Page 163 of The Penalty

The Legends quarterback laughed and glanced down at his newly acquired Royal City jersey, emblazoned with the name Tate on the back.

“Looks like we’re next,” Tre said, shaking out his Royal City jersey. “Do number ones have a dinner, too?”

“Not quite. Our egos haven’t reached the same stratosphere as strikers.”

“I heard that, Maddox,” Cade shouted.

“Or quarterbacks,” Tre joked.

“What was that, Gideon?” Noah lifted an eyebrow. “Did a wide receiver just claim to be less of a prima donna than the guy under center?”

The New York Legends arrived in London this morning and were already in the middle of a full day. After this photo session, they’ll use our training facility for their normal practice. And then tonight, we’re all getting together for a team dinner.

“Your place at five?” Cade asked on his way to the weight room.

“Sure.”

He regarded me curiously. “Is Victoria meeting you at the venue?”

“That’s the plan.”

His brows furrowed. “Don’t be nervous, mate. She probably can’t wait to see you.”

“I’m not nervous,” I lied.

“Right. And I’m not better looking than you.” A hard swat hit my arm. “See you after training.”

I shook my head, shoving the Legends jersey in my bag.

Victoria and I had been texting all morning. She was setting up media availabilities for the players and coaches, and finalizing a few last minute interviews, so we haven’t seen one another yet. To say I was growing impatient is an understatement.

I haven’t told her what I’d learned about Jordan, or what I’d decided to do. Figured we should be somewhere quiet and private for that conversation.

The backlash from discovering his plan will be harsh. Knowing Jordan the way I do, he’ll back Victoria into a corner and then come after me with everything he’s got. Stopping him before it reached that point was my only goal. And in order to do that, I had to sacrifice everything I’ve worked so hard to achieve. It was the only way.

I made peace with my decision.

Victoria was worth it. Her happiness was worth it. Our happiness was worth it.

According to Bennet’s daily updates, Jordan was still laying low in Alderley Green. Not driving out there myself was an exercise in self-control.

As the day dragged on and it became clear I wouldn’t see Victoria until later tonight, I went about my usual schedule. Today’s training consisted mostly of reaction timing.

I remained as focused as possible but kept one eye on the clock.

Tick, tick, tick.

The seconds and minutes taunted me.

“Set!” The goalkeeping coach shouted.

I turned to face the goal, showing my back to him.

“Strike.”

The ball was already sailing toward my left shoulder when I spun around. I somehow managed to catch it.

“Good reaction, Maddox. Let’s go again. Set.”

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