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ETHAN

“We don’t have to turn it in. I ran private tests, and GHB won’t show in a urinalysis after this long.”

I’m surrounded by walls devoid of color, their monotonous presence suffocating.

My office is cold and unyielding, mocking my desire to be elsewhere.

Sure, black, white, and blue are the team’s colors, and a few months ago, every part of this place excited me, but now, I can’t focus on anything other than checking my phone.

My text to Aurora this morning has yet to be returned. I hate being ignored and worry about her being alone—with her bodyguard.

I’m counting down the days until we’re reunited. Before I left New York, I insisted she take time off and keep the baby’s appointments in LA. She was reluctant until I promised not to kidnap her. The thought is tempting, though.

Eight days.

Eight days remain until I see her again.

Late last night, my plane landed in LA. I slept a few hours then met with the biggest pain in my ass.

Before Doc joined us, Jax explained the financial situation with his father.

The entire ordeal is mind-blowing. I can’t imagine anyone being so greedy, they’d harm their own child to maintain their wealth.

I scan the lab results and toss the paper onto my desk.

I suspected Kyle was involved in Jackson’s relapse, but to drug him is some Dateline -level shit.

“Run a second test, turn it in, and accept the required four-game penalty. The organization will expect nothing less, given the picture evidence. Might as well face the consequences head-on.”

My captain reclines in the chair, dark circles under his eyes with zero emotion regarding a suspension. His sole motivation is getting to Aurora, and I can’t say I blame him.

Doc nods and claps Jax on the shoulder. “Meet me in the training room when you’re finished.” He offers a soft smile and exits.

An awkward silence envelops us. I’m not skilled at comforting others, particularly men, and there’s no chapter in the coach’s handbook on guiding your player through being drugged and set up by his father.

“Kyle thinks the child is yours or believes it’s a possibility. Have you told him otherwise?”

He averts his gaze, and his knee bounces. “No. It was our plan for me to claim the pregnancy. I doubt he’ll believe me if I deny it now.”

I clench my jaw. Me and my brilliant ideas. It was my scheme for Jax and Aurora to fake date, for him to act as the father. “What’s he want with the Santa Monica house?”

His shoulder lifts in a half-ass shrug. “To hold it over my head.”

“Is it in your name?”

“I completed all the paperwork, and the lawyer processed the closing. As far as I know, everything was finalized. I was in a rush, and it was my only option.”

“Yeah, in a rush to fuck me over.”

“No,” he says in a drawn-out, sarcastic tone. “I was solidifying my position. You have the baby, and I have the house.”

“That wasn’t the agreement. Now, Kyle has the house. Can you sell it to me?”

His brows snap together. “So you can swoop in and play the hero? Not happening.”

“You are one stubborn motherfucker. Sell it to me, or I’m calling Aurora and telling her you walked into my office with a blonde on your arm with a double-D rack.”

His face goes blank, and a laugh bursts out of me.

“I won’t hesitate to come across this desk. You better be fucking joking.”

“I’d never do that to her. She’s hurt enough.”

He narrows his eyes, catching on to my guilt trip. “It cost thirteen million.”

“I’m well aware. This might shock you, but I know how to use the internet.”

“That is a shock, old man. Are you sure your retirement can handle it?”

Despite his obnoxious behavior, I can’t help but smile. “Unlike you, I don’t blow my money. I have investments. I can manage it just fine.”

“Spending money on others is my love language. Don’t knock it.”

“I’ll sell it back to you once you’re of age, if that’s what you need.” Then, another thought occurs to me. “Are you able to ask the court for a different trustee or conservator or whatever? Anyone but Kyle.”

“I hired a law firm to explore my options. They’re awaiting the trust documents.”

We stare at each other, the light and playful mood giving way to the inevitable.

“What are you gonna do?”

He wrings his hands. “Head to New York as soon as I get out of here.”

My gut clenches, and I take a deep breath to ease the anxiety of Aurora’s reaction. “Be prepared. She’s not taking this well. I’ve tried talking to her, but she’s… Be careful. Please don’t end up hurting her more. I mean it, Jax.”

“I’m not leaving without her. I’ll move there if I have to.”

Great. “No, you won’t. I’ll drag both of you back here. You’re contracted to me, don’t forget that.”