Page 71 of The Penalty

Isaac smacks Oliver.

Oliver grabs Isaac’s hand. “That’s going to cost you.”

Isaac gets pink. They must have one of those bondage, dominance, shih tzu, macaroni relationships.

“No one’s going to get him a shirt?” Oliver asks as we all dig into our food. “Are we just going to pretend like this is normal?"

“I don’t think we have one that would fit him if I’m being honest, which I never am.” Colin smiles over at Oliver. “But you’re more than welcome to go through our closet at your own risk.”

“I’ll pass.” Oliver shakes his head. “So then we’ve just decided to be civil and pretend to be a family while his nipples are looking at me? I guess I’ve done worse for family.”

Owen cracks up. “His nipples are kinda looking at you.”

“I can’t help it. It’s cold in here.” I tuck my hands into my armpits, using my palms to cover my nipples.

“Don’t worry,” Rhys says through his teeth. “No one is making fun of you.”

“I was,” Oliver corrects. “Playfully. You’ll have to get used to it. It’s the only way we pass time.”

“I didn’t think he was making fun of me. My tits are great. I bench press the guys every morning to be sure.”

Colin turns to stare at him. “You do what?”

“I bench press the guys.”

“What a horrifying thought.” Oliver brings his napkin to his lips and dabs in a way I’ve only ever seen someone do in a movie. That can’t be effective.

“It’s pretty fun. They get to feel like they’re flying.” I try some of the food and it’s not too bad but I still can’t tell what it is. Very creamy though.

“Teddy, that’s the sauce for the fish. Would you like some fish to go with it?” Owen offers.

I hold out my plate, and he puts a piece of fish into my plate of runny sauce. “That makes a lot more sense. Bone apple titty.”

“His nipples are haunting me.” Oliver rubs his forehead.

“Ditto, but I like it,” Colin says.

Owen nods. “I’m with my husband.”

Rhys is growling again. It’s got to be genetic and I can’t blame him. My tits are great.

We finish up dinner, and it was great. Colin and Isaac gave me their numbers and I totally fit into rich society. I could be a duke.

Maybe Rhys would role play that with me… No, Teddy, what are you doing?

I clearly need to give myself a pep talk.

“What did you think?” Rhys asks me as we ride the elevator down.

“They all seem nice. Even Oliver.”

Rhys blinks at me. “Really?”

I nod. “He’s one of those tough exteriors, but I’ll crack him like a nut.”

Rhys growls again. “Please don’t.”

“Is that a furry thing? You didn’t answer earlier. You don’t have to be embarrassed. I like to be chased.”

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