Page 134 of The Penalty

“No. I need to take care of this on my own.”

Something unnerving flashed behind Bennet’s eyes. I couldn’t figure out what it was exactly but I sensed he knew more than he was letting on.

“You’re looking at me the same way your boyfriend does,” he grumbled. “I can’t tell you what to do or stop you from going. All I will say is this; be careful. You’re an intelligent woman but Jordan is conniving and ruthless. If he can sense any weakness, he’ll pounce.”

Keeping my gaze locked on Bennet, I paced around the room. Dealing with asshole alpha males wasn’t as difficult as people made it out to be. Sure, they’re insufferable but not invincible. Besides, this guy ruined my sister’s life.

“I can handle him.”

“Now you sound like your boyfriend.” The whisper of an amused grin pulled at Bennet’s lips before disappearing like smoke in a breeze. “But I’m afraid you’re being too impulsive, Victoria. Maybe you should go back to—”

“This isn’t me being impulsive,” I snapped. “This is me defending the people I love before the worst happens.”

Twenty years of anguish surged from my fingertips to my toes in one giant, scalding wave. All the blame and guilt I’ve carried over Charlotte’s actions at the bonfire and the subsequent fallout from her death ravaged me. I can’t change the past. I know that. But I can prevent another life from descending into ruin.

A barely noticeable nod was Bennet’s initial response. Then he dropped a bomb on me.

“He might not be the person behind your car getting vandalized earlier this summer.”

I froze. “How do you know this?”

A slight tightening of his jaw was the only giveaway to any discomfort or apprehension. Bennet’s exterior remained impenetrable.

“The details aren’t important right now.” Staunch whisky-colored eyes locked onto mine. “There was an issue with a former employee at your stadium. They’ve been dealt with.”

My jaw almost hit the floor. “Who was it? What issue?”

“Nobody that concerns you.”

“Did you tell Xavier? He’s been out of his mind since—”

“No.” Bennet’s sharp response cut through the room. “I can’t say anything more until the investigation is complete. Neither can you and that’s all you need to know.” Normally, he’s unflappable. Seeing him come apart, even just a little, didn’t sit right with me.

“Enough with the cagey shit. Give me a straight answer.”

If I thought I’d seen Bennet at peak dominance, I was sorely mistaken. I’ve never spent any significant time around a true Dom, so I assumed they’d become tense or visibly agitated. Maybe some do, but Bennet simply morphed into a living, breathing statue of calm, calculated control.

“You aren’t the only one defending the people you love the most.” Velvet wrapped each word in a misleading cloak of serenity. “I’m choosing to trust you won’t break my confidence, Ms. Chase. Don’t step into an arena if you aren’t prepared for the battle.”

An air of finality settled around us.

The familiar screw that dwelled deep in my chest tightened. I shouldn’t have come here.

But I am here. I’m here for Charlotte and Xavier. Nothing else matters, not even Bennet’s concerning situation.

“One more thing,” he said, straightening his cufflinks. “Jordan is targeting you. It’s just not how you think.”

The world must have spun off its axis. Thank goodness I stood so close to this couch. I sat before my legs gave out.

Bennet watched me with guarded concern.

The events of the last couple months flashed through my mind.

“How do you know?”

“Why did you come to London?”

“Answering my question with one of your own is annoying,” I huffed.

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