Page 85 of The Penalty

Mildly Hot: Get some rest. I plan to keep you up all night

Me: Promise?

Mildly Hot: Is that a challenge?

Me: Maybe

Mildly Hot: Careful what you wish for

I hopped in the shower to wash off the remnants of Miami and the long flight.

Since we were going to a soccer game, I thought it would be fun to wear Xavier’s jersey. He really enjoyed seeing me in his Royal City one. And I really enjoyed wearing it for him.

It was way too big though. I pulled out the England jersey I bought last week, running my hand over the name Maddox.

A smile played on my lips. He’s going to love this.

Intense quiet filled every corner of the suite’s luxurious bedroom. I wish he was here with me now, enjoying the beautiful panoramic view of Paris with the Eiffel Tower standing in all its iron elegance.

I’d just walked back into the living room area when a knock sounded at the door. A hotel employee stood holding a small, elegantly wrapped box.

“This arrived for you.”

He handed me the box and left. I watched him disappear into the elevator. I also noticed there was no sign of Alex lurking in the hallway. That struck me as odd but then again maybe the poor guy was scarfing down some food in peace.

I eyed the pretty box with a healthy dose of curiosity. Xavier wouldn’t send a present. He’s not a surprise romantic gift type of guy.

Wait. He didn’t know where I was staying.

A tiny wave of anxiety pushed through me. There wasn’t a card or anything with it.

I did the only rational thing I could think of. I shook it. Silly? Yes.

“Might as well,” I muttered, opening the box.

There was so much tissue paper I thought maybe it was empty. Then I noticed the slim, black flash drive wrapped in a small slip of paper.

I unfolded it.

THIS IS THE KEY: 08010401

What the hell?

My curiosity evaporated, replaced with an eerie crawling sensation up the back of my neck. I went to the door again and opened it. The hallway remained empty. The eerie sensation intensified.

“Get it together,” I mumbled to myself, shutting the door.

It’s the jet lag. The flash drive was probably meant for someone else. Bennet did just make these reservations, and knowing him, he probably had the original guest booted so fast they weren’t able to tell anyone.

I relaxed a bit but wasn’t able to shake the weird sensation. I put the flash drive back in the box and left it on the table. I’ll talk to the concierge after brunch.

Half an hour later, Hannah and I sipped on mimosas at an adorable little café near the hotel. Of course, Alex hovered nearby.

I snapped some photos of the Eiffel Tower, our drinks, and us. Likes and comments flooded my notifications seconds after I posted them.

Enjoy Paris!

Lucky girl.

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