Page 50 of Arresting the Hockey Player

I should apologize for raising my voice, but I'm angry with Jasmine and even more so with Grant for what he did, for laying a hand on Zayn.

"And that's why I'm leaving him with you. I need to make sure Grant will leave you and Zayn alone before I leave."

"What you're saying doesn't make any sense." She's bound to get herself killed if she stays with the monster. "You already said he doesn't care abouthim." I nod toward the living room.

"Yeah, that's what he's said, but I have to make sure that his actions follow through with that promise. That he doesn't care."

"What you're doing isn't noble or bold. It's stupid. Going back to your abusive husband is only going to get you knocked around, and you're lucky if he doesn't kill you."

"You wouldn't understand."

"I understand plenty," I seethe, taking a step closer toward Jasmine.

She fumbles backward and away from me, bumping into the wall.

The flash of fear flitters across her features as she tries to flee. Does she honestly believe that I would hurt her? "I should go." Her voice catches in her throat, and she hurries to the sofa. "Be good for Noah, okay?" she tells Zayn.

My heart aches that the little one doesn't know me as his father but as Noah.

Zayn nods with wide, curious eyes.

She kisses his cheek and hugs him before exhaling a sharp breath. "I should go."

"Mama!" Zayn wails as she heads for the door.

"You don't have to leave," I say. There has to be another way. "Stay in the spare bedroom. In the morning, we'll get ahold of my lawyer. He'll be able to help you. I'm sure of it."

"Grant will come looking for me." She shakes her head. "My job as his mother is to protect Zayn at all costs. I couldn't do that today." She exhales a shaky breath.

"What that monster did isn't your fault."

"I have to go." Jasmine hurries for the door. There's pain in her eyes, agony.

Zayn continues to cry, his tears coming down like two rivers as his sobs become hysterical, and he climbs off the sofa, chasing after his mother as she slips out the front door.

ELEVEN

Charlotte

I hadn't entirely thought this through, showing up uninvited to Noah Reece's home. For starters, there's security and a private elevator. I can't just waltz in like at a hotel without being noticed.

"Can I help you?"

"Yes, I'm here to see Noah Reece," I say.

He glances me over and nods. "Let me call him. He didn't mention any other visitors this evening."

Othervisitors? My stomach tumbles. At least he’s home.

The attendant on duty picks up the phone, and I glance around the lobby. It's quite extravagant, with high ceilings and a crystal chandelier, not to mention the stained-glass window in the back past the elevators.

After a moment, he hangs up the phone. "You may head on back for the elevator."

A security guard is waiting by the elevator, and he uses his key to unlock access to the penthouse. He offers me a warm smile and a brief greeting, "How are you this evening?" Which sounds more like he's asking because he has to and less because he wants to.

After he unlocks access, he steps out, allowing me to ride up the elevator alone. The doors close, but I don't feel relieved.

I'm more nervous because Noah wasn't expecting me, and I'm showing up invited. I'm unsure how he'll feel about that after ditching us at the Blue Line forJasmine.Whoever she is, I don't like her.