Page 86 of Playboy Billionaire

“She left. Said she had a headache and was going to take some aspirin and relax by the pool,” Dolly said.

“Thanks.”

“Griffin don’t give up on her. She’s worth fighting for.”

His lips tightened, “I’m trying.”

“Go get her, and good luck,” she said, smiling sympathetically.

On his way out, Noah grabbed him. “Leaving again?”

“Yeah, I’m heading over to Penelope’s. That alright with you?” he said sarcastically.

“Better than that because I need a ride. Can you give me a lift? I’ve had a little too much to drink.”

“I suppose.”

“Great. Ready when you are.”

Griffin forced himself to relax. He really didn’t hate the guy. In fact, he’d had some good conversations with Noah and had it not been for the tension over Penelope, they might have even become friends.

“What’s with you and Penelope? On or off?” Noah said.

“I could ask you the same question.”

“Definitely off, but through no choice of my own. I’d take her back in a heartbeat. I’m still in love with that woman. She’s really something isn’t she?”

“Yes, she is.”

Noah clapped Griffin on the shoulder, “Look, I know we’ve not always been on the greatest of terms, but I think you’re alright. It’s unfortunate that we happened to be vying for the same girl. You’ve been nothing but professional on the set, learned your lines, amazing acting, you’re the icing on the cake of this film. I have a good feeling about it.”

Griffin’s lips turned up slightly, “High praise coming from you. Thanks.”

“No problem. Whoever winds up with Penelope is one lucky man. I totally fucked up. But, fair warning, I haven’t completely lost hope,” he chuckled, “almost…but may the best man win.”

Griffin pulled into Noah’s drive frowning, his unease returning when he saw an unfamiliar car parked in Penelope’s drive. He recognized Luke’s vehicle but not the other sedan. “Whose car is that?”

“No idea,” Noah replied. He hopped out and headed for home. “See ya around.”

Griffin parked on the street then decided to walk around to the back. Dolly had said Penelope would be hanging out there. The ocean was calm this evening, the temperatures had been steady, only dipping into the mid-sixties at night, unusual for early November. As he rounded the corner, he saw Luke, sprawled on the ground unconscious. His hands were tied behind his back and he was gagged. He squatted down beside him and checked for a pulse. It was strong. He untied his hands and removed the gag. Then he heard a male voice shouting and froze.

“Shut up!” he saw the intruder waving a gun. “Don’t say that.”

“Okay, I’m sorry. We’ll do it your way.”

Griffin saw him rubbing Penelope’s cheek with the barrel of the gun and wanted to storm inside and kill him.

“He was your first, wasn’t he? That maggot senator took your virginity. And to think it was because of me that your paths crossed in the first place. I’ve had to live with that.”

“He had you first. Didn’t he!”

“Yes.”

“That son of a bitch. I should have stopped him back then.”

Griffin broke out in a sweat. Penelope was in big trouble. He pulled out his phone and texted Noah.

Griffin: Call the police. Silent approach. Penelope is in trouble. Armed intruder, possible hostage situation. At least one man. Not sure if there’s more. I’m going in. Security knocked out and unconscious southeast side of house.

---