Page 134 of Power Play

I know she’d want me to walk away.

I know she’d want me to leave him alone and be the bigger person.

Fuck.

I really care what she thinks of me.

“Fucker.” I let go of Charlie and take a step back. “If youevertalk to her again, I will end you. And I’ll smile while I do it.”

Charlie looks between us. There’s not a second of hesitation before he’s taking off down the hallway. He’s almost around the corner before Maverick stretches out his hand and gives me a look.

“One second, Charlie,” my captain says, jogging toward him. When he gets close, he pulls his fist back. Laughs then decks the guy so hard in the face, he stumbles backward. Blood spurts from his nose, and Charlie groans. “That’s for saying shit about my friend. Piper is one of us. Do it again, and I won’t be so nice.”

“Thought he wasn’t worth it,” I grumble as the douchebag runs away clutching his nose. “Look at you getting all the fucking glory.”

“Wasn’t worth if for you to punch him. You’re too emotionally invested and would’ve killed him. To me, he’s just a piece of shit. And I really need my goalie tomorrow.”

“You didn’t have to do that.”

“Yes, I did. You had my back when we went in on Emmy’s ex during the game we played against him. I have your back now.”

“Thanks, man.”

“Don’t thank me yet. What thefuckwas that wife comment about?”

I rub the back of my neck. Tension rolls through me, and I don’t know what to say. We’ve kept our drunken wedding a secret since Vegas. You’d have no idea we were married based on how we interacted with each other at the arena.

Unless you asked me where my shitty gift shop ring is.

I keep it in my wallet tucked behind a family photo when I’m not playing.

When I am playing, I loop it through my laces and hide it safely in my skate.

Feels like Piper’s been my lucky charm this season, and I want to carry her around with me.

“Vegas. We were drunk. She’s using it for my insurance to help with her chronic pain,” I explain loosely, and Maverick hums like this isn’t the craziest thing he’s ever heard.

“Marriage of convenience? Fucking love that trope.”

“What the fuck is a trope?”

“You really need to get to book club one of these days so you can learn.” He levels me with a serious look. “You have feelings for her, don’t you?”

I scoff and shake my head. “We’re friends.”

“Friends. Yeah. That’s why you were ready to crush a guy’s skull for talking shit about her.”

“I was ready to crush a guy’s skull because he treats women like they’re the scum of the earth. It’s about time someone treats him like that.”

“Right. Sure. I don’t believe you.” Maverick grins and pats my shoulder. “But I’ll keep your secret safe, man.”

THIRTY-FIVE

LIAM

Me

Come over.

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