Page 60 of Code Violation

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Silas

“She didn’t take the pill, did she?”

Mason’s question comes the second I push through the locker room door, wearing a grin wider than the Grand fucking Canyon.

“Silas,” Will chides, sidling up next to Mason. “This is not the time to hold out on us. Did she take the pill or not?”

“Are you an idiot, William?” Tristan joins the conversation, scrubbing at the back of his head with a towel. He motions to my face. “Cap’s smile says it all.”

Before confirming what my teammates are desperate to know, I quirk a brow at Tristan. “Why do you look like you just showered? You’re supposed to take one after practice.”

“Yes, Tris.” Will taps Tristan’s temple. “Only idiots shower before practice.”

Tristan looks smug, tossing his towel into a laundry basket. “Just finished up an extra conditioning session before you lazy asses got here.” He flexes his right bicep. “No pain, no gain.”

Totally ignoring his teammate, Will sets his attention back on me. “Are we all going to be uncles or not?”

I want to roll my eyes at him, but I can’t. I’m too fucking happy for that. “She didn’t take the pill.”

Will holds his fist out for me to bump. I reciprocate, but shake my head in warning.

“There are no guarantees. If she’s pregnant, then it’ll be amazing.”

“And if she isn’t?” Mason asks.

My smile falters. “Regardless of whether she’s pregnant or not, we aren’t officially dating. Vesper wants to develop our friendship and see where it takes us.”

Will rubs the back of his head. “So, what’s your plan of action?”

Folding my arms across my chest, I can still sense the hum of electricity as it fizzed between us last night. The feel of her soft skin as I kissed below her ear, the way her breath hitched and her fingers curled around the bar top when I whispered into her ear. That’s not the reaction of a friend.

“If she’s pregnant, I’m going to be everything she wants and needs and then wait for her to fall in love with me.”

“And if she isn’t?” Mason questions.

“I’m still going to be everything she wants and needs and then wait for her to fall in love with me.”

Tristan tosses his head toward the ceiling, his sarcastic laughter rumbling around our group.

“What’s so funny?” Will asks, agitated.

He continues laughing, and now I’m growing impatient.

“I must be the only guy on this team who isn’t a fucking simp for a girl.” He points to Mason first. “You literally mention Eloise every ten minutes, even though she’s escaped to France.” Next, Tristan motions to Will. “You’ve made Drew Callaghan your entire personality. I mean, you almost sacrificed your hockey career for her. Unfortunately, I still have to tolerate your sorry ass.” Lastly, he tips his chin at me. “And you’re ready to lay it all down for your brother’s ex-girlfriend who may or may not be pregnant with your child and may or may not love you one day.”

“You done?” Mason snipes.

Tristan just shrugs. “I’m calling it as I see it. Pretty much every marriage ends in divorce and⁠—”

“My parents are still married,” Will tosses back. “Years later, they’re still going strong.”

Tristan turns to Mason. “What about you, Mase? Parents still together?”

Mason grinds his molars. “What’s up your ass today?”

“Are they still together?” Tristan repeats.