Page 118 of The Penalty

How many times have I been in this situation and decided to take someone up on their offer without batting an eye? Fuck. Too many times.

“Sorry. Not interested.” My answer came out gruffer than I’d meant. I don’t like being rude unless the moment calls for it.

Her skin flushed a faint red. “I don’t see any wedding ring. It’s impossible for a man as attractive as you to be single.”

For some reason, I don’t think it would matter to her if I was, in fact, married.

“I have a serious girlfriend. I’m not looking to ruin my relationship.” I stood up. “If you’ll excuse me.”

Stacia’s stunned expression told me everything I needed to know about her. Apparently she wasn’t used to rejection.

Cade didn’t seem to mind that I’d abandoned him. Suppose now he could add these two to his growing list of hobbies.

I stopped at the bar and ordered another scotch.

While I waited, I scanned the room. It was fairly crowded here tonight. I recognized some of the lads from United at a table in the corner. I didn’t see Zach, though.

We’d been on better terms since the friendly in Paris. We even exchanged a few texts and made plans to meet for dinner before the London derby. Pretty sure Royal City would come out on top for this one.

Just as I turned to collect my drink I heard, “Out charming the socialites, Maddox?”

Jesus Christ.

Jordan stood next to me and leaned against the bar without a fucking care in the world.

I glared at him in silence. Figures he’d show up here. It’d been weeks since we’ve crossed paths. In fact, the last time we did, I nearly throttled him.

My hand clenched into a fist. All I could think about was him cornering Victoria in Manhattan.

A knowing smile spread across his face.

“They do like to buzz around you, don’t they? Must be tempting with so many women always wanting a piece of you.”

I had a couple of options. I could ignore this piss poor excuse for a human and go back to my friend.

Or…

“Surprised to see you here. Thought you’d be moonlighting in New York again.”

Some of the bluster faded from his eyes. If there’s one thing Jordan couldn’t stand, it’s when someone was one step ahead of him. I kept my expression neutral and pressed him further.

“I hear you’re branching out in business. Taking an interest in American tech start-ups. Or are you offering your unique brand of security protection to the upper echelon of New York? Money and European politics aren’t exciting enough for you anymore?”

I casually sipped my drink, relishing the absolute look of shock seizing hold of his face. Maybe having Adam’s information could work in my favor after all.

A slight twitch of his lips preceded a rather chilly response. “The thing about footballers is they’re not very smart off the pitch. Stick with what you know.”

“What’s the matter? Did I break some aristocratic code?” I smirked. “Is your useless title tarnished now?”

“Good to see the Maddox arrogance is on full display as usual.” He regained his composure. “I do like New York. So much…opportunity there, if you know what I mean.”

I stared at the glass in my hand. Smashing it into his face would solve this problem. Unfortunately, with the amount of witnesses in the vicinity it would also lead to legal issues, messy news headlines, and general unpleasantness for me.

Dr. Frances’ sage advice about putting myself in situations where losing control would be detrimental to my public image flitted through my mind.

He’s going to get an earful from me on Monday.

“Stay away from her,” I said as evenly as I could.

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