Page 64 of King

“Absolutely,” I assure her, lifting her hand to my lips and pressing a tender kiss to it. “We’ll take things at your pace.”

Together, we reach the double doors up a wide portico and are welcomed in by a staff person. My eyes are immediately drawn to the massive chandelier above the foyer, its sparkling lights illuminating the entire space that oozes opulence and luxury. Every detail in this place seems meticulously crafted, from the inlaid marble floors to the hand-carved moldings, adding to the grandeur of the moment. It’s my first time here and I have to work not to let my jaw sag in astonishment. I see Willa’s eyes are just as wide as mine.

The house is filled with the buzz of lively chatter and laughter. We shed our coats and walk around, greeting teammates with drinks in hand and checking out the variousrooms. There’s a large formal room filled with antique furniture and heavy oil paintings, a den with wide masculine leather couches and a roaring fire, a library with rolling ladders to reach the books, and off to the left is a huge ballroom that’s empty except for guests standing about.

Rafferty greets me with a hearty pat on the back and turns to Willa with a smile. “Even better to see you.” He takes her hand and kisses her knuckles. I want to punch him but don’t, knowing he’s probably doing it to push my buttons. It’s forgiven when he turns to me and says, “You’re a lucky guy.”

“Don’t I know it,” I reply, slipping my arm around Willa’s waist.

We mingle with other guests before making our way to the impressive buffet. Rows of tables are adorned with high-end gourmet dishes, including dainty appetizers, juicy beef tenderloins, perfectly cooked scallops and an assortment of artisanal cheeses. We fill our plates and look for a spot to sit.

Penn is in the formal living area, holding a drink and no food, so I head that way. He’s only here because Brienne made attendance mandatory and he looks utterly uncomfortable. I lead Willa over and we perch on chairs kitty-corner to him.

“What’s up, man?” I greet him as we take our seats.

“What’s up?” he says, looking neither relieved nor put out to have company.

I introduce him to Willa and she shakes his hand, leaning forward from her chair. Willa and I have talked on more than one occasion about my concern for my teammate and she jumps in to start a conversation, “Enjoying the party?”

He shrugs, letting out a noncommittal grunt. “It’s all right.”

Willa calls him on it. “You’re not a fan of these types of events?”

Penn shakes his head. “Not really.”

“Well, at least you have good company tonight,” I say, cutting a glance toward Willa.

Penn only lifts his chin in acknowledgment but says no more. Christ, it’s like pulling teeth with him so I know Willa won’t begrudge me talking hockey just to get conversation rolling.

“What do you think about the game against the Rebels tomorrow? They’ve come on strong this year and their first line has been dominating the last two weeks.”

I would think Penn would be happy with my choice of conversation, given that he doesn’t like to get personal and well, hockey’s the only thing he’ll really talk about.

But he’s strangely reserved and merely says, “It’s going to be a battle.”

“Kasparitis is going to come after you tomorrow.”

He’s the first-line defenseman on the Rebels and he’s known for being a mean son of a bitch. Penn shrugs. “Not worried about him.”

“Yeah, McLendon is the bigger threat,” I agree. He’s the other first line defenseman and while he’s not mean like Kasparitis, he’s wicked quick and light on his feet. For a player like Penn, who pins much of his success on his speed, it makes him a formidable opponent. “But I’ve got your back. Don’t worry.”

“Not worried,” he says flatly and then to my surprise, he actually changes the subject away from hockey by looking at Willa. “What do you do for a living?”

My head spins with his contrary nature but at least he’s made the effort to include Willa, although I get the distinct impression, it was specifically to turn attention away from the game.Pick a lane and stay in it, dude.

“I’m a doctor,” she replies, and they launch into a conversation about family medicine. I listen, noting that Penn’s not overly invested in what Willa’s saying. I’m fucking stumpedas to what makes this guy tick and how to reach him, but at least for now, he’s talking.

After a while, Brienne’s voice cuts through the noise, calling everyone into the main foyer. The room is spacious enough to accommodate all of us comfortably, with a grand staircase leading up to the next level. She stands on the fourth step so everyone can see her.

“I just want to take a moment to express how proud I am of this team,” Brienne begins after we’re all gathered, her voice carrying throughout the room. “You have all been playing exceptionally well, and I couldn’t ask for more. As you know, I’ve been traveling, but rest assured, I’ve been watching the games while on the road. I will admit, though, it’s wonderful being back home and I’ll be in the owner’s box tomorrow to cheer you on.”

Everyone applauds, invigorated by the owner’s love of her team.

“I also want to thank Drake for supporting me these past few weeks while I’ve been away.” She glances at her fiancé, who stands among the players with a look of admiration in his eyes. “Not only am I the owner of the Titans and the CEO of Norcross Holdings, but I’ve been working on a new sporting venture that I’m extremely excited to announce tonight. I know this may come as a shock, but I’ve acquired a Formula International race team that was based in London, and it will now be known as Titans Racing.”

A deafening silence drapes the room because there was never any indication that Brienne wanted to expand her empire into other professional sports. Willa nudges me and I look down at her, shrugging in response to her questioning gaze. “Norcross Holdings will take over at the start of the season in March, with headquarters located both in the UK and Pittsburgh. I want you all to know that the Titans hockey team will always be my top priority and I’m in the process of hiring a team principal whowill handle the entire racing operation. It’s my hope that the city of Pittsburgh will add to its illustrious reputation of producing the finest in champions, whether it be football, baseball, hockey or now… FI racing. I hope you will all support me in this new endeavor, but know that my heart is always and forever with Titans hockey.”

The room erupts in cheers and applause, and Brienne’s eyes shine with emotion as she takes us all in. I don’t know much about FI racing, but I figure that’s going to change, if only to support Brienne.

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