Page 26 of The Penalty

“Don’t worry I will!” Colin says and then launches into an epic tale of what really is fake marriage into real marriage, including a whole thing about Oliver having their naked pictures.

“So he just pulled out your porn stills in front of you with a straight face?” I ask, astonished. And I thought my fucking life was weird.

“When you say it that way.” Owen makes a face.

“When I say it that way?! I don’t think there is normal time to have your sibling followed by a PI.”

“You’d be surprised. I can think of half a dozen reasons.” Owen lifts a shoulder.

“Six?!” I cut myself off and throw my hands up. “Actually, don’t tell me. And this is what I have to look forward to?”

“If you cause a big enough issue…solid maybe.” Owen mutters. “But that’s not the worst part. The worst part is when he really decides something and whatever you want goes against that. Then he gets nasty.”

“And that’s why you’re here?” I think I’m starting to understand why Owen wants a truce.

“Partly.” Owen pauses for a second. “But also, because Colin thought it would be a good idea to not let you face Oliver’s wrath alone.”

“And I also think you’ll annoy him. He seems to have gotten too used to me and I thought I’d liven things up,” Colin says with a massive grin.

“So I’m a pawn.”

Owen and Colin both shake their heads.

“No,” Owen says. “We are offering you an olive branch, and help understanding Oliver?—”

Colin cuts him off. “So you don’t have to deal with his worst when you inevitably piss him off not even knowing how you did or meaning to.”

Owen points at Colin. “That happens a lot. I do it almost daily.”

“So what are you telling me to do?” I ask carefully, still not sure what to make of all of this.

“We aren’t telling you to do anything. I would like for us to get along?—”

Colin cuts him off. “He means for Oliver to tolerate you so he can get to know you.”

“Yes. But I think Oliver will want to too. You’re our brother. That means something to me.” Owen finishes quietly, and I believe him.

“And I want to see how much it annoys Oliver until he eventually accepts you,” Colin adds.

“Do you really think that’s going to happen?” I ask skeptically.

“Yes, he is fearfully loyal to family and once he sees you as our brother, he will be.”

I want to believe Owen so bad, but I just can’t see it happening. “He seemed pretty against that.”

“He’ll come around when he sees you aren’t a threat.” Owen may think he’s reassuring me, but I’m not so sure he is.

“What do I have to do to not be a threat?” I’m stuck in this damn place of wanting what Owen is offering, but also hating Oliver for not liking me. I didn’t ask for any of this.

Owen sighs, taking his cup in both hands. “It’s not like that.”

“It sounds a little like that.”

Owen nods. “Oliver means well. He wants to protect the family name and the company. It will take time, but we’re on your side.”

“But you want me to take some of Oliver’s shit in the process?”

Owen tips his head from side to side. “Not exactly, just try not to completely piss him off for the time being so we can ease him into it. He needs baby steps.”

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