sidewalk.“Our first official college party.”She rubs her hands together.“Do you think we’ll meet any cute guys?”
“We have to,” Desiree squeals.“Isn’t that the reason we’re going to college in the first place?”
I chuckle again.I won the roommate lottery with these ladies.We’re all renting rooms in a house together.It was a crap shoot.I could have ended up with people I didn’t like at all.Instead, as soon as we moved in yesterday, we started talking over one another.
Relief floods me, and I can’t stop grinning as we continue down the street.It’s not very far to the party.Just a few blocks.We found out about it when one of the guys who lives at the party house stopped by to introduce himself and invite us.
He probably saw four wide-eyed freshmen and thought we were fresh meat.And he may be right, but we intend to get fully indoctrinated in college life, starting tonight.
“So we all agree,” Ronie reminds us, “No drinking anything anyone hands us.We arrive as a group and leave as a group.No wandering off to some guy’s room to make out without telling at least one of us.”
“Agreed,” Desiree says as Taylor and I nod.I’m kind of grateful these gals have some sense of safety.Buddy system.We need to look out for each other.Weird shit happens at these parties.The last thing we want is for one of us to get roofied and end up a statistic.School hasn’t even started yet.
We can hear the party before we even turn the corner.And we stop in our tracks as soon as we see the chaos unfolding.
Holy shit.So many people.It’s loud even from the sidewalk.Seems like half the attendees are already drunk.
The truth is, I’ve never even tasted alcohol.Lord knows I’ve smelled it often enough.It’s nasty.I can’t imagine I’ll ever get roofied since I would probably spit that shit out if I tasted it.Maybe I’m wrong.
I’m suddenly nervous as we finish our approach.My heart is racing, and my palms are sweaty.
Deep breaths.This is going to be fun.I’m at college.I’ve waited eighteen years for the freedom to go to parties and live without rules.
That doesn’t mean I intend to do anything I’m going to regret.I worked my ass off to get into Darkwell University.I have grants that are covering my tuition, room, and board.The kind of money that’s available to incredibly poor kids who work hard and get good grades in high school.
You can’t get any poorer than me.I’ve been in the system.Not a dime to my name.No parents or relatives to help out or send care packages.
What I do have, however, is an older brother.Seven years older.I didn’t even know about him until four years ago, when he found me in foster care.He also goes to this university.He’s working on his master’s in electrical engineering.I applied to Darkwell University so we could be near each other.Or rather, heinsistedbecause we’re family.The only family either of us has.I know he wants to keep tabs on me.And I appreciate that.No one has ever cared enough to keep tabs on me.
“So we’re doing this,” Taylor mutters as we reach the foot of the porch.
“Definitely,” Desiree agrees.