Page 119 of The Penalty

“Who?” Jordan’s eyebrows arched up, contrasting with the smug smile twisting his mouth.

“Playing dumb is a bad look on you. Stay the fuck away from her.”

“I’m the least of your worries. Victoria is an intelligent, gorgeous woman. And now that she’s plastered all over the tabloid websites and gossip columns thanks to you, she’ll get loads of attention.”

A low growl rose in my throat. “Attention? Like the asshole you paid to harass her at that restaurant?”

Jordan’s laugh chilled my blood. “Mate, I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“The hell you don’t.” Keeping my tone civilized was challenging. “I hope you’re not planning to ambush my girlfriend again.”

The image of him cornering her on the sidewalk turned my blood to lava.

Distain colored Jordan’s expression. “The only one being ambushed right now is me. I have little energy for your paranoia. I’m running a business. Speaking of,” he reclined on his elbow, “I heard you secured Apex Jewelers. That’s a big endorsement. Worldwide advertising campaign? Including in the States? You’ll have endless admirers. I do hope Victoria can handle the spotlight.”

“Leave her alone or I’ll make your life miserable.”

“Go back to charming your socialites. You never were very good at following through on any threats.”

I stepped closer to him, resting my arm on the bar. His slight flinch didn’t go unnoticed. “You’re a coward, Jordan. You talk a lot of shit and then slink off to the shadows to let someone else do the dirty work. When I prove it was you behind Victoria’s car being vandalized and that fucking guy putting his hands on her, I’ll come for you when you least expect it.” My voice remained calm, almost soothing.

Jordan picked invisible lint off his jacket. “I don’t know anything about that.”

“Christ,” I taunted. “Lying is just like breathing for you, isn’t it?”

“I’m tired of this conversation. Your life bores me. It always has. Don’t know why you think I’d care so much about it.” He pushed himself away from the bar. “I’ve told you numerous times before. You’re nothing.”

White hot rage tore through me, blacking out my current reality.

Why does Bennet keep inviting this asshole to these bonfires?

Jordan and I had been at each other’s throats since he walked over spouting off his usual bitter taunts.

“Is the pretty boy goalkeeper using his sad mommy story to get more girls tonight?”

I threw him to the ground and straddled him with clenched fists.

“Yeah, go on,” Jordan seethed. “Do your worst. Want a matching scar over your other eye?”

“Why don’t you give it to me yourself this time instead of sending your mates to do it. Coward.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Those lads clearly had their reasons.”

My blood boiled and simmered with enough anger to go total scorched earth on him. Cade ran over and pulled me off before I could throw a punch.

“Knock it off.” Cade sounded exasperated. “Both of you.”

“Listen to your boyfriend, Maddox. Spoiled prick.” Jordan stood up. “I have better things to do than waste my time with your bullshit.”

“Sounds like you haven’t stopped crying over not being good enough for the development league again. What’s the matter? Your fancy title still can’t help you find the back of the net?”

He rounded on me with clenched fists. “I don’t need football to make myself feel important. I am important. Unlike you. I can impress all the girls here tonight without any effort.”

“Make sure you get their consent first, asshole.”

Jordan’s smug laughter stoked my anger. “Millie liked it and you know it. Did you know her friends are here? Twins. As I said, I have better things to do.”

I shoved him hard when he turned to walk away. “Leave her alone.”

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