Page 10 of On a Fault Line

So I just sit back in my chair and allow her the three minutes she needs to recover.

The worst part is, she has managed to charm my rigid and cutthroat lawyer into joining her giggle fest.

“Whose side are you on?” I whisper to him.

“Clearly hers,” he deadpans. “She’s way more fun than you.”

“Traitor.”

Every time I look at Penny, she does an exaggerated deep breathing inhale and exhale, probably as a calming technique—who knows. “Are you done yet?” I ask, trying to get this meeting back on track.

She holds up her hand. “Yes.”

“Okay, back to the trackers. I won’t budge on this. You can either wear one as jewelry or I can embed one under your skin.” I am joking on the last part—well, kind of. It would definitely save me a lot of worry.

“Oh my gawd! Fine!”

“There. That was easy,” I say smoothly.

“Can you at least tell me where they will be located?”

“Not all of them, but sure. You will have one placed inside all of your shoes, as well as on a bracelet you are instructed to wear.”

“And other places…”

“Yes, and other places.”

“And this is nonnegotiable?”

“Yes, Penelope. And you will be punished if you refuse to follow the order.”

“Will I like it?” she asks.

My eyes narrow in on hers. “Like what?”

“The punishment?”

“What? No. Then it wouldn’t be punishment, Princess.”

Her eyes smolder, and I try to look away from her before I concede on something I clearly shouldn’t.

“Okay…I wasn’t sure if it would be kinky or not.”

“What the actual fuck?”

Leonard makes a noise, and I shoot my eyes to him to silence whatever comment he is on the verge of spewing.

I don’t have time for him.

“Let’s move on,” she says with the clap of her hands. “Page sixteen…”

“Found it,” Leonard says with jubilation.

“Congrats,” I mumble under my breath.

I’m starting to wonder why I even need him here. He’s more entertained than helpful right now. I think he’s enjoying little Miss Penelope Hoffman.

Too bad she’s mine.

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