Page 30 of The Penalty

“Whatever you say, dirty princess,” I told her, my mouth tipping up in a smile.

The massive estate reminded me a little of Bennet’s place. It’s not as big or grandiose but it’s just as pretentious. No wonder he’s drawn to Hannah.

A few members of the press were gathered to take photos and grab interviews with the players. There was even a red carpet and one of those backdrops with sponsor names splashed across it.

My good mood soured a little when I saw Noah Tate chatting with reporters. Victoria has told me countless times I have nothing to be jealous about but still. It’s there and I’m feeling it.

I couldn’t stop my scowl watching him charm members of the media.

Tall, clean cut, all-American.

We weren’t too dissimilar physically with the tall part. I know Victoria gravitated more towards men with an edge. I filled that need for her. And I do clean up nice when the occasion calls for it.

“There she is,” the quarterback exclaimed when he saw us approaching. “Our media relations director. Victoria, come get these vultures off my back.”

Good natured laughter filled the space as reporters fawned over him. I know this game well. My media training started when I was only sixteen.

Smile. Be polite and charming. Bite your tongue. Stay on message. Don’t take the bait.

Easier said than done at that age. Now? I had reporters eating out of the palm of my hand. And from the looks of things, so did Noah.

Victoria squeezed my hand and mouthed be right back.

I stepped off to the side and watched her. One of the reporters shot a curious glance in my direction but quickly turned their attention back to Noah.

As well known as I am in England and throughout Europe, it’s a little different here in the States.

Football —the proper kind— isn’t as popular here. Yes, I still have my admirers but it doesn’t get to the frenzied level it sometimes reaches at home. Not that I’d shy away from it anyway.

Watching Victoria shine and charm the reporters filled me with pride.

She flashed me one of her demure smiles before turning her attention away.

Every fucking muscle in my body tensed when Noah rested his hand on her lower back. The casual movement looked completely normal to anyone else. Then he said something to her and she laughed. Jealousy clawed at me, shredding any trace of common sense or logic.

“Xavier, right?” a soft feminine voice said.

I tore my eyes away from them to see a pretty brunette woman standing next to me.

“I’m Tracey. We met in April after your game against the Knights. At the bar?” Her dark brown eyes watched me.

The bar. Tracey.

Oh.

“Yes, sorry, hello.” I turned on the charm. “Noah’s girlfriend.”

Her smile tightened when she nodded. “And you’re Victoria’s boyfriend.”

Fuck. I see what she did there.

“Wow. I’m a complete asshole,” I said, showing off the Maddox dimple. “Let’s start over, yeah? Pleasure to see you again Tracey…Watson, right? Enjoying the evening?”

“That English accent gets you out of trouble more often than you realize.”

“So I’ve been told.”

“I’m surprised they relegated you to the sidelines. This is usually where the girlfriends and wives wait while,” she nodded her head towards Noah, “the boys get their minute in the spotlight.”

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