Chapter 27 - Victoria

Victoria

“ W hen’s the wedding?” Killian asked, settling into the seat next to me with a heaping plate of french fries. Fans in the section to our right started singing and chanting.

I stared at the field, watching Xavier go through his warm-ups. For this particular drill all the goalkeepers juggled the ball between them without letting it hit the ground. They’d bounce it off their feet and chest. I just liked watching the way he moved.

“Shut up,” I finally acknowledged Killian’s question. It was Saturday evening and I was thinking ahead to my post-match plans with Xavier, not marriage.

“Mature,” he snickered. “I give it three months before you’re married and pregnant.”

I looked at my best friend’s smug smile and shook my head. “You’re being ridiculous.”

“No, I’m not. Because it’s real now,” he said plainly.

“Yeah.” I stole a french fry from his plate. “It’s real now. I’m still not getting pregnant or married in three months.”

“Whatever.” Killian’s soft smile hasn’t changed from the day we met as kids. “I mean, he got your parents to agree on something which is,” he fisted his hands at his head, extended his fingers and pulled them away sharply while making a bomb sound.

“Wild, right?” I stole another fry.

“The house warming party is going to be lit.” He moved the food away from me. “And the whole thing about his brother wasn’t as nefarious as we all thought. Although you do still need to talk to him about the fight.”

“I will.”

The last thirty-six hours have been an absolute blur. Xavier ended up staying with me on Thursday. He managed to sneak back into his hotel room Friday morning without being discovered. I chose to stay away from their training session. I know how important routines are for athletes and my presence would only be a distraction.

Last night was another story. Xavier tempted fate again and broke curfew to spend the night with me. I tried (sort of) to convince him it was a bad idea and he should be more responsible and his team needs him and all the things one is supposed to say to a pro-soccer player the night before a game when he should be resting his body.

Xavier’s impulsive side wanted to hear none of it.

We had so much sex in one night I was tempted to take a vow of celibacy for the weekend. I’m still sore from the euphoric pounding my body took. I can only imagine how his body feels.

“…vacation on the moon. The Sea of Tranquility is supposed to be great this time of year,” Killian was saying. “Interested?”

“Sure,” I answered in a light, dreamy voice. “The beach sounds good.”

“Oh. My. God.”

“What are you babbling about?” I asked, forcing my eyes away from the field .

He just smiled this dopey, sugary smile and started tearing up. I blinked at him.

“You’re in love. Like, in love , in love.”

“Don’t say it out loud.”

“Someone has to,” he shouted to nobody in particular.

“Who’s ready for a bit of English footie?” Noah Tate’s bad attempt at mimicking a British accent announced his arrival.

I stood up and hugged the Legends quarterback and his girlfriend, grateful for the interruption. Several members of the team decided to attend tonight’s game. Noah and Tracey sat several rows behind us. Tre arrived not too long after with Jax and Dante, our two tight ends. In fact, we had a good number of Legends players in our section. Some brought their wives and kids as well.

A few minutes later Bennet strolled over. Our seats were one row up from the field so he leaned on the padded barrier wall when he stopped in front of us.

We weren’t too far away from the Royal City bench either. Well, bench isn’t an accurate way to describe it. They had fancy soft chairs arranged beneath a curved plastic roof to keep them all cozy and safe from the elements. In this case, the elements happened to be a clear, breezy, spring evening in New York.

“Excited for your first Royal City match in person?” Bennet asked.

“First of many,” Killian answered. “Many. Right, Tori?”

I wanted to strangle him in the most loving way possible.

“Yes. We’re all looking forward to it,” I said, noticing the warmth in Bennet’s smile.

“The Knights should give us a good challenge. Maybe even score a goal or two.”

“Don’t let your goalkeeper hear you say that,” I laughed.

“Ah. It’s good for him,” Bennet teased. “Keeps his ego in check.” He glanced back at the field. “We’ll see if he defends the goal as well as he maneuvered through the city under the dark of night. ”

Oh crap.

“You knew?”

Mischief and intrigue lit up his eyes. “I know some things, Ms. Chase. Do you really think he’d break curfew without backup?” He motioned for me to lean closer. “I told you his well-being is important to me. And that extends to you. You make him happy. If breaking one rule to spend time with you is important to him, I’ll help make it happen.”

I blushed. I fucking blushed and Bennet saw it and smiled. Dammit.

“You really have to start introducing me to your new British invasion friends,” Killian fake-complained.

