Page 122 of These Pucking Boys: Part Two

“I had an argument with Elijah. It escalated.”

My stomach tightens. I was hoping I was wrong. “He hit you, didn’t he?”

“Yes. I’ve always known he had a temper, but he never got physical before. I’m sorry I lied. I was so ashamed.”

I move closer and put a hand on her shoulder. “You have nothing to be ashamed about. He’s the asshole who hurt you. He’s the one who should feel shame.”

She looks at me. “He apologized, but I made a promise to myself that I’d never forgive a man if he laid his hand on me. I broke off the engagement.”

Relief washes over me, but it doesn’t take away the sorrow. “I’m glad. The boys were all fired up and ready to kick the shit out Elijah.”

Melissa’s eyes go rounder. “No! I can’t afford for a single one of my players to misbehave like that. You have no idea how hard it’s been to keep the general public from turning on Jake, Lachy, and Ryan after the video.”

“I didn’t realize they were at risk too.”

“There’s always a risk when people stray from the norm. Please don’t take this the wrong way, but your heroic act helped them big time.”

I chuckle. “So getting shot is the gift that keeps on giving. I’m certain that it helped calm my mother down a bit.”

“Nothing like the fear of losing someone to wake dumbasses up.”

There’s knock on the door, then Lachy asks, “May I come in?”

“Of course, it’s your room.”

He opens the door, and frowns. “I thought you were getting your makeup done.”

“She did! Can’t you tell?” Melissa replies with a serious face.

Lachy’s face turns bright red. He rubs the back of his neck, looking all awkward now. “Oh yeah, sorry, lass. It looks great.”

Melissa laughs. “God, you’re so easy, Lachy.”

“Uh?”

I go to him and give him a quick peck on the lips. “Don’t mind her. What did you want?”

“Checking if you wanted cake.”

I smile slowly. “I’m always down for cake.”

“Lass... get yer mind out of the gutter.”

“Wait... is cake code for something else?” Melissa butts in. “Actually, don’t tell me. I don’t want to know.”

She walks out, but Lachy replies anyway. “Your loss.”

I hit his arm playfully. “Please tell me you’re not telling people about the tres leches cake.”

He wrinkles his nose. “Of course not. That’s our secret, and it shall remain so forever.”

CHAPTER 50

JAKE

June’s family are the last to leave the apartment, and the moment they step out, it’s like a boulder is lifted off my shoulders. June was too tired, so I had the pleasure of walking them to the door.

“God, I thought they’d never leave,” Ryan pipes up from the kitchen. “No offense, Peaches.”

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