Page 99 of Penalty to the Heart

The outside exterior of the building, even in its shitty condition, couldn’t have prepared me for what I was about to find inside.

The smell of disinfectant and sweat greets me as I step inside a dimly lit room filled with a mix of amputees and other men and women with various disabilities. Aside from the people here, the first thing I notice is the worn-out equipment scattered around the room, which is a stark contrast to the state-of-the-art facilities I’m used to as a professional hockey player.

My eyes travel to a man in a wheelchair, missing both legs below the knee, as he laughs with his therapist, his determination shining through. Another man, with a prosthetic arm and a broad smile, struggles to lift a weight with his functioning arm while his friends cheer him on. My gaze continues to scan the room until it lands on a therapist working with a teenage girl who is missing a foot, guiding her through exercises with gentle encouragement while talking about her favorite boy band.

This place isn’t the dire abyss I presume it to be, but rather a magnificent sanctuary—a safe haven for every soul that refuses to give up, no matter their circumstances. I can’t help but admire the resilience and strength of all these individuals. Despite their disabilities, they are here, putting in the effort to improve themselves and overcome the obstacles life has thrown their way. They all seem so content, so at peace with their circumstances, that a pang of guilt accosts me at my own recent self-pity.

Now I get why Roxie was so keen on bringing me here tonight.

My own struggles pale in comparison to the challenges these men and women face every day. Surrounded by broken equipment and peeling walls, I feel a sense of gratitude for the opportunity she’s given me by bringing me here, to learn from these incredible individuals who embody the true meaning of perseverance and determination.

“So what do you think?” she says cheerfully, eyeing the room with admiration.

And as I stare into her beautiful face, only one answer comes to mind in reply to such an innocent question— I think I’m falling in love with you.

Fuck.

Things are about to get messy.

Chapter 19

Roxanne

“Well, I’ll be damned,” Trent greets when he sees me. “I never thought I’d see the day you’d attend one of these shindigs.”

“And you’d be right,” I retort with a smile of my own. “Usually, fancy balls are not my thing, but what kind of friend would I be if I didn’t attend Rex’s farewell party.”

“Whatever the reason, I, for one, am happy you’re here. You look absolutely stunning, Roxanne,” Piper praises, looking incredible in her own strapless dress. “Green is definitely your color.”

“Thank you,” I reply appreciatively. “I thought I’d wear the Guardians green in honor of Rex.”

“I’m sure he’ll appreciate more seeing a friendly face amongst all these vultures than the color of your dress. He hasn’t had a minute to himself since the party started. Everyone is making a final push to extract as much money as possible from him before he leaves for Texas. Parasites, the lot of them,” Trent grumbles in annoyance.

“Are you saying that no one has approached you yet?” I hike a curious brow.

“Why would anyone approach me?”

“Well, you are a co-owner of the Guardians, are you not? With Rex leaving, everyone will start knocking on your door with business proposals and other ventures.”

“I leave it to Lawrence to deal with that side of the business. I have more pressing concerns to worry about than dealing with leeches. Speaking of the devil,” Trent says as his gaze passes over my shoulder, looking at someone who just walked into the ball.

Curious about who Trent is referring to, I turn around and follow his line of sight, my heart fluttering when I see Caleb walking in.

Caleb has always looked handsome in anything he wears, but in a tux… he looks like a dream.

“How is the therapy going?” Trent asks, standing beside me now while my gaze remains glued to Caleb strutting through the large ballroom.

“What?”

“Therapy, Roxanne. How is Caleb’s therapy going,” Trent repeats, his dark brows furrowing.

“Good. It’s good. I’ve seen a lot of improvement,” I reply, displeased at my voice for coming out all wobbly and shaken.

“I’m going to talk to him,” Piper says with utter resolve.

“Piper,” Trent calls, gently holding onto her elbow before she takes a step. “Maybe tonight isn’t the best night to talk to Caleb,” he warns.

“Why not? You heard Roxanne. She says he’s improving. Maybe he’ll be open to talking to me. You don’t know.”

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