Page 63 of The Penalty

Me: Also, we’re doing my bday at Lake George if you don’t already have plans for the 4th. Talk later.

I slid the phone into my purse as I approached my car.

That’s odd.

I stopped short.

A blue ribbon hung from the drivers’ side door handle. It was tied in a neat bow. A tiny chill washed over me.

Before walking any closer, I checked out my surroundings. This lot wasn’t open to the public. It was gated and loaded with security cameras. Only executives, coaches, and players had access. Nobody else was allowed.

I peeked through the windows. Everything was still locked. Nothing was missing or disturbed.

“Jax,” I muttered, untying the ribbon.

Xavier

My final ten days in Manhattan flew by so fast it gave me whiplash.

One minute, I was lounging in bed with Victoria, convincing her she didn’t need to be on time for work. The next, packing a suitcase for my flight home to London.

The silver lining? We’re finally having our weekend getaway.

“This is beautiful,” she commented, stretching her arms over her head. “How did you manage to reserve it so close to the holiday?”

“Charm,” I replied, admiring her supple curves and the fiery tattoo inked alongside her ribcage. We’d been outside lounging by the pool all evening. “And a sizable amount of money.”

The description online referred to this place as a cottage tucked away among spruce and cedar trees when in reality it was a large, two-story home with a sprawling backyard, pool, and outdoor hot tub. Much too big for just the two of us but I liked how secluded it was.

As promised, all mobile phones were turned off and stuffed in a drawer.

I watched Victoria walk slowly to the edge of the pool. This fucking bikini she wore would live in my head rent free forever. There’s no way in hell she’s wearing it to the cookout. Birthday or not, nobody but me will ever see her in it.

“Impressive, Maddox.”

“This is what finally impressed you?” I approached her from behind. “Thought it would never happen.”

Her light, melodic laugh filled the night air.

“I’m always impressed by you.” Victoria turned and wrapped her arms around my waist. “Try not to let it inflate your fragile ego.”

“Too late.”

She pressed a kiss to my chest before resting her head on it. I sifted my fingers through her damp, wavy hair, trying like hell to freeze time. Or at least memorize how soft she felt against me, the way her heart stuttered any time I caressed her, and the quiet moans of contentment that vibrated through her just from being close to me.

Leaving her while knowing there was still an unresolved threat looming wracked my body with unease.

Before we’d left to come here, Bennet texted me nonstop about convincing Victoria to let Marcus keep an eye on her. Something had gone down at the stadium last week, but he didn’t elaborate. Victoria didn’t mention anything out of the ordinary. Hopefully the disturbance was either contained or Bennet overreacted.

Regardless, knowing I’d be far away from her didn’t sit well with me at all.

“Why are you so tense?”

“I’m not.”

She stared up at me. “The weird thing about standing like this with you is I’m able to actually feel all your muscles bunch up. Sit on the lounger.”

“Are you bossing me around?”

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