Page 62 of Under His Control

“Are you guys on good terms?”

I relax at Elizabeth’s clarification but only a little. I can’t tell my sister the truth that last night—and maybe even this morning—I came close to fucking Penelope.

“It’s a work-in-progress.” I move away from the coat rack. “Speaking of work, I have to get ready and head to mine.”

Elizabeth frowns. “I thought you had Fridays off. That’s why I came to hang out with you today.”

“That was my last job in Georgian Bay. You would’ve saved yourself the trouble if you’d called first.”

“Then I wouldn’t be able to surprise you.” She smirks. “I know how much you love surprises.”

I let out an amused huff and shake my head. She knows how much I don’t love them, but that’s how little sisters are, I guess. They delight in poking buttons.

Penelope and Elizabeth’s gazes follow me as I walk past them and down the hallway. In my bedroom, I stare at the bed and rumpled sheets.

Fuck, that was close.

Less than ten minutes ago, Penelope and I were lying there and sharing a kiss that probably would’ve led to more if Elizabeth hadn’t shown up.

I quickly make the bed, then I dress and head out. Penelope and Elizabeth are sitting on the couch as they chat. Once again, their gazes are palpable as I throw on my jacket. I turn to face them.

“Sorry I can’t spend the day with you like you wanted, Elizabeth. I’ll try to come home early.”

Elizabeth smiles. “It’s OK. Penny’s here to keep me company.”

My gaze slides to Penelope, meeting hers. I want to say something to her. I don’t know what. Not like I can address the kiss in front of Elizabeth or want to talk about it at all.

Elizabeth darts a glance between us and I take that as my cue to leave. Since we were kids, my sister has always been good at reading people and figuring out their secrets. She’s only gotten better at it now that she’s a TV show producer.

Filthy memories of Penelope flood my mind on my drive to work. Then a horrifying realization grips me.

What if she tells Elizabeth all the sordid things I’ve done to her?

I clutch my steering wheel, tempted to make a hard U-turn and rush back to the house. Common sense prevails. Penelope won’t tell Elizabeth anything because it would jeopardize the reason she’s staying with me.

When I finally arrive at work, I resolve to focus on my job instead of Penelope. I hurriedly escape the biting cold into the operation building’s welcoming heat. Sat at the front desk, Cynthia perks up when she sees me.

She beckons me over, her eyes lit up despite the dismayed look on her face.

“Did you hear the news?” Her words are almost breathless.

“About what?”

“Fiona’s dead! She was murdered!”

16

Penny

“Be right back. Two cups of coffee and a long drive. You do the math.”

Elizabeth stands—no, springs—to her feet. Despite their similar features, Elizabeth and Jacob are polar opposites. She has a warm, buoyant personality, in contrast to her brother’s reserved, made-of-cement temperament.

When she disappears, my body deflates on a long exhale and I melt into the couch. I’m weary after being on edge since Elizabeth arrived.

Jacob’s sister almost caught us in bed together. Sure, she would’ve needed a key to get in, and she would’ve had to come all the way to the bedroom without us being aware.

The fact remains: while his sister was only a few feet away, Jacob and I were kissing each other.