Chapter 28 - Victoria

Victoria

T his might be the worst decision I’ve ever made.

Or the best.

The jury was still out.

“Not much I can do to change it now,” I muttered to myself while pacing around the hotel room. As soon as I’d ended the call with Xavier the other night, I set my plan into action.

After finessing a few things at work and straight up telling Marcus he wasn’t coming with me, I chartered a private plane and flew to London.

This was the right thing to do, wasn’t it? Yes . Then why does nothing about this feel comfortable? My gut kept telling me to go home.

A knock sounded at the door.

See? my gut taunted, as I opened it . This is what you get for thinking you have autonomy when it comes to Jordan McKennie.

Bennet stood expressionless with his hands tucked inside his pockets. “Victoria.”

“Hi.” I gestured toward the room. “Please come in.”

Doesn’t hurt to be polite, right? We haven’t seen or spoken to one another since Paris.

His astute amber eyes surveyed me as he strode past. Bennet Logan doesn’t simply enter a room, he announces his commanding presence with his entire body. I call him the god of thunder for a reason. Tall, broad-shouldered, and always impeccably dressed. The picture of modern British aristocracy with a nod to the old world elegance.

“You found me.” I closed the door and faced him. “Should I ask how?”

Bennet flashed a grin that didn’t quite meet his eyes. “I think you know, Ms. Chase. Next time you want to brush off your personal security, don’t. Marcus has one job, and you just made it a million times more difficult.”

The drama with this one .

“Spare me the lecture.” I flicked my wrist. “I have to do this.”

“Have you told Xavier?”

“You know I haven’t. He’d do everything in his power to stop me.”

A slow, resigned shake of his head made my heart wrench.

“As would I.” The subtle lowering of his shoulders softened the pristine exterior of control. “That man is like a brother to me. I would do anything to prevent him from getting hurt.” His tone sharpened. “You are the most important person in his life. I’m sure he tells you every chance he gets but it bears repeating. When we’re finished here today, you’ll go straight to him and tell him everything.”

I’d prepared myself for one of Bennet’s scoldings. I’d been around him enough to know he’s surgical when being persuasive. This first cut was a doozy.

“How is he?”

“The best goalkeeper in England isn’t playing this weekend for no good fucking reason other than his own inability to control his impulses. How do you think he’s doing?”

“Point taken.” I folded my arms. “So how is this going to play out? I’m assuming you know I scheduled a meeting with Jordan this afternoon.”

“Is that your way of saying you’d like me to be there?”

“No. I need to take care of this on my own.”

Something unnerving flashed behind Bennet’s eyes. I couldn’t figure out what it was exactly but I sensed he knew more than he was letting on.

“You’re looking at me the same way your boyfriend does,” he grumbled. “I can’t tell you what to do or stop you from going. All I will say is this; be careful. You’re an intelligent woman but Jordan is conniving and ruthless. If he can sense any weakness, he’ll pounce.”

Keeping my gaze locked on Bennet, I paced around the room. Dealing with asshole alpha males wasn’t as difficult as people made it out to be. Sure, they’re insufferable but not invincible. Besides, this guy ruined my sister’s life.

“I can handle him.”

“Now you sound like your boyfriend.” The whisper of an amused grin pulled at Bennet’s lips before disappearing like smoke in a breeze. “But I’m afraid you’re being too impulsive, Victoria. Maybe you should go back to—”

“This isn’t me being impulsive,” I snapped. “This is me defending the people I love before the worst happens.”

Twenty years of anguish surged from my fingertips to my toes in one giant, scalding wave. All the blame and guilt I’ve carried over Charlotte’s actions at the bonfire and the subsequent fallout from her death ravaged me. I can’t change the past. I know that. But I can prevent another life from descending into ruin.

A barely noticeable nod was Bennet’s initial response. Then he dropped a bomb on me.

“He might not be the person behind your car getting vandalized earlier this summer.”

I froze. “How do you know this?”

A slight tightening of his jaw was the only giveaway to any discomfort or apprehension. Bennet’s exterior remained impenetrable.

“The details aren’t important right now.” Staunch whisky-colored eyes locked onto mine. “There was an issue with a former employee at your stadium. They’ve been dealt with.”

My jaw almost hit the floor. “Who was it? What issue?”

“Nobody that concerns you.”

“Did you tell Xavier? He’s been out of his mind since—”

“No.” Bennet’s sharp response cut through the room. “I can’t say anything more until the investigation is complete. Neither can you and that’s all you need to know.” Normally, he’s unflappable. Seeing him come apart, even just a little, didn’t sit right with me.

“Enough with the cagey shit. Give me a straight answer.”

If I thought I’d seen Bennet at peak dominance, I was sorely mistaken. I’ve never spent any significant time around a true Dom, so I assumed they’d become tense or visibly agitated. Maybe some do, but Bennet simply morphed into a living, breathing statue of calm, calculated control.

