Chapter 19: Payment With a Kiss
Fact: There are not many records of the Eve family. Just birth certificates and other small information. It was almost as if they appeared out of thin air.
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Penelope awoke and paused, feeling the pain from where she was hit in the ribs. She moved slow, stretching her sides, and stopped when it ached. As she walked around the bed she saw a blue dress with a note saying,
“Blood ruined your clothes, here’s a nice dress” -Dexter.
A heart was scribbled next to his name, making Penelope’s eyes roll. She slipped the dress on and was surprised by how comfortably it fit her body. She then opened the door to see Joel staring back at her, startling her.
“Morning Miss Eve,” he greeted sluggishly.
“Good morning Joel, I was wondering if I could speak with Mr. Dexter,” she gave a charming smile.
“Sorry Miss Eve. His schedule is full. He told me to escort you to the dining room for your meal and then to the library.”
“How long does it take to burn a product?” she muttered under her breath. “That sounds lovely Joel. I’m ready to go now.”
“Right this way Miss Eve,” Joel gestured. He took her down to the dining room and she counted twenty to thirty guards on the way and five more while she was eating. She then ate a small meal and then followed his assistant down to the library. She tried not to be mesmerized as she saw large walls filled to the ceiling with an assortment of books.
“Joel? How long do I have to be here?” she called back.
“Until Mr. Black says otherwise Miss Eve,” he answered. He took a seat by the door.
“Are the books organized or no?”
“All books are organized by topics. Left is History. The middle is Science. Right is Art.”
“Thank you,” she said. She went to the history section and read through labels. Much of it was general world history. Her eyes then caught a book titled Emma Wells and snatched it from the shelf.
She turned the page and found Beatrice’s name in the descendant chapters. She skimmed the pages for any information on the businesses and was delighted to see four territories she would add to her bombing list later. As happy as she was with the information a thought ran across her mind.
“If he has information on Beatrice, does he have information on all of us?”
She skimmed the shelves for her last name and noticed Eve was not found. Penelope felt her body tense in fear. “Does that mean?” She searched the names again, this time looking for the letter W. She came across a book titled Bartholomew Wright and froze. She clasped her hands to keep them from shaking and looked back to see if Joel noticed. Joel snored in his chair and she made a small sigh of relief.
She pulled out the book and skimmed the pages until she found the sentence that calmed her fears. “In the end, Bartholomew Wright left the world with a beautiful wife, but no children. His mass fortune lays hidden never to be found by others.”
Penelope closed the book and continued to look for any other information but there was no other book insight.
Her curiosity began to peak when she thought of James. She pulled a ladder and climbed up until she reached the BR’s. Without fail, she found a book reading Sebastian Brooks, and pulled it. She climbed down the ladder and was about to open it when Joel stood up and announced, “Mr. Black will see you now,”
“But I was just getting started,” Penelope pouted.
“I’m sorry Miss Eve, but I don’t want to keep Mr. Black waiting. You can bring the books with you if you’d like,” he offered, and Penelope hugged the books to her chest.
***
Dexter offered Penelope some tea and she accepted happily to his surprise. He signaled Joel and his assistant served her.
“I asked you to my office to report that your product has been destroyed.”
“I figured as much, “ she said, sipping her tea. He took notice of the books in her lap and cleared his throat.
“I see you enjoyed my library as well.”
“I did. So much that I’ll forgive you for going back on our deal if you let me have them,” her hands tightened around the books.
“You’ve been very bold threatening me in my own home. Especially when you’re asking to take something with you,” he leaned in.
“You went back on my deal even though it was better than Mr. Brooks’ offer by a mile. I’m only asking for these books as compensation.”
“Why do you want them so much?” he eyed her.
“I love history. You have a very impressive collection. Yours or your family?”
“It’s my father’s. I don’t step in there unless I have to.”
“I see, well I would like to have these,” she said, giving him a sweet smile.
“Would you be willing to offer something in return?” Dexter’s eyes fell from her face to her chest, and Penelope took notice. Gunfire erupted outside and two of his men burst through the door, “Boss, men are dropping outside and Brooks is here with a police officer.”
“Oh dear, it looks like my ride's here,” Penelope finished her tea.
“Did you say Mr. Brooks was here?” Dexter asked in confusion.
“Yes, sir. We need to lock the doors,” a guard suggested.
“You can let him and the cop in. I have to exchange details with him and I’m sure that cop is just Rory.” Dexter stood. Penelope quickly stood up and walked over to Dexter. She put a gentle hand on his shoulder and leaned in close enough to make him blush.
“I have an offer for you if you’re interested,” she said seductively.
“I’m listening,” he said, a flirtatious look fell on his face,
***
One of the men led James and Rory to Dexter’s office with Tommy following behind. The man opened the door and James was relieved to see Penelope unharmed standing next to Dexter. His eyes fell to the books in his hand.
Penelope saw the boys standing in the doorway and a malevolent smile appeared. She then turned to Dexter as planned.
“I guess it’s time to go. Thank you for the lovely stay and the books, Dexter,”
“Anytime Penelope,” Dexter’s grinned.
She took his face and kissed him deeply, letting his hands explore her waist. When she pulled away, she saw Dexter blush, and James break.