Page 106 of The Penalty

Even though he’s naturally guarded when it comes to talking about his family, Xavier’s been allowing himself to show more vulnerability around me. We’re both navigating a delicate dance around events that affected us deeply in our youth. It hasn’t been easy, but so far, it’s been worth it.

Although, I wasn’t sure if he’d entertain this question.

Much to my surprise, he did.

“Believe it or not, there was a time when Adam and I actually got along. I wouldn’t describe us as close, like you were with Charlotte, but…”

I waited, not wanting to push him or ask anything.

“I got it in my head that my father had an easier time showing affection or attention to Adam because he wasn’t directly responsible for my mother’s death.”

A deep, painful ache expanded in my chest.

“I know this look, Tori,” he said quietly. “It’s not about blame or guilt. I’ve seen enough therapists in my life, trust me. Disliking Adam was my coping mechanism. I channeled all the unresolved pain and directed it at him. Adam and I fought constantly. My dad didn’t know what to do or how to deal with me, so we stopped communicating. We’re both stubborn, so once that happened our relationship was pretty much done. After I was accepted into Royal City’s development league, I threw myself into football and left everything else behind.”

I blinked back tears. Xavier gave me a hard smile.

“Not what you expected?” His acerbic laugh scorched my lungs. “At sixteen, I alienated the only parent I had left, and he didn’t give a shit. Pride and arrogance. The best of the Maddox family traits and I inherited both of them from my father.”

I reached for his hand and held it. Tension lined every muscle in his face. Haunted sadness ghosted through his eyes before dissipating. So much of what he’d told me resonated with my own shattered past. My relationship with my mother remained fractured beyond repair.

“You once told me everyone responds to grief differently.” I spoke low and gentle. “I am so sorry you carry this with you.”

In situations like this, any words or platitudes felt hollow. I didn’t know what else to say. All I wanted to do was ease this for him in some way. But how can one broken person possibly offer anything to heal another?

“I’ve never told anyone that before. About what happened with my dad. I...” Xavier’s expression blanked as he stood up. “Let’s go. I’m sure you don’t want to listen to me tell sad stories all afternoon.”

The ache returned to my chest. I did want to hear his stories. I wanted to know everything. Our time together was too short.

We paid and left the café. As we approached the main street, Xavier paused. “Tori.”

“Yes?”

“I’m glad you’re here.”

I caught his eye in time to notice another mysterious veil dissolve. Only this one wasn’t covering any hidden dark desires. This one revealed a deep affection I haven’t seen before.

“There’s no place else I’d rather be.” I laced my fingers through his and squeezed.

His gaze held mine for one brief, burning moment before he looked away, jaw flexing.

“I’m changing your flight. There’s somewhere I want to take you.”

Victoria

Asoccer field.

Not sure what I’d expected but an empty soccer field wasn’t anywhere on my list.

The scent of fresh cut grass saturated the air as he guided me toward one of the goals. From the size of it, it was meant for children.

My heart stuttered.

Was this…?

“We aren’t too far from where I grew up,” he said, seemingly able to read my thoughts. “Which means we also aren’t far from Briarcliff Village. I know you said you didn’t want to spend the day in a car but now that your flight is much later, we have time.”

“I’ll remember to thank you for this when I’m half asleep at work tomorrow,” I teased.

---