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“I know this conversation has been heated. You’re coming off a big game. Due to that, I’ll give you until tomorrow to fully make your decision.” He walks to the door. “You know my terms and what I can offer you, but in return I require your full commitment. To your father, both heavenly and on this earth.”

He walks out, leaving me feeling like I’m being torn in two. I’d always known my future wasn’t with the Kingdom, but being separated from my family? From Shelby?

It’s the one thing he knows I won’t agree to.

Unable to facemy teammates or the fans waiting outside, Coach Bryant gives me permission to wait them out. When the locker room is finally empty, I hit the shower, ducking under the scalding spray finally allowing my emotions to unleash. I scrub away hot angry tears along with the sweat and grime. My father actually drew a line. My girl or my family. The future he wants for me or the future I want.

But the worst of all, is the way he spoke about Nadia. If I’d ever entertained ideas of bringing her back to Texas with me, those thoughts are gone. She’s not safe there. And that’s what I promised her with me; a safe space. This is why I never tried to have a real relationship with anyone before. Everything here hasalways been temporary. My real life is back in Texas–back in the Kingdom.

I was foolish to think I could have both.

Turning off the water, I grab a towel and dry off before wrapping it around my waist. I head into the locker room and stop short. I shouldn’t be surprised Reese is still here, dressed in his post game suit and tie, waiting on me.

“Don’t you have programs to sign? Fans to suck up to?”

“Eh, the other guys deserve a chance every once in a while.” I open my locker and drop my towel, giving him a view of my bare ass. “Jesus. I probably should have waited until you were dressed.”

I yank up a pair of boxers and turn to face him. “Better?”

“Infinitely.” He leans against the bank of lockers across from mine. “So, your father was here.”

I slide into my pants, one leg after the other. “Yep.”

“Want to talk about it?”

“Not really.”

He doesn’t move, just watches as I pull on my undershirt.

“Fine,” I mutter, knowing it’s futile. Reese is a nosy bitch. “My father has spies everywhere that keep tabs on me. I knew he was aware of my probation. He managed to get that shut down, which is why it never leaked into the media. But he also knows about Nadia’s police report, as well as my statements.”

“Okay, well, keeping it out of the media isn’t the worst thing.”

“No, the worst thing is him telling me to stay away from Nadia because she’s not an appropriate girl for a man going into church leadership.”

“Oh fuck.”

“Yeah.” I button my shirt, getting riled up again. “He said some really shitty things about her.Untrue, shitty things about her reputation and morals. And he gave me an ultimatum. Her or the Kingdom.”

“Easy,” Reese says. “You pick her.”

“I do pick her,” I tell him. “Every fucking time, but because I’m dealing with Nolan Rakestraw there’s more.”

“What else does he want?”

“If I choose Nadia and walk away from the Kingdom, I’m walking away from my entire family. For good.”

“Shelby.”

“Yep.” I throw my tie over my neck. “He had it all planned. He already knew I wasn’t sure about going back to work for him, so he had a back up plan.” I tell him about David and how my nineteen year old sister is promised to this guy. “She’ll be stuck popping out babies and supporting him for the rest of her life. I can’t let that happen.”

I grab my jacket and my bag and slam the locker door.

“Ax,” Reese says, taking a moment to choose his words, “you can’t save everyone.”

“What? What does that mean?”

“Protecting shit? That’s what you do. It’s in your nature. The net. Your teammates. Your girl. I know you love your sister, but she’s got her own life to live.” He frowns. “Does she even want your help?”