Chapter 8 - Victoria

Victoria

T he feeling of his open-mouthed kisses up and down my neck was intoxicating. Every part of me sang and arched into him. When his lips touched mine it was the most powerful thing I’ve ever felt. Xavier’s kiss had longing, possessiveness, need, lust. And for some reason, this kiss spoke to every inch of me.

His fisted hand pulled at my hair, tilting my head. The soft touch of his tongue fluttered on mine, making me moan. His other hand worked fast to undo my jeans and maneuver between my legs. The sudden spike of pleasure hit me faster than I—

My ass vibrated. And chimes rang out. And it vibrated again. More chimes.

The sudden noise pulled us apart. My clit screamed at me for depriving it of a complete rubdown.

Xavier looked at me funny. “What is that?”

“My goddam phone.” I grunted in exasperation and pulled it out of my back pocket. Text messages from Killian .

“Fuck me,” I muttered.

“I was trying to.”

“Don’t be cute.”

“Everything alright? Seems like a lot of stuff incoming.”

“Yeah, it’s just—“

“ Victoria .” My shouted name echoed through the foyer. “ Tori . Are you in here?”

I slumped in Xavier’s lap. “Oh my God,” I said under my breath.

The French doors swung open. Silence. And then…

“Jesus take the wheel,” Killian’s amused voice filled the room. “Do you want to finish? We can wait outside.”

“Don’t leave on our account,” Xavier said.

I poked him in the side. Hard.

“Ow,” he chuckled, rubbing his skin. “No poking the product.”

I mouthed sorry and climbed off him. Buttoning up my jeans, I turned to see two sets of highly entertained eyes and two humans failing miserably at trying not to laugh.

“What are you both doing here?”

“He was literally in your pants just now, wasn’t he?” Killian snorted out a laugh.

“What are you, thirteen?” I smoothed out my hair and folded my arms. “Why are you here?”

“Well, Victoria, if you must know, someone promised they’d be back by four so we could go into town for some,” he looked at Maxim, “what was it? Oh right. Bonding time on our last evening here. In case you forgot, we leave tomorrow.” He smirked, looking at his watch. “It’s almost five-thirty. But I can see how you lost track of time.”

I felt Xavier stand up behind me. Max covered his mouth and looked away. Killian stared because that’s what Killian does when he sees attractive men. I turned to look at Xavier and almost lost my footing.

There it was, straining against his jeans. The outline of an erection that was beyond conspicuous. The man it happened to be attached to didn’t seem to give one flying fuck about it and casually put his t-shirt back on.

“You must be the friends,” he said, draping an arm over my shoulders. “Apologies for keeping Victoria later than planned.”

He sounded so natural, almost blasé. Like getting caught with his thumb on a clitoris and a raging boner in his pants was just a regular Sunday. Honestly, it was a turn on.

“Yes. That’s us. The friends.” Killian smirked.

I rolled my eyes. “Xavier, meet Killian and Maxim. Boys, this is—“

“Mildly hot,” they finished in unison.

“As usual, my reputation precedes me,” Xavier quipped in a lighthearted tone. “Thank you for dropping the mid-life crisis bit. Not really sure where that part came from anyway.”

Killian grinned. “I like this one. Not in that way. Well, maybe in that way because holy shit have you seen yourself.”

Xavier laughed in his unaffected way, drinking in the adoration like I’d seen him do at last night’s event. And then the floodgates opened and Maxim joined Killian as the three of them talked around me like I didn’t even exist.

“Do you live in town?” Maxim asked.

“Yes. Just up the road a bit,” Xavier answered.

“You must be loaded to live in these parts.” Killian let out a low whistle. Max swatted him on the arm.

“Don’t be rude,” he scolded.

“How am I being rude? I’m pointing out a fact. Rich people live here.”

I felt Xavier’s hand go from my shoulder to my waist. “I have some savings,” he said dryly. “You two are flying back to the States tomorrow?”

“First thing in the morning.” Killian looked pointedly at me. “That one will have the house all to herself until she leaves. ”

“Subtle, Killian. Very subtle.” I narrowed my eyes.

“Alright then,” Max hushed all of us. “We found our girl. She’s in good hands.”

Killian snickered. Max elbowed him. “Enough already. We’ll head back to the house and order dinner. Xavier, you’re more than welcome to join us.”

His fingers pressed into my waist. “I’ll consider it. Thank you.”

