Page 4

ETHAN

From my office window, I watch the Zamboni smooth the ice after practice, my mind restless and my concentration absolute shit. Spinning a pen between my fingers, I contemplate the last few days. The guys played their hearts out in a brutal game, only losing to Vegas by one.

For the millionth time, I question whether benching Jackson was the correct decision. Even hungover, he would’ve scored and we would’ve won, putting us closer to playoffs.

My commitment to win wars with my emotions toward Jax.

I toss the pen onto the desk, rest my head against the leather chair, and close my eyes. I refuse to enable Jackson. The previous staff pumped him full of drugs to get him through the game, only for him to repeat the cycle by getting shitfaced after.

I can put an end to his abuse. It’s what I came here for, and it’s the right thing to do.

Regret creeps in, and I drop my face into my hands. I promised Aurora I would care for Jax. I failed her, and I failed him. If only I had realized he was on a quick path to self-destruction. I just never believed he’d relapse, never thought he’d jeopardize Aurora.

I grind my palms into my eyes, the images of Jackson’s drunken night replaying on repeat—images that have torn our trio apart.

He didn’t just relapse; he destroyed everything.

Aurora is drifting away, her voice distant. She built a wall, unwilling to open up to me. Perhaps she’s resentful I wasn’t looking after Jackson, or because I’m not there for her.

With every beat, the ache in my heart intensifies, a constant reminder of my need to fix this.

I thought I’d revel in the moment Jax fucked up and Aurora was all mine, but my stomach is in knots, my gut telling me this isn’t how it’s supposed to be.

We’re meant to be together, the three of us.

My office door creaks open and snaps me out of my worries. Grant pops his head in, dark circles under his bloodshot eyes, appearing as sleep-deprived as I am.

I massage my temples, trying to ward off the looming headache. “Hey, man. What’s up?”

He collapses into the leather chair in front of my desk. “Do you know where O’Reilly is? He’s not returning my calls or texts.”

Mine neither, but I won’t allow myself to consider the worst. There’s only one place he’d go. Aurora . “I have a strong hunch.”

I have mixed feelings about him rushing to New York, but I can’t control him.

Jax running to Aurora means he still has hope, but his showing up in New York and forcing his presence on her will cause her more distress.

Grant’s knee bounces, and he pushes his fingers through his dark hair. “Are you going?”

I’ve been asking myself that very question since waking up to this shitstorm. I’d give anything to be in New York, Aurora wrapped in my arms, but I doubt Grant and I are on the same page. “After Jackson?”

“Or to Aurora,” he says matter-of-fact.

I tilt my head and furrow my brows in confusion. Maybe I was wrong.

“I’m not stupid; I only play dumb. Your connection with Jax has been obvious since you started here. He’s my best friend, and nothing gets him more worked up than Aurora. You went to dinner with her, you left with her, and he didn’t kill you. He listens to you.”

Grant stares at me, waiting for me to challenge him, but I remain silent. Aurora talked to several players the night we met. Anyone could’ve seen us.

“No one will hold it against you for being there for her or Jackson. Someone needs to step up.”

I sit back and fold my arms over my chest, swallowing the lump in my throat. While I appreciate Grant’s honesty, he’s crossing boundaries into personal territory, and I’d like to keep my job.

“Thanks, but out of respect for everyone’s privacy, I’m choosing not to respond. Just know I’ve been trying to do what’s best for the team.”

He leans in, placing his elbows on my desk.

“Out of respect for you and the team, it’s not working.

Yes, we’re playing better than ever, but we’ve lost our captain, and you’ll eventually burn out.

The baby is yours, right?” My mouth opens in shock, but he stops me with a raised hand.

“I can count the months between now and the dinner.”

My heart races. How did I think we could hide this?

“If it wasn’t for the team, what would you be doing right now?” he asks.

Doesn’t that sum up my life in one straightforward question? I’d be with Aurora. She and the baby would be my proudest achievement.

The dream swells in my chest, and my lips stretch into a soft smile.

He returns my smile. “Exactly. That’s what you need to do. Go to Aurora. Help Jackson. His father is relentless. Few people know about Kyle’s shit, and I’m not at liberty to say anything more, but I know he’s behind this. He’s threatened them in the past.”

Before I can mull over the implications of Grant’s words, my cell rings with a call from Ricky. “Sorry, I gotta take this. Talk later?”

He nods, and I answer as he exits. “Ricky, everything okay?”

“I’m returning your call.”

“Oh, right. Sorry, it’s been a long fucking day.” I take a deep breath and exhale slowly. “I wanted to talk to you about taking over your contract. I’d prefer you didn’t communicate with Jackson until he gets his shit together.”

“No need. I ended my contract after he ruined his chances with my client. Conflict of interest and all.”

The bitterness in his tone toward Jax only amplifies my agitation.

“I have one stipulation. Keep your hands off my girl.”

He scoffs. “What?”

“You’ve become affectionate with Aurora. Don’t touch unless it’s necessary for her safety.”

There’s a long pause. “You have no worries. I, ah, don’t swing your way—I mean, I do, if you get my drift.”

I don’t. “I’m not one for riddles, Ricky. Speak plainly.”

“I’m in a committed relationship with a man,” he spits out, almost too fast for me to comprehend.

“I’m friendly with Aurora because she deserves it, and I like her.

She’s kind, sweet, and resilient. She took over my contract after landing a huge project today, and tomorrow, I’m taking her to look at apartments because she’s sick of dealing with two men who, together, can’t manage the bare minimum. ”

Dumbfounded, especially since Aurora hasn’t mentioned staying in New York, I only muster, “Say that again?”

“She accepted an extended contract in New York. There’s a good chance she’ll continue to work here. She deserves better, and I’m glad she’s finally figured that out. Anything else?”

“Nope.”

Well, fuck me and fuck that. No way am I losing Aurora and my child.