Page 120 of The Penalty

He whipped around, standing nose-to-nose with me.

“The arrogance is strong with you tonight. You think you’re so entitled to everything because you’re a footballer. You’re a fucking goalkeeper. And a shit one at that. You’ll never get a contract. You’re not as special as you think. You’re nothing, you hear me. Noth—”

My fist crashed into his face and then his stomach. Hard. Hard enough for pain to shoot through my hand and wrist. He doubled over, gasping for air.

“Too bad your noble fucking bloodline can’t hit back worth shit,” I yelled. “You think I’m afraid of another scar? I’m not.”

Sharp, wheezing laughter was all I heard. “Brave little twat, aren’t you? Keep coming for me. You’ll be locked up before your eighteenth birthday.”

“My friends are just as powerful and influential as your family. You can’t touch me.”

“The Logans?” Jordan cackled. “You really think they care about your whiny ass? I’ll say it again since you missed it the first time. You’re nothing.”

I launched myself at him, aiming to kick him right in the ribs. Air burned my lungs with each brutal inhale.

“Xavier.” My shouted name echoed through the dark alley.

How the fuck did I get out here?

A slumped human form sat on the ground in front of me, their shirt bunched up in my hand.

Reality came rushing back, shattering the remnants of my unpleasant memory.

Cade forcibly grabbed my shoulders, turning me to face him. “Mate, you have to stop. Please. Just stop.” The unnerving sound of his shaking voice finally snapped me awake.

“What…how did…?”

A firm squeeze preceded his response. “I saw you two talking at the bar. Didn’t think much of it until he left. You seemed out of sorts. Then you ran after him. I tried to find you as fast as I could.”

I glanced over my friend’s shoulder. We were deep in the alley, far away from the street. Nobody could tell what was going on. At least, I hoped that was the case. This city was filled with CCTV cameras.

“Does Bennet—”

“I called him. He’s sending some of his security team to handle this.” Cade glanced down at what I assumed was Jordan’s unconscious figure. “He also sent a car. It’s waiting over there. We have to go.”

“Is he…?”

“You knocked him out. He should be alright. We have to go. Now.”

I don’t remember coming out here. I don’t remember attacking Jordan.

All I remembered was…did you know her friends are here? Twins.

Victoria

Suppressing the urge to pace around the media room was harder than I wanted it to be. Besides, listening to the coach drone on and on about the final preseason loss wasn’t exactly inspiring or relaxing.

We’re seeing what works. Adjustments will be made. Blah, blah, blah.

I shifted on my feet. Only a couple more interviews to go and then I can head out. Thank goodness this was a home game.

Noah Tate was up next, then Jaxon Oliver. Both of them remained brief and on message. Jax threw in a couple of one-liners just to liven up the room but stuck to his talking points.

I barely said good night to Hannah and Glen before beelining it for my car. Well, not my car but I digress.

Marcus greeted me with a cordial nod and off we went. I’d hoped to talk to Xavier before the game started but he didn’t answer when I tried calling him. He’d mentioned going out with Cade so maybe he got wrapped up in a spontaneous adventure. Still, it wasn’t like him not to send a text if he saw a missed call from me.

Fortunately, there wasn’t much traffic on the ride home. I thanked Marcus and wished him a good weekend. Since I didn’t have any plans, I basically ordered him to take the next couple days off.

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