"You don't get to be my shield and the reason I need one.”
His jaw tightens. "I was scared. You were living in my house. I didn't want to cross a line and lose you."
"So you crossed a different one instead.”
Silence stretches. He looks down, then back up.
"You're a hockey player," I press. "You have money, leverage, and an entire system designed to protect you."
"I'm aware."
"I'm barely a temp trainer," I say. "No contract. No guarantees. If things went badly for us and we accidentally started a scandal, you'd get a warning or a fine. Maybe a lecture. I'd get fired."
His face tightens, guilt flashing across it. "I wouldn’t let that happen."
“News flash!” I shake my head. “You don’t control everything, Si.”
He nods slowly, absorbing it. “I’m sorry. Really, Scout.”
"I won't be someone's secret," I say. "I won't be the place you hide because it's easier than standing in the open."
"Scout, that's not what this is. I wanted you and… I thought I couldn’t have you."
A blow out a long breath. "I won't be in a relationship where I carry all the risk and you carry none. I did that with Enzo already. Whatever is between us, Silas, I need it to be different."
"It is different!" He scowls. "I'm nothing like him, Scout."
"I need space tonight," I say. "And you have some serious thinking to do."
"Scout." He stands and catches my wrist, gently tugging.
"I'm serious, Silas." I pull away and head to my bedroom. I grab my overnight bag from the closet and start throwing things in. A change of clothes. A toothbrush, my charger.
Silas appears in my doorway, his face stricken. "Where are you going?"
"Juliet's. I’m just going for the night. I need to think, and I can't do it here."
"Scout, please. Can we just talk about this?"
"We just did." I zip the bag. "I'm not breaking up withyou, Silas. I'm just... I need space to process this. I'll see you tomorrow at work."
I brush past him. He doesn't try to stop me, just stands there looking lost.
The weight hits once I'm in my car. Not heartbreak exactly, but something close to grief. Grief for the version of myself who thought there was one place in her life where wanting didn't come with a cost.
I text the Coven as I drive.
Me
I know this is last minute, but is anyone able to meet up? I'm having a crisis.
Juliet
What? Come over to my house! I'm hanging out with Wren while Coach Ryan and Hunter watch the game in the other room.
Wren
Yes! Please, come join us.
