Page 25 of The Penalty

“I’m glad one of us likes being there.”

Several strands of hair blew in my face on a strong breeze. Xavier gently tucked them behind my ear. “You like being there, too. Otherwise you wouldn’t have fought so hard to keep it.”

Somehow, he always seemed to know, and see, the inherent truth behind my deflections.

“Don’t tell anyone.” I traced a finger along his mouth.

“You’ll have to kiss me to keep me quiet.”

My whole body erupted in goosebumps when his hands slid along my thighs. If not for the rhythmic pounding of the waves, it felt like we were isolated in our own private world.

I leaned closer. “If you insist.”

“I do.”

Xavier’s groan vibrated through me when his lips pressed to mine. He kissed me slow and lazy, our tongues swirling and exploring. I could kiss him like this all day.

“Talk to me,” he requested when he pulled away. “You must have more questions.” He rubbed his thumb along my jaw. Softly, just barely touching my skin, but it was enough to cloud my thoughts. He’s good at knowing how to break down my defenses.

“Haven’t lost your charm, Maddox.”

The crooked, dimpled smile I adore spread across his face. Of course, it was also tinged with the arrogance that makes it impossible for me not to be sucked into his intoxicating aura.

His thumb made another slow sweep over my jaw.

No sense in delaying this any longer.

“What happened while you were in England?”

“Nothing you need to worry about.” His answer chilled the warm, ocean breeze.

“Something must have happened. You were gone for—”

“I know, I know,” he cut in, tightening his grip on me. “Shit. I— Okay. Just…don’t hate me.”

“Drama never did suit you.” I reached for his hand and placed it over my heart. “The whole honesty thing is still in effect.”

He exhaled, toying with the silver chain around my neck. The ring he’d given me before going back to London dangled from it.

“I had a few run-ins with Jordan.”

“I’m not surprised.” I responded with ease while my pulse raced.

An eyebrow arched. “You’re not?”

“Well…I mean…a little but…” I struggled to find the right words. “The night we read the diary I thought you were going to commandeer an army and charge into battle. I’ve never seen a person get so angry. What happened?”

A scowl marred his sexy mouth. “We got into a bit of a fight. I knocked him out.”

My shoulders slumped. “You what?”

Xavier’s expression soured. “I fucking knocked him out. If you’d been there, you’d understand why.”

“Please don’t do that,” I said quietly. “I don’t think I can handle it if someone else I love gets hurt because of him.” I glanced at the jagged scar above his left eye. “Did he hurt you?”

Regret passed over Xavier’s face so fast I almost missed it.

“No.” He leaned forward to rest his forehead on mine and continued his gentle strokes along my jaw. A slight restlessness moved through him. “But it’s probably why he came to Manhattan. I didn’t mean to put you directly in harm’s way.”

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