Page 133 of Pucking Revenge

Liv settles on the couch and waves me over. “He’s right, you know. We’re all your family.”

“How could you possibly still feel that way?” I settle in beside her. “After everything you know?—”

She clutches my hand, silencing me. “What I know is that my friend is hurting, and that’s the only thing that matters.”

I lower my head and pick at the fabric of my leggings. “I wouldn’t be so sure. Right now your husband and Gavin are probably arguing with Brooks. I’m destroying this family.” The tears I’ve been holding back well at the mere thought of causing a rift between the guys.

Liv shakes her head. “Brooks is a big boy. As are Beckett and Gavin. They’re all responsible for their reactions and how they handle this.” She dips her head, catching my eye. “I know you. Whatever happened between you and Seb, there’s got to be more to the story.”

I break down then, and the tears escape in earnest. Sniffling, I shift to face her. And then I tell her everything. I tell her about how my relationship with Seb started. About how he told me he was divorced and about the moment I discovered the truth.

“Brooks just stepped in without knowing the details of what had gone on between you two?” Liv asks, her brows arched high.

“Yes.” I wring my hands in my lap. “He’s the best person I know. And it may have started off fake, but it’s real now. I’m in love with him. But I won’t let him lose his brothers. Or his career. Not because of me.” With a long breath out, I cover my face with my hands. “Seb was right. I’m going to cost him everything.”

Liv grasps my wrists and tugs my hands away, shaking her head fiercely. “I can’t promise anything when it comes to Brooks’s career. I can’t even make promises regarding yours. But we can talk out our options. Make a plan. That’s what you and I are good at.”

She offers me a soft smile that I can’t help but return.

“As for this family? The relationships between the guys? I can promise those will not change. They have something special. This family is something special. And you are a part of it because Brooks loves you. It’s that simple. We don’t turn our backs on one another. No matter what. Blood doesn’t matter. Love matters. And, Sar, we all love you.”

I’m still trying to wrap my head around the love and devotion she’s describing when the doorbell rings. “That’ll be Gavin here to pick up Finn.” Liv slowly rises from the couch. “I’m going to go check on the twins. Why don’t you get that?”

My stomach lurches at the thought of facing him, but I trust Liv. And she’s right. This family is special. If nothing else, Gavin should hear the truth from me.

My whole body is rigid as I make my way to the door, but I fill my lungs and force myself to pull it open.

On the other side, Gavin’s tired smile falls. “I haven’t made any decisions yet, Sar.”

I nod as I move back so he can enter. “I’m not here to sway your decisions. Well, not much at least. Just—” I take another deep breath. “You deserve to know the truth. And I’d really like the opportunity to tell you my version of it.”

With a sigh, Gavin points to the bar in the dining room. “Will I need a whiskey for this?”

I shrug. “We probably both will.”

THE HOCKEY REPORT

“Good Morning, Boston. This is Colton, and I’m here with my sister Eliza to bring you the Hockey Report.”

“Thank you, Colton. We’ve got some exciting news. Obviously, we’ll be chatting about all of this week’s games. But first, I want to make sure our listeners know to tune in again tonight. We’ll be live with an exclusive interview that you don’t want to miss.”

“You’re right, Eliza. I really don’t think anyone will want to miss this. Our favorite player was suspended for attacking Coach Lukov, making this week a tough one for Bolts fans.”

“The news of the suspension was shocking, but before we jump to any conclusions, let’s wait and see what happens tonight.”

“Way to keep them guessing, sis.”

Eliza laughs. “Little edging never hurt anyone.”

“Oh God. Please don’t ever say that again.”

FORTY-SEVEN

BROOKS

Footsteps echo off the concrete walls and floor as my teammates follow me through the tunnel toward the ice. Before hitting the crowded arena, I turn around and look everyone in the group in the eye. It’s a humbling moment. Every one of these guys is here to support me.

“You don’t have to do this?—”

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