Page 35 of Penalty to the Heart

But once I’ve fully turned around to finally put a name to a face, my heart sinks to the pit of my stomach.

It’s her.

The woman I knocked into at the hospital the other day.

Fuck me.

Just like it did during our first unexpected encounter in that hospital hallway, I find myself momentarily at a loss for words. Which is saying something since I’m known for always talking out of my ass.

It’s those eyes.

Even behind black-framed glasses, those molten-whiskey eyes draw me in, like pools of liquid honey shimmering in the light. Back at the hospital, they held the warmest shade of gold, sparkling with such warmth and understanding that I was sure she had the power to read my every thought as easily as one would a book.

Today, however, her mesmerizing orbs seem to burn for a whole other reason.

Her golden flecks glimmer, angry at me, not hiding her resentment. It’s so intense that a weaker man would start questioning every action or decision he’s ever made.

I, however, seem to be having a totally different reaction altogether.

My cock hasn’t sprung to attention like this in months.

And all it took was the fiery glare of disdain shining through her eyes.

The blonde bunny would do in a pinch, but her boss?

This is the type of woman wars are fought and won over.

“Mr. Donovan, you’re late,” she states sternly, successfully snapping me out of my fucked-up reverie.

“Am I? I must have lost track of time.” I wink again at the receptionist, doing my best to gain my bearings and get my head back in the game.

“In the future, you need to be here on time or don’t bother showing up at all,” she rebukes with that same stern tone in her voice.

Hmm.

This is so not the woman I met the other day.

That woman had been kind.

This one has a stick up her ass.

Does she not remember me?

“Woah, there, sweetheart. No need for such hostility,” I try to joke. “I thought therapy was all about safe spaces and all that jazz.”

“It’s only as safe as its members,” she deadpans.

Okay.

Now she’s getting on my nerves .

“Listen, sweetheart, I want to be here as much as you want me to. Trust me.”

“Oh, I’ve been given the message regarding your reluctance, all right. And if that is really how you feel, please be my guest and leave.” She points to the door.

Oh, this one has a little bite to her.

I like that.

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