The boys left with the same zeal as when they arrived, bickering back and forth, their voices echoing until I heard the front door shut.

I let out a long sigh. “I don’t even know what to say.”

A soft laugh was the only response I got. I looked up at him.

“Is your dinner date offer still good?” I wondered aloud.

“All of my offers remain active until further notice.”

“Good to know.”

He stood in front of me. “Let me see your phone, please.”

I was about to ask why when he continued, “I’m putting my number in it, just in case.”

“Just in case what?”

“You’d like to text me. Or send me naughty photos.” He grinned as he tapped at the screen.

“Do I get naughty photos in return?”

“Maybe.” His wide, crooked grin appeared.

“I thought you didn’t like maybes.”

“Depends on the context.”

I rolled my eyes. He glanced up and saw it. “Insufferably snobbish again?”

“ Maybe .” I said it louder than I normally would have. It did make him laugh though.

“What does your day look like tomorrow?” I asked when he handed me the phone. I looked down, noticing he’d saved his number as Mildly Hot. “This,” I laughed and held it up so he could see screen, “really got under your skin didn’t it? ”

“Nope. Just distinguishing myself from any other mid-life crisis you may have met here.”

“Now that you mention it, I do have a couple others. Juggling all of you will be exhausting.”

He tipped my chin up, brushing his thumb over my mouth. “I’d prefer it if you make me your priority.”

The tinge of jealousy in his voice at my harmless banter stirred something in me.

“Is that what you expect? To be the center of my universe?”

“I expect nothing from you other than what you’re willing to give me,” he responded with a smirk. “C’mon. Let’s finish this tour before we leave.”

Before I had a chance to react, he headed for the foyer. When I caught up to him, he’d already bounded up the staircase. Dread gripped at me, knowing I’d have no choice but to follow him up there.

“Here we go,” I muttered, climbing the stairs.

The second floor was more shadowed than the main level, mostly because several of the doors remained closed, blocking out any natural light. My old bedroom, along with Charlotte’s, was open. I closed my eyes, sending a silent prayer to the universe, God, angels, and basically any higher power out there that he’d wandered into my room.

“Peaches and cream, huh.” Xavier poked his head out from the doorway to my sister’s room. “Not quite the color combination I’d imagined for little you.”

Fuuuuuck. I raked my hands through my hair, watching him disappear back inside. After a few calming breaths, I followed him.

Stepping into her room felt like traveling back in time. It didn’t smell like her fruity perfumes anymore but her spirit existed in every corner. I’d almost forgotten the dreamy, stylish flair she’d preferred in her decor with the soft blankets and fuzzy pillows.

“Tell me more about little Victoria,” Xavier requested. He’d made himself comfortable on my sister’s bed, holding what looked like a diary in his hand. “Or should I just read this?”

On instinct, I shot across the room and snatched it. My quick movement elicited a throaty laugh from him.

“That only makes me want to know everything about you even more.” He tilted his head, smiling up at me. “What secrets does little Victoria have?”

The muscles in my throat worked hard to swallow back the growing panic. I wanted so much to play along with him but I couldn’t. I felt her everywhere. This room was like a vacuum.

Stifling.

Suffocating.

Tears welled in my eyes.

“Oh Charlie,” I whispered, sinking to my knees. The memories swept over me without mercy.

Her tear-stained face after returning home from the party I’d pressured her into going to with me.

The sound of her muffled cries late at night when she thought no one could hear her.

All the times she seemed on the verge of telling me something, then fading back into a cloud of silence. Why didn’t I press her harder, when I could clearly sense she was troubled by something. I’m her twin. I should have known how to save her.

The intense pain of her loss swallowed me whole. It’d been years since these emotions consumed me this way.

It took me a few seconds to realize I wasn’t crouched on the floor alone. I felt his arms first. A strong, comforting embrace. Then I was enveloped by his body and scent. My efforts to keep this part of my existence from him failed in spectacular fashion.

“You must think I’m batshit crazy,” I muttered against his shirt.

“Not at all, love.”

A heavy sigh rolled through me, amplifying my mental and emotional exhaustion. It relieved me to no end that Xavier didn’t ask any questions or even try to say something comforting. He just sat with me, holding me, stroking my hair. I don’t know how he knew this was what I needed, but he did.