“You aren’t the only one defending the people you love the most.” Velvet wrapped each word in a misleading cloak of serenity. “I’m choosing to trust you won’t break my confidence, Ms. Chase. Don’t step into an arena if you aren’t prepared for the battle.”

An air of finality settled around us.

The familiar screw that dwelled deep in my chest tightened. I shouldn’t have come here .

But I am here. I’m here for Charlotte and Xavier. Nothing else matters, not even Bennet’s concerning situation.

“One more thing,” he said, straightening his cufflinks. “Jordan is targeting you. It’s just not how you think.”

The world must have spun off its axis. Thank goodness I stood so close to this couch. I sat before my legs gave out.

Bennet watched me with guarded concern.

The events of the last couple months flashed through my mind.

“How do you know?”

“Why did you come to London?”

“Answering my question with one of your own is annoying,” I huffed.

Bennet smoothed down his tie while walking to the door. “The answer is obvious.” He opened the door and leveled a fierce stare at me. “Cancel this meeting. Go to Xavier.”

An hour later, I sank into the backseat of my taxi. Watching the familiar London landmarks pass by didn’t do one damn thing to calm my nerves. I alternated between fidgeting with my necklace and checking my phone every two minutes in case Bennet tattled on me and told Xavier I was here.

Regardless of what he’d said, I didn’t cancel the meeting. Call me stubborn or impulsive or whatever. I wasn’t about to blow off a chance to do something I couldn’t when I was sixteen.

When the taxi pulled to the curb, I stared at the nondescript glass office building. For someone so keen on flaunting his status, Jordan chose a rather mundane place to run his business. Even the name was boring: Sentinel Protection Services.

Probably by design , I thought as I entered the lobby.

The receptionist greeted me with a pleasant smile, pointed toward the elevator bank, and instructed me to go to the fifth floor.

My stupid heart wouldn’t stop pounding. When the doors opened it took me a second to gather my wits and walk out. But then I saw Jordan standing in the hall talking with another man. I could feel his assholery saturate the air.

The night he’d approached me in Manhattan will forever be seared into my memory. Faking a southern accent, bombarding me with awful accusations about Xavier, and then gloating about what he’d done with Charlotte.

I raked my eyes over his tall, muscular build. The bastard still looked the same. Dark hair, dark eyes, expensive watch, and an expensive tailored suit.

He never looked in my direction but he knew I was there. His whole body reacted. He stood taller, adopting a more stern expression. Suppressing an eye roll, I strode toward him.

“These two will be our best bet.” Jordan spoke in a tone edged with entitlement. “Make them fight for it. They’re both in desperate need of our services.”

The other man nodded once, looked me up and down, and went on his way.

“My most anticipated meeting of the day.” A hint of amusement worked its way into Jordan’s voice. “American football teams aren’t really on my list of dream clients.”

For a second, I fantasized about shoving my four-inch heel into his crotch and twisting it. Then again, he might like that.

“This meeting will be short and sweet since you’re not on our dream list either.” I flashed a smile that was both polite and menacing.

“Feisty. The legend of the fun twin continues to intrigue me.” He opened his office door and gestured for me to enter.

My hand clenched into a fist. Standing with him in a hallway made my skin crawl. The thought of sitting in his office turned my stomach. Masking my discomfort would be a challenge.

I can do this. It can’t be any worse than the league owners’ meeting a few years ago .

Without acknowledging his remark, I took a seat in front of his desk. The bland theme continued in here. For a security firm, I expected cool, metal tones or maybe all-white furniture or something.

Nope.

Basic office. Basic asshole.

“I know what you’re doing.” I crossed my legs and leaned back in the chair when he sat down. “And you’re going to tell me why.”

“You’ll have to be more specific.” A wicked smile pulled at his too-wide mouth. “I’m juggling quite a few projects at the moment.”

He splayed one of his big hands on the desk. Rotten images of those hands wrapped around my sister’s neck fueled my courage.

“Cut the bullshit.” I stood up, fighting off the urge to pace. “I’ll dumb this down for you so there’s no misunderstanding.” He scoffed. He fucking scoffed . “Leave Xavier alone. I don’t care if you see him at a restaurant, an event, on the sidewalk, on fucking television, wherever. Leave him the fuck alone or I will go to the authorities and have you formally charged with rape.”

“Rape?” he sputtered. “Is this about your little tart of a sister? Jesus Christ. I didn’t rape her.”

Two decades worth of grief and rage gathered at the base of my neck, spreading until it enveloped my skull in a crushing grip. “ Stop lying .” I exploded. “We both know you did. I read all about it in her diary. She couldn’t even talk to me. She never did tell me because she killed herself.” Tears streamed down my cheeks. Somehow, I ended up on the other side of his office, pacing in my usual figure eight path. “Maybe I’ll add murder charges to the list. I will bring you down if it’s the last thing I do.”

