Page 138 of The Penalty

“If you don’t need the money, and you don’t want to be involved in the business, just let Oliver deal with all thestress and the hard stuff and then you two can have a good relationship. Easy peasy.”

“That’s…remarkably smart, even if it hurts my head a little.”

“Being smart is a lot of work. That’s why I try not to do it often.” I give him a very serious nod. “I’m telling everyone you think I’m smart.”

“Yeah? Who? Your mom?”

“Yes.”

Rhys kisses my nose. “Why are you so adorable?”

“Because I focus on now instead of letting Future Teddy’s problems weigh me down today. It makes me awesome, and that’s why everyone likes me.”

“I love you,” Rhys says against my lips.

I’m jump scared by his words. I might have screamed. But we are going to ignore that.

How did he know I’ve been thinking about love all day? I can’t believe he said it first. He really said it? I stare into his eyes, realizing how happy I am.

“Well, that’s not good.” Rhys pulls back.

“What?!” I ask, grabbing him so he can’t get away.

“Nothing.” He keeps fighting my hold, but I do not let him go.

“It’s something!” And then I realize I was so surprised I didn’t say it back! “Rhys! Do not try to escape. I love you too!”

“Don’t say it just because I’m upset and you feel like you have to.”

“I’m not! I swear I’m not. I would never do that!”

He keeps fighting me.

“Rhys Gregory Godfrey, listen to me right now!” I yell.

He gets a funny look on his face. “Why do you think my middle name is Gregory?”

WhydoI think that? “Just sounded like it would fit.”

“It’s not.”

“What is your middle name?” I ask.

“I’m not telling you now.” He finally gets away from me.

I cross my arms over my chest. “Listen to me. I don’t care what your middle name is, but I do know I love you, Rhylander Godfrey.”

He starts laughing and I’m left confused. “What?”

“You can’t really think my name is Rhylander…”

“Tobi told me it was ages ago.”

Rhys keeps laughing. “He lied to you.”

I narrow my eyes. “That buttfucker.”

“I can’t believe you just believed him!”

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