Page 184 of The Penalty

“Are you referring to the obnoxiously huge billboard with your half naked body on it?”

Xavier’s ad campaign for Apex Jewelers debuted after Halloween, and whipped up a frenzy. He’s become much more recognizable here in the U.S.

He laughed, pulling me closer. “Not a fan of watches?”

“Stop. You know I love it. What’s the next one going to be?” I faced him, lacing my fingers behind his neck. “You in a speedo leaning against a stack of firewood?”

“Only if you’re in it with me wearing that so-called bikini.” A light kiss brushed against my forehead. “On second thought, no. I’m the only one who gets to see you in that.”

“Attention everyone, attention.” The DJ’s voice echoed through the room. “The ceremony will begin in fifteen minutes.”

Guests started filing toward the rows of chairs set up in the center of the venue.

“That’s my cue.” I straightened Xavier’s tie. Maybe I’ll add forcing the hot, British goalkeeper to wear a three-piece suit once a week to my New Year’s resolutions. I’d love nothing more than to take my time peeling it off him. “You clean up pretty good, Maddox.”

The rasp in my voice gave me away. Xavier’s friendly smile turned sultry. He fixed a heated stare on me that burned with sinful intentions.

“So do you. Can’t wait to rip this dress off you later.”

“Promise?”

I felt both his hands cup my backside. He squeezed hard, pulling me sharply into his rock hard body. “I’d tear it off you right now if you’d let me. Show everyone what a dirty princess you really are.”

I swallowed hard. A wicked gleam brightened his eyes.

“You’d like that wouldn’t you?”

“Yes.”

The dimple appeared when he bit down on his lip and grinned. “Bad girl.” Lowering his mouth to my neck, he left a searing trail of kisses along my skin. Unable to control myself, I slid my leg to hook around his.

Public sex will definitely be added to my list of resolutions.

“Xavier.” The closest people to us stood at a small table, their attention pinned on whatever was happening in Times Square. “Don’t stop.”

More open-mouthed kisses covered my neck.

Am I really going to do this at my best friend’s wedding?

The change in the atmosphere was tangible when Xavier pulled away.

“Did I give you enough to reflect on during the ceremony, love?”

“Maybe.”

He ran a finger beneath my lips. “Are you wet?”

“What do you think?” I huffed.

“Good girl.”

Xavier sauntered away with a smirk, leaving me flustered and heated and wishing time moved faster so we could tear all of our clothes off. He’d arrived in Manhattan only a few hours ago after flying here following his game.

He’d done the same thing last week to come here for Christmas. In fact, every free moment he’s had the last couple months was spent on a plane to be with me.

“Tori.” Killian’s aggressive whisper pulled me back to the present. “Get your ass over here.”

“What’s the emergency now?” I half-trotted to him in five-inch heels. “Is there a piece of lint on your jacket?”

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