Page 5 of The Penalty

Adam was waiting for me when I sauntered through the car park. If he looked agitated before, he was downright panicky now.

I won’t lie. It made me uncomfortable.

Not that I’d let it show.

“What’s this about?” I asked, stopping in front of him.

“Remember Philip?”

I stifled a smile. “The Duke of Edinburgh?”

Adam glared at me. “No, you asshole. Philip Edgewood from the Royal City under-eighteens. The one who busted his knee and couldn’t play football anymore.”

I shrugged. “Sort of. Why?”

“We’ve stayed in touch over the years. Still go out for a pint now and then. He told me he works for Jordan. Tech lead for all his security operations. Been there for a couple years.”

My blood turned to ice. Jordan’s family had as much, if not more, money and resources as Bennet’s. His entitled ass decided to form a private security company fifteen years ago. It had more shady operations than legitimate ones. And since his sick and twisted mind got off on threatening and intimidating people, he made it a point not to be picky when choosing his targets.

I had to play this off like I didn’t give a shit. “So? Why are you telling me?”

“You’re not stirring up trouble with him again are you? You know what happened last time.”

“Nope,” I lied, keeping my expression as neutral as possible.

“Right.” Adam shook his head. “I saw Philip last night. He said Jordan is livid and has it out for you.”

For the first time in ages, I glimpsed a side to Adam I haven’t seen since we were kids. The time when we actually looked out for one another, like brothers are supposed to.

I kept my gaze steady, waiting for him to continue.

“That’s all.” He shrugged. “Thought you should know.”

I sunk my hands into my pockets, keeping a curious stare fixed on him. The last time Adam and I were even remotely civil to one another was the day he mistook Victoria for Charlotte. I still couldn’t believe he’d dated her twin when we were teenagers.

“Thanks for the tip,” I finally said, stepping to the side.

I was almost at my car when I heard him call after me. “Did she say anything else about me? In her diary?”

An unexpected jolt of anxiety shot through me. Adam and I only spoke about Charlotte and her diary that one time. I made it a point not to indulge in any further conversations about her with him.

Taking a deep breath, I turned to face him and answered with a curt, “No.”

I watched him drive off, wondering how I was going to control the gathering storm I’d set off the other night. Finding out Jordan already contacted Victoria complicated everything. All I wanted to do was go back to New York, bring her somewhere secluded, and…and what?

Quit football?

Abandon everything I’ve worked so hard for?

You’re nothing.

I shook myself out of this dangerous spiral.

Cade’s voice echoed when he yelled out, “Maddox. Ready to go?”

“It’s a little early, no?”

“Whatever.” Cade waved his hand dismissively. “He won’t mind.”

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