Page 36 of The Penalty

Idon’t want to be at this party anymore.

I want to be at home with Xavier so I can drag out whatever he’s not saying.

He isn’t one to be this hot and cold. I mean, my God, I almost orgasmed from all the things he was telling me before Noah interrupted us.

Now he’s stopped talking completely. True, the soft way he’s touching me is quite lovely but…

Mine to play with and use as I please.

I held his hand and led him through the solarium to a long hallway. I’ve been to the Caldwell estate more than a few times over the years. I knew my way around.

After passing by a few doors, I went into one of the rooms I always loved to spend time in. Hannah called it the Empress Room. It lived up to the name with marble floors, plush couches, floor to ceiling windows, and my favorite part, the grand piano. It sat in the middle of the room, basking in the moonlight.

“What are we doing in here?” he asked.

I sat on the piano bench and crossed my legs. Xavier stared at me but didn’t move. His guard was up.

“What’s going on in that head of yours?”

A small smile. “Nothing. Remember? I’m a prepackaged snack with empty calories.”

I appreciated his attempt at humor but couldn’t hold back my eye roll if I tried.

“Maddox.”

“Chase.”

His smile grew wider. My patience thinned.

“Your apology tour hasn’t ended yet, no matter how well it might be going.” I crossed my arms. “I’m still in the dark about a lot of stuff.”

“What stuff?”

“Really?” I cocked an eyebrow. “What did Bennet tell you earlier?”

Xavier tensed, anger rolling off him in waves. “Nothing.”

“That’s two nothings. I feel like I’m on a rollercoaster. Talk to me. Please.”

Silence.

And to make it even more annoying, Xavier wouldn’t look at me. Frustrated, I scanned the room, sneaking glances at him. Aside from the tortured expression, he really looked handsome tonight. Dark gray dress pants, white button down with the sleeves rolled up, all those tattoos, no tie, dark hair tousled to a fault.

One of the butterflies nudged my heart.

Stop it.

“Okay.”

I was so surprised to hear his voice, I jumped. “Okay, what?”

An eyebrow arched as he walked closer. “I had no idea you were this forgetful.” Oh good. The aristocratic tone has returned.

Xavier straddled the bench and faced me. “You wanted to talk. What’s on your mind?”

“Can I tell you something?”

He dipped his head. “You can tell me anything, love.”

---