I swallow and look down at the photos again. Panic begins to take hold as my breathing becomes shallow, making it difficult to inhale a full breath. My hands would be shaking if I didn’t have them tucked tightly into my lap, one hand around my wrist—my collar. My spine feels stiff. Despite feeling like my eyes are wide and ready to pop out of my head, I only see the one picture in front of me.
Kissing. Dasan’s hand on the back of my head. Keeping me in place. Taking my mouth for his. Fuck.
They’re still talking around me. I can hear them without understanding their words. Only snippets.
“Can’t punish without a broken rule.”
“…consequences…”
“…message it’s sending to other players…”
“…how it makes Winnipeg look…”
“…don’t know how Dasan…”
“…quid pro quoispolicy…”
I squeeze my eyes shut and pray to God that I don’t pass out.
CHAPTER 35
DASAN
Just as I’mopening my door to let Felton and Willits in, my phone rings. Interesting. I wave them in and answer.
“Hello?”
“Hello, Mr. Ukiah. This is Sylvan Vishan.”
I roll my eyes. As if I don’t have his number programmed into my phone. However, I play along. “Hello, Mr. Vishan. How are you?”
“I’m well, thank you. I trust you are as well?”
“Very well.”
“Good. I know you just left the arena, but if you’re still in the area, I’d appreciate it if you’d join us for a quick meeting.”
A frown pinches my face. “Sure, no problem. Now?”
“If you don’t mind.”
I glance at my friends. “Yeah. I’ll head over.”
“Thank you, Mr. Ukiah.”
“Thanks. See you in a bit.”
I end the call and stare at the window, trying to determine what this is about. Have I pissed someone off lately? It can’t be Ren’s new advocacy program because I’d have heard from Ren when the meeting was scheduled.
Shively and I have been far too careful, so I can’t imagine it’s him. But… who the fuck knows? “I have to head back to the arena real quick. Hang out. I’ll be right back.”
“Everything all right?” Willits asks.
I shrug. “I think so, but we’ll see.”
Felton frowns but doesn’t say anything. I put my shoes back on and slip into my parka to head back to the arena. I’m sure he was one of the guys in the stands during practice. Why did he wait until I was home to ask for a meeting?
My drive isn’t long. The building is silent when I let myself in. We have a few conference rooms, though only one is actually used for meetings so I know right where I’m going. My knock is answered immediately.
