Page 82 of Delayed Penalty

“What?”

He rolls his head, his silver eyes bright. “Why does Flora want a cat?”

I smile. “Because she’s a kid and all kids want a pet. Didn’t you?”

“Yeah, but I dropped it as soon as I was told I wasn’t allowed to have one.”

“She was told that too, by your brother. He said she wasbadanddidn’t deserveone.”

His dark brows slash together. “I fucking hate him.”

I nod. “I think I do too.”

He turns his stare back to the ceiling, going quiet once more. I watch him watch the blades of the ceiling fan turn and turn and turn again until my eyes are heavy with sleep, and I close them, ready to fall under its spell.

I don’t know how long passes until Hayes says, “She can have the damn cat.”

I fall asleep with a smile on my face.

CHAPTER 16

SERPENTS SINGLES GROUP CHAT

Lawson: Did anyone pack any extra underwear? I need to borrow some.

Locke: What in the actual fuck, Lawson?

Lawson: Well, did you?

Hayes: You are absolutely NOT asking that right now.

Fox: Look, I’m friendly and all, but that’s too far even for me.

Hutch: I hate this group chat.

Keller: Fucking same.

Lawson: NONE OF THESE ARE REAL ANSWERS!

Lawson:I need underwear.

Hayes: Then go buy some!

Lawson: Dude, have you SEEN the prices of underwear these days? Those things are expensive!

Hutch: You make millions of dollars, dude.

Lawson: Easy for you to say. You’re dating a billionaire.

Hutch: Who happens to be your girlfriend’s sister. Does Rory know you’re so chill about the idea of wearing other people’s underwear?

Lawson: She’d totally understand.

Locke: But would she?

Fox: I’m guessing no. Because again…too far, Lawson. Too far.

Lawson: Whatever. You guys are the worst. Acting like I wouldn’t wash them or something. I’m not rude. I have manners.

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