Chapter 24 - Xavier

Xavier

T he following week flew by faster than I thought it would. We had a match on Wednesday, and another one set for Sunday. I still wasn’t able to talk to Victoria much since her schedule this week was just as hectic.

Cade pestered me nonstop Friday at training for a night out in London. Begrudgingly, I agreed.

“Should we show up unannounced at the estate after this?” Cade asked, pulling at the sleeves of his shirt. “We haven’t been there in nearly a month.”

We’d just arrived at Constellations, one of the more exclusive lounges in the city for dinner. The clientele generally consisted of business professionals, athletes, politicians, and celebrities.

Contrary to my reputation, being here wasn’t quite what I wanted to do tonight. Going to Bennet’s? Not even an option. I had a small window of opportunity to speak with Victoria later, and wanted to be home.

“It’s your funeral, mate.”

“Oh, come on. It’s fucking Bennet, not some psycho.”

“You’ve obviously never been golfing with him.”

“Neither have you,” he laughed. “Besides, golfing isn’t my thing.”

“You need a hobby.”

“I have one.” Cade stopped walking. His lips stretched into a smug smile. “In fact, I have three. They’re all coming over tomorrow night.”

“Are they of legal age?”

I barely managed to avoid his poor attempt at punching my arm.

“Come over and find out.”

Cade’s general demeanor on any given day fluctuated between smart ass, charmer, and asshole. We’re quite similar in that regard and it’s probably one of the reasons we get on so well.

We sat at a table near the bar where I spent way too much time half-listening to him talk about his three ‘hobbies.’

“Everything good with Victoria?” His question surprised me.

“Yeah. We haven’t really spoken much lately.”

He cocked his head to the side. “Care to elaborate?”

“Nothing to elaborate on. She’s busy. I’m busy.”

“Lot of bullshit falling out of your mouth,” he scolded. “How can you be too busy for her?”

I arched an eyebrow. “We text every day. And we’re going to speak later. Not that it’s any of your bloody business.”

Cade leaned back in his chair, casually sipping his beer and smirking at me. “You’re going to marry her, aren’t you?”

A weird ache in my chest briefly prevented me from breathing.

That’s not normal .

I dismissed it as acid reflux from all the scotch.

“People keep throwing that word around.” I downed the rest of my drink, adding to the discomfort.

Cade laughed. “Mate, you should see your face right now. You shouldn’t be afraid of marriage.”

“Says the guy with three hobbies on stand by.”

He waved his hand dismissively. “I will say I’m surprised it’s you diving into the whole long-term relationship thing. Always thought Bennet would settle down first.”

The more Cade examined me with amusement, the more I wanted to go home. Larger-than-life personality aside, he was observant as fuck and as soon as he’d catch a whiff of vulnerability from me, he’d pounce.

My silence only confirmed whatever he was thinking.

“I’m happy for you.” He knocked his glass against mine. “But if I’m not the best man, there will be hell to pay.”

I shook my head and laughed. Cade glanced over my shoulder with intrigue.

“Interested duo moving in behind you.”

“Of course,” I muttered. Normally I didn’t mind getting noticed. Wasn’t really feeling it tonight, though.

“Gentlemen.” A statuesque blonde paused next to me, resting her hand on my shoulder. “Hope we’re not bothering you. My friend here—” she gestured at the petite brunette standing next to Cade “—tells me you’re both footballers. I don’t really follow the sport. I said you both worked in advertising. Do I owe her a drink or what?”

Cade didn’t waste any time indulging them. “You do. But I insist on paying if you’d both like to join us.”

They did.

The blonde sat next to me, the brunette next to Cade. It didn’t take long for us to learn their names, occupations, and favorite drinks.

Stacia (the blonde) worked in real estate and loved red wine. Pippa (the brunette) was a candy heiress who only drank beer.

A candy heiress? Scotch, and annoyance at my friend, burned through my blood. I did my best at fake smiling while they flirted around me.

The usual shit.

A wanton smile. A soft laugh.

A hand on an arm or a leg.

In my case, Stacia not only grabbed my thigh but made sure to curl her hand around it.

“My flat isn’t too far from here.” Her low voice pushed through the hum of conversation and into my ear. “You should take me home. Teach me everything you know about—” her hand slid further up my thigh “—football.”

