“It’s a gift.Technically I gave it to you on Friday, I just haven’t been able to show you yet,” I say.
She stiffens with curiosity.
“Okay,” she says skeptically.
I lean far enough to grab my phone, resettle her on top of me with her ass firmly in my lap, and pull up the office security feed from Friday.
Her sharp inhale shifts her entire body.I ignore the incessant throbbing of my cock.
I watch from above her head as police arrest Julie Kim, the secretary for the executive floor.
Penelope scoffs as they drag her through the busy lobby, enjoying the way everyone turns to stare as my former employee struggles and argues.
“She’ll never land a job that pays more than minimum wage in New York City ever again,” I announce.
Penelope’s shoulders shake.Concern flows through me.She covers her face with her hands.
“Thank you,” she says behind her shield.
Worry worms through me.She said Julie was not an active participant in her bullying throughout high school, but she seemed eager for revenge once I confirmed Julie locked her in the server room.
Afraid I made her cry, I grab both her hands in one of mine and pull them away from her face.
No tears stream down her cheeks.She snickers, chokes, then loses the battle with her emotions.
Laughter bursts from her chest and wracks her entire body.
She rolls around and wraps her arms and legs around me.
“Thank you, Sebastian.I love it.It’s the best gift anyone has ever given me.”
Still chortling, she quickly falls asleep on top of me.
I smile and run my fingers through her damp hair.Less than a few breaths later, I follow her into slumber.
Peace flows through me.I have Penelope right where she belongs: in my arms and lodged so deep in my heart there is no extracting her.
Except, as I drift into sleep, I recall a truth that’ll hurt her to her very marrow.
Her brother intends to marry her high school bully.
Dread pulses through me.
Chapter 17
Penelope Miles
My head vibrates in time with my alarm, but the clarity in my mind fills me with relief.I reach over, not lifting my head from Sebastian’s bare chest, and read the description before sliding the button to dismiss the alarm.
Has it only been a week since I last visited the tattoo parlor?Not only do I have my internship this morning, but my favorite piercer promised to make time for my next addition.
“What’s wrong?”
Sebastian’s deep, sleep-roughened voice arrows straight to my core.I shiver and snuggle harder against him.
“Nothing.I want to take you somewhere,” I say.
“I’ll go anywhere you want me to,” he rumbles.
