Page 37 of Wicked Spite
“That makes two of us,” one of Penn’s brothers chimes in, raising his glass in mock salute.
“Shut up, Lincoln.” The meanest looking one says and never lifts his eyes to look at me. The feeling’s mutual, Oscar.
“Let’s just get this over with as painlessly as possible,” I quip back, sliding into the empty seat next to Penn. The leather of my jacket creaks softly as I settle in, and I hope the scent of my perfume irritates his soul.
Penn names everyone at the table like he’s a kindergartener naming off his bestest friends in all the land. I greet all three of his brothers with a nod. My gaze flicks to the two Blackwood girlfriends, Iris and Oakley, who sit together between Lincoln and Jeremiah.
“Reagan, it’s nice to meet you,” Iris replies with a warm smile, her dark curls cascading around her shoulders like a waterfall. She looks like a smart girl, and I don’t know how the brute of a guy with his arm around her back manipulated her into falling in love with him. Oakley merely offers me a small nod, her eyes guarded like she feels very protective of everyone at this table. She’s the smallest one and arguably the sweetest looking here, but she gives me the vibe that she’s not as innocent as she presents herself.
Graham doesn’t acknowledge me at all. He’s hunched over his phone at the end of the table, completely engrossed in whatever’s on the screen. My earlier thought was correct. He’s definitely Oscar theGrouch.
“Something interesting?” I ask, leaning forward slightly to catch his eye.
“Breaking news.” Graham’s voice is tense as he lifts his head, locking eyes with me before turning his attention to Penn. “Two houses in Compass Pointe Estates just burned down.”
The table goes silent, and everyone’s gazes shift to Penn, suspicion flickering in their eyes. I can practically feel the tension mounting in the air, my own heart skipping a beat as I wait for his response.
“Really?” Penn asks, feigning innocence. “Not every fire is my handiwork.”
“Come on, Penn,” Lincoln chides, his brow furrowing. “You’ve got to admit, it’s usually you.”
“Maybe,” Penn smirks. “Regardless,” Penn says, cutting through the silence, “this evening is supposed to be about my lovely wife.”
“Right,” Iris agrees, her eyes still flicking between Penn and me. “How did you two meet?”
“And are you under duress?” Oakley adds, trying very hard to keep the laughter out of her voice. She knows Penn well, it seems.
“Of course…” I murmur under my breath. “…not.”
“Everyone around Penn is under duress at all times,” Graham grumbles, setting his phone down with a sigh. “This is a dumb idea and all of you know it, so I want it on record that I don’t condone any of it.”
I can’t help but roll my eyes as Penn flashes a mischievous grin, casually dismissing the accusation. “Arson, taking a hostage for a wife, what else are you guys going to accuse me of?” His long leg stretches out under the table, nudging mine playfully. I can feel the heat of his touch even throughthe fabric of my jeans, the sensation sending sparks up my spine.
“Careful listing all your felonies publicly,” I warn, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “We wouldn’t want you to incriminate yourself further.”
Penn chuckles, clearly enjoying the banter. “Oh, come on, Rae Rae. You should know by now that I’m far more subtle than that.”
“Subtle?” I snort, unable to help myself. “You’re about as subtle as a sledgehammer.”
“Ouch,” he feigns hurt, placing a hand over his heart dramatically. “You wound me, hellfire.”
“Speaking of wounding,” I lean in, lowering my voice so that only he can hear. “I’ve been meaning to ask. Aren’t we technically not legal since we haven’t consummated our marriage? Or did we, when I was unconscious?”
A wicked smile curls at the corner of his lips, his eyes darkening with mischief. “Are you asking me to fuck you,Mrs. Blackwood?”
“Answer the question,Mr. Blackwood.” I raise a challenging eyebrow, refusing to back down.
“Hellfire,” he purrs, leaning closer, his breath hot against my ear. “I can assure you that when we finally consummate this marriage, there will be no doubt in your mind that it has happened.”
My cheeks flush at his words, warmth pooling deep within me as I imagine just what he might mean. But I refuse to let him see how much he affects me, pushing back my own desires in favor of maintaining control. I lean away from him, a sly grin on my face as I tease, “Promises, promises.”
“Trust me,” he murmurs, his voice low and seductive. “I always deliver on my promises.”
“Is that so?” I challenge, locking my eyes with his.
“Absolutely,” Penn confirms, his gaze never leaving mine. “And when the time comes, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.”
“Bold words, Blackwood,” I warn, my heart pounding in my chest. “I was born disappointed in everyone and everything.”