I rolled my eyes. “Killian Monroe, this is Bennet Logan, Royal City Athletic president and CEO for The Logan Group.”

The two of them shook hands and I couldn’t help but laugh at how different they appeared. Killian exuded frat boy charm in his distressed jeans and untucked button down. Bennet radiated power in his tailored dark blue suit. Hard to believe only a couple of years separated them in age.

“I’m also known as the god of thunder in certain circles,” Bennet joked, revealing some of his own boyish charm.

“Yes,” Killian exclaimed, smacking his hand down on the wall. “Did Tori call you that? She has a thing for the Avengers.”

“So I’ve learned.”

“Well I’m glad the two of you have bonded,” I chuckled.

Both teams started making their way back to the locker rooms for final preparations. Fans yelled and cheered as Cade and Xavier sauntered toward the tunnel together. Many of them crossed their arms in front of their chests in an X shape. Cade and Xavier mimicked the pose and yelled with enthusiasm.

Bennet caught their attention and waved them over, much to everyone’s delight.

Ever the crowd pleasers, the duo drank in the attention and adoration, waving to the fans. Cade looked sharp in his away whites, while Xavier smoldered in a bright bluish-teal. Bennet did the typical guy hand clasp and one-armed hug with both.

“Good luck out there, gentlemen.”

“It’ll be a breeze,” Cade said with conviction. “No offense, Lady V.”

I grinned and shook my head. “Don’t get cocky until the final whistle blows.”

He put his hand up for a high five, which I happily smacked. “Good luck, Gallagher.”

Out of nowhere, Xavier jumped up on the wall and sat, similar to the way our players do after scoring a touchdown. The people around us went nuts, screaming for his attention.

“Hi.” He smiled his sexy, crooked smile. His eyes glowed as bright as the color of his uniform. “Do I get a good luck wish from you, too?”

“Do you need luck?”

“Nope.” He cupped his gloved hand behind my neck and pulled me in for a lush kiss. Pretty sure I heard a few cat calls and whistles from the crowd.

“Thank you, love.”

He jumped down, waved to the fans and ran off to the locker room with Cade.

“See you after the match?” Bennet asked, walking toward the tunnel.

I nodded and waved.

Killian rested his head on my shoulder when I reclined back into the seat. “So, when’s the wedding again?”

“Shut up,” I smiled, stroking my tingling lips.

All talk of weddings ceased once the Knights and Royals took the field to start the game. The Knights actually gave them a run for their money, threatening on goal several times. Xavier moved like lightning for every save. Not once did they score on him. His explosive speed and agility are mesmerizing. I probably spent the majority of the game watching him.

Probably?

Fine. I spent the entire game watching him.

I nearly melted when the final whistle blew and he removed his jersey to exchange it with the Knights’ goalkeeper. The long-sleeved bright blue shirt he wore under it clung to him like a second skin.

Both teams walked along the sidelines, clapping and waving to fans. The atmosphere and crowd were electric the entire time, even though the game ended in scoreless tie. I had a feeling this wasn’t the last we’d see of English soccer clubs visiting the Legends stadium.

“When did you take this?” I asked Hannah, zooming in on the picture. We were standing off in a corner near the bar waiting for our drinks.

“During warm ups. Don’t they look great?”

The photo of Cade and Xavier smiling and laughing was perfect. Xavier had his arm around his friend’s shoulders. Cade’s head tilted back like he’d been told the funniest joke ever.

“I love it.”

“Thought you might.”

“What do you love?” Xavier asked, sidling up behind me and wrapping his arms around my waist.

I showed him the photo. “Hannah took this when you guys were warming up. Cute, huh?”

“Cute,” he laughed. “The guy in blue looks like a real pillock.”

“A what?”

“Lemme see,” Cade demanded, joining us. I gave him my phone. “Absolute wanker, that one. Guy in white looks minted, though.”

“You’re doing this on purpose.” I shook my head, grabbing the phone .

“Doing what?”

“Being all British with your slang.”

“Me?” Cade feigned an innocent look. “Think I’m faffing around, do ya?”

“Oh my God,” I snickered.

“Cade,” Xavier addressed him in a low, patronizing tone. “We don’t want her to lose the plot.”

“Or get cheesed off.”

“You’re both on thin ice.” I tried to sound annoyed. “Speak English.”

“We are,” they said in unison before we all burst out laughing. Hannah shook her head and went back to our table with her drink. Cade planted a loud kiss on my forehead before following her.