How many times have I been in this situation and decided to take someone up on their offer without batting an eye? Fuck. Too many times.

“Sorry. Not interested.” My answer came out gruffer than I’d meant. I don’t like being rude unless the moment calls for it.

Her skin flushed a faint red. “I don’t see any wedding ring. It’s impossible for a man as attractive as you to be single.”

For some reason, I don’t think it would matter to her if I was, in fact, married.

“I have a serious girlfriend. I’m not looking to ruin my relationship.” I stood up. “If you’ll excuse me.”

Stacia’s stunned expression told me everything I needed to know about her. Apparently she wasn’t used to rejection.

Cade didn’t seem to mind that I’d abandoned him. Suppose now he could add these two to his growing list of hobbies.

I stopped at the bar and ordered another scotch.

While I waited, I scanned the room. It was fairly crowded here tonight. I recognized some of the lads from United at a table in the corner. I didn’t see Zach, though.

We’d been on better terms since the friendly in Paris. We even exchanged a few texts and made plans to meet for dinner before the London derby. Pretty sure Royal City would come out on top for this one.

Just as I turned to collect my drink I heard, “Out charming the socialites, Maddox?”

Jesus Christ.

Jordan stood next to me and leaned against the bar without a fucking care in the world.

I glared at him in silence. Figures he’d show up here. It’d been weeks since we’ve crossed paths. In fact, the last time we did, I nearly throttled him.

My hand clenched into a fist. All I could think about was him cornering Victoria in Manhattan.

A knowing smile spread across his face.

“They do like to buzz around you, don’t they? Must be tempting with so many women always wanting a piece of you.”

I had a couple of options. I could ignore this piss poor excuse for a human and go back to my friend.

Or…

“Surprised to see you here. Thought you’d be moonlighting in New York again.”

Some of the bluster faded from his eyes. If there’s one thing Jordan couldn’t stand, it’s when someone was one step ahead of him. I kept my expression neutral and pressed him further.

“I hear you’re branching out in business. Taking an interest in American tech start-ups. Or are you offering your unique brand of security protection to the upper echelon of New York? Money and European politics aren’t exciting enough for you anymore?”

I casually sipped my drink, relishing the absolute look of shock seizing hold of his face. Maybe having Adam’s information could work in my favor after all.

A slight twitch of his lips preceded a rather chilly response. “The thing about footballers is they’re not very smart off the pitch. Stick with what you know.”

“What’s the matter? Did I break some aristocratic code?” I smirked. “Is your useless title tarnished now?”

“Good to see the Maddox arrogance is on full display as usual.” He regained his composure. “I do like New York. So much… opportunity there, if you know what I mean.”

I stared at the glass in my hand. Smashing it into his face would solve this problem. Unfortunately, with the amount of witnesses in the vicinity it would also lead to legal issues, messy news headlines, and general unpleasantness for me.

Dr. Frances’ sage advice about putting myself in situations where losing control would be detrimental to my public image flitted through my mind.

He’s going to get an earful from me on Monday.

“Stay away from her,” I said as evenly as I could.

“Who?” Jordan’s eyebrows arched up, contrasting with the smug smile twisting his mouth.

“Playing dumb is a bad look on you. Stay the fuck away from her.”

“I’m the least of your worries. Victoria is an intelligent, gorgeous woman. And now that she’s plastered all over the tabloid websites and gossip columns thanks to you, she’ll get loads of attention.”

A low growl rose in my throat. “Attention? Like the asshole you paid to harass her at that restaurant?”

Jordan’s laugh chilled my blood. “Mate, I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“The hell you don’t.” Keeping my tone civilized was challenging. “I hope you’re not planning to ambush my girlfriend again.”

The image of him cornering her on the sidewalk turned my blood to lava.

Distain colored Jordan’s expression. “The only one being ambushed right now is me. I have little energy for your paranoia. I’m running a business. Speaking of,” he reclined on his elbow, “I heard you secured Apex Jewelers. That’s a big endorsement. Worldwide advertising campaign? Including in the States? You’ll have endless admirers. I do hope Victoria can handle the spotlight.”

“Leave her alone or I’ll make your life miserable.”

“Go back to charming your socialites. You never were very good at following through on any threats.”

