Chapter 105

Holy crap!

It's over! This is a disaster!

Is this woman clueless or just suicidally brave?

She actually dared to kiss him? He was the one person they had all instinctively excluded from the game!

Penelope wasn't quite as fearless as she appeared. Her heart was pounding, and in her nervousness, she accidentally bumped his teeth. Seeing his expression grow even colder, she softened the kiss, her lips moving against his gently, coaxingly, as if trying to appease him.

Just when everyone expected Theodore to shove her away, or even slap her, he simply wrapped his hand around the back of her neck, lifting her off his lap as if she were a scruffy kitten.

"Stay away from me," he commanded, his voice dangerously cold.

The chill in his words, though directed at Penelope, seemed to lower the temperature of the entire room.

But Penelope just pouted. "I kissed you. Now you have to say you're not angry."

Theodore's eyes narrowed. "Are you giving me orders?"

"Or are you just a sore loser?"

His jaw tightened, his face an icy mask.

An idea sparked in Penelope's mind, and a mischievous glint appeared in her eyes. "In that case, I'll just have my big, brawny husband-the one built like a bear-come and shatter your bones with a single punch!"

Theodore almost cracked. He had likely never encountered a woman so audacious and thick-skinned. The corner of his mouth twitched, threatening to form a smile.

"Are you scared?" she pressed.

"Terrified," he deadpanned.

"Then say it."

"I'm... not angry anymore."

Her scheme successful, Penelope finally let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. She couldn't afford to get on his bad side now. If he held a grudge, he might back out of their partnership at the meeting on Monday.

The others watched, dumbfounded. They couldn't believe such a simple trick had worked on the notoriously difficult Mr. Stapleton.

...

The rain was coming down harder now. Penelope decided to get a ride home with Theodore. Since his car was parked on the west side of the property, they left through a side gate. As the car passed the main entrance, she saw Zebulon still standing there, anxiously peering inside. His phone calls went unanswered; she had already blocked his number.

"Did you enjoy your little game?"

Penelope turned to find Theodore watching her, one eyebrow raised, his eyes sharp.

She rolled her eyes playfully. "Want to play again, Mr. Stapleton?" He said nothing.

She let out a dramatic sigh, grabbing the front of his shirt and leaning in as if to kiss him again. He stopped her by placing a hand on hero forehead and pushing her away.

"From now on..."

"I swear I won't have another drop of alcohol until after the baby is born," she promised quickly.

"Hmph."

"And I promise to start taking the medicine tomorrow."

"Hmph."

"No cold foods, no alcohol, and no... what was the other thing?"

"No sex."

"Well, that's on you," she retorted. "I can't exactly have sex by myself."

Theodore turned to look at her, his expression one of pure disbelief. "How can you be so shameless?"

Penelope sniffed. "Am I wrong? You're my husband, and I don't have any other man. If you're determined to refuse me, it's not like I can force you."

"Just shut up."

The driver dropped her off at her villa first. As she got out, she intended to wave goodbye to Theodore but he didn't even roll down the window. She just shrugged and walked away.

When she got home, she saw the lights were on and briefly worried about a break-in. But when she opened the door, she found Rebecca, who had shamelessly moved back in.

"Penelope where have you been?

Why are you back so late? Was

Zebulon

with you?

asked

acting as none of their previous unpleasantness had ever happened.

"Weren't you staying with the Sullivans? What are you doing back here?" If Rebecca wasn't going to feel awkward, Penelope would make sure she did.

Rebecca forced a laugh. “It just wasn't convenient staying there, so I came back. You don't mind, do you?"