Page 173 of The Penalty

Hannah’s eyebrows shot up. “Are you the one interested in the director position?”

Chelsea clasped her hands together and nodded. “I think I might be. Can we meet for lunch this week? Unless you’re busy with…” She gestured toward Xavier.

“He goes back to training on Tuesday. I’ll have loads of time.” I looked at Hannah. “Are you sticking around London for a bit? You should come with us.”

“I’m here until Thursday.” Her smile didn’t touch her eyes. “I’d love to have a girls’ lunch.”

“It’s settled,” Chelsea exclaimed. “I’ll make the arrangements. I know this great little cafe in Knightsbridge. And then if you’re both up to it, we can hit Harrods.”

“Food and shopping?” I laughed. “I’m in.”

The three of us joined the guys. Every so often I’d glance over at Xavier and Cade. Their interactions always reminded me of siblings.

A balled up napkin flew into my lap. Speaking of behaving like siblings…

“Oh shit. Sorry, Victoria. That was meant for Jax.” Noah’s laugh drowned out his apologetic shrug.

“Noodle arm,” Jax retaliated.

Shaking my head, I turned my attention back to Xavier and Cade.

They appeared deep in conversation. I figured Xavier was filling in his friend on what we put in motion this weekend.

Cade’s eyes strayed to our table, lingering on something.

Someone?

Relaxing into the chair to make it look like I wasn’t being nosy, I followed his gaze. The only people sitting in his line of sight were Dante and Chelsea.

Chelsea?!

Nah. From what I’ve seen of Cade’s taste in women, Chelsea was not in the same universe as his type.

Before I fully turned my attention back to my friends, I noticed a dark-haired man leaning against the bar, sipping on a drink. Tall, broad shouldered, angry. My heart seized. He wouldn’t fucking dare.

He would.

Jordan McKennie swept his eyes through the lounge, landing squarely on me.

Xavier

All the color drained from Victoria’s face.

I jerked my head toward the bar. Atomic levels of rage tore me apart.

“Maddox, wait.” Cade jumped up when I took off.

My long strides ate up the distance to where Jordan stood. He pursed his lips, discarding my presence with a glance.

“Leave. Now.” I kept my voice low and threatening.

“It’s a public venue. I can be here.”

I saw Cade approaching out of the corner of my eye.

“The fuck you can. Leave while you still have the ability to walk.”

Jordan’s chastising laugh scraped at my insides. “Want to know the most annoying thing about you? Your threats are always hollow.”

---