Page 52 of The Penalty

“It won’t,” he whispered, cupping my face.

I blinked up at him, still a little woozy from the after-effects of multiple orgasms. He bent his head to kiss me, the softest one of the night. I cherished it, trying to etch the taste and feel to my memory.

“Are you in any hurry to get me back inside?”

“No, love. I’m perfectly happy right where I am.”

I held him tighter, never wanting to leave his side.

I only wanted to fill my soul with every piece of him.

Xavier

“Send it back. It’s undercooked.”

The distain in Killian’s tone made me laugh. I glanced at Victoria, who stared at her best friend.

“It’s perfectly fine,” she admonished. “Some of us like our steak a little juicy.”

“Some of us don’t want to see a horror movie on a plate. Could there be any more blood?”

“Since when did you become the beef police?”

“Since I stopped eating it.”

“Children,” Max chimed in.

Killian mimicked him silently while Victoria tried to enjoy her dinner.

It’s been a while since I’ve seen the three of them in action together. Not much has changed. I was a little surprised when Victoria mentioned they wanted to have dinner with us, meaning her and I together.

This is the first time I’ve socialized with them since arriving in New York. I’ve been here for almost a month now and could take a hint.

I assumed they still weren’t huge fans of me. Maybe that’s changed.

“What time’s the big photo shoot tomorrow?” Killian asked me in a chilly, forced tone.

Guess not.

A satisfied smile pulled at his mouth when I lifted an eyebrow in surprise.

“She tells me everything. You should know this by now.”

Victoria glared at him. “I do not.”

“Right.” He rolled his eyes and turned his attention to me. “Anyway. I hope it goes…ah-MAZE-ing.”

Max choked on his drink. Victoria clenched a fist. Killian stabbed into his salad looking quite satisfied with himself.

I see what he did there. The maze. He knows.

And I get it.

He’s the closest thing she has to family. I hurt her.

He’s the protector. I’m the asshole.

But I could also play this game. And I can do it much, much better.

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