32. Reagan

Chapter 32

Reagan

I n the foyer, laughter and voices mingle with the sweet scent of the heart-shaped cookies that Oakley baked. It’s Valentine’s Day, but also Jeremiah’s birthday. I’m glad Penn and I are leaving for a private date night because I don’t think I can listen to anymore Blackwood men joking about everyone getting laid on Jeremiah’s birthday. He looks like he’s about to burn the entire campus to the ground, and even Lincoln is ganging up on him.

“See you guys tomorrow. If Penn doesn’t, you know, kill me and set me on fire,” I announce to no one in particular, my voice tinged with excitement. It’s been a while since Penn and I have had a moment to ourselves, and I can’t help but crave some alone time with him after everything that happened with Reese.

“You know my idea of a good time,” Penn jokes, pulling me into him.

I still haven’t dealt with my dad, but only because Reese turned eighteen just a few days ago, so there’s really nothing he can do legally to keep her from me. That doesn’t mean I think he’s going to give up and let us live in peace, either. I already know he won’t. I planned on getting everything set up for her to finish the last few months of high school somewhere near campus, but Penn wanted me to let him handle it, and I’m doing that because I trust him, and I need a break from handling everything myself.

I spot my sister sitting on the couch between Oakley and Iris, her eyes glued to the glossy pages of a fashion magazine. Her short black hair falls effortlessly around her face, emphasizing her innocence. Seeing her so content brings a smile to my lips, and I share a quick glance with Penn. He grins back, his eyes reflecting everything I’m feeling right now. He has a soft spot for her, and I think it’s only because she’s his little sidekick.

“I see you’re researching how best to spend all my money,” Penn teases Reese. She rolls her eyes, but grins at us before returning to her magazine.

Just a few feet away, Ramsey lounges lazily on a recliner, pretending to be disinterested in the girls’ activity. His act doesn’t fool me, though; I’ve caught him glancing at Reese more than once tonight. He’s going to stay with her here tonight while the rest of us are out for the holiday. As far as I know, my father hasn’t tried to come here, but I wouldn’t feel right about her being here by herself.

“Hey, lil P,” Penn says, playfully slapping Ramsey on the shoulder. Startled, Ramsey tears his gaze from Reese, his cheeks flushing slightly. “Ready for your big night of babysitting?” Penn asks Ramsey, a smirk dancing across his lips.

“Excuse me?” Reese snaps her head up, glaring at Penn. “I don’t need a babysitter. I’m literally an adult.”

Penn laughs softly. “You’ll always be my little sister, little hellion,” he says, using the nickname that never fails to make her most annoyed. “Besides, I think keeping Ramsey occupied could do him some good. He spends way too much time glued to his computer.”

At that, Ramsey groans, running a hand through his disheveled hair. “Well, maybe if someone else in this family knew how to handle technology, I wouldn’t have to be on it all the time.” He makes his voice a few octaves higher and whiny when he mimics the other Blackwood boys by saying, “Find me this. Where does he live? I need a floor plan for this house. Disable this camera system. You guys are annoying.”

Oakley and Iris burst into laughter, clearly amused by Ramsey’s exasperation. Reese grins wickedly, mischief glinting in her eyes. “Don’t worry, Penn. I’ve got big plans for Ramsey tonight.” She leans in conspiratorially, whispering loud enough for us to hear, “Think…glitter.”

“God help me,” Ramsey mutters under his breath, but there’s a hint of amusement in his voice. “You’re not putting makeup on me; I swear to fuck I’ll kill us all.”

As I watch the playful exchange, I can’t help but feel reassured. I know Penn has spoken privately with Ramsey about Reese and trusts that he won’t do anything to harm her. That’s why I agreed to let Ramsey act as more of a bodyguard than a babysitter tonight. It’s clear they have a connection I’ve never seen her have with anyone else.

“Alright, lovebirds,” Ramsey calls out with a forced sigh as he rises from the recliner, “you two go enjoy your evening. We’ll take it from here.”

“Remember, Ramsey,” Penn says sternly, locking eyes with his cousin, “keep her safe.”

“You know I will,” Ramsey replies, nodding.

