Page 47

She gives me a nod as I watch her shuffle from foot to foot. As we walk in, the room is busy with trainers and players making sure they are ready for the game. Grunts and laughter can be heard all around us. Rae’s eyes dart all around, trying to take in the scene and the chaos in the training room.
“Hey, Doc.” Taylor pops his head up from his computer. He is one of our athletic trainers.
“Hey, Taylor. How’s it going?” I feel Raelyn move behind me, making herself invisible.
“Good, just getting ready to help Williams and his arm.” He pauses for a moment and squints. “Who’s that behind you?”
“Oh, this here is Raelyn. She is a friend of Drew’s. I’m showing her around the stadium today and then going to take her over to hang with Phoenix.” I turn around and see her eyes widen. Maybe this was a little too much. Her eyes flit to Taylor, and I turn back to him.
“Well, it’s nice to meet you, Raelyn. Feel free to make yourself at home.” His eyes travel up and down her body, taking her in, and I suddenly feel like I want to step in front of her and keep him from seeing her.
But I don’t. Instead, I place my hand on her back. She does a slight flinch, but I don’t move. Suddenly, she steps closer to me.
Having her this close, touching me, is sending an odd sensation through my body. I want to pull her closer, feel her warmth. There’s an odd feeling of wanting to rip Taylor’s eyesout from his sockets and shove them down his throat for him to choke on, for even staring at her.
Fuck, that was dark.
Clearing my throat, I nod to Taylor. “I’m going to go take her to see Phoenix.” At that, Taylor nods and goes back to his work.
“Hey, Dr. Nichols.” My head turns toward Jake, one of the athletic assistants. His eyes lock immediately onto Raelyn. “And who is that pretty little thing?” he quips.
And there is that feeling again. Except this time, I want to cut his tongue out and shove it so far up his ass, he can taste his own shit.
Again, fucking dark. Jesus.
Raelyn stiffens beside me, and I know I need to get her out of here. “First of all, she has a fucking name. She’s not a piece of meat. A little respect goes a long way. Second, none of your business now. Stay away from her,” I growl as I turn, wrapping Raelyn closer to me.
We make our way out of the Training Facility, and I can feel her shaking beside me. The rest of the tour is going to have to wait. My need to get her somewhere safe is taking precedence.
Reaching the top floor of the stadium, we make our way over to Phoenix’s office. I nod to her receptionist, Glenda, and she gives me a small smile and gestures for us to go in.
Opening the door, I quietly enter and see Phoenix sitting behind her desk. She looks up and gives me a smile.
Over the years, being friends with Drew and working here, Phoenix and I have become good friends. Something I’m truly grateful for right now.
“Asher! Hey!” She bounces over to me and gives me a hug. “And you’re Raelyn. I’m Phoenix. Would you like something to drink?” she offers kindly.
Raelyn looks up at me, and I give her an assuring nod, so she clears her throat. “Water, please.”
“Sure thing.” Phoenix heads over to a small refrigerator and pulls out a bottle for her. “Here you go. So, what brings you up here?”
“Do you mind if I talk to you in private for a moment?” I ask Phoenix.
“Absolutely.” She nods.
We both walk to the corner of her office, away from Raelyn who sits down on the couch and stares at the floor.
“Is everything okay?” Her lips turn down as her eyes flit between me and Raelyn.
I run a hand down my face and let out a sigh. “No. Yes. I don’t know.”
“Wow, you sure are a ball of flustered,” Phoenix cracks. “What’s going on?”
“It’s Raelyn. She… uh…”
“She’s the one getting you all flustered.” Phoenix smiles at me.
“Yes… I mean, no!” I can feel my face heat up.