After a few minutes, I sat back on my heels and wiped my eyes. As I picked up the diary, I paused. Then, without any misgivings I said, “This is my sister’s. Was my sister’s. Charlotte. She was my twin. She died when we were sixteen. This was her room, not mine.”

He looked at me, realization dawning on his face.

“I’m…I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.”

“It’s not really something I drop into casual conversation.”

Sharing this with him shifted our dynamic. It wasn’t better or worse, just heightened. My next thought was interrupted by the sound of a car door slamming. I jumped up to peek out the window.

It wasn’t Killian or Max. I couldn’t tell who it was through the shadows cast by the setting sun.

“Are you expecting anyone?” Xavier asked, placing a protective hand on my hip.

“No. It might be the guy from the charity again but he seemed pretty over it when he left earlier.”

“Stay here.”

The sound of his disappearing footsteps down the stairs echoed through the house. The person outside was already heading back to their car by the time Xavier trotted out the front door. The sight of him appeared to startle the uninvited guest. Whoever it was jumped in the car and sped off. Honestly, at this point, I was too emotionally drained to care.

I retreated from the window and grabbed Charlotte’s diary before going downstairs. I paused in the doorway, glancing back into my twin’s room. As painful as it’d been to be in there, I was more determined than ever to make sure this house never left my possession.

Killian pulled me close and spoke low, which for him was just regular human volume.

“Sweetie, if you want alone time with,” he gestured towards Xavier, “just say the word. We’ll go into town. Those Halstons are a hoot.”

“I can hear you,” Xavier said. He leaned against the kitchen counter and waved. “You don’t have to leave us alone. I prefer an audience.”

I looked at him and fought off an urge to clench my thighs together. Bringing him here for dinner seemed like a good idea on paper. He smiled at me in the sensual, dimpled way he has and helped himself to another cube of cheddar cheese.

Killian seized the opportunity. “Seems you’ve met your match, Tori,” he practically shouted.

“So, you’re a pro-athlete,” Maxim changed the subject.

“Yes.” Xavier responded.

“And you play soccer?”

“Football.” We corrected him at the same time. Xavier glanced at me and lifted an eyebrow. I laughed.

“Oh-kay. I can see how the answering-at-the-same-time thing can be annoying,” Maxim teased. “What do you plan on doing when you retire? Not that I’m suggesting you should.”

“He’s loaded, Max,” Killian said. “The man doesn’t have to do anything.”

I perched on the stool next to the man of the hour, waiting for his response. He luxuriated in the attention.

“Loaded is one way to put it. I prefer financially savvy.” He made it a point to graze the back of my neck when reaching for more cheese. “I have no plans on retiring yet but I’ve launched my own brand management company. We’re having a big press conference tomorrow in London to make it official.”

Killian perked right up at the mention of brand management. “ Now you’re talking my language. What types of brands?”

“Well, me,” Xavier grinned. “It’s so I can manage all my endorsement deals and any other ventures I decide to pursue.”

“That’s impressive,” I said, nudging him with my elbow. “The product is more than just a pretty face.”

“Oh God, did she give you the product line, too?” Killian groaned, rolling his eyes. “She’s been hiding behind that bullshit expression for years.”

“Hey,” I warned. “It’s a valid way to keep myself sane.”

“Yah,” Killian chided. “Didn’t keep you away from that wide receiver though.”

“We flirted. Nothing more.”

“Baby girl, you know I love you. But you’re a terrible liar.”

A warm, muscular body pressed into me. I looked up at Xavier through my lashes. The jealousy was palpable. He didn’t say anything, he only looked back at me with obvious intent filled with dirty promises and even filthier fantasies.

“You two are going to be that couple, aren’t you?” Maxim asked.

“You boys already hold the title,” I asserted.

We all sat at the table when the food was ready. Drinks flowed. Pleasant conversation beguiled all of us. We laughed, joked, teased, and enjoyed each other’s company. Having Xavier with us completed a circle I didn’t even realize wasn’t whole. His interaction with my friends was so natural, so unforced.

“You all live in New York together?” he asked, pouring himself a whisky.

“Not together-together, but yeah, we’re all in Manhattan,” Killian answered.

“And you two,” he gestured at me and Killian, “have known each other how long?”

“Fourth grade. Sister Mary Margaret’s class.” Killian smiled. “These two little redheads—“ He stopped, looking at me with a concerned expression.

“It’s okay,” I assured him. “I told Xavier about Charlotte after you guys left the house.” I gave him a look conveying he knows I have a twin, but not why she’s no longer with us .

