Page 104 of Oblivion

“Uh, yeah.” I rubbed at the back of my neck, trying to decide how far I should drop Penny in it.

“It was an accident,” she blurted, waving her hands around in a fluster. “I was having a… I panicked and I’m really sorry for wasting everyone’s time.”

Rick gave her a dubious look, then turned his frown on me. “You’ll be sent the bill. Don’t pay, and your lease will be terminated.”

I crossed my arms over my chest and glared. “It’ll be paid.”

“Good. Now, once the fire guys have done a building sweep to ensure there is no other cause for concern, you’ll be allowed to re-enter. Until then, hang tight.”

“Thanks,” I muttered to his departing back.

What a fucking joke.I turned my displeased glower on Penny, satisfied when she visibly gulped.

“Look, Dante, I’m sor—”

I shook my head, not wanting to hear another apology. “Wanna grab some coffee down the road while we wait?”

Her expression relaxed, and damn if it didn’t soften my heart. As for her smile… that knocked me for six.

“I’d like that. I’ll pay.”

“Damn straight you will, jailbait.”

Penny’s face was priceless, and I left her in a state of confusion over my meaning.

Money or otherwise sweeter, Penny would pay. And either way, I wouldn’t be turning her down.

CHAPTERFORTY

Dante

I stayed up late after Penny went to bed that night. Chilled on the couch with a beer, mindlessly watching TV. I took a slow sip from the bottle, then scoffed as my thoughts turned to the forbidden woman upstairs.

On a whim, I picked up my phone and fired off a quick message to Forrest, surprised when he immediately called.

“I thought you’d forgotten about us down there in America’s Finest City!”

“Hey, brother,” I replied through a chuckle. “The fuck you still doing up?”

He laughed as if it wasn’t after midnight back in Kentucky. “You know me. Always up for a little fun.”

I snickered. “You with a girl?”

Rolling laughter came through the phone. “Nah, not now. Just walkin’ home after a little night cap.”

“Nice for some.”

“Trouble in paradise?”

“I sure as fuck wouldn’t call this paradise, man,” I drawled, then lifted the beer to my lips again.

“Tell me a story while I’m walkin’ home, Lote.”

My laugh was deep and low, almost cynical. “So, my current job is providing personal security to a politician's daughter.”

“Nothin’ out of the box there.”

“It is when said daughter is the same chick I boned in Vegas.”

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