Page 93 of The Penalty

“Ah, I did hear about that. You’re a surprise to everyone. They eating you alive with all that shit?” Cox’s grandfather owned the New York Dragons, so I’m sure his family is in the same circles my brothers are.

“Is the gossip bad?”

“Not about you. Just about your father’s indiscretions and your older brother’s handling of the company.”

I study him for a minute not sure I should ask what I’m about to but fuck it. “Howishis running of the company?”

“How would I know. I don’t know anything about a billion dollar company or the running of it.”

“How’s the stock doing?” Cox asks like it’s the simplest thing.

“I don’t know.” I open my phone to check and see a text from Teddy.

Size Queen: i might have drank 2 much

Dick Tease: It’s only been like 15 minutes.

Size Queen: we did spicy shots

Dick Tease: What does that even mean?

Size Queen: it means i need u in my mouth

Dick Tease: You’re in a different state.

Size Queen: i will come 2 u

Dick Tease: Don’t leave whoever you are with.

Size Queen: but i need u!

Dick Tease: Promise me you’ll stay with your team!

Fuck. Without anyone knowing about us what can I even do?

Size Queen: do i have 2?

Dick Tease: Yes.

Size Queen: fine butt i better get 2 breedings 2morrow

Dick Tease: Deal.

Jesus fucking christ. Why is this so hard?

We meet at his place the next day, and I’m really hoping I don’t see Tobi.

I ghosted him yesterday because I didn’t think he’d take no for an answer and I haven’t yet replied to him today. Teddy is either still drunk or massively hungover. I’m not really sure which.

“Are you okay?” I ask when we get to his room.

“I am dead.” Teddy throws himself on his bed.

“Do you want me to go without you?” I’m already coming up with excuses for my brothers. I’ll have to just tell them he’s sick.

“No!” Teddy pulls a blanket over himself, making his situation look worse, not better.

“If you’re too sick to go, that’s okay.”

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