Asher (Inked Brotherhood 1)

“The prodigal daughter returns.” He pats my back and pulls away, his eyes sparkling. “How does it feel to be back home?”

“She hates it,” Tessa says and sticks her tongue out at me.

“Actually, being back is perfect,” I lie, a momentary twinge of unease in my chest. Because it’s perfect, and hard, and sad, and horrible, all of it at once. “Good to see you. How’s everything?”

“Great. Did you start classes? Haven’t seen you on campus.”

“Only got here yesterday. I’ll go on Monday. I need to get permission to enroll in the astronomy class.”

Dylan nods, grinning. “Astronomy. Hadn’t pegged you for a starg

azer.”

“I’m not.” Which was why I want it. Something new, something different.

“Hey, I’ll leave you two to get reacquainted. Gonna grab a beer.” Tessa wanders away, inserting herself into a group of unfamiliar people.

I stare at her slender back, left bare by her black halter top and low-slung jeans. She used to wear ripped jeans and dye her hair black back in school, but I guess her oppressive family finally got to her, forcing a more conservative style on her. She hasn’t told me much about them lately.

No matter, though. Whatever she wears, Tess is beautiful. Right now she rocks the classy, laid back style and attitude, and I wish I was like her.

Dylan on the other hand rocks the somber punk style, with his black skull-themed T-shirt, tight pants and combat boots.

Jesus, talk about a make-over. He was always so clean and proper, a good boy from a good family, the stellar student and athlete.

“Decided on a major?” he asks, his eyes fixed on Tessa.

“Not yet.” I have no clue yet what I want—from my studies, from my life—and sometimes it feels like I’m standing on the edge of a precipice.

Seeing Dylan brings back so many memories. Tess is right. Ages ago, back when we went to high school together here in Madison, I had a fangirl crush on him. Then again, who hadn’t?

It’s easy to fall for Dylan with his killer body and that handsome, square-jawed face, the bright blue eyes and big smile. He was a quarterback and it shows. Half the female population of the school had pined for him and the other half had tried to get him.

Unsuccessfully. Dylan hasn’t been involved with anyone since he was fourteen, and I should know. Tessa wept on my shoulder when he broke up with her. I don’t really know why he changed, but hopefully after all these years he’s found happiness.

Well, I’m not sure if the new style is a sign he’s happy, or that he’s still searching, come to think of it. Maybe I’ll get a chance to talk to him one of these days.

“Earth to Audrey.” Dylan waves his drink in front of my face. “Let’s get you a drink. What’s your poison?”

“Oh um.” My cheeks warm. “Just beer.”

“Knot Stock okay?”

I nod. I love the local brew with its faint peppery taste.

He grabs a bottle from the cooler, opens it and passes it to me. “Have you seen anyone else you know? I bet you’ll see lots of familiar faces from school.”

I turn the cool bottle in my hands. Any moment now I’ll start peeling the yellow label, and I force my hands to still. “No, actually, I haven’t. I just arrived.”

“The guys are here. In fact,” he glances around and hollers, “Zane! Rafe! Over here.”

Oh god. Automatically, I put a hand over the scar on my cheek and turn away. Heat licks up my neck.

“Are you okay?” Dylan mutters.

I nod. I know the scar isn’t very visible anymore—all that remains is a fine white line—but I’m suddenly transported back to the days when it was red and horrible and I hid it from everyone.

Someone claps me on the back and I’m forced to turn around and face them all. Rafe, his dirty blond hair long to his shoulders, his tawny eyes merry. Silver hoops glint on his ears and his arms bulge with muscles.