Page 99 of Hold On Me

“What promise?” I throw my arms out to the side in exasperation.

“The one you made to protect me.”

“That’s exactly what I was doing. Protecting you.”

She shakes her head, her eyes are sad, and a small huff of breath escapes her lips. “But you didn’t. What was it you said?‘I promise I will always protect you and your reputation.’Everyone knows what happened at the school now because ofyou. You broke your promise. I never should have expected any differently. Goodbye, Mr. Elias.” She turns and walks away from me, steps onto the curb, and raises her hand to one of the waiting cabs nearby as I stand and watch her go.

My chest clenches, a dull throb where my heart should be. Panic starts to creep up my throat. She’s gone. She’s not mine. I broke my promise. I didn’t protect her, I made everything worse for her. I didn’t think about everyone finding out. Didn’t think about Hank hearing about this for the first time through the fucking tabloids—page six will have a field day with what’s gone on tonight.

Nope, all I thought about was rescuing her, again. I underestimated her, again. And now she’s gone. She’s gone. I was always so concerned about losing my fortune by falling in love, ending up like my dad. Turns out I did it anyway. The irony isn’t lost on me—he was left broke, and I’m left Penniless..

Funny, I’ve always called her Penelope because Penny never seemed adequate for her. But now I’ve lost the right to call her what truly meant the most to me—mine.

I drag my hands through my hair and tug on the ends as a hand lands on my shoulder. Quickly glancing to the side, Jameson’s profile comes into view.

“We need to go.” He motions with his head back toward the venue, and as I turn to look, I see a crowd has gathered on the steps.

“Shit. I screwed up. I fucked everything up.”

“Yeah, you did. But let’s focus on damage control once we’re out of here. Come on.” He tugs my arm and the car we arrived in stops in front of us. The door opens from the inside and Angie motions for us to both get in. She throws my coat at me and shakes her head angrily.

“I take it you're pissed at me too?”

“Yes and no. I’m delighted that motherfluffer got what he deserved, but I’m furious you broke her trust. And gave him the upper hand.” Her eyes burn into mine as I frown my confusion back at her. She rolls her eyes and shakes her head again. “He’s going to sue your arse, Ben.”

I shrug, because I couldn’t care less right now. He can take me to the cleaners. I’ve already lost everything that matters to me. Who would have thought a Penny could be so damn valuable.

50

BRADY BROS AND WELL, UM, PENNY - GROUP TEXTS

Jameson

Answer your damn phone.

Jenson

She ignoring you as well?

Jaxson

I think she’s ignoring all of us. Which makes no sense, seeing as she was the one who lied to us all.

Jameson

Don’t even get me started on that.

Jameson

Penny, we love you. Talk to us. Please? I know you feel like you’re weak and exposed, but we know you’re not. What happened was horrible, and if you need time to come to terms with it, we’ll give it to you. But talk to us, please!

A few minutes later…

Jenson

This is bullshit, Buttercup. You can’t do this to us. Family are there for each other. Let us be there.

Jaxson

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