Page 76 of On a Fault Line

We are friends and lovers, rather than bodyguard and client.

“What’s the plan for today?”

Rolling onto my back, I look up at the ceiling. “Today, you teach me how to drive.”

“Is that so?”

“It very much is, and I won’t accept anything but ‘yes, Princess’ as an answer.”

Collins lets out a boisterous laugh. “Get ready for the day and meet me downstairs. I’ll get your car.”

“It’s here?”

“Yeah, why? Where else would it be?”

“Oh, I don’t know. I just wasn’t expecting you to actually be on board with teaching me today.”

Collins gives me a confused look. “I’m trying to help you soar, Penny, not clip your wings.”

I mouth athank you, and then hurry myself through my morning routine.

When I’m done in the bathroom, Collins has already left the apartment to grab my car, which I assume is being stored in the parking garage down below.

It wouldn’t be weird for Graham and Nic to deliver it here. I live in this building after all.

I lock up and walk toward the elevator and hit the call button.

I’m used to Collins being within a few inches of me but definitely appreciate the space to be independent. He must know I’ve been itching for a little space.

As promised, I’m wearing known but hidden trackers. Some, I know their location while with others, I’m not privy to that information.

To be with Collins, this is something that I just have to accept.

Entering into a contractual relationship with him meant more to me than the annoyance of him knowing where I am all the time.

Plus, I wouldn’t be able to trust that he wasn’t putting trackers on me whether I agreed to them or not.

It’s just easier this way.

Angie and Claire have accepted this—so maybe I can as well.

Men that have been surrounded by the evilness of this world need to make sure their loved ones are safe and accounted for at all times.

But I’m not Collins’s loved one.

I’m just a client with benefits.

When I get to the lobby, I’m greeted by the friendly staff. Several ask me if I need anything, probably not used to seeing me without a chaperone.

I can’t even open my own door without someone rushing to assist.

It’s endearing… At least that’s what I tell myself to normalize the abnormal.

Standing on the curb of the street, I wait until Collins parks my shiny new birthday present from my brothers in front of me.

When he gets out, I let out a whistle. “If I knew how hot my driving instructor was, I would have worn something super skimpy.”

I’ll never be able to prove it, but I swear he blushes.

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