As we approach the Blackwood compound for lack of a better word, my breath catches in my throat. Each house, a testament to the power and wealth of this family, looms large. It’s ostentatious with the amount of land and the very large, very black ornate gate circling the whole perimeter. All it’s missing is a fucking steer skull on the front of it. Penn tells me that each of them will inherit one of these homes after they graduate college. I’m not sure why he’s chosen to bring me here tonight, other than the fact that it’s quiet and we can truly be alone. He just gets me. I’m not really a people person and having to go out and be in public is not my idea of a good time.

“Ready for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day?” Penn asks, his voice low and seductive as he wraps an arm around my waist. “I want to preface this before we go in that I picked everything out myself.”

“This is either going to be romantic, psychotic or both, Penn Blackwood,” I reply, my voice barely above a whisper, the excitement causing my pulse to quicken.

We enter his house, and without any warning, he scoops me up into his arms, carrying me over the threshold as if we had just gotten married. I can’t help but laugh, wrapping my arms around his neck as he sets me down on the other side.

“Welcome home,” Penn murmurs in my ear before planting a soft kiss on my cheek. I guess we’re going to ignore the elephant in the room, which is the agreement we came to about this marriage. I think I’ve more than proven myself that I’m not going to tell on him or his brothers, and he’s proven that he’ll do whatever it takes to keep my sister safe. I don’t want to bring it up, because I don’t want any of this to end.

“Thank you,” I respond, my eyes welling up with emotion as I take in the sight that greets me inside the house.

Penn has gone all out for Valentine’s Day, with candles adorning every surface. The scent of bergamot and leather fills the air, creating a relaxing atmosphere for me. A fancy dinner is set up on the dining room table, evidence of the care and effort Penn put into arranging everything for me. Overwhelmed with emotion, I envelop him in a tight hug, thanking him for going above and beyond for us.

“We can skip dinner,” he breathes, grasping my chin and tilting my face up to meet his gaze. “I like Reese and all, but I’ve fucking missed having you to myself.” His lips crash onto mine in a passionate kiss, groaning as he pulls me into his chest.

I say, pulling away just enough to catch my breath, “you spoil me, and as much as I can’t wait to see what you have planned for tonight, I’m starving.”

“Only the best for my wife,” he teases, a wicked grin playing on his lips as he guides me to the table, pulling my chair out and helping me slide in. I expect him to sit across from me at the head of the table, but instead he pulls his chair up next to mine, his knee brushing my thigh. My stomach dips at the way he’s looking at me as if he can’t get enough of me. A branch whips in the wind against the bay window and startles me. I jump, leaning forward into Penn and I realize then how stiff I actually am right now. I need to relax, but I can’t help worrying about Reese with everything we’ve been through.

He murmurs, reaching over to take my hand, “you’re worried about our little hellion, aren’t you? ”

I sigh, knowing I can’t hide anything from him. “I just want to make sure she’s okay. I trust your judgment?—”

“Hey,” he interrupts gently, squeezing my hand reassuringly. “Ramsey is more than capable of keeping her safe. He’s good with wielding large sticks and I had him up the security at the house. But if it’ll put your mind at ease, let’s check in with them.”

I nod gratefully, feeling a small weight lift from my shoulders. Penn takes out his phone and starts a video call with Ramsey. Instead of his face, we’re greeted by the cheery voice of Reese, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

“Sorry! Ramsey can’t come to the phone right now,” she teases, panning the camera around to reveal Ramsey lying on the couch, his face covered in green goo with a sparkly headband holding back his hair and cucumbers on his eyes. His glittery polished nails catch the light as he snores softly, completely oblivious.

“Reese!” I exclaim, stifling a laugh. “What on earth have you done to him? Did you drug him?” I turn to glare at Penn who holds up his hands, palms out defensively as if to say he has no idea what’s going on and didn’t loan her any sleeping aides.

Reese grins wickedly. “I didn’t have to drug him. I massaged his head with some lovely hair oil until he passed out like the big oaf he is. He’s going to have the softest, shiniest locks when he wakes up!”

Penn chuckles, shaking his head. “He’s going to be so pissed.”

“We’ll never hear the end of it,” I admit, my tension easing as I watch Reese’s playful antics. “Alright then, carry on with your spa night. Have fun, but nothing permanent. I expect him to have both of his natural eyebrows intact next time I see him.”

“We’ll see where the night takes me!” Reese exclaims innocently before ending the call with a giggle.

