Page 10 of The Penalty

I’m not sure whyI sought out the bubbly girl who claimed me as her con buddy in line. Normally, I’m more than happy to attend these rare events by myself. Between school, hockey, and jobs, I don’t often get the opportunity, so I’m thrilled to be here. After we split up to join the alphabetical registration lines, I was planning on grabbing my lanyard and losing myself in the horde. It wouldn’t be too hard with the mass of people who have already spilled into the sprawling conference center. And when I got through, I didn’t spot her bright red Black Widow wig. Disappearing in this crowd would be easy. I’d be just another nerd, but I didn’t. Instead, I leaned against a big square pillar, waiting until she came bouncing out the doors.

“Castle! You waited.” The smile she gives me spreads across half her round face, and her blue eyes are sparkling when theyland on me. Her use of my character’s real name has my lips twitching for the second time since I met her.

“Looks like it, Romanoff.”

Maybe I need to get laid. It’s been a long summer working three jobs. Without the guys around to drag me to bars and social gatherings, it’s been a few months since I enjoyed the company of a woman. That must be it. Those luscious curves encased in all that tight black latex are mesmerizing.

“Where to first?” She joins me at the little oasis by the pillar I found off to the side of the room. She’s rooting through the black leather crossbody bag slung over her chest.

It’s a nice touch. She brought a bag, but it blends in with her costume. My worn backpack might be out of place with the bad ass Punisher look, but I never leave home without it. Force of habit I haven’t been able to shake despite my few years of security at Lakeview.

“It’s got to be in here somewhere.” She’s got a wad of folded up papers in her hand, and she’s still digging in her bag like a crazed squirrel.

Something gold catches the light as it clatters to the floor, and I duck down to pick it up at the same time as her. A musical laugh bubbles out as she looks up at me, and a pang of need punches me in the gut. She’s even more gorgeous up close. Full lips painted into a defined bow, the shadow of a dimple in her chin, and round cheeks.

Her soft hand brushes mine as I pass her the tube of lipstick.

“Thanks.” Her voice has gone a little husky and my eyes zero in on the line of her pale neck as she swallows hard.

“Of course. What are you looking for?” I ask her, straightening up and leaning back to put some distance between us. I refold my arms over my chest. My dick came to life at the sight of those lips, but now is not the time. If I’m lucky, maybe I’ll get to taste them later.

“My schedule. I had the entire day planned out, but I don’t know...” She trails off, holding up the wad of papers in front of me.

“I printed a schedule. Let me grab it.”

Her eyes fall on the faded red backpack, and I hug it to my chest, eyes narrowing.

But the expected judgment never comes. Instead, she goes back to digging through the mess of her own bag. My shoulders relax and I drop a hand on hers to still the constant motion.

“I got this.”

I pull a blue plastic folder out of the backpack, carefully fastening the snap before she can take a peek. It’s got a printed copy of my hostel booking information, my bus tickets, con registration, and the schedule for the weekend. I’ve highlighted the events I want to attend and made some notes on the papers about tables to visit.

Her eyes widen, and she looks down at the mess in her hands sheepishly. “Impressive.”

I shrug, a little embarrassed, but I need things to be organized. There was so much unpredictability in my childhood I can’t help planning things out in detail. Make sure everything is in order, so I don’t end up disappointed, or lost. Missing out on the thing I’ve saved up all year to attend. “Sorry.”

“What? That’s amazing. I only wish I were as organized as you.”

I duck my head, fixating on the neon colors of the highlighted schedule in front of me. As I run a finger down the events, she leans in close, sneaking a look. A hit of her perfume washes over me. It’s soft and bright, like clean laundry and fresh lemons.

“It’s all coming back to me.” She jabs at the paper. “I had my eye on most of the same panels, and I totally want to check out Heller’s booth, too. I’m so into his Black Tree chronicles. So dark and dirty. I love his style.”

“Really?” It’s hard to keep the surprise out of my voice. His work is super gritty. I’m not sure what I expected from this woman, but it wasn’t that. Figures. I should know better than to judge a person by their looks. Some of the worst people in my life hid behind veneers of generosity and kindness, but when they got you in private, you saw their true selves. Anyway, I should know better.

“Yeah, don’t sound so surprised. A girl can do her makeup and wear pink and still be into dark stuff.”

I check her out again. Seems like my eyes keep getting pulled back to her, trailing down her stunning body. I nod. “If we’re going to hit the Women in Comics panel, we should go. Probably be busy.”

“Yes. You’re right. Let’s go.”

She jumps into action, tugging on my arm as she trots off to weave through the crowds of people milling about in excited groups. It’s hard to keep up with her. My large body doesn’tquite fit through the narrow holes she’s punching through the attendees. I have to apologize more than once when an elbow or hand strays off the path to collide with a stranger.

There’s a lineup at the door to Hall C, but it’s not too bad yet. The panel doesn’t start for half an hour, but it’s in one of the smaller rooms. I’m sure they’ve underestimated the attendance for this one. There’s still not enough female representation in the comic book world.

“I’m so glad I found you. I would have still been rifling through my papers looking for the schedule if you hadn’t saved the day. And then what? I would have missed this panel. The one I’ve been waiting for. Hahn is my very favorite artist of any gender. The fact she’s a woman is just the cherry on top.”

“I’m sure you would have found someone else to befriend. Or maybe grabbed the schedule from your program.” I slip the folded stack of red paper from the swag bag I got when we checked in, waving it at her.

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