“What I’ve always wanted. For us to be friends like we used to be.”
“You must’ve hit your head real fuckin’ hard if you think there’s any chance in Hell that you and I could go back to being best buds after the shit you’ve done.”
“I was young and stupid,” he says in earnest. I’m not buying it. “I’ve learned from my mistakes, and I’m a new person now.”
“Bullshit. If you were, you wouldn’t be pulling this stunt.”
“You’re right.” The coldness in his tone makes my stomach seize. “I’m smarter now, with more resources.”
This is insane. “How do you envision us becoming friends again? What? You think I’d just invite you over for a barbecue? Go to your place for a beer after a game?”
“Yes.”
I laugh humorlessly. “You’re out of your fucking mind. There’s no?—”
“What’s more important to you? Your career and one little friendship, or to lose everyone?”
My blood runs cold at his choice of words.Everyone.
He’s done it before, turned everyone against me. My heart stammers at the thought of going through that again.
I was still a kid back then, so all I ended up with was a broken heart. This time? I could be out of a job. And depending how he plays his cards, I could end up behind bars.
This is all comingjustas I’ve finally taken a step with Mina.
“The police will be here within ten minutes to take my statement,” he finishes.
The line goes dead.
My limbs tremble with fury. I unleash a curse, and there’s no stopping me from hitting the steering wheel over and over until it feels like my hand might break.
What do I have going for me if I’m kicked out of the NHL? I’m still building my investment portfolio, and I’d like to have a bunch more saved so I can buy Mina whatever her heart desires.
Prison isn’t a fucking option either. That requires no explanation.
What if he gets to Mina and somehow turns her against me too?
I can’t kill him when everyone is already looking at me as the number one suspect.
Where does that leave me?
Leo: Call your dogs off. I’ll do it.
Typing the words out makes me taste acid. Pressing Send has me certain I’ll be sick.
Jack Norton: Done. It’ll be like old times.
That’s what I’m worried about.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Mina
Ihaven’t heard from Leo in almost twenty-four hours, and I am absolutely shitting myself over it.
I’m twisted up. In knots. Burned out. Stressed. Anxious. On the verge of a mental breakdown.
He told me to stay. For a long moment, I thought that was a fantastic idea because my dreams were coming true. Leo was finally recognizing me, and he was going to welcome me into his open arms because he wants me too.
