“What?” My breath hitches as the love in his eyes settles me.
“I’m falling in love with you. And it’s about time I said it out loud, even if I am whispering.”
My heart gallops in my chest, his words swirling through me like oxygen. I attempt to suck in a shaky breath before clasping his hands and smiling. “I’m falling in love with you too, Sal.”More than I thought was possible.
Sal sighs before kissing me again, and when we part, his eyes fill with apprehension. “I’m here. Okay?”
“Thank you. I don’t plan on being too long.”
“Good. I’m not sure I can handle much.”
I smile as I pass him, making my way toward Wes’s office with Sal close behind me, and I’m surprised to find that smile doesn’t fade. I never would have thought it would make a difference, and yet, with Sal’s love coursing through me, I feel invincible as I enter the room, coming face-to-face with Vance.
The man I had no idea affected me so much.
“Vance.” I nod, hiding my joy when his face contorts with confusion. He’s quick to recover and hides his shock as a smug expression takes its place.
“Keeley. I’m surprised they have you involved in my negotiations.”
“They don’t.”
“They don’t?”
“No. There are no negotiations, Vance. Wes was nice enough to give me the honor of telling you wewon’tbe offering you thecoaching position. We’ve decided to go with someone who isn’t a piece of shit.”
“You’re hilarious. My reputation is squeaky clean.”
“That doesn’t mean you’re a decent human being. It just means you have friends in high places that can cover it up.”
“Fuck off. You know nothing about me.”
“Nothing?”
“No. We knew each other…what? Over ten years ago? I think it’s time for you to get over whatever infatuation you have and move the fuck on.”
“Infatuation? You sexually assaulted me, Vance. You didn’t listen when I said no, and forced yourself on me. And as if that wasn’t enough, you played the victim and got away with it, making me lose my job.”
“Is that what you think happened? Because I remember it a lot?—”
“I don’t need to hear what you think you remember. I know what happened. I have the mental scars to prove it. I’m no longer playing the part of your victim. You deserve to pay for what you did, but it’s too late for that. Instead, I’m going to ensure that no one falls victim to you again. I wanted you to be the first to know, I’m going to make a statement as part of the Women in Sports fundraiser this year. You know, the one that’s always covered by media outlets from around the world. And I’m not afraid to name names. I hope you’ve enjoyed your fame up until now, because it’s all about to change.”
He steps forward, his eyes dropping to my ankle as he invades my personal space. “That’s a big threat for someone that can’t run away.”
“I’m not scared of you. Try your worst. It’ll only make me fight harder.”
Vance’s nostrils flare, and for the first time since I walked into the room, fear takes over me, but I refuse to show it. Instead, I stand tall, holding his gaze.
“Fucking bitch,” he snarls, throwing a chair across the room before storming off, and a sense of relief and pride takes over me.
I did it. I faced a fear that had been unknowingly haunting me for years. I feel amazing.
Sal’s through the door before Vance is fully out of the room, his eyes wide as he rakes them all over my body, his fists clenched, undoubtedly searching for damage. His eyes lock on the chair against the wall, and a growl vibrates from the back of his throat before he turns to chase after Vance.
“Stop. It’s okay. He didn’t hurt me.”
Sal closes his eyes as his head falls back, his expression pinched with torment. He sucks in a breath and jogs toward me, pulling me into his arms. He holds me in silence, his rapid breathing the only sound between us until I pull away.
“God, you’re so pale.” I brush my thumbs across his cheek, and he shakes his head.
