Page 88 of Wicked Spite
As I watch the playful exchange, I can’t help but feel reassured. I know Penn has spoken privately with Ramsey about Reese and trusts that he won’t do anything to harm her. That’s why I agreed to let Ramsey act as more of a bodyguard than a babysitter tonight. It’s clear they have a connection I’ve never seen her have with anyone else.
“Alright, lovebirds,” Ramsey calls out with a forced sigh as he rises from the recliner, “you two go enjoy your evening. We’ll take it from here.”
“Remember, Ramsey,” Penn says sternly, locking eyes with his cousin, “keep her safe.”
“You know I will,” Ramsey replies, nodding.
As we approach the Blackwood compound for lack of a better word, my breath catches in my throat. Each house, a testament to the power and wealth of this family, looms large. It’s ostentatious with the amount of land and the very large, very black ornate gate circling the whole perimeter. All it’s missing is a fucking steer skull on the front of it. Penn tells me that each of them will inherit one of these homes after they graduate college. I’m not sure why he’s chosen to bring me here tonight, other than the fact that it’s quiet and we can truly be alone. He just gets me. I’m not really a people person and having to go out and be in public is not my idea of a good time.
“Ready for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day?” Penn asks, his voice low and seductive as he wraps an arm around my waist. “I want to preface this before we go in that I picked everything out myself.”
“This is either going to be romantic, psychotic or both, Penn Blackwood,” I reply, my voice barely above a whisper, the excitement causing my pulse to quicken.
We enter his house, and without any warning, he scoops me up into his arms, carrying me over the threshold as if we had just gotten married. I can’t help but laugh, wrapping my arms around his neck as he sets me down on the other side.
“Welcome home,” Penn murmurs in my ear before planting a soft kiss on my cheek. I guess we’re going to ignore the elephant in the room, which is the agreement we came to about this marriage. I think I’ve more than proven myself that I’m not going to tell on him or his brothers, and he’s proventhat he’ll do whatever it takes to keep my sister safe. I don’t want to bring it up, because I don’t want any of this to end.
“Thank you,” I respond, my eyes welling up with emotion as I take in the sight that greets me inside the house.
Penn has gone all out for Valentine’s Day, with candles adorning every surface. The scent of bergamot and leather fills the air, creating a relaxing atmosphere for me. A fancy dinner is set up on the dining room table, evidence of the care and effort Penn put into arranging everything for me. Overwhelmed with emotion, I envelop him in a tight hug, thanking him for going above and beyond for us.
“We can skip dinner,” he breathes, grasping my chin and tilting my face up to meet his gaze. “I like Reese and all, but I’ve fucking missed having you to myself.” His lips crash onto mine in a passionate kiss, groaning as he pulls me into his chest.
I say, pulling away just enough to catch my breath, “you spoil me, and as much as I can’t wait to see what you have planned for tonight, I’m starving.”
“Only the best for my wife,” he teases, a wicked grin playing on his lips as he guides me to the table, pulling my chair out and helping me slide in. I expect him to sit across from me at the head of the table, but instead he pulls his chair up next to mine, his knee brushing my thigh. My stomach dips at the way he’s looking at me as if he can’t get enough of me. A branch whips in the wind against the bay window and startles me. I jump, leaning forward into Penn and I realize then how stiff I actually am right now. I need to relax, but I can’t help worrying about Reese with everything we’ve been through.
He murmurs, reaching over to take my hand, “you’re worried about our little hellion, aren’t you?”
I sigh, knowing I can’t hide anything from him. “I just want to make sure she’s okay. I trust your judgment?—”
“Hey,” he interrupts gently, squeezing my hand reassuringly. “Ramsey is more than capable of keeping her safe. He’s good with wielding large sticks and I had him up the security at the house. But if it’ll put your mind at ease, let’s check in with them.”
I nod gratefully, feeling a small weight lift from my shoulders. Penn takes out his phone and starts a video call with Ramsey. Instead of his face, we’re greeted by the cheery voice of Reese, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
“Sorry! Ramsey can’t come to the phone right now,” she teases, panning the camera around to reveal Ramsey lying on the couch, his face covered in green goo with a sparkly headband holding back his hair and cucumbers on his eyes. His glittery polished nails catch the light as he snores softly, completely oblivious.
“Reese!” I exclaim, stifling a laugh. “What on earth have you done to him? Did you drug him?” I turn to glare at Penn who holds up his hands, palms out defensively as if to say he has no idea what’s going on and didn’t loan her any sleeping aides.
Reese grins wickedly. “I didn’t have to drug him. I massaged his head with some lovely hair oil until he passed out like the big oaf he is. He’s going to have the softest, shiniest locks when he wakes up!”
Penn chuckles, shaking his head. “He’s going to be so pissed.”
“We’ll never hear the end of it,” I admit, my tension easing as I watch Reese’s playful antics. “Alright then, carry on with your spa night. Have fun, but nothing permanent. I expecthim to have both of his natural eyebrows intact next time I see him.”
“We’ll see where the night takes me!” Reese exclaims innocently before ending the call with a giggle.
Penn turns his full attention back to me, his gaze warm and tender. “I think maybe we should be more worried about my cousin than your sister.”
We talk throughout dinner, but Penn keeps one hand on my thigh the entire time. When I push my plate away and put my hand on top of his, it’s as if that’s the sign he’s been waiting for the whole night.
Penn stands up and holds out his hand for me to take. “Come on, time to go outside.” I place my hand in his, feeling the warmth of his fingers as they encircle mine, and we make our way onto the balcony.
The crisp night air brushes against my skin, sending a shiver down my spine. Penn wraps his arms around me from behind, his chest pressed against my back as we gaze up at the stars together. The vastness of the universe stretches out before us, and I can’t help but marvel at its beauty.
“Thank you,” I whisper, my words weighted with emotion. “For everything you’ve done for Reese and me. For saving her from that nightmare and me too. I don’t know what I’d do if I lost her.”
He squeezes me gently, his breath warm against my neck as he replies, “I’d do anything for you. I think it’s time you start to realize that.”
