I may argue with him time and time again, but it’s no secret that he’s caring, kind, and perceptive. He’s always ready to help the guys on and off the ice. Always ready to help anyone in any way possible.
And someone dared hurt him.
I caress his jaw, and he collects himself and continues. “It wasn’t just Jenna who cheated. My teammates’ betrayal stuck a deeper knife in my chest. I considered them my family, my friends, and they did this. They cheated, too.”
“I’m so sorry,” I whisper, even though it’s not me whose apology he needed.
He shakes his head, trying to keep his tears at bay and be strong.
“Where does Cillian come into this? Was he one of the teammates?” I ask hesitantly.
“No,” he says in a small voice.
“Then?” My brows furrow, not understanding.
“He knew.” He chokes on the last words as his tears finally break the barrier and flow down his cheeks.
Seeing him like this breaks my fucking heart, and I haul him to my chest, hugging him fiercely, wishing to whatever power that exists to take away all of his pain. My own tears don’t stay far behind, but I don’t let him see me crying.
It’s about him and his feelings and what he needs. And he needs to let it all out to get over the betrayal that so many people gave him.
I can’t even imagine the amount of pain he handled and battled alone. God! I hate that he had to.
“I’m right here,” I say as his body shakes with violent sobs, his head nestled in the crook of my neck. I don’t tell him to quiet down, I don’t tell him not to cry.
All I want him to know is that I’m right here with him. All I want him to know is that he has me to shoulder his burdens and stand in his corner. All I want him to know is that he has me to tear down anyone who tries to fuck with him or his heart.
All I need him to know is that he hasme.
Thirty Four
Kaeli
The entire month has been a whirlwind, where I posted so many videos of myself and Ezra. In some, we were both asked questions, while in some, I was the one asking him hilarious questions, but in front of the camera. Some were of us doing stupid activities and entertaining the audience.
This month has been draining, to say the least.
Behind the lens is a different story altogether. I feel closer to him after that night he spent crying in my embrace. Since then, we have spent everyfree moment fucking each other and sleeping in each other’s arms.
The past month with Ezra has been an entirely new experience. Secretly getting to know him and seeing him try to get to know me, taking care of me, has helped me be more myself in front of him.
It’s the little things he does. Like not once questioning my color preference and commenting how pink doesn’t suit my personality, all the times he has been to my place. Stocking my fridge with fruits and essentials whenever I get lost in my study, working on some sort of strategy or content.
I love how he treats me like he adores me, cherishes me. The other day, he surprised me with a bouquet, and I burst into tears because no one has ever gotten me flowers, not besides Roman, that is.
It was fun to see him panic at my outburst. He did punish me for it in the bedroom by edging me, though.
One thing that remains constant in our relationship, or whatever it is we have, is our banter. I love the back and forth fiercely. It just keeps me on my toes and serves as a reminderthat time with him might be temporary.
So, I make sure to enjoy it with every hidden kiss.
A month later, everything is ready for my first appearance on other entertainment and sports outlets besides the team’s social media channels, as the staff mill about setting up the equipment to record it.
The team thought it best to arrange an exclusive interview with theBoston Repositoryfor Ezra and me. Reluctantly, I agreed.
That’s how I find myself being poked and prodded by several makeup artists to look good enough to appear on an interview. A staff member opens the door and pokes his head in. “We’re ready for you.”
I give him a nod, and he leaves. Doing the final touch-up, the artists find their way out, too.
