Chapter 18 - Xavier

Xavier

W hoever said losing builds character never competed in an international football match.

Plus, they’re an idiot.

The crowd chanted allez les bleus all around me while I sat in front of my goal. The ball still rested against the net after the referee blew his whistle to end the game. French flags waved everywhere in a sea of blue jerseys.

I slammed my hands down on the grass before standing up.

“We’ll get ‘em next time, mate.”

Cade’s reassuring words did nothing to soothe my bruised ego.

Four goals.

Four fucking goals .

Two of them grazed my fingertips. I should have been able to stop them.

“Whatever.”

“This face is too pretty to pout.” He squeezed my cheeks before we started walking around the pitch. “It’s only a friendly. And it’s not like we lost.”

“A draw isn’t a win, especially when I played like shit.” I stopped short of saying the rest of the squad lacked any passion or commitment to actually want to win the fucking match.

“Not our best performance for sure.” Cade remarked unfazed, waving to the England fans. His love of attention and adoration often drowned out the more practical matters of football. Admittedly, so did mine.

After shaking hands and acknowledging members of the opposing team, we went back toward the England fans. Some held signs and jerseys. Others waved flags or scarves. At one point, a group started chanting our names, making an X with their arms.

“Hear that? They bloody love us.” Cade nudged me with his elbow. “Too bad you’re not available anymore. Look at these girls. We could do some damage tonight.”

I followed his hungry stare. It took me a second to latch on to whatever unsuspecting girl caught his eye. A trio of pretty young women leaned over the barrier, clamoring for our attention. Two of them turned so we could see the last name Gallagher on their jerseys.

The star striker noticed. “Excuse me. My audience awaits.”

I shook my head, watching my friend run over to bask in their attention up close.

“Well played, Maddox.” Liam clapped me on the back. “We’ll tighten up and be more prepared for the Dutch next month.”

“You better.” I faced him while I walked backwards to where Cade stood. “I’m still waiting to see what all the fuss is about you.”

“I’ll show you when you come to Newcastle and we beat your ass in November.”

Liam was a talented defender but excelled more at talking shit than actually performing well. His laugh faded slightly when something in the stands distracted him. Probably another overeager fan.

When I rejoined Cade, I fake-smiled my way through a stretch of vapid flirting. These girls were just like all the rest, batting their lashes, fawning over us, trying to act demure and mysterious.

Yeah, there was a time I enjoyed all of this. I took advantage of it on some occasions. There’s a reason I have the reputation I do.

Not anymore.

But Cade ate it up.

“Would you ladies be interested in joining us and some of the other lads for a little post-match party?” He flashed the girls his trademark smile. “We rented a chateau for the night.”

“Will both of you be there?” a petite brunette asked, staring directly at me.

“Of course,” Cade answered, ruffling my hair. I almost pummeled him on the spot. “Xavier loves a good party.”

“So does my girlfriend.” My words came out in a glacial tone.

“She’s welcome to join the fun if she wants,” the brunette purred, wrapping an arm around her blonde friend.

Cade muttered something vulgar under his breath. He eyed the young women like he’d been served the most decadent food on earth. A few years ago, I’d be right in the mix with him. Most men would do anything for an opportunity like this. All we had to do was exist.

I turned away, scanning the crowd for Victoria or Bennet. Both had been suspiciously quiet. Victoria wasn’t her normal flirty self when we exchanged texts before the match started. And Bennet only texted to say he’d be watching with some league executives.

I noticed Liam chatting with someone by the barricade near the stands. Mild curiosity got the best of me. I stepped back to see who held his attention with such rapt enthusiasm.

Intense jealousy paralyzed me.

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.”

“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.

She grabbed my hand and pulled me onto the pitch toward the goal.

“How do you want me?” I asked once we reached the penalty box.

“A few ways. But for right now, like this.” She positioned me so I faced Cade, then pressed her body into mine, angled her back toward the camera and looked over her shoulder. I wrapped my arm around her waist.

“So everyone can see I’m yours,” she whispered, looking up at me through her lashes.

I kissed her, holding her tight. “And I’m yours, love.”

“You two ready? Or do you need a quick shag before we do this?” Cade shouted.

“Ready,” we answered together.

Cade snapped a few shots and let out a low whistle. “Fucking hell, you two are a hot couple. I mean, you’re okay Maddox…but Victoria .” He fanned himself. “Mate, you really hit the lottery.”

“Give me the phone before I launch you into next month,” I grumbled.

He handed the phone back to Victoria with a smile and patted the top of my head. “I’m not wrong and you know it.”

With those words, Cade sauntered toward the tunnel, laughing.

“He’s in rare form,” Victoria said quietly.

“Always is,” I replied, gazing down at her. Another uneasy expression shadowed her features. She seemed off. “I should get in there as well, but are you alright? You look a little tense.”

Victoria’s eyes dropped down. “Yeah, I’m fine. Go finish your post-game stuff and we’ll talk later, okay?”

I didn’t like this. I didn’t like it at fucking all.

We’d just made it to the sideline when I heard, “Maddox.” Bennet’s frigid tone announced his presence. “A word.”

Victoria stiffened in my embrace before pulling away. She pressed a chaste kiss to my cheek and glared at Bennet when she stormed past him toward Hannah.

“What the fuck is that about?” I snapped.

“Marcus is assigned to her now,” he answered smoothly.

I almost, almost lost my shit in front of all these people. I studied Bennet’s placid expression. He assessed me with cool eyes.

“Why? We talked about this.”

“I had no choice.” He sounded bored. “Circumstances dictated—”

“Get to the point, Logan.” I said between clenched teeth.

“A tabloid reporter was sniffing around the hotel. Hannah mentioned she saw someone follow Victoria into the cafe where they had brunch. Looks like people are digging for information on you two.”

Mild panic shot through me. As one of the most watched athletes in the world, I’m no stranger to the seedier side of being a celebrity. Stalkers, paparazzi, the quote-unquote gotcha moments at clubs or parties. My impulsive nature didn’t help. In fact, it provided the perfect cocktail for rumors, gossip, and viral clickbait.

Fortunately, I’d managed to dodge potential scandals and kept my misadventures mostly discreet over the years. Mostly .

“Does she know?” I zeroed in on where Victoria stood.

Bennet’s regal stature filled my line of vision, obscuring my view. “Yes. She also mentioned something about the night she and Hannah were out for dinner. The night her car was vandalized.”

Anger flared through me. “You have three seconds to stop fucking around and tell me.” I’ve known Bennet long enough to sense when he’s being selective about what he reveals.

True to form, Bennet hardened his exterior and leveled one of his pompous, icy glares in my direction. “Go to the changing room, Maddox. Talk to your girlfriend later.”

He walked off, leaving me to simmer in my own annoyance while fans screamed my name and reporters hovered with microphones at the ready.