Page 59 of Power Play

“What happened?”

“This dickbag journalist started going in on my family. He asked if my mom’s breast cancer showed any signs of coming back. Brought up my sister and her old party habits. Mentioned my dad and his job as a postal worker, as if it was beneath him. It’s like I was a punching bag. I’ve never trusted anyone with a microphone since.”

My heart almost shatters in two.

I knew there had to be a reason for his disdain.

Liam isn’t an asshole.

He’s blunt and closed off. Far from being a people person, but not malicious. Learning someone was purposely condescending to him in the name of journalism makes my blood boil. Makes me want to get the name of this jerk and make sure he never works in this league again.

“I’m so sorry that happened to you, Liam. I’m not excusing their behavior, because what they did was so shitty, but we’re not all like that. I’d never talk about something so invasive.”

“Doesn’t change that it happened.” A muscle in his jaw works, and I want to hug him. I want to tell him it’s okay. I want him to know that for as long as he’s with the team, I vow toneverair out any of the personal details he wants to keep safe. “So, there you go. The reason why I’ll never stand in front of a microphone again.”

“Is your mom okay now?” I ask gently.

“Yeah. Been in remission six years.”

Relief floods through me like a dam. “I’m so glad to hear that, and I’m really sorry for bringing up something so personal.”

“Not your fault.” He lifts his chin, eyes meeting mine. “You said you wanted to spend tonight getting to know each other?”

“We don’t have to. I’m sure I can figure it out as we go and?—”

“It’s a good idea. Being around my family for four days is going be tough if I don’t know how I takeyourcoffee. Let me guess: milk, six sugars, and some sort of hazelnut twist.”

“I don’t drink coffee. Caffeine can be an instigator for my migraines, so I stick to chamomile and hibiscus tea instead.”

“How often do you get migraines?”

“Depends. Sometimes I go two or three months without having one. Other times I get one once a week. There’s no rhyme or reason to it.”

“Do you take medicine for them?” Liam asks.

“Over the counter stuff. The prescription drugs are too expensive to take regularly even with my insurance. I try to do acupuncture and visit the chiropractor, but every appointment adds up.”

He rolls his lips together and stares at me, assessing me in a way that makes me feel on display. “I have a sensitive question to ask.”

I draw my knees to my chest and wrap my arms around my legs. “Let’s hear it.”

“You have money, don’t you? Your ex is a millionaire.”

“How do you know he’s a millionaire?”

“Casual internet information anyone could find if they wanted to.” Liam pauses, and a stormy look clouds his dark eyes. “His nose is crooked.”

“Itiscrooked, isn’t it? He’s so self conscious about it.”

“Would be a shame if someone decked him in the face to even it out.”

I tip my head back and laugh. “Please save the physical violence for the ice. As for the money, our prenup was iron clad. I was young and naïve and thought we would be together forever. I didn’t bother to push for more ways to protect myself if the marriage dissolved. I ended up with enough to afford a place of my own, pay off some debt, put away savings, and that’s about it. I can barely keep up with healthcare on my salary, but Irefuseto ask him for more spousal support. He’d find a way to hang it over my head.”

Liam stands. He walks to the couch and sits next to me. His touch is soft on the curve of my elbow, fingers pressing gently into my skin, and I glance over at him. “Do me a favor, Mitchell. The next guy you fall for, make sure he’s not a tool with a punchable face.”

“I like that that’s the bare minimum for men now. You’ve got yourself a deal, Sullivan.” I smile at him. “Is Alana your only sibling?”

“Yeah. I wouldn’t have survived if there were two of her. She’s a firecracker. I think you’ll like her.”

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