One Penny: A Marked Heart Novel by M. Sembera, Margaret Civella Read Free Book Online Page B

started dating," Penny snapped at her before saying, "That still doesn't explain why you're here. You know you're not welcome in my family's bar."
    Wrapping her arm around Brooks' waist, Lily, shared, "I'm not here to see your family."
    "I don't care why you're here. Get out." Penny growled before shaking her head and giving Brooks a disappointed expression.
    Pulling away from Lily, Brooks said, "Penny, let me explain."
    "How could you do this to Braden?"
    Brooks' expression was full of remorse as he replied, "She came over one day looking for Braden. I didn't mean for anything to happen."
    Lily had a smug look on her face as she informed, "For the record, I told him he could have kept seeing you."
    Penny started to feel nauseous as she questioned, "You were sleeping with her while you were with me?"
    "Only a few times, but it felt wrong that's why I ended it with you," he swore.
    Overwhelmed Penny felt like she was going to be sick.
    As she turned to get away from them, she stopped when she ran into someone. Looking up, Penny saw the hurt and betrayal in Braden's eyes as he stared at his best friend and the former love of his life before he wrapped an arm around her.
    Braden quietly asked, "You okay, Pen?"
    Nodding, she was furious and disgusted but more concerned about him.
    Keeping his arm around Penny as if he was trying to protect her, Braden shouted, "Both of you get out!"
    Lily looked like she was going to say something then quickly changed her expression as Liv stepped next to her and the entire bar heard Auggie's voice demand, "Everybody out! Bar's closed!"
    Penny watched as Charlotte stood by the entrance waiting as groaning customers trickled out of The Dog House.
    When all that was left was Penny, Braden, Auggie, Lily, Brooks and Liv inside, Charlotte closed the doors and locked them.
    Auggie stood at Braden's side saying, "You are one sorry ass bitch." Brooks looked over at Lily before Auggie clarified, "Don't look at her. I'm talkin' to you."
    Trying to defend himself, Brooks said, "I didn't mean to..." before Auggie got in his face questioning, "Didn't mean to what? Cheat on my sister?"
    Brooks backed up until he was all the way against the wall, holding up his hands pleading, "Penny, tell him you're not mad."
    Liv spouted, "You gotta be kidding me."
    "This doesn't have anything to do with you Liv," Lily snapped at her before Liv assured, "You're wrong about that."
    Charlotte chimed in, "If you don't kick his ass, I will."
    Auggie grabbed Brooks by the front of his shirt and pushed him up the wall saying, "Your call Pen."
    Penny looked around then said, "Just let him go, being with Lily's going to be punishment enough."
    Disappointed in Penny's answer, Auggie asked, "Braden?"
    "Braden, man, we go way back. We're like family."
    Looking at Brooks, Braden replied, "Yea, I thought so too."
    Lily stepped closer saying, "It's not his fault. I had to do something drastic. I'm all alone. I just want you."
    Penny looked at Lily like she was crazy as she yelled, "What kind of sick thrill do you get from messing with my family?"
    Patting Penny on the shoulder, Braden stepped right in front of Lily and said, "Get the hell out."
    "You don't mean that," she urged looking up at him with a soft smile.
    Braden looked her in the eye and swore, "Lily, I don't love you anymore."
    Lily gave him an evil look before making a sound like she was offended as she walked to the doors and let herself out.
    All eyes fell on Auggie, who still had Brooks up against the wall.
    "I hope you're happy with her," Braden said as he turned and made his way back to the stage area.
    Auggie slowly let go of Brooks and followed Braden as Penny said, "Let him go."
    Brooks stood there for a moment like he had something to say, but shook his head at himself instead and walked out of the bar.
    "You okay beautiful?" Liv asked giving Penny a sympathetic look.
    Penny nodded then quickly spun around when she heard a crashing sound. She may have been okay but her