Chapter 104

"You think you can get away with just water..."

"Patience, Mr. Olson," Penelope said smoothly. "This is just an apology. I truly can't drink anymore because my husband doesn't allow it."

Theodore, who had been leaning forward to tap the ash from his cigarette, froze for a fraction of a second before letting out a soft, almost inaudible scoff.

"Oh? You're married? Is your husband someone we know?" another man asked, playing along.

Everyone in their circle had heard the rumors about her and Zebulon.

Penelope feigned a shy smile. "My husband is quite formidable. He's a black belt in Taekwondo, a fitness fanatic, all muscle. His fists are like stones-one punch could probably break a man's bones."

Who was she trying to scare?

But her words did have an effect. A few of the men who had been cheering Jason on suddenly quieted down.

"Ha!" Michael burst out laughing. When everyone looked at him, he quickly explained, "I was just thinking how impressive Ms. Laurier's husband sounds!"

It was obvious Michael knew about her and Theodore. Penelope shot him a subtle glare before getting up and beginning to circle the table counter-clockwise.

"This is just a game, and it should be voluntary. If anyone doesn't want to be kissed, or if you have a wife at home who might object, just drink the contents of your glass. I'll take that as a sign."

The few men who had gotten nervous earlier quickly downed their drinks.

But several others, encouraged by Jason, started drumming their fingers on the table, creating a ripple of anticipation.

Penelope's eyes narrowed. She walked over to Michael and tapped him on the shoulder.

He immediately drained his glass and, ever the instigator, remarked loudly, "Look at them, Ms. Laurier. They clearly don't know what's good for them."

She shot him a dark look before moving past him and stopping behind Jason.

"I'd like to add a little twist," she announced.

Jason's eyes lit up. "Go on."

"Whoever I kiss tonight..." she paused for effect, "gets to take me home. How does that sound?"

"Depends on whose home we're talking about," he leered.

"Once I'm in the car, I suppose that's up to you, isn't it?"

Jason let out a greasy chuckle. "Ms. Laurier, you really like to live dangerously."

"What, getting cold feet?"

"Who's scared? I can't wait."

"Then I have one more small request. Nothing too demanding, I promise."

"Of course!"

"I'm playing along to make sure everyone has a good time. It would be a shame if the person I kissed got angry instead. So, need him to say one thing I'm not angry with you anymore."

"Easy enough," Jason declared. "If you've got a mouth, you can say it."

The others agreed, and the game continued.

Penelope then walked right past Jason, leaving him looking flustered. But as she bypassed the other men one by one, his anticipation grew again.

There was only Theodore left. Surely, this woman had enough sense to know that you don't mess with him.

Penelope approached Theodore. He

was leaning back in his chair, one leg crossed over the other, casually

swirling the wine in his glass. He

seemed completely different to the game.

The wine in his glass was untouched, meaning he was still in. In that case, she wouldn't hold back.

She walked right up to him, swung

her leg over, and settled onto his tap.

As his head snapped up, his face

darkening she leaned down and captured his lips with hers,

...