Page 44 of The Penalty

An argument. A fist fight. A shouting match. World War Three.

None of the hypothetical outcomes gave me much hope.

Maybe he’ll prove me wrong.

Oh right. He doesn’t like maybes.

After I got Hannah a bottle of water and an assortment of heavy appetizers, I accompanied her to Bennet’s table. She insisted on walking without help but I wasn’t about to let her stumble her way through the room.

Besides, I had a few things to say to the god of thunder.

“Feeling alright, doll?” he asked, smiling at Hannah. She sat next to him, sipping on the water.

“I’m fine.” She regained some of her poised stature.

“And how about you, Ms. Chase? Feeling okay?” His amber eyes glittered with self-satisfaction.

I started to say something and snapped my mouth shut.

Self edit.

I have to self edit or I’ll say way too many things right now.

“Remember the night the three of us went out for drinks?” I asked.

“Of course. Lovely evening.”

“Right.” I rolled my eyes. “I would appreciate it if you took your own unsolicited advice about limits.”

Bennet folded his hands, regarding me with interest. “Go on.”

“If you want your little games to involve me or Xavier, maybe you should ask us if we want to be a part of them instead of imposing your will to get your fucking rocks off.”

So much for self editing.

I half expected Bennet to launch into one of his lengthy speeches about how I’m not a true submissive and I wouldn’t appreciate his definition of disobedience and blah, blah, blah.

Much to my surprise, he capitulated.

“You’re right. Although, your boyfriend knows more than you think. But that’s a conversation for the two of you to have at some point.” His expression softened. “I apologize if any of what transpired made you uncomfortable. It wasn’t my intention.”

Sincerity coated every word. None of what he said felt rehearsed or forced.

Hannah snuggled into his side when he wrapped an arm around her. Just your average couple sharing a sweet moment.

“I’ll give you a pass this time, Bennet. And for the record, I wasn’t uncomfortable. Just…aggravated with you.”

“Duly noted.” He glanced down softly at Hannah. “If you’ll excuse us, I’m going to bring this precious woman to a more suitable room so she can recover from all those shots.”

As insufferable as Bennet can be at times, he really did care about Hannah. I watched him escort her out of the solarium.

One situation handled.

I braced myself and turned around.

Now, let’s see what’s going on with Xavier and—

What the…?

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