Page 64 of Broken Promises

“Is everything okay?” Ben asks, following me out the door.

“Someone killed the security guard at our gated community last night. Maverick’s mother also showed up last night. And I was playing a fucking game.” I’m aware the anger I’m feeling shouldn’t be directed at Ben, but I can’t stomp it down right now.

Ben grabs my elbow to stop me. “I’m your friend, Dec. Let’s figure this out.”

“What’s there to figure out?” I ask, taking a deep breath to calm myself.

“Today is a travel day, right? Your game isn’t until seven tomorrow night. If we get you on a flight soon, you can be back in time to play. We just need to talk to Coach.”

“We? Are you coming with me?” It would be nice to have someone with me while I panic the entire flight to Boston.

Ben shakes his head. “I’ll go with you to talk to Coach, but I have to coordinate with the social media people. We’re doing some travel stuff so they can post behind-the-scenes content. Kind of like what you guys are like off the ice.”

I nod and take off at a brisk pace to find Coach. Which isn’t too hard. He’s always at breakfast with the team. He sees me coming and immediately gets up from the table and meets me.

“What’s going on, Monroe?” he asks.

“I need to fly home. I’ll be back by tomorrow night’s game.” I think. “You can bench me if you need to.” Coach frowns, and I can see Ben roll his eyes.

“Declan is trying to tell you that there was a murder in his neighborhood, and he’s freaking out and needs to check on his wife.” Ben explains for me.

Coach’s eyebrows fly into his hairline. “Is Willa alright?” he asks. I appreciate him more than he knows. There are plenty of coaches who would be far more concerned with the game, but he genuinely cares about his players.

“She says she is.”

“He needs to go see her or he’s going to keep freaking out. Then he’ll play like shit for the rest of the time we’re on the road.” Ben says, holding up his phone. “I got him a flight out in two hours. The return flight lands three hours before he needs to be on the ice.”

Coach examines Ben with keen eyes before turning them on me. “What were you going to do if I said no?”

“Go anyway,” I say immediately.

Coach nods, spinning the gold band on his left hand. “Check on Willa and get your ass back here. Bring her with you if you need to, but you will be on that ice tomorrow night.”

“Thank you, sir!”

“I sent you your tickets. There’s an Uber waiting for you out front. You need to go now,” Ben says, shoving me towards the door.

“You’re a good friend!” I shout over my shoulder as I run out of the hotel.

I’m coming, Princess.

THIRTY-ONE

willa

“DoI really have to stay here?” I complain as I sprawl out on Belle and Kai’s couch.

“You don’t want to have a sleepover with me?” Belle asks teasingly. We left dinner last night on much better terms.

“I don’t want to snuggle with youandKai.”

“He can sleep in the guest room,” Belle says.

“No fucking way. I’m sleeping with you,” Kai says, pulling Belle into him. She laughs, but he’s frowning like he actually thinks I’m going to try to take her from him.

“I’m up for a snuggle party.” I shrug casually, like I’d ever get into a bed with the two of them. I’d barely be able to lie down before they’d go at it.

“I sleep naked,” Kai says immediately.

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