Page 94 of Crowned Queen (Blood Empire 2)

“I understand.”

“But...” She looks up at me, hope creeping into her eyes. “If he can pass a test, I’ll allow you to hang out in my apartment.” There’s nothing in there of importance anymore and Sam has moved his stuff into the house already, so there's only some furniture left. “And, only if Lola is willing to chaperone. I’m not dumb enough to leave horny teens alone.”

She blushes, but nods her head. It’s still pretty early in the day, so I have enough time to schedule this in.

“Where is he?” I ask.

“Outside.”

“You sure you want this? Because what we were about to do might traumatize the boy, but if he doesn't leave here running like a little bitch, crying to his mama, then...” I shrug.

“I kind of told him to expect as much.” She sighs, not surprised by my words.

“Bring him in,” I tell her. “Neo, take this fucker downstairs and strap him to a chair.”

“Yes, my Queen,” he says, going over to the guy and throwing him over his shoulder. He heads out of the room, but makes sure to knock the guy’s head against the doorframe.

“Wait. Is he going to be watching?” Dean asks.

I snort out a laugh. “You think I’m stupid enough to let some strange boy witness a murder? No. We're gonna scare the shit out of him, show him some body parts in a jar, have a little fun with him.”

“Harlow. That’s kinda mean,” Evie scolds.

“If the kid wants to be with Penny badly enough, he will have to deal with it.”

Penny comes back into the club, leading a tall, skinny boy with blonde, shaggy hair and glasses over to us. The kid already looks like he's ready to piss his pants, but there's also determination in his eyes. Penny quietly says something to him and he looks at her like she hung the moon just for him.Alrighty, a point on his side.

She walks over to me, leaving him standing there like a skittish animal, and stops next to me with an apprehensive look. “You're not going to hurt him are you?”

“Has he ever laid his hands on you the wrong way, or treated you badly?” I ask.

Her eyes widen and she's quick to shake her head. “Never. He treats me amazingly.” A smile takes over her face, and I can tell she really is in love with this boy. But, I still need to make sure.

“Then, no. Not unless he does something to warrant my wrath.” She nods and holds her hand out for the boy. He quickly rushes over, taking her hand in his.

“This is Robby.”

“Do you know who I am, Robby?” I ask him.

“Y–yes,” he stutters.

“Do you know what I do to people who hurt other people? Especially my family? And if you weren’t aware, Penny here is my family.”

He looks at Penny first before answering me. “You make them pay.”

“That I do. And depending on their level of crime, a number of things could happen. So, come with me. We would like to get to know you a little better,” I say, turning around and heading for my office, the others following behind.

“You wait here,” I tell Penny, pointing to the couch outside my office.

Robby looks at Penny with fear.

“It’s okay, she won't hurt you,” Penny reassures him, giving him a kiss on the cheek and an encouraging smile.

“She won’t,” Neo says, stepping up to the boy and putting his arm around his shoulders, giving him a Cheshire grin. “But I might.”

Neo dips into my office with a chilling laugh, leaving the poor boy shaking. He seems to be unable to move, so Cass gives him a little push into the room. Dean and Axel follow, and I close the door behind us.

“So...” I say, walking over to my desk, my heels clicking with each step. “What are your intentions with Penny?” I take a seat in my chair, placing my arms on the armrests.

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