Chapter 20 - Xavier

Xavier

“ X avier Maddox with the clean sheet,” Cade bellowed, clapping his hands. A handful of people on the sidewalk stopped and stared as we walked by. “Best keeper in the league. England’s number one.”

“Or maybe United’s striker forgot how to score,” I smirked.

“Shade from the big X. Brilliant.”

Winning the match was never in doubt. Not with me in goal and Gallagher kicking absolute lasers in United’s box. In fact, the whole squad came together when it mattered most. Even Adam. His defending actually made my life easier. Little prick. I snickered.

“What’s got you in such a good mood?” Cade asked while we walked toward our cars. We’d just finished a post-game meal at Black Rose, a standing ritual we’ve had for years.

“Feels good to be back is all.”

“That’s a bloody lie and you know it. You’ve been chuffed about something since before we went on the pitch.” He stopped at his car. “ Are you going to New York?”

“Nope.” I kept walking and didn’t turn back. All I heard was a string of profanities coming from Cade mixed in with his laughter.

What I did plan to do was watch Victoria’s video again. And again. First thing I did after the final whistle was check my phone. She’s something else. I was noticeably hard going into the post-match interview.

Music blared from the speakers when I started my car. I lowered it and pulled onto the road.

Wednesday couldn’t get here fast enough. All I could think about was taking her in my arms. I don’t know if the photo she sent last night was planned or on a whim but fuck me. Waking up to it this morning erased some doubts I had about the two of us mending our…

Our what?

Casual fling?

Sorry. I don’t send orders to casual flings.

The corner of my mouth ticked up into a wicked grin as I approached Victoria’s house. As far as I was concerned, it was her house. I pulled in front of it and stopped. The keys were sitting on the counter in my kitchen so I couldn’t go inside at the moment. But I didn’t need to. I remembered the foyer and the awful couch and the sitting room. The sturdy lines of the wood paneling. The intricate design of the doorways and moldings.

This house wasn’t ugly at all. Not by a long shot. It just needed some attention. It needed someone to strip it bare, and restore it from the inside out.

Sexy goalkeepers who renovate houses are hard to come by these days. I have one in front of me. I’d be stupid to pass up the opportunity.

Her words came back to me in a rush. All at once a wall of need, want, and desire crashed down on me. I couldn’t pull myself out from the rubble if my life depended on it.

I should have gotten on the fucking plane and gone to New York. I’d make her kneel on the bed or the floor or the couch or wherever I damn well pleased. I’d watch her coax her pussy into an orgasm as many times as I wanted. Then I’d stand her against a wall, kick her legs open so she’s fully exposed to me and shag her until neither one of us could breathe.

I reached for my phone.

Victoria

W hy did I go out tonight?

Hannah and Bennet continued laughing about something one of the fans did at the match earlier today. I tried to pay attention. I really did. Unfortunately for them, I had dueling mental images fighting for my attention. The ghosts of Charlotte’s past and the very real, very erect penis of Xavier Maddox.

Did I suspect he’d send a video along those lines after what I recorded this morning? Hell yes. Although, I wasn’t expecting him to be sitting in his car. I pictured the shower or even the locker room. In any case, watching the aggressive way he stroked himself to climax was hot.

His rough breathing and low moans were so sexy. And hearing my whispered name when he came all over his hand shattered me. I especially appreciated the way he rubbed his thumb over his flared crown as it glistened with his release. I wanted lick it all off.

I sipped my water, trying to control the tingling between my legs.

And I also had my orders.

No panties.

He said he’d know if I disobeyed. I’m not clear on how that’s possible seeing as the chance of me letting anyone inspect what’s under my skirt is absolute zero. Not important. I liked having the distraction. Every time my mind drifted back to Charlotte’s diary, a dull pain filled my stomach. I needed to know who the boy was. And if his brother is in fact…

“I wasn’t going to say anything until the official announcement on Monday,” Bennet’s posh accent cracked through my reverie. “But I figure since I have two senior executives in my presence, I might as well let it spill.”

He glanced from me to Hannah with a sly grin.

“Royal City Athletic will host the Legends at our stadium this fall.”

Hannah didn’t seem surprised at all but still squealed with joy. My jaw dropped.

“I’m meeting with Ethan first thing Monday. We are quite excited about this partnership.” Bennet’s mouth curved into a friendly smile as he lifted his glass. “Cheers to new beginnings.”

