Page 105 of These Pucking Boys: Part Two

A sob escapes her lips, and she breaks down in front of us. Jake pulls her into his arms and gets her off the floor. Her entire body is shaking as she clutches him. Undiluted rage explodes in the pit of my stomach and spreads through my veins likewildfire. I see the same emotion shining in Jake’s eyes. Wendy fucking Wagner is dead.

CHAPTER 43

JAKE

We helped June get dry and into comfortable clothes, but she wouldn’t look us in the eye. She’s been sitting on the couch, staring at the blank TV screen for over half an hour. She’s stopped crying, but she won’t speak or react to anything we say to her.

After another failed attempt to get her to talk to me, I join Ryan and Lachy in the kitchen. Ryan is making soup with whatever ingredients June had in the fridge.

“Still no reaction?” Lachy asks me but keeps his attention on June.

“No. I’m worried.”

“Katrina is coming over after work. Maybe she needs her friend more than she needs us.” Lachy crosses his arms, frowning.

I rub my face. “What ifweare the problem? She wouldn’t be in this situation if we hadn’t had the idea to hook up at the party.”

Ryan fills a bowl with the steamy broth he cooked. “I’ll try to get her to eat something.”

“You’re not the problem,” June chimes softly.

She’s still staring ahead, so I’m not sure if I heard her or imagined it. I trade a look with Ryan and Lachy, then we all join her in the living room. I take a seat on her right and Lachy on her left, while Ryan sits on the coffee table in front of her, holding the bowl of soup.

“We’re so sorry, my love,” I say, hoping she can hear the remorse in my voice.

She dips her chin. “I know you are.”

“It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have taken you to Malcolm’s office. I will never forgive myself,” Lachy replies.

June takes his hand and squeezes it. “It’s not your fault. I don’t want anyone blaming themselves for what happened.”

“You’re going to be okay. I promise,” I say.

She lets out a shaky breath. “No, I won’t. My life is ruined. By now, everyone I know has seen that video. Do you know how I found out about it?” She glances at me. “My baby sister called.Shesaw the video. Do you know how mortifying that is?”

“It may seem like the end of the world now. But people will eventually forget,” Ryan pipes up.

She shakes her head, and new tears roll down her cheeks. “I will always be branded as that stupid girl who made a sex tape with three hockey players.”

“It didn’t turn out terribly for Kim Kardashian.” Ryan smiles.

“Do you think I want to be like her?”

He winces. Why did he say that?Stupid-ass comment, Ryan.

I take her hand. “Fine. It will suck for a while, but it won’t be as bad when everyone knows you’re dating all of us.”

“I don’t think that will matter to anyone, especially not to my parents.”

“Have you heard from them?” Lachy asks.

“I don’t know. I put my phone on mute and haven’t looked at it since I got home.” She shudders. “I’m afraid to find out.”

“Do you want me to check?” I ask.

She shakes her head. “Not right now. Have you heard from Melissa?”

“No. Why? Did you call her?”

---