Page 70 of The Anaconda Downstairs

I fast forwarded through Odin's intro about how he was going to save the fucking world from fake influencers, but when I got to the cut, I instantly realized what I was seeing. That fucker had followed me and Pen out of the bar and recorded our conversation in the parking lot.

The video was grainy, clearly shot from a distance, and mostly focused on Penelope. Pen's voice came through, distorted but clear enough, though he'd also added subtitles.

“I just... I didn't think someone like you could ever be interested in someone like me.”

Then the close up cut to me, and I was frowning.

Of course the video cut off there, making it look like I'd rejected Penelope. Like I'd been disgusted. Fucking hell.

The video jumped to Odin's smug face, and I was ready to smash my phone.

“Is this your body positivity icon?” He didn't sneer like I expected. He shrugged, making out like he was just posing the question to make the viewers think. Like he was fucking doing them a favor. “Seems like even she doesn't believe the lies she's selling. Stay tuned to this series where I'll help you find a better path to being the best you.”

“That manipulative piece of sh—” I bit off the curse, aware I was still in the practice facility.

I immediately dialed Pen. Straight to voicemail. Same with Kelsey's phone. It wasn't like I could call Dec. He was here at practice too.

“God fucking damn it,” I muttered, running a hand through my hair. I needed to get to Pen, now.

I burst back into the meeting room. “Coach, I gotta go. Family emergency.”

I was in my car and peeling out of the parking lot before I even had a chance to think. I sped towards Declan and Kelsey's place, and my phone was going ballistic with notifications. I glanced down at a red light, seeing a flood of reactions pouring in.

@BodyPosiFitGurrrl: I knew it. @BestiesBestie has always made my alarm bells ring with the way she hides herself in videos

@BigGirlBody143: Give her a break. We all have insecurities. That's the point.

@GetFitFanatic81: No wonder she went after a notorious chubby chaser. She knows she can't get better. #GetFitNotFat

@OzLife2001: There're so many ways to lose weight. I don't get why she doesn't even try. #Lazy

That last one made me see red. I gripped the steering wheel so hard my knuckles turned white. These people didn't know Pen. They didn't know how hard she worked, how much she cared, how she'd helped so many people.

I screeched into Declan's driveway like I was driving a getaway car and sprinted through the door. “Pen, Kelsey, it's me, I'm here.”

I found Kelsey on the phone pacing, her usual sparkle dimmed by worry. “Yes, I want triple the regular security around the house. Yes, immediately. Thank you for your help.”

Once she hung up, she just gave me a nod and pointed to the stairs. “She won't come out of her room.”

I took the steps two at a time, my heart pounding. When I reached Pen's door, I knocked gently. She needed me calm andsteady right now. I could punch walls later. “Pen? It's me. Can I come in?”

Silence.

“Penelope, please,” I said, leaning my forehead against the door. “I'm not going to let you hide, baby.”

I heard a muffled sob, and I fucking snapped. I wouldn't stand here and listen to her cry. I wouldn't let her isolate herself when she needed support the most.

“I'm coming in,” I announced, turning the handle. The door was locked. Not for fucking long. I took a step back and threw my shoulder into it. The lock gave way with a crack, and I stumbled into the room.

Pen was curled up on her bed, her face buried in a pillow. She looked up at me, her eyes red and puffy. “What are you?—”

I didn't let her finish. In two strides, I was at the bed. I scooped her up in my arms, cradling her against my chest.

“Everett,” she squeaked, surprised. “What are you doing?”

“Taking care of my woman,” I said, my voice gruff with emotion. I carried her out of the room, down the stairs, and into the living room where Kelsey, who'd been joined by Neith and Jules, was waiting.

“Everett, you can put me down now,” Pen protested weakly, but her arms tightened around my neck.

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