Page 79

Story: Triple Power Play 2

“I was hoping to get into one of your father’s parties,” Ricky slides the strawberries from his plate to Aurora’s, “but it didn’t happen.”
Jax cuts into his French toast, piled high with whipped cream and berries. “Kyle would never believe I’d bring a guard to a party.”
“True,” Ricky agrees. “But Aurora would.”
That catches my attention, and I set my fork down.
Jackson settles back in his chair and crosses his arms over his chest. “She’s not getting anywhere near his fucked-up parties.”
“I’m not saying that, but they could be in your suite together during games.”
My stomach turns at the mere thought of Kyle being close to Aurora.“Absolutely not.”
Jax returns to his food. “That’s not even conceivable.”
“Hypothetically,” Ricky stresses. “What if we arrange an accidental meeting in your suite? Give him access, let him fill the room, and we show up.”
“How would you go from being her bodyguard to attending his parties...alone?” Jax shoots him a sharp look.
“Aurora will bring a female agent to your game to catch someone’s eye. We just need an in.”
Every second, my irritation builds, and the crease between my brow deepens.
Jackson huffs. “You think I trust you to use my girlfriend as bait?”
Our girl picks her head up from my shoulder. “I’ll do it.”
“No,” Jax and I say in unison.
“We want this to be over, don’t we?” Her gaze shifts between us. “Kyle won’t do anything at the arena, and it’s safer than Jax going to one of his parties.”
Of course she’d offer herself up, and that pisses me off.
“Stop talking,” I snarl at her. “It’s not happening. For either of you.”
“Ethan—” she starts, but I was through with this conversation before it even began.
“That baby is mine.” I point to her stomach, then to her chest. “Youare mine. So let me make myself clear: you arenotgoing anywhere near Kyle.” I emphasize each word, my eyes boring into hers, daring her to cross me.
“Stop with the possessive bullshit,” Ricky barks. “I can protect her. I’ll be there as well.”
“Like fuck you can.” My head snaps in his direction. “Like you protected her when you allowed Kyle in here?”
His nostrils flare, and his voice rises. “I didn’t think Kyle would harm her.”
“You didn’t think a man who abuses women would harm her?”
He has the gall to appear insulted and lean in opposite me. “Not his son’s pregnant girlfriend!”
“What the fuck is wrong with you?” I rest my elbows on the table. “Did Jackson rattle something in your brain? Kyle abused his son and the mother of his own child.” I inch forward until we’re nearly face-to-face. “It’s not fucking happening.” I push my chair back and toss my napkin down before I wrap my hands around his throat and finish the job Jax started.
Aurora places her hand on mine and attempts to weave our fingers together.
I shake her off, stand from my seat, and mumble, “I have to go. We have a game tonight.”
Every step I take toward our room intensifies my frustration. It occurs to me that while I’m at work, nothing is stopping her from going behind my back. She’ll do it to prevent Jax from meeting with his father and possibly relapsing.
I’m folding my dirty clothes from yesterday when she enters and shuts the door.