Page 89 of The Penalty

Victoria smiled and laughed, leaning against the barricade with enough elegance to outshine any member of the royal family.

She was an absolute vision. Red hair swept up in a ponytail. Glossy lips. Curves accentuated by a jersey —my number— and jeans. I might be biased but I’ve never seen a sexier woman in my life.

Part of me wanted to gouge Liam’s eyes out. They traced over her body with obvious lust and intention. It was evident from where I stood, which felt too fucking far away at the moment.

“See you inside,” I said to Cade and started walking.

Someone blocked my path before I could get to her.

“Xavier.”

I recognized the voice and lavender scent.

“Phoebe,” I muttered, side-stepping her. “If you’ll excuse me.”

She moved with me, putting her hand on my chest to prevent me from escaping. “I haven’t heard from you in a while. Did you forget how to answer texts?”

Her dark hair and eyes matched the blatant come-hither tone. The corners of her pouty lips curled up in a knowing smile. Not too long ago this would turn me on enough to get something out of it.

My history with Phoebe was long and mostly uncomplicated. She worked as a television presenter for one of the networks. She’s also a model. Matches like this would sometimes end with her and I…well, they would end with her and I.

Not tonight though. Or ever.

“Been busy.” I side-stepped her again. She mimicked my movements, keeping her hand on me.

“All the more reason to come to my hotel and take a break.” Her words dripped with seduction. “You’ve never been too busy for a full body rubdown.”

“That’s where you’re wrong.” My smile lacked any warmth. “It’s not happening Phoebe. Let’s not make a scene.”

Her tanned skin flushed with a red tint. “Don’t tell me this little thing with the American is still going on.”

“I’m not telling you anything.”

“This isn’t over.”

Oh it was. And so was this conversation.

“Wrong again,” I said icily, irritated by her advances and furious at how engaged Liam still was with my girlfriend.

My long strides ate up the distance in no time. I arrived in time to hear Victoria laugh after whatever the fuck he said to her. The tic in my jaw pulsed harder at the bright sound. Then he put his hand on her arm and my vision turned red. Teammate or not, I wanted to shove his face into the grass.

I thought I’d stamped out my jealousy.

Wrong yet again.

“Did I miss something funny?” I asked, disguising my annoyance with a bored expression.

Victoria’s eyes swept over me. Their emerald glow intensified as she drank in every inch of me before resting on my gloved hands.

“Just telling your lovely lady a funny story.” Liam’s hand was safely back at his side, thank fuck. “At your expense, of course.”

He shot me a look that said you lucky bastard before saying his goodbyes and heading to the tunnel. The overheated temperature of my blood cooled a little.

“You’re still hot when you’re jealous for no reason.” Victoria’s words tumbled out breathier than I expected, making my cock twitch. I grabbed her and pulled her to me. “Hi,” she smiled.

I kissed her with such fierce possession it shocked both of us.

“Hi,” I said on her lips. “I missed you.”

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