Page 174 of The Penalty

Grabbing his shirt collar, I yanked him toward the exit.

“This fucked up game of yours is over,” I growled in his ear, releasing him when we got outside. The sidewalk wasn’t empty. Several people stopped and stared.

Two footballers and an aristocrat storm out of a bar.

Reeling in a fraction of my aggression, I adopted a more civil level of speaking. “You should have left England when you had the chance.”

He snorted. “Took you long enough to figure it out. The day I saw Logan’s people tailing me, I knew I had you where I wanted you. Arrogant prick.”

“What is this about?” Cade stepped between us.

“Gallagher,” I spoke low. “Go back inside.”

“How precious,” Jordan taunted. “Protecting your boyfriend?”

I flexed my hand into a fist.

“Gentlemen,” Bennet’s authoritative voice carried on the night air as he approached. “Shall we take this discussion somewhere more discreet?”

I stared at my friend. “Where did you come from?”

No answer. Just a small smile.

The door burst open. Victoria rushed out, sweeping her eyes from me to Cade to Bennet to Jordan.

Not two seconds later, Alex and Marcus appeared.

“The media darling.” Distain dripped from Jordan’s words. “You think you’re so clever. You won’t win.”

“I told you not to underestimate me.” Confidence and determination radiated from Victoria. Her cheeks glowed red.

“I do think it’s best if we go somewhere quiet to continue this.” Bennet’s regal stare pressed into Jordan. “The cars are this way.”

Cars?

“I’m not going anywhere with any of you,” Jordan snapped. “Logan, if you want a meeting, let’s plan one for next—”

“Get in the car.” I didn’t recognize the sound of my own voice. “This ends tonight.”

Half an hour later we gathered in the library at Logan Estate. Cade waited by the doors with Alex and Marcus.

Bennet took his place by the mantel. “This is a private matter between the three of you. We’ll give you the room. Figure it out and end it. Stay in here as long as you need.”

Without saying another word, he escorted Cade, Marcus, and Alex out. The doors clicked shut behind them.

An irritated-looking Jordan paced like a trapped animal before sitting on the couch. Satisfaction crept through me seeing him so out of sorts.

Regaining some bravado, he glared at us. “The keeper and his American tart. To what do I owe the pleasure of this gathering?”

A snarl rumbled in my throat. “Do not speak to her like that.”

Victoria’s hand curled around my arm. Her eyes said everything when I looked at her. Calm. Strategic.

Swallowing down my urge to beat the shit out of Jordan, I nodded. This was her moment.

Victoria sat on the couch across from him, emulating authority. Possessive pride rushed through me.

“For someone who’s spent the better part of his life bullying and intimidating people, you sure do suck at blackmail.” Rebuking him with a smile, she continued. “Is shaming me in public the best you can do?”

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