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“I want to hear it.”

“I can’t?—”

“Say it. I need to hear how it’s different.”

Resting my chin on top of his head, he slowly plays with one of my nipple piercings, almost absentmindedly. “Because if anyone is likely to make me feel, it’s you. I can’t hand my heart over to you when, in the end, you’ll just break it. It’s not a risk I’m willing to take. I can’t be that vulnerable.”

Picking his head back up, we’re face to face and still connected, his cock still hard and inside me. “I’m scared too, but you should know you have nothing to fear. I’m your protector, your keeper, and your man. Give me your heart and trust me with it, Princess.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

JENSEN

Ithink I’m growing soft.

From a table at the back of the reception hall, I sit alone in my tux and watch as Hollie and Ed move across the dance floor and underneath the twinkling lights, their faces lit with love. I quickly reach up and swipe a tear from the corner of my eye.

She deserves every bit of happiness that’s coming to her.

“Hey, it’s been a while.”

I look up to see Chloe, Hollie’s best friend and the redhead from that night in Riley’s bar.

“Hey,” I say, smiling and sipping my bourbon.

She sits next to me, crossing her legs under the table and leaning forward slightly, the low-cut neckline of her pale pink bridesmaid’s gown falling forward. I avert my eyes quickly. Something about this feels intense, and I’ve been avoiding her all day, trying to stay out of the same photos.

She gently taps her fingernails on the tablecloth and rests her chin in the other hand. I can tell by the look in her eyes that she’s had more than enough to drink.

“How come every time you see me, I’m a little tipsy?” she giggles.

“I’d say a little more than tipsy, but you’re better than you were that night.”

“I never did get a chance to thank you for walking me back.”

I look at her properly for the first time since she sat down. “You just did, and you’re welcome.”

She looks around the room, taking it all in. “Do you not have any friends with you? I thought you’d be the most popular guy in the room?”

I lean back in my chair and push my empty glass away. “Nah, keeping a low profile.”

“Congrats on the Stanley Cup win.”

“Thanks.”

This whole exchange feels stilted and awkward, as if she’s pushing for something to say to me.

“Are you in town for long? Preseason has to be starting up soon?”

I think about how much I want to be back in Seattle, curled up on Kate’s couch with her wrapped around me. “I’ll be heading back tomorrow; preseason starts the day after.”

Just then, my phone that’s lying face up on the table illuminates with a text, and Chloe’s head darts in its direction.

It’s a picture from Kate.

Princess

This one is probably your best so far…