“Ah, okay. Well, if you can imagine two of her,” Killian smirked in my direction, “in looks only. Charlotte didn’t have the mouth this one does.”

“Refer to me as this one again and I’ll send you back to Manhattan courtesy of my foot.”

Maxim turned to Xavier and shrugged. “Welcome to my world.”

“This is nothing,” Xavier said, running a finger over his eyelid. “You should see what it’s like when Cade, Bennet and I all get together.”

“Are those your hot friends we saw at the pub the other night?” Killian leaned in. “Max and I didn’t know where to look. Them or the two of you basically dry humping at the bar.”

“We weren’t dry humping, you ass.” I took a long swallow of wine. “We were talking.”

I felt Xavier’s strong hand skim up and down my back. He bent his head so his mouth hovered at my ear.

“Is that what you think it was?” he asked. “Talking?” He nibbled at my earlobe before sitting back in the chair to casually sip his drink.

“Exhibit A,” Killian gloated.

“Who wants dessert?” Max stood up.

I offered to help with the plates and coffee. Separating myself from Xavier’s sphere helped clear my head. He’s so damn intoxicating. It’s no secret I had a type but he’s well beyond just an inked up hot athlete with an edge.

I caught glimpses of him talking with Killian. He appeared engaged in whatever Killian was saying. Probably more brand management talk. I made it a point to set the dessert plates down on the table so I could eavesdrop.

“…content and engagement,” Killian was saying. “Way too many pe ople go about it the wrong way. They think posting random shit everyday is enough. But if it’s all boring, nobody will care.”

I caught Xavier’s eye and smiled. “Tea or coffee for you?”

“Tea, if it’s not too much trouble.”

“I don’t know.” I widened my eyes in mock worry. “Boiling water might be too strenuous a task.”

Xavier folded his hands on the table and stared at me with dark, intense eyes. “I can think of several things more strenuous.”

I swallowed. “Tea it is.”

Killian, thank God, was oblivious. He’d been searching for something on his phone. He leaned in to continue his conversation with Xavier when I turned to head back to the kitchen.

Killian was all about building his brand and helping others build theirs. He loved the whole social media scene and expanding his reach. I wouldn’t be surprised if he offered Xavier his expertise, although I highly doubted Xavier needed it. But he still listened politely and genuinely looked like he enjoyed the conversation.

Max and I returned to the table with coffee, tea, and dessert. Nothing too fancy, just some little cakes.

Once we’d finished, Max offered to clear the table while Killian excused himself to pack for their flight in the morning. I escorted our guest to the front door.

“Do you have plans tomorrow?” Xavier inquired, placing his hands on my hips.

“Work. I have a few things to finalize before the draft next week.”

“I see.” He slipped his hands under my shirt, circling them to the small of my back. “I think you should spend the day with me. Work can wait.”

“Don’t you have a press conference?”

“It won’t take all day.”

“What about practice? I know how you athletes are. Always lifting and training and pushing your bodies to perfection. ”

“I’d rather push limits than push to perfection.” His dimple appeared. Feather-light strokes tickled my lower back. My inner resolve to resist his seduction tactics faltered.

But only for a second.

“I appreciate your tenacity but it’ll be nice to have some semblance of a routine after this weekend,” I said firmly.

“I’m pretty sure in this scenario nice and routine are code for boring. You’re not interested in boring,” he said with absolute conviction. He also pinned me against the front door, leaning his strong, muscular body on mine. “I have you right where I want you.”

The clatter of dishes and silverware sent a stark reminder that all Max had to do was peek around the corner into the foyer and he’d get an eyeful.

Something in my expression registered with Xavier. He slid his hands out from under my shirt and cupped my face before saying, “We should finish where we left off on the couch.”

“Right here?”

His hand skimmed down my body, pausing at the waistline of my jeans. “Right here,” he murmured. “Or, we could go out somewhere.”

The choices were specific and not secluded. Any shred of my so-called inner resolve dissipated. My heart raced. All the pent up sexual frustration from earlier exploded through me. I’d probably shatter in a matter of seconds no matter what I decided.

I looked up at him. He knew. He knew I was already at the edge and only needed a nudge. The sinful smile curling his lips nearly did me in.

“Where would we go?” I exhaled.

The shift in him was instant, like he’d allowed himself to become . Exactly what that was remained a mystery but I really, really enjoyed the way he stared at me right now. Arrogant, possessive, resolute.

