Page 16 of Uncrowned

I could definitely make that happen.

“… more than anything.”

“Answer me this. Is it from life or from your duties?”

Penelope shifted, turning more in the window seat as she drew her knees to her chest. She wore a pair of white slacks with a pale blue ruffled blouse. If she wore shoes, I couldn’t see them.

“From my identity. If I were someone else—if I were free⁠—”

“You’d still have responsibilities.”

“I don’t mind those. I would gladly have a job or go back to the university. I loved it there. I was monitored, but at least I could breathe.”

“What about marriage? Will you not be free married to this man?”

Penelope rolled her eyes. “Maybe. I don’t know. John, he’s not who I think he is. I’ve known him my entire life, and yet, I don’t think I know him at all. There are whispers. I’m scared,” she barely got out. “What kind of man could do such a thing? Hurt children? Who is he, really? My mother seems to think I can get control of him, but this could go bad for me. This could be very, very bad.”

I didn’t respond.

“I keep wanting to address you, but I don’t know what to say. Please give me a name this time.” At my silence, she sighed. “If you won’t give me a name, I’m just going to make one up, and I’ll never ask again. How about Charlie? Or Petey?”

“Don’t you dare.”

I smiled, not able to stop myself. Penelope burst out laughing.

“There we go. You’re back to talking. So… not a Charlie, eh? Hmm, what about Jack?”

“No.”

“Louis? George?”

“No.”

Still, I smiled, even if it was barely there through the sudden warmth in my chest.

“Dalton? Harrison?”

“You’re never going to guess. You might as well not try.”

“But I have to call you something when we talk. I like you…”

The euphoria at her words vanished as a car pulled in across the street. The white luxury sedan had me gripping to the phone tighter. I wasn’t ready to let her go, and he was uninvited.

“No. No.” Penelope’s tone deepened in just as much anger as I felt. “I have to go.”

“Tonight?”

She smiled brightly at my question.

“We’re making this nightly thing a habit. I would love to speak to you again tonight. I’ve been thinking, and don’t be mad. But… maybe… we can meet? Think about it. I have to go⁠—”

“Penelope?”

“Yes?”

I swallowed back the need to push open my door and slaughter the man who was taking her away from me.

“It’s V… Just V.”