I stepped closer to him, resting my arm on the bar. His slight flinch didn’t go unnoticed. “You’re a coward, Jordan. You talk a lot of shit and then slink off to the shadows to let someone else do the dirty work. When I prove it was you behind Victoria’s car being vandalized and that fucking guy putting his hands on her, I’ll come for you when you least expect it.” My voice remained calm, almost soothing.

Jordan picked invisible lint off his jacket. “I don’t know anything about that.”

“Christ,” I taunted. “Lying is just like breathing for you, isn’t it?”

“I’m tired of this conversation. Your life bores me. It always has. Don’t know why you think I’d care so much about it.” He pushed himself away from the bar. “I’ve told you numerous times before. You’re nothing.”

White hot rage tore through me, blacking out my current reality.

Why does Bennet keep inviting this asshole to these bonfires?

Jordan and I had been at each other’s throats since he walked over spouting off his usual bitter taunts.

“Is the pretty boy goalkeeper using his sad mommy story to get more girls tonight?”

I threw him to the ground and straddled him with clenched fists.

“Yeah, go on,” Jordan seethed. “Do your worst. Want a matching scar over your other eye?”

“Why don’t you give it to me yourself this time instead of sending your mates to do it. Coward.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Those lads clearly had their reasons.”

My blood boiled and simmered with enough anger to go total scorched earth on him. Cade ran over and pulled me off before I could throw a punch.

“Knock it off.” Cade sounded exasperated. “Both of you.”

“Listen to your boyfriend, Maddox. Spoiled prick.” Jordan stood up. “I have better things to do than waste my time with your bullshit.”

“Sounds like you haven’t stopped crying over not being good enough for the development league again. What’s the matter? Your fancy title still can’t help you find the back of the net?”

He rounded on me with clenched fists. “I don’t need football to make myself feel important. I am important. Unlike you. I can impress all the girls here tonight without any effort.”

“Make sure you get their consent first, asshole.”

Jordan’s smug laughter stoked my anger. “Millie liked it and you know it. Did you know her friends are here? Twins. As I said, I have better things to do.”

I shoved him hard when he turned to walk away. “Leave her alone.”

He whipped around, standing nose-to-nose with me.

“The arrogance is strong with you tonight. You think you’re so entitled to everything because you’re a footballer. You’re a fucking goalkeeper. And a shit one at that. You’ll never get a contract. You’re not as special as you think. You’re nothing, you hear me. Noth—”

My fist crashed into his face and then his stomach. Hard. Hard enough for pain to shoot through my hand and wrist. He doubled over, gasping for air.

“Too bad your noble fucking bloodline can’t hit back worth shit,” I yelled. “You think I’m afraid of another scar? I’m not.”

Sharp, wheezing laughter was all I heard. “Brave little twat, aren’t you? Keep coming for me. You’ll be locked up before your eighteenth birthday.”

“My friends are just as powerful and influential as your family. You can’t touch me.”

“The Logans?” Jordan cackled. “You really think they care about your whiny ass? I’ll say it again since you missed it the first time. You’re nothing.”

I launched myself at him, aiming to kick him right in the ribs. Air burned my lungs with each brutal inhale.

“ Xavier.” My shouted name echoed through the dark alley.

How the fuck did I get out here?

A slumped human form sat on the ground in front of me, their shirt bunched up in my hand.

Reality came rushing back, shattering the remnants of my unpleasant memory.

Cade forcibly grabbed my shoulders, turning me to face him. “Mate, you have to stop. Please. Just stop.” The unnerving sound of his shaking voice finally snapped me awake.

“What…how did…?”

A firm squeeze preceded his response. “I saw you two talking at the bar. Didn’t think much of it until he left. You seemed out of sorts. Then you ran after him. I tried to find you as fast as I could.”

I glanced over my friend’s shoulder. We were deep in the alley, far away from the street. Nobody could tell what was going on. At least, I hoped that was the case. This city was filled with CCTV cameras.

“Does Bennet—”

“I called him. He’s sending some of his security team to handle this.” Cade glanced down at what I assumed was Jordan’s unconscious figure. “He also sent a car. It’s waiting over there. We have to go.”

“Is he…?”

“You knocked him out. He should be alright. We have to go. Now.”

I don’t remember coming out here. I don’t remember attacking Jordan.

All I remembered was… did you know her friends are here? Twins.