He bent to kiss me, stroking his tongue along my parted lips before taking my mouth like it belonged to him. Like I belonged to him. A barrage of shivers surged through me at the thought.

His hand slid to the base of my throat, collaring it. He kissed me harder, deeper, more possessive. When he broke our kiss I grabbed onto his shirt to keep him close.

“I liked tonight,” he said. His lips were still close to mine, his hand still collared my neck. “I liked being with you at your house. I liked learning more about you. Having you in my lap.” He ran his nose along my jaw. “I liked how wet you were right before we got interrupted. I like how flushed and ready you look right now.”

He slipped a hand under my shirt, feeling up to my breast. The pad of his thumb teased my nipple into a hard peak.

The clattering in the kitchen stopped. Xavier pinched my nipple hard and pressed his mouth to mine to swallow my shocked groan.

“Perfect,” he whispered on my lips. “I know where we can go.”

All at once my pulse raced and I panted like I’d been running a marathon.

A salacious smile curved his mouth. “Tomorrow.”

WHAT?

“Excuse me?” My jaw dropped. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, tomorrow.” His tone sounded firm and final.

“Twice.” I blinked. “ Twice in one day you brought me to the brink of an orgasm and now you’re telling me I have to wait.”

He grabbed my hand and placed it on the bulge in his jeans. “And what do you think this is? A sock?”

In my annoyance, I palmed his erection just because he was dumb enough to put my hand there.

He bared his teeth and moaned.

“Exactly. I can play this game, too.”

“Outside,” he growled, opening the door. We walked, or rather he walked, I stumbled, through the dark yard until we stood next to his car.

“Are we gonna do it in the backseat like horny teenagers? ”

“No.” He pinned me to the drivers’ side door and made fast work at unbuttoning my jeans. In seconds, his thumb pressed and rubbed my sensitive bud without mercy.

“Think I can make you come before a car drives by?”

I whimpered. This was more pressure and speed than I’m used to but oh my god it felt amazing. Especially the small bite of pain entangled in all the pleasure.

“I could do this all day.” His warm breath tickled my cheek. “Play with you like a little doll, make your pussy quiver whenever I want. Is that something you’d like?”

“Yes,” I exhaled, reaching to undo his pants. The second I freed his cock and wrapped my hand around the velvet skin of his shaft he shuddered. The skin was so soft and warm stretched over the hardness underneath. I felt it swell and pulse in my grip when I pumped my hand.

He pressed his forehead to mine, panting and faltering slightly. I stroked him faster, harder, squeezing tighter. He thrust his hips into my hand, losing himself in the feeling. Just hearing his quick, ragged breathing was intoxicating. Empowering. His pleasure solely rested in my hand.

The pressure and pace on my clit increased.

I groaned, barely able to stand up straight.

Our eyes locked in the middle of this filthy, hot moment. I almost felt like I was having an out of body experience.

“I want you to come on me,” I said, not recognizing the sound of my own voice. “Lift my shirt and come on me.”

“Victoria. Fuck .”

The second he yanked my shirt up I knew he was at the edge.

I cried out when my orgasm commandeered my body in euphoric waves and almost lost my grip on him. His broken moan and the sound of my whispered name preceded his surrender as it coated my hand and hit my stomach in warm, roped spurts. He braced himself against the car door. His hips jerked a few more times and he drew one last, sharp breath.

Then the weight of his body leaned into mine. Neither one of us could stand under our own power just yet. Our chests heaved in satisfied, sated unison.

“You okay?” I asked.

A breathy laugh shook his body when he lifted his head to look at me. “What Ivy League school taught you that?”

“Dartmouth.” I grinned.

“Money well spent.”

Chilly air tickled my skin when he pulled away. I held onto my shirt with my clean hand while he dug through a gym bag in the backseat.

“Here.” He handed me a towel. “So you don’t walk in all messy.”

I cleaned off my stomach and hand and tossed the towel back to him. I watched his face while he wiped himself off, noticing the smile that touched his parted lips. I smiled to myself and buttoned up my jeans.

He came closer and tipped up my chin. The moonlight hit his eyes just right, making them glow.

So hypnotic.

His pupils were blown as though he was drunk from me. From what we just did. But the blue…the blue was so vibrant. It surrounded those dark pools with such brightness. Such light.

“Tomorrow,” he whispered.