Page 118 of Protected in Darkness
“Well, if it’s any consolation, I’m really glad she’s here,” she told him. “I’ve missed her.”
“I know you have.”
Penelope figured he wasn’t simply saying that. If she had to guess, he knew every single thought in her head. Not that she minded. She didn’t have anything to hide from him.
Theheurospbegan marching in, some carrying plates, others a variety of drinks. It only took a minute for them to get everyone’s food set up before they were slipping out again.
“Reidar?” Obsidian called out, catching the man’s attention.
“Yes, I’m sorry.” He motioned Winnie to her seat with a smile on his face. “Let’s eat.”
Penelope didn’t have to be told twice. As soon as everyone was seated, she dug in.
As everyone chowed down, conversations picked up. She caught bits and pieces of a few but didn’t contribute. It wasn’t until she heard a noise in the kitchen that she looked around and noticed Oliver wasn’t there. Not unusual because her brother did his best to avoid everyone, especially her. For the past few days, the only time he’d ventured out was when he wanted to bitch and moan, insist that he be let go. More often than not, he ended up storming out and sealing himself off in his room.
All eyes shifted to the doorway when Oliver came stumbling inside, Eclipse directly behind him. “Someone might want to get a leash. Caught this one trying to make a run for it.”
Of course he had. That was what? The fourth time? Maybe the fifth.
As though he sensed her, Oliver’s eyes shot right to Winnie, then slid to Eclipse. “What? Are you starting a collection? See how many humans you can accumulate?” His eyes darted back to Winnie. “Did you get hog-tied on the way here, too? Or was I the lucky one?”
Penelope glanced at Winnie, noticed her friend’s confusion.
Figuring now was not the time to have the wholeangels are realconversation, Penelope got to her feet and headed toward Oliver. “Can I talk to you for a minute?”
“Oh, look at that. My sister wants to chat. Maybe she can explain why the hell I can’t leave.”
She motioned him toward the kitchen, careful not to make contact. He was reluctant, but she finally managed to get him out of view of the door. The last thing she wanted was an audience.
“Will you stop it, Oliver?”
“Stop what?” he snapped, stepping toward her. “Stop being pissed off that you kidnapped me? That I’m being held hostage? That my entire life is going to shit because my sister’s shacking up with some crazy fuck?”
Feeling her brother’s wrath, Penelope took a step back, but Oliver continued to crowd her until she was backed up against the counter, nowhere to go.
“I’m sick of this shit, Penelope.” He stuck his face right in hers. “I know you don’t give a shit about me or my happiness, but the least you could do is stop being a bitch. Tell your boy in there to let me go and I promise, you’ll never have to see me again.”
Penelope inhaled sharply. Her brother had always been angry, but never had he told her how he really felt about her.
“I’m sorry, Oliver. It really is for your own good.”
Her brother’s hand curled around her arm and he roughly jerked her toward him. “Sister or not, I’m not going to put up with this shit anymore.”
She hissed as pain lanced every nerve ending, his touch as painful as the grip he had on her.
“I’ll give you one second to release her,” Obsidian growled from behind Oliver.
“Or what?” Her brother spun around, his hand still roughly gripping her arm. “Are you going to beat me to a pulp? Or seal my mouth shut? Huh? You’re lucky I don’t call the police.”
Penelope inhaled sharply, tried to ignore the sharp stabs of pain even as she attempted to pretend she couldn’t feel it. No sense inciting Obsidian further.
Obsidian eyes dropped to where Oliver was holding her. “Off. Now.”
Not kindly, Oliver released her before standing tall and facing off with Obsidian.
Penelope rubbed away the ache, regulated her breathing. For a fraction of a second, she considered getting between them, then thought better of it.
Obsidian stepped forward, then leaned down until he was nose to nose with Oliver. “You’re lucky I don’t send you back to the demon.”
