Page 56 of Playboy Billionaire

Dolly’s eyes narrowed, “You were fine when you spilled out of the car. What happened between then and now?”

“Please, just drop it,” she said, more sharply than she’d intended to. Dolly winced. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean for that to come out so bitchy.”

“No worries. You’ve had a lot to deal with lately.”

“There is something I’d like to confide with you, but not now and not here. I’ve got to get it together for the shoot this morning. I promise we’ll talk tonight.”

“Okay…if you’re sure it can wait.”

“I’m sure.”

Dolly stared deeply into her friend’s eyes, then slowly nodded her head.

“Let’s get that makeup plastered on then,” Dolly said.

* * *

Griffin walked onto the set without a minute to spare. His eyes scanned the room until he settled on the only one that mattered.Penelope.She was so beautiful. He’d felt at a loss after he’d dropped her off. Like part of himself was missing. He hated the feeling. It was another brand new experience, compliments of Ms. Winters. This craving he had for her wasn’t welcome.

He walked over to Penelope and she barely glanced at him, keeping her eyes lowered.

“Hey, you ready for the big fight scene?”

She shrugged one shoulder, not meeting his gaze, “I guess.”

“Something wrong?”

“Just not feeling very well this morning.”

“Why don’t I believe you?” He said, frustrated by the limitations of keeping their relationship under wraps. He wanted to grab her by the shoulders and make her look at him. Instead she abruptly turned away, leaving him staring at her backside.Fuck me.

“Is this how it’s going to be? One step forward two steps back?” He knew he sounded aggressive, but in that moment, he didn’t give a shit. He’d allowed himself to be vulnerable with her and now she was shutting him out.

Quietly, she said, “Quit pushing me, I said I’m tired, drop it.”

He came up close behind her and whispered in her ear, “Really Penelope?” He felt her stiffen.

“What am I missing? Because when I dropped you at your door an hour and a half ago, you were anything but detached.”

“We can talk later, okay?” she said, not bothering to turn her head.

His jaw clenched and he was ready to argue with her some more, but Stew called out “Places,” and it was showtime.

“Sydney, look at me.” She kept her head lowered; arms crossed tightly over her chest. “Your husband is on to us. I’m sure those threatening messages came from his camp.”

“We don’t know that for sure.”

“I’m sure enough. We need to stop seeing each other.”

Her eyebrow arched, “And you can do that so easily?”

“Don’t twist it around. For God’s sake Sydney, this isn’t some game. Your husband is a very powerful man. A United States Senator…with connections and access to surveillance that we could only imagine.”

“Is that all that I mean to you? Was I just some pathetic lonely politician’s wife you felt sorry for? Someone you saw needed a good fucking?”

“You know it was more than that…so much more,” Bryan grabbed her chin and tilted her head up, gazing intently into her eyes. “It was for me anyway.”

Her eyes welled with tears and she impatiently brushed them away. “I want to leave my husband. I just don’t see how! But I can’t do this anymore. I want to be with you. I love you.”

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