Page 122 of The Penalty

“Tori.” Killian’s voice was like a soothing balm. “Guess who you’re talking to.”

I indulged in several calming breaths before pretending everything was normal.

“NASA’s selection for the first human on Mars?”

“Why are you like this? Better than that.”

“Beyoncé’s personal assistant?”

“Not quite as good as that. I’ll give you one more guess.”

Flicking my eyes over the dozens of photos still up on my screen, I clenched my hand into a fist.

“Host and musical guest for the season premiere of SNL?”

His exasperated sigh really did make all my button-pushing worth it. I could practically hear his violent eye roll.

“Your contract as my best friend is up for renegotiation this year,” he grumbled.

“You wanted me to guess. And like an idiot, gave me three chances.”

“Moving on. You are talking to the newly minted Chief Branding Officer for the Amber Sky Media Group.”

My jaw dropped. Amber Sky was the biggest digital media corporation in Manhattan. “That’s amazing. Tell me everything.”

“I will. Tomorrow. I’m in a limo right now heading to the after party with Max and a bunch of others. I just wanted to tell you the good news before stuff got crazy.”

If there’s one thing Killian Monroe will always excel at, it’s finding the biggest see and be seen social events in Manhattan. Normally I’d be right be his side with Maxim but once football season starts, my fun time diminishes dramatically.

“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

“That’s not a huge list to pull from.” He paused. “Are you okay? You sound weird.”

I absently scrolled through more photos, failing to find what I needed.

“Well, we lost tonight so I’m decompressing from that. Otherwise, I’m alright.” If alright means sitting in a towel fuming over a random photo of my boyfriend getting pawed by some blonde.

“Isn’t preseason like practice for you guys? The Legends lost.” I heard muffled laughter in the background. “Max wants to say hi.”

The low buzz of conversation and music vibrated through my ear when he passed the phone to Maxim.

“Hey gorgeous. We miss you. Dinner tomorrow?”

“Miss you more. Dinner sounds fantastic.”

We made plans before hanging up. Asking them to meet for lunch was comical since they’d probably be out all night. Killian was as cuddly as a velociraptor if he didn’t get enough sleep. Max wasn’t as ornery but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Talking to the boys helped get my mind off the texts for a short time. And by short time, I meant thirty seconds.

For me, jealousy was a foreign emotion, especially when it came to relationships.

I stared at the photo. Knowing Xavier, he probably entertained her advances for a minute and then sent her on her way. From what I’ve seen of his interactions with women, he was always polite but set firm boundaries.

It wasn’t my most romantic thought of Xavier but it triggered a longing so intense I gasped for air. Relationships were never really my thing. After my twin died, I figured nobody would want the mess that dwelled beneath my curated outer layer. Casual flings became routine. Dating was off limits. It had the potential to lead to sharing and being vulnerable; two things I refused to allow.

But now here I am, months into an actual relationship and missing him so much it fucking hurt.

Our communication had been so limited the last few weeks. Texting was fine but I wanted to see him, even if it was only on a video call, which we barely had time for.

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