Page 182 of The Penalty

“We’re going.” Slipping the box in her bag, she turned to fully face me. “To the cottage and your family’s house.”

Discussion closed.

“Stunning work, Xavier.” My stepmother gushed while looking at the photos Victoria took of her cottage. “I love the color on the walls. And the flooring is immaculate.”

The two of them scrolled through picture after picture, smiling and chatting like old friends.

“I keep telling him this isn’t a bad trait to have.” Victoria slid a cool glance in my direction. “You should see the way he geeks out over architecture.”

Squeezing the glass, I sipped my drink. My return glance said it all. Another lesson later?

“Sorry I’m late I—” Adam burst into the kitchen, stopping short next to Rebecca. He and Victoria stared at one another, shocked. Not as awkward as the day in the changing room, but not exactly comfortable.

“Right on time.” Rebecca welcomed him with a hug. “I was just admiring your brother’s work on Victoria’s cottage.” She glanced between the two of them. “Have you two met?”

“Kind of,” Victoria answered.

“Not really,” Adam responded.

“Right then. The three of you sort out the introductions and I’ll grab your father.” My stepmother left the kitchen but not before I noticed her self-satisfied grin. Agreeing to this dinner was not my best decision.

Victoria tucked her phone in her pocket, pinning an expectant stare on me. Adam looked at me warily.

Well, this will be fun.

“Adam, this is Victoria. Victoria, this is my stepbrother.”

Adam narrowed his eyes. “You suck at this.” Turning to Victoria, he smiled. “Lovely to meet you. Sorry about the whole Char— I mean, sorry I thought you were— Christ. Hi.”

“And I’m the one who sucks?” I taunted.

“At least I don’t sound like a robot. I thought you were supposed to be the charming one.”

“I am.”

“Right. And I’m the Prince of Wales.”

A shrill whistle ended our bickering. We both looked at Victoria.

“Boys.” She clasped her hands together and muttered, “Feels like I’m with Killian and Max.”

Confusion spread across Adam’s face. “Who are they?”

“Friends of mine that will obsess over your hair if you ever meet them.”

Adam’s confusion deepened as he touched his hair. “It is nice to meet you finally.”

Victoria’s soft smile melted my heart. “You, too. I hope this isn’t weird or anything. I didn’t know you’d be here.”

“That’s my mother. She probably sounded all apologetic and flustered when she called to ask if you were free for dinner, when in reality her plan was to get us all under one roof.”

And just like that, Adam charmed my girlfriend and I was rendered invisible.

“No pouting, Maddox.” Victoria laughed. “Come on. Show your brother all the great work you’ve done on my house.”

We all squeezed on the couch together with Victoria seated between us. She kept a hand on my knee the whole time, knowing this was probably not what I’d expected.

Then again, neither did she.

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