Page 32 of Playboy Billionaire

She reached back for it, looking at him from the mirror’s reflection. “Thanks Jack.”

He stood behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders. “You’re so tense,” he began kneading. “You could use a massage.”

“I’m fine.” She tried shrugging him off.

“I’m sure those nude scenes are intense. Griffin is my new hero. I don’t know how he can keep his cool.” He continued massaging her shoulders.

Penelope grew increasingly uncomfortable with him touching her. “Please, I’m sorry but I need to be alone to study my lines before the next scene.”

He suddenly leaned forward and slid one hand down the front of her chest to grope her breast. Her breath hissed and she stood abruptly. Whirling around, she slapped him hard across the face. The crack rang out and left an angry red mark.

He covered his cheek with his palm as his eyes darkened with rage. “You’ve been flirting with me for days and now you want to act all virtuous?”

“Flirting with you? Where did you ever get that idea? Get out now! You have two seconds, or I start screaming at the top of my lungs.”

His eyes glittered. “Maybe you changed your mind about me when you got a little action from your costar, but you won’t convince me that you weren’t leading me on. By the way, I’ll deny that this ever happened if you decide to report me.”

Voice trembling with anger, she pointed to the door. “Get out!”

He left, slamming the door behind him. She collapsed into her chair and buried her face in her hands. She felt like she was going to throw up. Were all men incapable of thinking apart from their dicks?

She racked her brain trying to recall anything she might have said or done to make Jack believe she was interested or leading him on. She knew that there wasn’t. He’d conjured up what he wanted to believe to fit his narrative. This wasn’t the first time a male had projected his fantasies onto her. She wasn’t sure how she should handle it.

She jerked when she heard another knock at the door. She didn’t want anyone to see her like this. “Who is it?”

“It’s me, Griffin.”

Her chest ached, “I’m busy right now. Can we talk later?”

He must have heard something in her voice, because he said, “Are you alright?”

“Yes, I’m fine. Please, go.”

“I need to ask you a quick question, I promise I’ll leave after that.”

She got up and cracked the door, “What?”

Griffin studied her face, his eyes flashed with concern. “Have you been crying?”

She sniffled. “I’m fine. Just one of those days.”

“Let me in.”

“No.”

“Penelope, please. Don’t make me stand out here in the hall.”

She reluctantly stepped back and let him in. His eyes narrowed, “What happened?”

“Nothing you need to concern yourself with.”

“Sorry, it doesn’t work like that.”

“What did you have to tell me that couldn’t wait?”

His brow furrowed as he studied her face. “I’m leaving and I wanted a chance to convince you to get out of Dodge for a day. This weekend. With me. No strings, no agenda. I’ll be the perfect gentleman.”

“Can you just hold me?” He looked so surprised that she couldn’t help but smile. He pulled her against him, and she melted into his tight embrace.

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