Jordan studied me briefly before responding, “I’d like to see you try.”

With a swiftness that surprised even me, I stormed over to his desk, leaned forward and slammed my hands down. “England doesn’t have a statute of limitations on sexual assault. Don’t underestimate me. I’m not intimidated by your nobility. I have more power and influence than you think.”

“Americans. Always so eager to show off their valor.” Jordan rose from his chair like a demon coming out of hell. “How is your father these days? I hope my family’s investments are still helping to support your lifestyle.”

Shock paralyzed me.

“Well, this is an interesting development, isn’t it? I see you’re not as well versed on his business dealings as I thought. Did you also not know that my family invested heavily in his firm when you and your sister were in diapers? Must have been so lovely growing up in the wealthiest neighborhood, attending the fanciest schools,” he paused, sliding his eyes over my body, “vacationing every summer in Briarcliff Village. Quite the little spoiled fucking brat, aren’t you.”

All the air disappeared. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t breathe.

“I will say I’m impressed that you did your research regarding the statute of limitations. Technically, you can still bring charges against me for what allegedly happened with Charlotte.” He moved closer. “But you won’t.”

The tiniest bit of oxygen reached my lungs. “I will.”

“I was hoping you’d say that.” Jordan stood inches away from me, blocking my path to the door. He lowered his head until our noses almost touched. “You won’t. Want to know why?”

Heat from his breath brushed over my lips in a repulsive wave. He was too close.

Moving slow, I took a step back. Before I could take another, he grabbed my neck, putting me in a chokehold. On instinct, I clawed at his hand but he was too strong.

“I fucking own you, Victoria Ava Chase.” Each squeeze of his fingers robbed me of precious air. “If you even think about going to the authorities, I will destroy not only you and your family, but Xavier as well.” He yanked me closer, banding his other arm around me so my body pressed into him and his obvious arousal. “There is so much about him the public doesn’t know.”

The sound of his cold laugh whipped along my skin in brutal lashes.

“You are exquisite.” He rubbed his erection against me. “Does that feel good? I imagine you like it fast and dirty.”

“Fuck you,” I growled through clenched teeth.

“I bet there was a time you would.” His grip around my neck tightened. “You have quite the reputation yourself. And you have a specific type. Did you know I played football with Xavier and Cade in my younger days?”

Sucking in a breath was nearly impossible. The smug grin spreading across Jordan’s mouth nauseated me.

“Getting quite the education today, aren’t you? Tell me, how many professional athletes have you fucked? How many relationships have you ruined?”

Clamping my hands around his arm, I dug my nails into his skin. Jesus, he was so strong.

“Did you like the texts I sent you? That red dress is a stunner.”

I went limp in his arms. My heart felt like it’d been dragged over hot coals. The text. The random photo of me kneeling in front of someone in a sparkly red dress.

“You?” I wheezed out the question. “How?”

“Having a little fun with a new project. Testing some new technology. It’s amazing what can be generated to appear real these days.” Malice laced his smile. “The one of your boyfriend and that sexy blonde is all too real. But I do have an entire arsenal of fabricated photos ready to go just in case. Ruining your professional and personal life will be so. Much. Fun.”

Tears welled in my eyes. I refused to accept defeat but the overwhelming urge to run stretched my muscles taut. Jordan watched me with a sickening level of amusement.

“When Xavier met with me back in May he was so confident I’d fold. I will admit, watching him defend and protect his precious American girlfriend was entertaining. Want to know what I said to him?” His fingers sank into my skin. “I told him I knew what his weakness was and I’d find you.” He affected a southern accent. “Did you enjoy meeting Wes in Manhattan? I still think about it.” My stomach churned as I struggled in his grasp. “I’d hoped you’d come see me in London but I couldn’t figure out how to get you here. Looks like I know your weakness, too. Thank you for making this so much easier.”

The second he shoved me away and let go, I coughed and gulped for air. Each breath cut into my throat like razorblades.

I need to get out of here.

This was a mistake.

As much as I wanted to move, I was rooted to the ground. Jordan simply straightened his suit jacket and sat down.

“Was there anything else you’d like to discuss today, Victoria?” The question sounded so businesslike. Almost as though we’d reached an amicable agreement on some new partnership and he hadn’t been choking me seconds ago. “I heard through various sources you’re starting a foundation in your sister’s memory. How righteous. Shall I make a donation?”

Glaring at him, I straightened my shoulders and regained some composure. “Stay away from my family.”

Jordan’s patronizing head tilt poured gasoline onto my expanding anger. “I don’t think I will. Everything and everyone is fair game. Like I’ve told you before, you never know who’s watching.”

Enough. I have to leave .

Without saying another word, I grabbed my bag and headed to the door. Just as I was about to walk out I heard, “We should do this again in a more intimate setting. Ask Xavier if he still shares his girlfriends.”