Page 105 of Shattered Obsession

How else would the universe laugh at me?

“Are you two ready?” Aaron asks.

“Yep. It’s all becoming official tonight.”

“What is the plan?”

I shrug. “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe a cute little dance or something at the end of the game. We’ll see. Maybe make out on the ice. Have wild, hot sex in front of all the fans.” I glance out the window, watching the tall buildings and crowded streets flash by. A large group is making their way to MSG, a cloud of red-and-black jerseys floating down the sidewalk.

“Very funny. Cut that shit out.”

“It’s fun pissing you off about this.”

“This is serious, Zo. We’re all counting on you.”

Of course they are. I’m cleaning up a mess I didn’t even create.

Taking a deep, slow breath, I try to remain calm as I face my brother. “Maybe he should have thought about his actions before he decided to fuck half the town.”

“Zo—”

I put up my hand, stopping him. “No. I said I would help, and I will. Just leave it between Dom and me, okay? I don’t need your micromanagement. Just be my brother tonight. Let’s have fun.”

Aaron stares at me before he finally nods.

“Just don’t wing it, okay? That never works for Dom. He needs to wrap his head around shit, and I’m sure he’s come up with multiple backup plans for how this is all going to fail.”

“Of course he has.”

Aaron’s mouth twists. “No, it has nothing to do with you and everything to do with him. He is a perfectionist, and this entire fiasco is eating at him.”

I know it is. And even if he’s not fond of me, I plan on getting him out of this one way or another.

“Everything is going to work out just fine. Trust me. I’ve been in this industry long enough to know how to magically make things like this disappear. Besides, I made you a promise, didn’t I?”

His chin dips. “Yes, but?—”

“No buts. I won’t let you down. You’ve opened up your home and life to me; it’s the least I can do.”

“We’re here, sir,” the driver announces, halting our conversation.

“Thank you, Robert.”

When the car comes to a stop, the driver exits while Aaron stays in his seat until the door opens. There’s something about the situation that makes me uneasy, but I choose not to say anything. As a gust of wind rushes in, Aaron leaves the car and extends his hand to assist me out.

“Thanks, Robert!” I say to our driver.

It’s only now that I realize we’re standing at the back of the arena. It’s empty, minus a few delivery trucks and three parked limousines with their drivers still in the vehicles.

“Why are we going through the back, and also, was that really necessary back there?”

“What?”

“Waiting for your driver to open the door for you.”

Aaron arches a brow at me. “Yes, it was. Robert has a firm contract in place. I wasn’t being rude. And we’re with the team, lil’ sis. Get used to all this. You’re dating a hockey star now.” He starts heading for the single, gray back door. “You’re about to experience what this life is about. Are you sure you’re ready? You’ve always hated attention.”

He winks at me before disappearing inside.

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