Xavier sat on a barstool and positioned me so I stood between his legs, facing him.

“Enjoying yourself?” he asked.

“Maybe.”

An eyebrow went up. “I see.”

“Am I well in it now?”

A flirtatious spark lit up his eyes. “Not at the moment, city princess. But the night is young.”

“Do you mind if I post the photo online?”

“Of course I don’t mind.”

“Want me to tag you both in it?”

“Sure.”

I smiled, writing and erasing what I wanted to say in the description. After a few failed attempts I decided on Royals gather in the house of Legends .

Not my best work but I love this picture. I love how joyful and carefree he looked. I glanced up to see Xavier on his phone.

“What are you up to now?”

“Nothing.” He put the phone in his pocket. “Just proper gentleman stuff. ”

“Care to elaborate?”

“So inquisitive,” he muttered with a smile while pulling his phone out again. “This is what I did.”

He turned the screen toward me. A picture of me smiling down at my own phone appeared on his feed. My mouth opened in surprise.

“You sneak.”

“Do you want me to take it down?”

I narrowed my eyes at him before reading Legend in the caption. And a blue heart emoji. It already had likes and comments.

This keeps getting more and more real, doesn’t it.

“No. You can leave it up.” I handed the phone back and added, “Does this make us official?”

“Officially what?” he smirked.

“Internet friends.”

“Oh, absolutely.”

Standing like this near the bar reminded me of our encounter at Black Rose. Running into him that night had been a pleasant surprise. Flirting with him was even more fun. And now here he was, sitting in front of me.

Should I?

“So, Xavier is it?” I asked, peering up at him from under my lashes.

Confusion washed over his face briefly. Then a sinful smile pulled at his mouth. “Depends on who’s asking.”

I looked around to see if anyone was actually walking over. Even here in New York, he had his admirers. They were quite vocal at the stadium and since we’re in a crowded bar, anyone could be here.

“There’s no brunette coming up to me this time.” Xavier’s low, clipped tone hit all my hot buttons. His pupils dilated.

“Must be hard for your fragile ego to deal with the lack of attention.”

“Nothing about me is fragile.”

My lips parted slightly. I know I was blushing. I felt the heat building beneath my skin .

“Would you like to continue?” he asked.

Trembling beneath his hungry stare I answered, “Green.”

The change in his demeanor was instantaneous. My heart raced.

I leaned closer, resting one hand on his thigh and using the other to tug down the neckline of his shirt so I could see his inked skin.

“Nice tattoo.” I traced my nail along the base of his throat.

“I have more.”

Both his hands cupped my backside and squeezed, pulling me flush against him. I was close enough to kiss him. Close enough to feel his warm breath on my mouth. Close enough to see how drunk with lust I made him.

“I bet you do.” I nipped at his lower lip. “You should show me all your tattoos. Right now.”

He fisted my hair with such force I whimpered. Tilting my head, he took my mouth, plunging his tongue in, claiming and owning me.

I curled my tongue to taste along his upper lip. Whisky and him . I moaned, licking deeper into his mouth, tasting more of him.

He tugged on my hair to the point of pain, pulling my head back. His breath tickled my ear when he asked, “Are you wet, dirty princess?”

I nodded, finding the outline of his erection through his jeans. Instead of stroking it, I traced around his length, then pushed my palm down to his inner thigh, teasing him, putting pressure there and squeezing.

“Careful,” he moaned. “What makes you think I’m this kind of guy?”

“What kind of guy is that?” I held his fervent stare. This place was almost filled to capacity. We were tucked in a corner by the bar. Not quite secluded but not fully exposed to other people. They’d really have to stare to see what we were doing over here.

“You tell me.” He repositioned his body a little so my hand was hidden. “Are you okay to continue?”

“Green. ”

The dark expression I love so much washed across his face. “I’m all yours.”

Our mouths slid together, tongues entwining in a swirl of kinky, filthy demands. He cupped my face gently as I pressed my palm into his crotch and inner thigh, rubbing and squeezing. This was so dirty. So indecent. And I loved every second. I loved feeling how he controlled his body. I loved picturing others sneaking a glance to see what we were doing.

“Look at me,” he groaned.

I felt the heat beneath my cheeks when I did. I’d never seen this expression before. It was insatiable. Covetous. I parted my lips, inhaling a sharp breath.

His pelvis jerked forward. “You like being this kind of girl, don’t you?” he growled. “Getting me this hard in such a crowded place.”

Our lips met in a brief, lush kiss. I squeezed his inner thigh when he moaned. I knew he was close.

