Page 90 of The Penalty

“I missed you, too.” She laced her fingers behind my neck, pulling me in for another kiss.

My skin prickled from the light touch of her finger tracing my jaw. Holding her in my arms felt damn good. I was so caught up in her I almost missed the cloud of unease pass through her gorgeous features. It was brief though. Maybe I imagined it.

“Did you wear this for me?” I slid my hands up her back.

“I did but don’t get used to it. As much as I like lions, if you ever play against the U.S. I’m afraid I have to support the stars and stripes.”

“A discussion for another time.”

She laughed. “You better enjoy this while you can then. Do you like it?”

“Fuck yes, I like it.”

I lowered my mouth to hers, kissing her slow and deep. Her taste and scent mingled together with perfection, filling my senses. Mint and vanilla. Spring and winter.

Soft, sweet moans vibrated through her, igniting my instinct to be rough and possessive.

“Turn around,” I ordered in a low voice.

Her eyes met mine before she did as I instructed. Knowing how much she trusted me turned me on in ways I never thought possible.

I placed my hands on her hips. Seeing my name on her back did something to me. I dipped my head so my breath skated on her neck. Her intoxicating scent drugged me and turned the sound of my voice hoarse and sinful.

“My name looks so fucking good on you. That’s where it belongs, love. On what’s mine.”

A shudder rolled through us at the exact same time. Our bodies were so synced. I didn’t even have to look at her to know what she wanted.

But I did want to hear her say it.

When I turned her toward me, she stared up with eyes shimmering from the lights.

“Hey, Mad— Victoria.” Cade’s boisterous shouting yanked me back into the chaos of the post-match environment. He bounded over like a puppy approaching a new toy and engulfed Victoria in a hug. She squealed in delight when he lifted her and spun her around. My earlier bout with jealousy still swirled beneath the surface but Cade was harmless. Plus he knew I’d knock him into the next millennium if he ever touched her inappropriately.

“Careful, Gallagher. I need her in one piece.”

“I’m not touching that one, mate,” he laughed, putting Victoria down. She hugged him one more time before returning to my side. I wrapped my arm around her waist and kissed the top of her head.

“When did you get here?” he asked her. “I would’ve sent you my jersey to wear.”

Victoria looked toward the trio of young ladies taking a group selfie. “I can’t possibly compete with your fan club.”

“Them? They’re not full members.” He winked. “At least not yet.”

One of the girls blew a kiss and waved at him.

“Big night planned?” I asked, arching an eyebrow.

“I’ll have my hands full for sure.”

“Pace yourself, Cade,” Victoria quipped. “You don’t want to frighten them off with all that overeager manliness.”

A sly grin ghosted across my friend’s mouth. I tossed him a warning glance.

“You would know all about overeager manliness, wouldn’t you?” he teased her and fake-punched me in the chest. “We should head in, lover boy. I’m sure there’s a lecture or twenty waiting for us lads about this shit performance.”

“Before you go,” Victoria reached for his arm, “would you mind taking our picture, Cade?”

“Queen Victoria, I would do anything for you.” He took her phone and bowed dramatically.

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