Page 11 of On a Fault Line

“On the topic of monogamy, ha, that’s a silly word…”

“Focus, Penelope.”

“Top of the page, it says that I won’t flirt with other men.”

“And you won’t if you want them to keep breathing.”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa,” Leonard calls out, his hands waving in exaggeration.

Clearly his ass should have stayed home. I watch as he blocks his ears. “Quit being so dramatic.”

Penny crosses her legs and plasters on her sweetest smile. “What happens if women flirt with you? Does that give me permission to rip them into pieces?”

“No.”

“And why not? Isn’t this a classic case of double standards?”

“It breaks rule number two, where it clearly states that you will be safe.”

She folds her arms over her chest. “I very well might still be when I cut a bitch.”

“I won’t let you engage in physical combat for any reason.” I can feel my blood pressure rising.

“Then it would be in your best interest to send out a signal to all your side pieces that you are off their booty call list.”

What?Never mind. I refuse to engage with that nonsense. “Do you have any more questions?”

Penny holds up the document and rips it in half, handing me the two sections. “I quit. It’s going to be too much work.”

When she goes to stand up, I meet her where she is. “Are you serious? What the hell just happened? Can I at least have a chance to counter whatever stipulation you want to add or delete?”

I can feel my blood pressure reaching dangerous levels over Penny not wanting to engage in a relationship with me the only way I know how.

Then the corner of her mouth lifts. “Just teasing. I already signed the document an hour ago. Leonard has everything notarized or whatever lawyer lingo he used. No clauses were added, but I did have the section where you promise to sexually satisfy me bolded and underlined just for dramatic effect and so you don’t forget your end of the bargain.”

I turn to Leonard. I can’t believe they played this joke on me. “You’re a bastard.”

“An efficient one,” he says, shaking my hand while exiting the office. “At least I sealed the deal for you and didn’t allow you to jack this up.”

I flip off Leonard and then, looking at Penny, I let out a sigh. “That stunt just earned you your first real punishment.”

“This is my cue to leave.” Leonard snickers.

“Yes, leave,” I snap.

Penny claps her hands. “I’m so excited! I can’t wait.”

Yup. I’m fucked.

3

COLLINS

I already knew going into this that Penny was going to love every second, so I can’t be upset with her. Her enthusiasm and willingness to try out new things is freaking adorable.

“Where are we going?” Penny asks.

“To my bedroom.”

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