Nuzzling into his neck, I kissed up to whisper in his ear, “I was so turned on watching you play tonight. I love how your body moves. I love how feral and competitive you are. I love how intense you look on the field. I wanted to fuck you right there.”

Untamed eyes glazed with longing burned through me. The deliberate way he ran his tongue along his lower lip ignited my desire. The secret that delighted him to no end was our secret now.

“Come for me,” I purred, not breaking eye contact.

His fingers dug into my arm. I kept rubbing and squeezing, mesmerized by his subtle, controlled thrusts.

He pressed his forehead to mine, a broken moan crossing his lips. I felt his body tense, his breathing stutter, then the faint rocking of his hips as he rode out his release.

“Mine,” I murmured, running my fingers along the outline of his pulsing length.

“Fuck,” he hissed, his pelvis jolting uncontrollably. I could stay like this all night and feel him surrender to me over and over.

I kissed him soft and slow, savoring every moan and ragged breath as his body relaxed.

“Did you like that, country prince?” I asked quietly, sliding my fingers in his hair.

“I loved it, Tori,” he whispered.

I pulled back like I’d been whipped with barbed wire.

An alley. Great.

Fucking great.

I pressed my hand to the brick wall and tried to catch my breath. Did I really just run out on Xavier after giving him a hand job because he called me Tori?

Yes. Yes you did, you asshole .

“Shit,” I yelled. Throwing my head back, I shouted in frustration into the night air.

What is wrong with me. I raked my hands through my hair and did the only thing I knew how to do. I paced.

I paced and paced and paced some more.

“Victoria.”

The concerned way Xavier said my name stopped me in my tracks. I turned but couldn’t look him in the eye. Alley trash seemed to be a more fitting option. I heard his footsteps approach and chose to stare at his shoes. He tilted my chin up. A soft smile greeted me.

He leaned down and kissed me. “Hi. I would have come out here with you sooner but, uh,” he gestured to his pants, “you made a mess.”

I cough-laughed, staring at his crotch. His pants looked normal. “Impressive job cleaning up.”

“Took me a minute but I think I got it all.”

Nothing but a relaxed, gorgeous man stood before me. No annoyance, no anger. Only concern and affection.

“It seems we’ve arrived at another limit,” he acknowledged. “Another red . Am I correct in my assessment?”

Tears stung the corners of my eyes when I nodded. “You’re being too kind.”

“Nah. Just being me. Are you okay?”

“I will be.” I blew out a breath. “You must think I’m crazy as fuck.”

He chuckled, rubbing his thumb along his lower lip. “I think you’re hot as fuck. Dirty as fuck. Smart and funny and loving. All as fuck, by the way.”

My mouth curved into a smile with no effort. “You’re not upset?”

“No.” He reached for my hands. “Should I not call you by that name?”

I laced my fingers with his. “The only people who call me Tori are Killian and my dad.” I swallowed. “Charlotte loved to call me that. After she died I didn’t want anyone to say it.”

“Is it something only for the people who are closest to you?”

My heart cracked a little. “You’re close to me.”

“I’m getting there, love. Come here.” Xavier banded his arms around me. Nuzzling into my neck, he pressed gentle kisses against my skin.

“Sorry I ran out.”

“No apologies.” He kissed me. “You feeling okay about what we did in there?”

I smiled. “Absolutely.”

“Good.” He kissed me again. “Ready to go back and join the others?”

“Do they know?”

He grinned down at me. “Know what? That you went out for a little air? Yes. That you and I snogged like horny uni students at the bar? Yes.” He traced along my lower lip. “That I came so hard I couldn’t walk straight? No. ”

“You couldn’t walk straight?”

“Not really. I think I hid it pretty well though. Weaving in and out of the crowd to get to the loo helped.”

“Were they watching us the whole time?”

He toyed with a few strands of my hair. “On and off, yes. Does that make you uncomfortable?”

I shook my head. “Have you ever watched them?”

“Only at Bennet’s parties. And only if they requested an audience.”

“Were you alone?” I regretted asking the second I finished the question. The mere thought of him enjoying a moment as intimate as that with another woman made my stomach turn. I know I’m being irrational. I have a past, too. Pretty sure he doesn’t want to know the dirty details of what I’ve done.

“Not always.” He leaned his forehead to mine. “Not for anything but I didn’t picture us having this discussion in a smelly New York alley.”

“ Foetorem extremae latrinae .”