Our glasses clinked together. Once our toast was finished he shared a knowing look with Hannah, giving her a terse nod before turning in my direction.

“So, Victoria, how have you been since we last spoke?” Bennet’s stare pierced through me.

He’s fishing. I knew it without a doubt. The last time we spoke was the night we all had dinner together in London. He damn well knows what happened since then. I let my glass linger at my lips before taking another sip of water.

“Busy.” I responded. “The draft is always a hectic time.”

He steepled his fingers in front of his mouth and studied me. “All those parties must have been fun.”

“They were.” I sifted my fingers through my hair. “Especially Noah’s fundraiser. Those are always epic. Right Hannah?”

Before she could answer, Bennet gave her a stern look. She simply smiled at me and nodded.

Interesting. Never pegged Hannah to be the submissive type.

“Hannah was kind enough to share photos from Noah’s event. And other events as well.” Bennet’s lips quirked into a grin. “Are you close with many of the players?”

Bennet, Bennet, Bennet. You’re not as smooth as you think.

I leaned back in the chair and folded my arms. “Why do I get the sense this is the beginning of an inquisition?”

Dominance and intrigue flared in his amber eyes. Hannah tapped her foot on mine under the table. I winked at her. She knows I can hold my own with these alpha CEO-types.

“No inquisition, Ms. Chase.” Bennet’s tone had a dark edge similar to Xavier’s.

“That’s a dead giveaway,” I smiled. “We’re well beyond formal names. And I know that tone of voice.”

Hannah kept her eyes cast down.

“What tone?” he asked, squaring his shoulders.

Oh, how I love to play games. I looked up at Bennet through my lashes. “I think you know the one, Mr. Logan. Low, dark,” I leaned forward for emphasis, “dominant.”

Hannah remained still. So this is how Xavier would find out if I did what he asked.

“Do you like that tone?”

Smoothing the hem of my skirt down, I crossed my legs. A thick atmosphere of control enveloped our space. Whatever else was happening in the restaurant faded into the background.

“You must know by now that I do.”

“And when you hear it, do you always do as you’re told?”

Bingo.

“Yes, sir,” I answered with a knowing smile.

“Even tonight?”

I tilted my head and held his stare. “Especially tonight.”

Without missing a beat, his expression softened and a relaxed smile touched his lips. “I’m glad you could find time in your busy schedule to join us. Hannah mentioned you were taking care of your friend’s dog. I hope we haven’t intruded on any other plans.”

“My weekends aren’t as exciting as you might think,” I responded with just as much ease, even though my pulse raced.

“Victoria has been known to binge watch entire television series on the weekends,” Hannah teased, coming back to life. “It’s just rumor and hear-say though.”

I laughed. “Oh okay, little miss ‘let’s watch every episode of Stranger Things in one sitting.’ You even like to bring all the food.”

“I brought cookies,” she sniffed. “Killian waltzed in with pizza and tacos.”

“Pizza and tacos?” Bennet frowned. “A good binge night needs curry chicken. I thought everyone knew that.”

“Is that what you and the boys snack on in your fancy library?” The question came out light-hearted and without much thought behind it on my part.

“Not quite, Ms. Chase.” A darker, more dangerous tone emerged.

Aaaand we’re back.

“What’s the point of having a fun place to hang out if you don’t serve fun food?” I challenged.

Hannah didn’t morph into submissive mode this time but she remained silent. Bennet leaned forward on his elbow. “There’s always something good to eat.”

I swallowed. Okay. Am I really ready to go toe-to-toe with a Dominant?

“Xavier mentioned you host parties there. How often do you have them?”

“Once a month.”

My eyes widened. “Oh. That’s pretty frequent.”

Hannah shifted in her chair. I wondered if she knew about them.

“What else did Xavier tell you?” Bennet’s lips twitched into a smile.

Oh, just that he’d fuck me there until I screamed loud enough for all of you to hear me .

Electricity skimmed down my spine. My thoughts fractured into incomplete fragments. I wanted to answer him honestly. I felt compelled to do so. But I wanted Xavier here to watch. I wanted him to witness this conversation and get aroused with me.

“He just told me people enjoyed one another’s company.”

“Is that something you like? Being around people who enjoy one another’s company? Or are you the type who likes to enjoy someone’s company with others around?”

