Page 126 of If Our Hearts Collide

“This isn’t a rejection, Penny. This is self-reflection. Because crossing over the line a little is still crossing over the line. There’s no gray area where you are concerned.”

What I want to do with Penelope Hoffman is wrong on all accounts.

But I’m lacking the strength to resist, and the way her lip is pouting out, I don’t think she realizes just how much I yearn for her.

“We are attracted to one another. And I consent to whatever you’re willing to give to me.”

“But this is wrong, Pen. I know it. You know it.”

Her nose flares, and I brace myself for the fire. “Then why does wrong feel so right?”

“Because you are intoxicated.”

“Am not!”

I glance down at her plump curves, while wrapping her blonde locks between my fingers. “You are an angel with the purest heart, and I’m a monster desiring to commit my next sin. I’m not good for you, Penny. And this is wrong going against your brothers’ backs.”

“Please don’t mention my brothers right now, Collins. Not now. Not while I’m being vulnerable in front of you. You think you have dirty thoughts flooding through your brain right now. Well, you haven’t seen mine. They will rival yours—guaranteed. If I’m an angel, I’m a dark one. Don’t let the innocent facade fool you. I know what I want. And I’m prepared to go through the flames to get it.”

I believe every word she speaks. I know that just having the Hoffman last name gives her a certain amount of power. The problem is, her brothers have way more of it. They run this city with their connections and wealth. The last thing I need is to be on the opposite side of their good graces.

I’d much rather be an ally than an enemy.

And touching their one and only sister will be the ultimate betrayal to sever any bond I’ve spent years trying to nurture.

Sure, I can hold my own. But why would I want to spit in the faces of my bosses?

Penny is determined. And if I’m not careful, I’ll either fall for her or suffer at the hands of the men who hired me to keep their sister safe.

“Come,” I say, taking ahold of her elbow. “I’m taking you back to your place, before I make the biggest mistake of my life.”

“How noble of you,” she gripes, trying to pull away from me. She bends to pick up her handbag and tosses a few items that poured out onto the street back in.

Ignoring her saltiness, I guide her to my SUV and open the passenger side door, helping her inside. I take a few deep breaths as I round the front and enter into the driver’s side. I snap on my belt and spare a glance her way.

“It’s not that I don’t want you, Pen. Trust me, I do.”

“But not enough to actually act on it.”

“It’s best for the both of us if I don’t. I’ve already overstepped enough.”

“Because I’m not like all the other girls…”

“No, you are not.” Doesn’t she realize that men don’t actually enjoy the easy girls, as much as they enjoy the chase? “But that’s not a bad thing.”

Penny picks some paint off her fingernails, looking out the window as I start to pull out onto the street and into traffic. “Are you going to go to jail for assault?”

“It’ll be worth it.”

Her head whips over to me. “Collins…”

“No, Penny. I won’t be going to prison. That fucker won’t be pressing charges.”

“Why are you so certain?”

“Because he has an open warrant in Washington state and won’t be drawing any more attention to himself.”

Her eyes blink a few times, probably trying to decipher first if I’m telling the truth and then second how I’m privy to these bits of information.

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