Page 119 of Brutal Game

“And understand that just because the coach treated you with dignity and care and respect doesn’t mean he wasn’t capable of hurting someone else.”

“I know that, little fury, believe me, I know that. And I believe you. I’m sorry I didn’t.”

I didn’t know what to say. I’d never expected an apology. Desperately wanted one, but never thought it would happen. Instead I asked, “Why do you call me that?”

“In Greek mythology, they were fierce and determined to see justice, and so glorious, so beautiful, it hurt to look at them. I won’t call you princess because I know how much it hurts you, and I refuse to hurt you anymore. I can’t tell you how it felt, when you told me that I hurt you. I won’t do it again. Not to you, notmy little fury.” His face went hard. “And anyone who has hurt you will pay.”

I swallowed, cupping a hand around his cheek. He leaned into it, and the physical connection between us was everything I’d ever needed. Filled me with hope.

“Including you?” I asked.

He turned his head, kissing my palm. “Including me. I donated eight million dollars to a charity for young men who’ve been abused. In yours and Asher’s name.”

I startled. Eight million dollars? I couldn’t imagine that much money. Couldn’t even imagine what it would feel like to part with eight thousand dollars, much less eight million.

“Why? That’s so much money.”

“Because you deserve it yourself, but I know you won’t take it from me. So I did the next best thing. I’ll do whatever I have to do to show I’m sorry.”

I stared at him. “What are you sorry for?”

“I’m sorry for everything—except for keeping you.”

It was hard to breathe. Hard to believe. Hard to trust that this was real.

He wasn’t done. “Oh, and I called your brother and apologized to him, too. Told him I’d make sure he got his spot back on the Kings and his scholarship back. And I mean it, little fury. If I have to use up every favor I have to make sure it happens, I’ll do it.” He grinned. “By the way, he’s pissed at you for not telling him you’d transferred. I told him I was keeping you safe.”

My eyes got big. “You didn’t.”

“He’s coming up this weekend to see you. I think it’ll be good for him to be back on campus, don’t you?”

It would be. Exposure therapy and all that. But I was still stuck on the fact that he’d called Asher at all.

“Why would you even call him? That can’t have been comfortable.”

“It wasn’t comfortable. I don’t give a shit though. Your brother is important to you, which means he’s important to me,” he said simply. “Everything that’s important to you is important to me. It’s going to be that way for the rest of our lives.”

“Our lives?”

“Fuck yes. I know I messed up, did terrible things, hurt you, but I am not giving you up, Aviva. I meant what I said last night. You’re mine, and I’m yours. Forever.”

“And you’re sorry.”

He nodded. “I am.”

“On your knees? You’ve never been on your knees for me before.”

My heart was in my throat. This man, who never apologized to anyone, had told me sorry. He kneeled for no one, but here he was, kneeling in front of me. He’d hurt me,bullied me, doubted me, forced me to have sex with him so many times.

And gave me more pleasure than I’d ever known. Allowed me to be myself. Admired me.Protectedme. Used all his power to give my brother his life back. And now?—

“I’d crawl on glass if it meant keeping you safe and happy,” he told me.

God. This man.

“You can call me princess,” I told him, because it was true. I’d hated that I loved it, but I loved it. “It’s different when you do it.”

He kissed my hand again. “Good. Because you’re my princess and I’m going to treat you like one from now on.” He smiled. “Outside of sex, at least. I’ll still fuck you like you’re my whore.”

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