All at once the reality hit me like a train. I’m being vetted. In their trio of alpha males, Bennet was the leader and he’s vetting me for his friend. True, Xavier had dominant tendencies but he wasn’t like Bennet. I paused before answering him.

“Xavier knows what I like.”

A knowing smile. “He does to a degree. And you’ve been comfortable with his predilection for exhibitionism and voyeurism so far?”

This was starting to feel like a job interview. “We have similar interests.”

Hannah’s eyebrows went up slightly. We’ve discussed men and relationships on occasion but never any kinks. I looked at her and shrugged. She chuckled.

“What about limits?” he asked, stroking his finger down Hannah’s arm.

“We haven’t talked about limits.”

“Why?”

Uneasiness snaked through me. “Well, we haven’t…I mean, I didn’t spend much time—“

“You spent enough time together to want to know what he likes, Ms. Chase.” Bennet’s sharp tone signaled the end of any frivolity on my part. “He let you know. Why haven’t you discussed limits?”

He wanted me to say it. Asshole.

“You know why.” My voice shook .

A venomous stare was my only reply. I can understand wanting to protect a friend but this was close to crossing a line. I refused to be scolded by this guy.

“It’s none of your business, Bennet.”

The tendons and muscles in his neck bulged through his skin as he swallowed. “Xavier’s well-being is my business, Victoria. And you will answer my question. Why haven’t you discussed limits?” His imposing frame matched the force behind his words.

Hannah’s eyes dropped down. I was truly on my own now. This was beyond intense. It was stifling. I always prided myself on handling controlling men with my own brand of grace under pressure.

Now? I might crack.

And I did.

“I told him he was just a distraction. A casual fling.” The corners of my eyes stung with tears. “I shouldn’t have said those things.”

“No, you shouldn’t have. While it’s not my place to speak on any punishments, I’m compelled to advise you on discussing your limits before proceeding in a relationship with him.” His expression softened slightly. “Do you understand?”

I nodded.

An eyebrow quirked. Oh for crying out loud .

“Yes, I understand,” I answered, fighting with all my might not to roll my eyes.

“Good. I’m not asking these questions because I think you’re not good enough for him, Victoria. Or that you’re going to deliberately hurt him. Quite the opposite. I’ve observed the two of you together, although briefly. You handle him well. He can be,” he paused, “impulsive.”

“No shit,” I muttered, reaching for my water.

“I can see why he likes you,” Bennet chuckled. “You challenge him. I’d have put you over my knee at least a dozen times by now but to each their own.”

A dozen? I nearly did an involuntary comedic spit-take. A dozen? I couldn’t get Xavier to do it once and this guy already has a dozen reasons? What the actual…

“I can tell you’re wondering what I consider disobedience.” He smirked. “You’re not a true submissive, so my explaining what I think is misbehaving or defiance wouldn’t work for you. And that would only make me want to lay you across my knee even more. Nobody wins.”

What a fascinating piece of work he is. He’s right though. I don’t have a submissive bone in my body. Unlike the quiet blonde sitting across from me.

“I appreciate your honesty, Victoria. I’ve known Xavier for a long time. We’re as close as brothers. As I mentioned before, his well-being is important to me. I won’t divulge any further. I’m sure you and Xavier will have a lot to talk about this week.”

Bennet put his arm around Hannah’s shoulders. A delicate gesture from one of the most dominant men I’ve ever come across. My heart pounded, betraying the confident exterior I portrayed during our exchange. I’ve always been curious to know what it was like to be around a true Dominant. I hope Hannah knows what she’s getting herself into.

Winston ran at full speed along the perimeter of the dog area before finding the perfect spot to pee. A cool breeze brushed over my bare arms and legs. A refreshing reprieve after spending the evening with Bennet. Don’t get me wrong. I’ve liked Bennet since the first minute I met him in London. I figured he’d be an amicable counterpart to have for future partnerships with our teams. I still feel that way on a professional level.

Tonight’s interaction left the distinct impression I was being studied. Even after his interrogation, I noticed Bennet drinking in my every move, absorbing every word I said, memorizing every reaction .

None of it made me too uncomfortable. It piqued my curiosity more than anything and I wanted to know why. Why did Bennet feel as though he had to protect his friend?

Maybe for the same reasons you should have protected your sister.

The vicious thought winded me. Shaking, I grasped the wrought iron fence and crouched down. All the answers to everything I wanted to know about the final summers we spent in England waited for me upstairs.