“You can,” I interrupt gently. “You just don’t want to draw attention.”
Silas nods. “Say you have a headache.”
The corner of her mouth twitches like she might laugh or cry or bite someone. “You two are ridiculous.”
“And you’re overwhelmed,” I counter. “Let us help.”
Before she can respond, Talon steps closer to Penelope, practically shoulder to shoulder, eyes scanning her face like he’s cataloging every twitch. “Help with what?”
She stiffens. It’s tiny, but I see it.
I shift my stance, putting myself slightly between them. “Talon, not now.”
He ignores me. “You’re leaving?”
Penelope swallows. “I just need some air.”
“With them?” His voice cracks on the wordthem, the jealousy noticeable. But underneath the jealousy, there’s something darker building. Something possessive. Something that makes my jaw tense.
Silas steps in closer. “She doesn’t answer to you.”
“But she answers to you two?” Talon snaps back. “Seriously?”
Penelope’s eyes squeeze shut for half a second like she’s prepping for impact.
I take a step closer to Talon. “Penelope needs space.”
“I was talking to her,” he fires back.
“And she doesn’t want to talk to you,” Silas says, voice rough.
Talon’s jaw twitches. “Because she’s sleeping with both of you?”
Penelope flinches.
I let out a slow breath. “This isn’t a conversation we’re having at this party, around all these people.”
Talon crosses his arms, chest puffed like he’s gearing up for a fight. “Then when? After you two drag her away from her dad’s house like you’re rescuing a princess?”
Silas looks seconds from breaking his nose.
Penelope groans into her palms. “Please, stop.”
But Talon doesn’t. He lowers his voice, eyes locked on her. “You came on my fingers just this week and you’re fucking my uncles?”
She lifts her head slowly, exhaustion clinging to her. “Talon, I didn’t know who they were.” She presses a hand to her forehead. “I’m going to pass out.”
That’s when I make the call.
“Penelope,” I say, voice low and steady, “we’re leaving.”
Talon’s head snaps toward me. “I’m coming too.”
“No,” Silas says.
“Excuse me?” Talon snaps.
“You’re staying,” I tell him. “You’re going to stay here and babysit Abi.”
