Page 121 of Before I Loved You

I’ll make sure of it.

Greyson shoves through the crowd, pushing his way toward the exit, blood still coating his face.

After he disappears, the hands around me release, and Glen stands in my direct line of vision, scraping a frustrated hand over his face, a beer in his free hand. He lets out a low whistle. “I’m sure it was well deserved, but you know that Coach will not like this. Nor will your agent.”

I drop onto the stool, breathing hard. “No, they won’t.” I swipe the beer from Glen’s hand and take a gulp. “Not one goddamn bit.”

* * *

“Take a seat.” Coach Rivers motions to the empty chair in his tiny hotel room, displeasure written all over his face—well, that and exhaustion.

I never thought I would have to endure the sight of him wearing flannel pajamas.

But here we are.

“Care to tell me why I got a call at one in the morning, alerting me that my two captains were fighting in the bar downstairs?” His voice is calm, with an undercurrent of anger tucked beneath.

“Sir, I’m sorry. I just…” I can’t tell him about the tape because no one is ever going to see that tape again. “I snapped.” I squeeze the back of my neck. “It won’t happen again.”

He sighs, rubbing his hands over his face. “Please tell me this wasn’t over a girl.”

I clear my throat. “I mean…”

His hand goes up. “Save it. I don’t want to hear it.” He shakes his head; disappointment is evident. “I like you, Paul. I really do.” He straightens, rolling his neck. “But behavior like this is not tolerated under any circumstance. And especially not under my watch. I understand quite well that Greyson is not the easiest to get along with. Hell, one of the reasons why we were so eager to make you co-captain is because we needed to find a way to balance things on the team. You both play one hell of a game. However, Greyson likes to use intimidation to motivate his teammates, whereas you encourage and uplift. You’re someone that your teammates look up to and respect.” He pinches the bridge of his nose and then rubs at his temple. “I’m a man who needs a solid eight hours of sleep.” He lets out a resigned sigh, glancing at the clock on his nightstand. “I need you to give me your word you won’t pull a stunt like this again.”

“I promise, sir. Never again.”

Continuing the season with Greyson is going to be miserable. Fucking miserable. But I know this is his one warning to me, and I won’t ruin my chance of getting into the NBA because it’s no longer just myself I have to take care of and provide for, but both Sarah and our baby.

And a career in the NBA will mean they will always be provided for.

He subtly shakes his head. “All right. Knowing you, I’m sure there was a valid reason for the fight, and I could bet some good money that Greyson deserved what he got.”

My brows shoot up, surprised by his omission.

“Be that as it may, I still have to set an example for the team. Half of your teammates were in that bar, witnessing the ordeal, and I’m sure the other half have already heard about it, which means you will not be playing in the next three games. No exceptions. I’ll leave it to you to explain to your agent why you’ll be absent.”

Fuck. Dan is not going to be happy about this.

But it was worth it.

Every second of my fist pounding into Greyson’s face was worth it.

Because I will always protect Sarah and our baby.

Repercussions be damned.

“Yes, sir.” I grasp the arms of my chair in a firm grip. This feels pretty lenient, given the circumstances, so I’ll take it with no complaints. “I understand.”

He slowly leans back in his chair, his shoulders dropping.

“I think it might be best if you return home early. Take some time to clear your head and think about things. Get some distance from certain members of the team,” he advises. “But I expect to see you when we return on Monday for practice.”

“I’ll be there.”

“Good.” He motions toward the door. “You may leave.”

I nod, getting up from my seat, my feet reaching the door in only a few strides.

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