Page 33 of The Penalty

“Is this what I’m to be subjected to?” The first twin says.

I already don’t like him.

“He seems like a delight, Oliver,” Colin replies. “I think we’re going to be friends.”

“Owen, please keep your husband in check. We don’t socialize with the enemy.”

“Who’s the enemy?” I ask, looking around.

“I don’t tell my husband what to do,” Owen replies and Colin snickers.

No one speaks again. It’s awkward.

I don’t like awkward. It makes me start talking. “So, brothers, huh? Wild. Must be pretty fucked to find out you have a bonus brother.”

Colin stifles a laugh and steps forward. “Teddy, why don’t you, me, and Isaac here—” he points to the wavy hair guy “—grab seats while they have a chat?”

I look at Rhys, and he gives me a little nod and squeezes my hand. I hold on a second longer but hide my smile as I turn away. That seems boyfriend-y. Am I doing this right?

Colin leads us to a few seats with reserved signs and sits. “So, tell us all about you.”

He crosses one knee over the other and leans on it.

“Well, I play hockey, but I shouldn’t say where.” I don’t want to start a war or anything. That would be embarrassing.

“Hockey?” Isaac says, looking over me. “I like your shoes.”

“Thanks! These are my fancy Crocs. I don’t wear them very often cause if I bend my foot wrong, it’ll make the glitter crack and peel.” I had a gold pair that did that. It was so disappointing.

“Oh, good to know.” Isaac reaches for his tie with a grimace and loosens it. “I can’t believe he made me wear this stupid thing.”

“Take it off so he’ll hate-fuck you later,” Colin butts in. “Do you play for a school?”

“Uh yeah…” I look around, then lean in so I can whisper it. “Summerset.”

“Ah, got it.” Colin looks over at the trio and plays with a ring he has on his finger. “And you’re with Rhys?”

Unease tightens my gut. I don’t know how to answer that. Tobi is better at this than I am. I’ve been told more times than I can count that I can’t read the room, whatever that means. Am I supposed to say yes? Pretend we’re dating or is Rhys’ plan different now that I’m here instead of Tobi?

Gah.I hate this. Thinking is hard. I don’t want to say the wrong thing and fuck this up for Rhys.

“It was my duty.”

The small man cocks his head and looks confused. “I don’t think I follow.”

I open my mouth to explain but get cut off when the brothers move toward us.

“Isaac.”

The man in question freezes with his eyes wide and his hands on his tie. I think he stops breathing.

“But…” Isaac starts, but the one who said his name gives him a look that even I can tell means trouble.

That same twin drags his eyes over me, taking in everything, like he has x-ray vision or something.

Can he see my underwear? It’s intense.

“I see your taste is as refined as my brother’s.” Who is he talking to?

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