Page 72 of The Penalty

“You have a text.” Killian held up my phone.

“From?” A nervous chill washed over me.

Unknown texts have been popping up over the last few weeks. I’d dismissed them all as wrong numbers but the frequency was suspicious.

“Someone called Mildly Hot.” Killian grinned. “Know anybody by that ridiculous name?”

I traipsed out of the closet. “What time is it?”

“Almost six. Why? Is it dirty talk time? Can I stay and watch?”

I glared at him and grabbed the phone.

Mildly Hot: Hey

Me: Video call?

Mildly Hot: Only if you’re naked

Me: Guess not then :P

Mildly Hot: Is Killian still there?

Me: Yep. Give me a few minutes

Mildly Hot: Tell him I miss him

“Xavier misses you but he wants to know why you’re still here.”

“He’s secretly in love with me,” Killian gloated. “That’s why I forgave him so quickly. When you finally dump him I will move in on that ass so fast.”

“Be sure to tell Max all about it when you get home.” I ushered him out of the bedroom. “Winston’s hungry. Good night.”

I heard Killian laughing all the way to the elevator.

My stomach growled. Might as well grab some food before I call Xavier. I pulled out a couple slices of cold pizza from the fridge, prepared a little bowl of ranch dressing, and poured myself some wine. I took a sip before running to grab my laptop. Once everything was all set up on the kitchen counter, I started the call.

“I’m having your favorite for dinner,” I announced when he appeared on the screen. My heart screeched to a halt.

Damp hair, no shirt, lazy smile.

Oh, and he was laying on the bed. I silently cursed long-distance relationships.

“You’re my favorite for dinner.”

Deep breath. “Did you have training today?”

“No. Today I listened to Cade ramble about a girl he met last month. I think she was Italian. I don’t know. I lost interest after about two minutes.”

“What did I say about being nice to Cade?” I popped a ranch-covered pizza crust into my mouth. Xavier wrinkled his nose. “What’s the matter, Maddox? See something that displeases you?”

“No, love. Every inch of you pleases me. And as soon as I see you again, I’ll show you how much.”

Even through the computer screen he could fucking make me blush. Maybe he can’t see it. I finished chewing and stared at him. Yep. He can see it.

I cleared my throat. “Did you just get out of the shower?”

“A little while ago. Why? Did I miss a spot?”

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