“Take a deep breath, there, Connor,” he says condescendingly. “For starters, Vox isn’t supposed to discuss his contract withanyone,of which I’ll be reminding him. And I brought you out here to ease the burden I knew I’d be putting on Vox, and while I appreciate your passion for his wellbeing, you’re about to cross a line.”Oh, I crossed every line a while ago, fuck you very much. “Vox and I are family. I put that stipulation in his contract because I knew the wolves would circle him eventually,and I didn’t want him selling out for more money to a sponsor that doesn’t give a shit about him as a person.”
“Oh, like you do?”Jesus, fuck, Connor. Rein it in.
Grey arches a brow. I know I’m tipping my hand, but thenerveof this guy.
“You have no idea what his life’s been like. Abandoned by everyone he loved. Learned to rely on himself at an early age. All he wants to do is ride a board and win first place. I can give him that. Vox looks up to you, which is why I’m counting on you to help him stay in the zone. The Winter Classic is less than a week away. I just need him to do what he does best. Until then, if you see or hear anything about his father, please report it to me immediately.”
The way he says it makes me think maybe this isn’t the first time Vox’s dad has come sniffing around.Jesus, everyone wants a piece of my man.
“What if Vox stays here?”Me and my stupid fucking mouth.“I have plenty of room and can keep an eye on him without the need for security lurking around.”
Grey chuckles and shakes his head. “That’s a nice offer, Lang, but I don’t want to field questions about why one of our boarders is shacking up with one of our coaches. Not to mention, I doubt I need to remind you of the no-fraternization rules in this company?”
“I don’t like what you’re insinuating,” I fire at my boss.Even if it’s true, I don’t like the way he makes it sound. Dirty and shallow. Like I, too, just want Vox for his money, fame, or looks.
Grey just shrugs. “Who you sleep with is your business. Unless it’s one of my boarders…especiallythatboarder…then it’smybusiness, and a huge fucking problem, not to mention a violation of your contract.”
“You have nothing to worry about,” I reply, certain in thismoment that I’m going to resign as soon as the Winter Classic is over. I’ll be damned if I allow Grey Patterson to be the reason that keeps Vox and me apart.
Grey simply nods. “I really don’t think Vox’s dad will be able to get to him, but we’ll be keeping an eye out just in case.”
“When does this stalking begin?” I ask, unable to mask my irritation at the blatant disregard for Vox’s privacy and autonomy, as well as the fact that I’m easier to read than a children’s book when it comes to Vox Montgomery. My only consolation is knowing Vox is hearing this entire conversation.
“Security is already stationed at the entrance to the staff condos. Vox will most likely see them when he leaves in the morning, but he won’t know they’re there for him specifically.”
Oh, but he will.
I nod. “Right. Well, if that’s all?” I say, politely suggesting it’s time to leave.
“Of course,” Grey says, turning toward the door. He never came inside beyond the foyer, and I didn’t make the offer to take his coat. “He seems to listen to you more than the rest of us. I knew bringing you on was a smart choice, but don’t make me regret it. It’s easy to get sucked into Vox’s orbit, and it’s not so easy to get out, but Lang…I’ll do whatever it takes to protect him, do you understand?”
My stomach rolls as I give the only answer I can. “Yeah.”
But who’s going to protect him from you?I wonder.
I see Grey out and watch his headlights disappear before heading to the small back patio to turn off the grill, then rush to my room.
Vox is sitting on my bed, hugging my pillow to his chest.
“We both know if my dad’s here, it’s because he wants money, but unfortunately for him, I’m not big on sentimentality. I owe him nothing.You, on the other hand,” Vox says, “youoffered to house me and almost blew our entire cover just toprotect me.” He nuzzles into my chest as I slide next to him on the bed. “I hate keeping you a secret.”
“As soon as you’re across the finish line, I’m quitting Patterson,” I tell him, kissing the top of his head.
He sits up so fast he almost knocks my teeth out.
“No! I don’t want to be coached by anyone else.”
“Vox, I thought losing boarding was the worst thing that could happen to me, but I’ve come to realize that nothing would be worse than losing you. We can’t keep us a secret for much longer. You heard how I flew off the handle at Grey. I’m pretty sure he’s on to us anyway.”
“But I’m locked into that contract for another five years. How will we make that work?”
“I’ll think of something. I’ll go back to selling insurance if I have to. You and I can board on the weekends, we’ll have the evenings, and sleepovers where neither of us has to hide when there’s a knock on the door. In the off-season, we’ll take weekend trips and start building a life.”
“This is so fucking ridiculous. I wassoclose to having it all,” Vox grumbles.
“You still can,” I tell him. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“Please let me stay here tonight,” he begs.
