Page 62 of Penalized Love

“Speaking of the team,”Wilder chimes in, his mouth finally empty of food,“we should have a game night or something at our house. Maybe we can play video games, because I’m ready to kick your asses in every single one.”

This is a good idea, but I should focus on working things out with Knox. However, I choose to concentrate on Wilder’s cocky declaration for the sake of conversation.“You really think you can beat me at COD? In your dreams, maybe.”

Wilder leans back in his chair, a smirk on his face.“Bring it on, Bennett.”

Blaise chuckles, picking up his coffee again.“I’ll believe it when I see it. You two are both so full of shit.”

This feels good; it feels normal. It shifts my attention from the issues I have with Isla and Knox to the background, which is what I need for the time being. The trash talk continues as we finish our breakfast. It’s a welcome distraction, but before we leave the table, I pull out my phone to send a text to Knox.

It’s time to get this over with.

Me: We need to talk. Let me know when you’re available.

There. I’ve made the first move to squash whatever this beef is. Now, it’s up to him to respond in kind.

24

ISLA

Ineed to get my life together. Today is supposed to be that day, however, my body isn’t cooperating.

Right now, I’m curled into a tight ball as cramps rip through my lower abdomen. I try to shift positions, but it doesn’t help the pain. Getting my heating pad might work, but I’m already a hot, sweaty mess, so all I would do is get hotter.

And not in a good way.

Thankfully, my professor canceled today’s class, so I don’t have to worry about that. Not to mention, Tessa hasn’t been around in a couple of days. I don’t know why, and I don’t care.

The only other thing I had on my agenda today was to get more footage of Asher, but that is not happening. I don’t want to be in the same vicinity as him right now. I’m still fighting with myself about whether this mess of whatever is going on between us is all a bad idea.

One that I poured fuel on when I kissed him and let him kiss me elsewhere.

Groaning, I fumble for my phone on the nightstand and send a quick text to him. I swear that takes all of my energy.

Me: Hey, I’m not feeling well. We’ll have to reschedule our recording session for tonight.

I don’t give any details because, well, that would be awkward as hell. I toss my phone aside and bury my face in my pillow, wishing that the pain would subside. It’s been a while since I’ve had cramps this bad, not since I got my PCOS diagnosis. Just my luck that they hit me full force now when I’m already dealing with the emotional fallout from everything else.

My phone vibrates with a response from Asher. Should I read his message? Who am I kidding? I pick up my phone and look at the text.

Asher: I’m sorry to hear that. Do you need anything?

I stare at the words on the screen, half-tempted to ignore them. But I know Asher, and he will only let this go once he gets a response. With a sigh, I type back a reply.

Me: I’m fine. Nothing I can’t handle. Thanks though.

I set my phone aside again, not expecting any further response. Asher has a busy schedule, so I’m sure that’ll be the end of it. I curl tighter into myself, wishing the pain meds I took earlier would kick in already.

But then my phone vibrates again. What the hell? I put the phone up to my face again to read Asher’s message.

Asher: What are your symptoms?

I blink at the phone screen because I’m surprised by Asher’s follow-up question. Does he really want to know about myperiod symptoms? That seems a bit... personal. But then again, it’s not like we haven’t seen everything there is to see about each other, so what does it really matter?

But I’ll give him an out first.

Me: Don’t worry about it.

Asher: Tell me.

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