Page 32 of Vexatious Queen

The gym was a war-zone. The ground beneath me thrummed, and my pulse matched the rhythm. Somewhere beyond the noise, I swore I heard Ren yelling my name. Maybe it was just my mind playing tricks—but it pushed me harder. Every hit, every sprint, every pass was a reminder that the world was one fight after another. But out here on the floor, I controlled my destiny. I wanted to win, not just for points on a scoreboard, or bragging rights, but for control, for purpose, for something that had always felt like mine.

When the final horn blared, and the team crowded around Rory, I stood back, catching my breath. He deserved the attention after taking the winning shot. He had earned it.

Beneath the pride was a quiet ache. I knew just how quickly moments like this faded. Still, for now, the noise and smiles were enough.

Looking toward the stands, I searched for Ren. When our eyes met, I took a deep breath. I finally understood what it meant to build something worth protecting.

“Hey, Myles,” Rory called out as he jogged over. “The guys just invited us to go to Cue-B’s for dinner and pool. Are you in?”

“Why don’t ya come to Volatile instead? I was going there anyhow, and the new chef that Nash hired is incredible. Makes a hamburger taste like a five-star meal.”

Rory nodded. “Sounds good to me.”

“We’ll be headin’ out at seven. Are ya wantin’ a ride?”

“All good, I’ll get a ride with Cory. But we’ll follow you into town,” Rory said, running off just as Ren walked up.

“Well, hello there, Snowflake.” I gripped Ren’s hips and kissed her hard, soaking up all her sweetness and the little moan that escaped her lips. “Are ya up for a little socializin’ tonight?”

“What do you have in mind?”

“We’re going to Volatile. Get some food and relax, celebrate that we lived another week.” Her eyes grew sad as she placed her hand over my heart. “Shite…that came out really insensitive. I didn’t mean it to sound so callous.”

“No, it’s okay. I get it, and we should be happy that we are all still here. I know you didn’t mean anything. What about Lip? Are you picking him up this weekend?”

“Naw, he’s managed to sleep the last few nights. I dinnie wanna mess with it by yanking him out and takin’ him to the house where Ella was killed. I think it’s better if he has some space for now. Ya know?”

“Yeah, I get it.”

“Okay, I’ll go shower. Do you mind texting the guys to let them know? Invite whoever else ya want.”

She smiled, and I backed away before I dragged her with me for a repeat of our session at the boxing gym.

As I walked into the locker room, I caught the tail end of the conversation.

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea. The last time I was there, the place was shot up, and people died,” Matt said.

“Dude, that was a one-off. It was totally random and could’ve happened in any city. Besides, Nash has done a ton of upgrades, including bulletproof glass. We’re good,” Rory answered.

I rounded the corner, and my teammates went deathly quiet.

“Don’t be clammin’ up on my account. Ya got somethin’ to say, say it.”

Matt, our goalie, stood up from the bench and crossed his arms.

“I’ll say it. People are nervous to go back to Volatile. There are rumors of motorcycle club members hanging around, there was a drive-by on Halloween, and correct me if the rumor is wrong, but didn’t someone pull a murder suicide there on New Year’s Eve? Come on, Myles, that is one hell of a track record. No offense, but I want to eat my meal in a place where I don’t worry about dying.”

“Fair enough,” I said with a nod, and walked over to my locker.

“That’s all you’re going to say?”

I stripped off everything but my shorts and grabbed a towel before addressing my team. I wasn’t the captain, but being one of the kings, they respected me anyway.

“I don’t know what ya want me to say. Yer not wrong, all that shite happened. But I can tell ya that Rory is right. Nash has gone above and beyond to stop any potential threats. He has put in so many extra safety features that it’s probably safer than Fort Knox. But if yer not comfortable, I’m not gonna force ya.”

Matt crossed his arms. “So, you’re still going to hang out there?”

“Aye, I am.”