Page 139 of The Penalty

Maybe I shouldn’t like hearing he’d go to extreme lengths for me. But deep down, I did. I liked the way his dark, protective nature sizzled through me.

I liked knowing he would always be in my corner, no matter what.

But righting this wrong could shatter everything.

Xavier ambled back into the living room nearly ten minutes later, sans hot water or tea. He lowered himself, almost regally, onto the cushion. An eyebrow arched when he looked at me.

“Is there a reason your face is buried in my sweatshirt?”

I pulled it down. “It smells good.”

“Thought so.” Enough of a smile appeared to reveal his dimple. “Feeling okay?”

“I guess.”

Xavier pushed a hand through his hair and nodded. “We should…there’s quite a bit we should talk about.”

My stomach tumbled into free fall. “What were you doing just now? You weren’t making tea.”

“Can’t get anything past you, can I?”

I bristled at his flippant attitude. “I’m not in the mood for your nonsense.”

“Sorry, love.” He dipped his head and kissed my cheek. “I was taking care of a few things.”

“What things?”

His lack of an immediate answer irked me. I folded my arms, leveling my best I’m waiting stare at him. Unease simmered beneath his eyes. It bubbled, growing impatient, the energy building like a restless spirit.

“I wanted to make sure Jordan wasn’t planning to go to New York.” His words poured out like hot steam. “The fucking coward chartered a flight somewhere. I’m not letting you out of my sight until I know where he is.”

A dull ache throbbed behind my eyes. “I doubt he’ll go to Manhattan. It’s too obvious.”

“Nothing is too obvious for him.”

“Was that the only thing you were taking care of, or do you have more?”

“That’s the only one that matters right now.”

I sensed I was approaching the vault of secrets again so I steered the conversation another direction. “What is it you wanted to talk about?”

Xavier’s whole body shuddered. “All of it.”

I scooted closer to him, resting my head on his shoulder. That lasted a total of three seconds before he pulled me onto his lap.

“I was comfortable,” I muttered.

“And now we’re both comfortable.”

When his fingers caressed my neck, I swallowed hard. “Is there a mark?”

“Yes.”

“Is it super noticeable?”

Flames burned deep in his eyes. “It is to me.”

I tipped his chin up until our gazes met. “Then keep those pretty blues here.”

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