Page 77 of Slapshot Bride

I watch something register behind his eyes. They harden, the smile drops. He hears it in my voice. I have no regard for him, and we’re not buddies. But his smile returns, and this time, a little too bright.

“I hope I'm not catching you at a bad time.”

Every instinct in me wants him gone, but I keep my voice cold and controlled. “What can I do for you?”

He tilts his head slightly. Considering. “I think you know why I'm here.”

“Get to the point, or get off my property.”

His smile tightens. “Oh, of course. You’re a busy man, and I wouldn’t want to take up more of your time than necessary.”

He slides his hands into his pockets, so fucking comfortable standing there that I have to remind myself that putting my fist through his face would create more problems for Riley, not fewer.

“Riley Brooks. I know she’s staying here, and I appreciate the care you’ve shown her during this difficult time. You’ve clearly been a good friend to her.”

My jaw locks.

“But I’m concerned about her,” Preston continues. “I think you can understand that she’s been going through a very difficult phase, and the people who care about her are worried. Her family. Her friends.” He pauses deliberately. “Me.”

I say nothing.

“I’m not here to cause trouble. I only want to make sure she’s all right. That she’s in a safe environment. That the people around her have her best interests at heart. And that she’s willing to come home so we can help her and give her all the love she deserves.”

I look at him. “She’s safe,” I grit out.

His expression doesn’t change.

“And she’s an adult,” I continue, keeping my voice level even though every muscle in my body is tight. “She decides where she stays, who she talks to, and whether she wants your help. If Riley needs something, she’s perfectly capable of asking for it.”

He nods slowly, wearing the patient expression of a man dealing with someone who simply doesn’t understand.

“You know, Riley has a tendency, when she’s under stress, to make decisions she later regrets. It’s something we’ve navigated together for years. I know how to help her through it. Her family knows. The people who have been in her life.” His eyes settle on mine. “With respect, you’ve only known her for a few weeks.”

My hands curl into fists at my sides.

He’s good.

Really fucking good.

Every sentence sounds reasonable if you don’t know what’s underneath it.

But I do.

I’ve seen Riley panic because using her own credit card might tell this man where she is. I’ve watched her apologize for needing things because somewhere along the way, people taught her that having needs made her difficult. I’ve seen her face when his name appears on a screen.

And this asshole wants me to believe she’s the problem.

“We can’t trust her with you,” he says gently. “You have to understand that.”

My entire body goes still.

Trust her with me.

Like she’s something to be passed between men.

Something in me snaps taut. “You don’t get a say in who Riley trusts.”

For the first time, his smile disappears completely. “I think if she and I could have a conversation, privately, away from all of this noise, we could work through what happened and find a path forward that is good for everyone. For her especially.”