“I’ve no idea what you said but knowing you, it’s probably something filthy.”

“Pretty much. It basically means stench of a sewer bottom.”

He inhaled and coughed. “Accurate. Let’s go back inside.”

“Hey.” I held his arm.

He lifted my hand and kissed the pulse point on my wrist. “Yes, love.”

“If you ever…I think…” I struggled with how to phrase what I wanted to say. “I liked how you said it. My nickname. I liked the way it sounded coming from you. I hope you’ll say it again.”

“I will.” He laced his fingers with mine. “Back inside before we both smell like a sewer bottom.”

Cade was in the middle of telling a story about one of their championship matches to an audience that not only included fans but also Noah Tate, Tracey Watson, and Tre Gideon. I glanced over at Hannah, my eyes wide. She laughed and shrugged, mouthing they’re all best friends now.

“This is quite the motley crew.” I waved to my team’s quarterback and wide receiver. Noah jumped up and hugged me, followed by Tracey. Tre waved back, cautiously eyeing Xavier.

“It’s not every day we get to hang out with some of the world’s best soccer players,” Noah grinned, putting his arm around my shoulders. “Did you know this guy,” he pointed at Cade, “idolizes me?”

“Idolize is a strong word, mate,” Cade countered. “I admire your commitment to the sport.”

The table erupted into good-natured laughter.

Noah’s arm still rested casually around my shoulders. I couldn’t see Xavier since he was standing behind me but I could one hundred percent feel his stare.

“So many egos in one place,” I said, deftly sliding away from Noah. “I don’t know if I can handle it.”

“Try living with it,” Tracey piped up. Noah returned to his girlfriend, pressed a kiss to her mouth and sat down. I caught Xavier’s eye and motioned to the empty chairs next to them.

Before he could sit with me, a blonde woman grabbed his arm and starting gushing over how talented and hot he was.

“Do you ever let anyone score on you?” she asked with obvious intent, rubbing her hand on his chest.

Ever the attention seeker, he smirked. “Scoring on me isn’t easy.”

I felt someone kick my foot under the table. It was Cade. He grinned at me, looked over at the blonde and said, “Scoring on Maddox is overrated. He’s all show and no substance.”

The girl swayed a little, holding onto his shirt. I glared at her. She really needed to stop touching him. Now.

My inability to control this envious surge surprised me. I’ve never been the jealous type. Then again, I’ve never forged an actual relationship with someone I classified as a one night stand .

“Oh, I bet there’s big substance beneath all these clothes,” she smiled, sliding her hand and her eyes down to his crotch.

NOT TODAY BLONDIE .

“Actually,” I rose to my feet and addressed this intruder directly, “scoring on him is mind-blowing. Too bad you’ll never have first-hand experience.”

Noah let out a low whistle. I heard Cade snickering.

“My girlfriend is right,” Xavier confirmed, removing her hand from his body. “I hope you enjoyed tonight’s match though.”

I couldn’t process anything else. All I did was stand slack-jawed, staring at him. For his part, Xavier politely sent the blonde on her way before wrapping an arm around my waist.

Lowering his mouth to my ear he said, “You’re bloody hot when you’re jealous.”

I sat heavily in the chair, scanning around the table. Cade had a grin on his face that screamed I knew it while Bennet studied me with rapt interest. I shoved the girlfriend remark out my head as best as I could in order to enjoy the rest of my night. I had to. It shook me to my core.

“I don’t think we’ve had the pleasure of being introduced,” Xavier said, sitting down and focusing on Noah.

Before I could say anything, Noah spoke. “You’re Xavier Maddox. Hell of a goalkeeper, man. My little brother watches you every week.” He flashed a wide smile. “Noah Tate, Legends quarterback. This is my girlfriend, Tracey.”

I put my hand on Xavier’s thigh and felt his muscles relax. He morphed into Attention Loving Xavier and basked in Noah’s praise. He even signed a napkin for him to give to his brother.

The mood at the table was light and casual and fun. Except for Tre. He was uncharacteristically subdued. He’d engage in conversation but refrained from being his usual, animated self. I noticed him steal a few glances in my direction and glower slightly at Xavier .

I won’t lie, it annoyed me.

Granted, this was a unique situation where I’m socializing with a former one night stand while nurturing a relationship with my latest.

And this is why I have that damn policy.

I brushed it off. I broke it for Xavier and have no regrets.

In fact, once we returned to my condo and climbed into bed, I made sure to break it again with him before falling asleep.