Page 128 of The Penalty

“Nothing.”

“Liar.” My best friend eyed me with suspicion. “Is something wrong? You’ve been acting strange since last night. Don’t hide shit from me again.”

I winced.

I’d been less than upfront with Killian about some things over the summer. Namely what I’d read in my twin’s final diary entry. Not telling him what Charlotte had done all those years ago tore me up inside. Keeping it from him for as long as I did consumed me with guilt. When I finally sat him down for that conversation, we both had a good, long cry.

With that in mind, I resigned myself to coming clean. I told the boys about the text and the pictures and my unsuccessful search for any photographic evidence of me in a sparkly red dress.

The verbal diarrhea didn’t stop there. Why would it?

I also unleashed what happened last night with Xavier’s frantic call and the fight, plus being followed by a reporter in Paris and the encounter with that guy at the restaurant.

Once it was all out in the open, I leaned back into the chair and finished my glass of wine.

Two sets of eyes blinked at me in disbelief.

Killian started to say something and stopped. He gestured his hand at me, turned to Max, turned back to me, gestured again, and shook his head.

“I think what he’s trying so eloquently to say is, are you alright.” Max reached across the table and held my hand. “That’s…a lot.”

“I’m fine.”

The most annoying phrase in the English language. I’m fine. Yet, so powerful. It could shut down a conversation, piss off any number of people, or provide a generic response to the equally annoying and slightly disingenuous how are you we throw around at each other on a daily basis.

“Maybe it’s a good thing you still have a broad-shouldered shadow following you around.” Killian scanned the restaurant. “Is he here?”

“No. He’s off this weekend.”

“Off? Like, not working?”

“Yeah. I told him to take the weekend off. I don’t have any plans so—”

“No plans? Tori, we are literally out at dinner because we planned this.”

“Since when did you become a huge fan of me having a bodyguard?”

“I’m not a huge fan of it but maybe it’s a good idea.”

“Why do you sound so concerned?”

Killian’s eyes widened. “Did you not just hear yourself tell us all those things? He should be on the clock. Now.”

“Why is everyone I know so overprotective?” I muttered. “I need to use the ladies’ room. And no, I do not need an escort.”

I balled up the napkin and dropped it on the table before walking toward the restrooms. Thankfully, I was the only person inside. Flattening my hands on the counter, I hung my head and exhaled slowly. As happy as I was for the boys, I needed a breather from them. Well, not so much Max. But anyway.

My exhausted reflection stared back at me in the mirror. Xavier’s call left me so unsettled. I barely slept after ending the video chat. He’d fallen asleep first. I did linger for a while, listening to his even breathing. I wanted to make sure he got some rest.

Various scenarios of me getting on a plane and flying to London played out in my mind. I could confront Jordan on my own. He’s a bully and an asshole, but not invincible. He must have a weakness. Everyone does.

My fingers wrapped around the ring hanging from my necklace. I can’t sit back and watch Xavier continue down this path of destruction. I have to do something.

Xavier

The rundown farmhouse taunted me with its serene setting and frosty demeanor. Admittedly, I’d grown to like this painting after staring at it week after week.

Not today though. Today I wanted to set it on fire.

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