Penn turns his full attention back to me, his gaze warm and tender. “I think maybe we should be more worried about my cousin than your sister.”

We talk throughout dinner, but Penn keeps one hand on my thigh the entire time. When I push my plate away and put my hand on top of his, it’s as if that’s the sign he’s been waiting for the whole night.

Penn stands up and holds out his hand for me to take. “Come on, time to go outside.” I place my hand in his, feeling the warmth of his fingers as they encircle mine, and we make our way onto the balcony.

The crisp night air brushes against my skin, sending a shiver down my spine. Penn wraps his arms around me from behind, his chest pressed against my back as we gaze up at the stars together. The vastness of the universe stretches out before us, and I can’t help but marvel at its beauty.

“Thank you,” I whisper, my words weighted with emotion. “For everything you’ve done for Reese and me. For saving her from that nightmare and me too. I don’t know what I’d do if I lost her.”

He squeezes me gently, his breath warm against my neck as he replies, “I’d do anything for you. I think it’s time you start to realize that.”

It’s in this moment of serenity that I find the courage to share my darkest secret with Penn. “Before I met you, I had a different kind of life,” I begin hesitantly, my voice barely audible even in the stillness of the night. “I think you’ve probably already guessed what’s going on with my father and why I’m so protective of Reese. My father—he did something unforgivable to me. I’ve never told anyone the details, not even Reese.”

Penn’s grip on my hand tightens, his concern evident as he urges me gently, “You can tell me anything, baby.”

I take a deep breath, steeling myself for the painful confession. “My father sold my virginity to his business partner when I was younger,” I reveal, feeling the weight of the words crushing my chest. “I never wanted it obviously, but I was forced to make really tough decisions because he always held Reese over my head. Me or her, and I could never let something like that happen to her.”

As the truth of my past tumbles from my lips, I tilt my head back to gage Penn’s reaction. I watch the fury build within Penn’s eyes, transforming them into turbulent pools of molten gold. He clenches his jaw so tightly I’m certain he’ll break a tooth, his rage palpable in the air between us.

“Hellfire...” he growls, the word laced with both anger and heartache. “I swear, I will make your father pay for what he did to you. I promise you, he’ll die a slow, agonizing death, and I’ll savor every second of it.”

His vehemence leaves me breathless, but there’s a fierce comfort in knowing that Penn would go to such lengths for me. Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, and I blink them away rapidly, refusing to let them fall. I don’t want to ruin tonight because I don’t know when I’ll have another one like it. Our arrangement could end any time, and I want to savor this connection I have with the monster I’ve grown to love.

I love him. I didn’t expect to. I tried not to, but I do.

“I know you will,” I whisper, my voice trembling with gratitude. “But more than anything, I want to make sure Reese never experiences anything like what happened to me. That’s why protecting her is so important. I know firsthand what could have happened if we hadn’t intervened.”

“She will never suffer the way you did,” Penn vows with fierce determination, his arms tightening around me in a protective embrace. “We’ll keep her safe, Reagan. You have my word.”

As we stand on the balcony, I find myself overcome by a wave of emotion so powerful it leaves me breathless.

“Being your wife, Penn,” I whisper, my voice thick with emotion, “is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I know you didn’t have a lot of options and it’s been a fight the entire time, but I needed you to know that.” I pause, searching for the right words to express the depth of my feelings without saying too much and making things awkward.

He pulls me closer, enfolding me in his strong embrace as he murmurs into my ear, “You don’t know how much that means to me, hellfire. I’ll never let you go. You can fight it all you want, but you’re mine. The ring stays on your pretty little finger, and you stay by my side. That’s all there is to it.”

“There’s supposed to be a lot more to tonight, but right now I need to fuck my wife,” he rasps against my lips, his voice hoarse with need. The fact that he still refers to me as his wife sends a shiver of delight down my spine, and I can’t help but feel a sense of belonging.

“God, yes,” I breathe, my body responding to his touch.

Penn scoops me up in his arms and carries me up the stairs and into the primary bedroom.

“My fucking wife,” he murmurs, his voice a low growl that sends shivers down my spine, “you have no idea how much I fucking want you. ”

“Show me,” I urge him.

With this monster of a man by my side, I think I finally found my home.