Page 90 of Golden Rule

I can feel her tense up the moment she mentions that name. “What’d she want?”

Blue exhales sharply, settling deeper beneath the blanket. “There’s some team event coming up. A gala or something. She wants me to work on securing a bartender for the venue.”

I arch a brow, wondering if April hasn’t done her research about Blue’s family. But then I remember who we’re dealing with. If she’s anything like her husband, this shit wasabsolutelyintentional.

Yes, let’s ask the alcoholic’s daughter to be in charge of the bar.

Super thoughtful.

I stand, placing a kiss on Blue’s forehead, keeping these thoughts to myself. It wouldn’t do her any good to get even more pissed off about it.

“I’ll be back in a bit. I’m gonna grab dinner and get some food in you. Rest.”

Before I can slip away, she grips my hand, yawning again. “Honestly, I just want to sleep this off.” She smiles, her eyes fluttering for half a second before they close. “Just… go get into something fun. I don’t want you sitting around the house bored while I snore.” Another smile curves her lips.

“You’re sure?”

“Positive.”

My gaze lingers on her a moment, then I lean in to place a kiss on her forehead. “I’m gonna go change, then see if the guys are busy.”

“Good. Have fun.”

I tousle Blue’s hair a bit as I walk past, grabbing the duffle bag I’d left by one of the pillars before I came to sit with her. I carry it to the bedroom with me and place it on the bed while I swap out my shirt for one that doesn’t smell like cigarettes and Tripp’s German Shephard.

But my eyes are locked on the side zipper. The question I asked myself after ending the call with Tripp comes back to me, and I’m even more convinced I’m losing my shit. Just a few months ago, I wouldn’t have even considered doing what I did today, becausethatversion of myself knew better.

Knew I had too much to lose.

And… thank God, that guy has suddenly found his voice inside my head.

Before I can tune him out, I grab the pack of pills, head straight into the bathroom, then dump them into the toilet. Ipush the lever to flush and watch the biggest mistake I almost made swirl out of sight.

I’m still shaken by what I nearly did tonight, so I pull out my phone and message the group chat with the guys.

West: Cool if I come through, Ricky? You’re at the club tonight, right?”

Ricky: I am, and of course. I’ll have Diego bring you up to the office when you get here.

Dane: On my way.

Sterling: Count me in, too. I could use a drink.

And just like that, I’m reminded I don’t need pills to get through this shit.

All I need is my family.

Like always.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

West

Private bar.

Pool table.

Apparently, Ricky’s office is the new VIP, and it doesn’t get more private than this

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