Page 4 of Penalty to the Heart

“Sounds about right,” I mumble, mentally preparing myself not to get laid for a whole month just so I can play the nanny role.

Luckily for me, I love my nieces to death and enjoy spending time with the little chipmunks.

My dick, however, might have an issue with going on a forced sabbatical for the next thirty days.

“And if my wife doesn’t get the biggest apology bouquet from you in the morning, then don’t bother showing up at the house for the foreseeable future,” Jack adds just as we reach the car.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Consider it done,” I mumble, nauseous, doing my utmost best not to throw up all over his shoes.

Now I know why I had preferred the cold concrete floor to standing up.

The world is being a cold-hearted bitch right now, refusing to stop spinning, taking joy in my misery.

Yup.

This hangover is going to hurt like a motherfucker.

Maybe it’s a good thing that I’ll be housebound for a while.

Lord knows I like to party, but aftermaths like these, I can do without.

“Come on, let’s go home,” Jack takes pity on me, staring at my pale, gaunt face.

But just as he opens the passenger door to his car, I remember the new pair of car keys in my pocket.

“Wait… shit… Moneypenny.”

“What are you on about now?”

“Shit. I forgot. We can’t go in your car. You have to drive mine,” I tell him, forcing myself to be more alert.

“Excuse me?” he asks, still confused.

“I said we got to take my car. The one that Nichols gave me tonight for helping him get with Piper. See? I told you I’m a champion for love. I’m a goddamn cupid, am I right?” I chuckle but quickly flinch as the simple act of laughing triggers unsettling loud noises to rise from my stomach.

“Yeah, sure. All you need is a bow and arrow. And by the way you stink, maybe a diaper is needed too, to finish the ensemble.”

“Hardy har har,” I fake a laugh, worried that producing an actual chuckle might make my brother’s remark come true. “I’m serious, Jack. I can’t leave my brand-new car on the street. Moneypenny is just too pretty to sit here all on her lonesome. Besides, someone might steal it.”

“And what about my car?” he quips.

“You have a dad car. No one is going to steal it,” I reply like he should know better than to ask such a stupid question.

But all I’ve done is poke the bear since his next words come out clipped and aggressive.

“Just get in the car. Before I shove you in myself.”

“Nope. Not happening. You either drive me in my car, or I’ll drive myself.”

“You can’t even stand up straight, much less drive.”

“Then the choice should be an easy one for you to make.” I grin widely, thankful that I can still do that right.

“Just get in the car.”

“Nope.”

“Get in the fucking car, Caleb.”

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