Page 77 of Pucking Obsessed

But still…

Would I have the strength to turn away my parents, especially Mom, if she turned up telling me that shelovedme?

I tug at my tie three times, forcing away intrusive thoughts.

I can’t get caught in daydreams myself or fairy tales that will never happen.

My family don’t love me, but I’ve created a new one.

Robyn’s expression is grim. “My heart is with Code. At the same time, however, I can’t stop being worried for Dad.”

I stroke down her cheek. “Emotions aren’t simple. You don’t need to have it worked out yet. Let’s just see that the asshole is okay. Then you can take the lead on what we do next. The problem is that coach has a lot of power over our careers, including your brother’s. Colton would be even more dangerous to all of us. So, what do you think about us hiding how we feel? Just stuff it down with our own demons and shit and act like normal for now. We have enough practice on that.”

Eden sharply turns to face the wall, crossing his arms.

I’ll take that as a vote against.

Although, I’m sure that his solution would include arson.

“Cucciolo?” I say, softly.

Shay looks lost.

I hold out my hand, and he scoots over on the chairs, until he’s sitting next to me. Our thighs are touching.

Shay takes my hand. “I’ll do whatever Robyn chooses.”

Robyn bites her lip, thinking hard.

Then she nods. “I spoke to Code, when we were driving here. Then after he was checked by the doctors, before he went home. He doesn’t know how he feels now after… Well, something likethis shocks you. He’s not going to see Dad outside work for now. He told me that I should though because he doesn’t want any of us to fuck our careers. He also doesn’t want me to lose my closeness to Dad. I just think that I may already have.”

When a tear traces down her cheek, my heart aches.

I wipe the tear away.

“We’ll support your decision.” My eyes narrow at the stiff set of Eden’s back. “Eden, get your ass over here.”

For a long moment, I don’t think that he’ll listen to me.

I’m tempted to pull the boss card.

Can I claim that I have a PA emergency? An urgent text that I need sending? Is sulking breaking any of the terms and conditions of his contract?

Reluctantly, Eden turns around.

He doesn’t move any closer like he needs some space to himself at the moment but instead, leans against the wall.

I understand that this is hard for him.

If Robyn is implying what Ithinkshe is, then this must be triggering for Eden.

Robyn looks at Eden, concerned. “You don’t have to pretend anything, phoenix. I don’t expect you to join in with the act. You can simply avoid Dad as much as possible.”

Eden gives a relieved nod.

“I knew Dad had issues.” Robyn’s eyes suddenly glint with something dangerous. “I learned, after the nightmare with Gibbs, that Mom was flawed. I mean, parents aren’t angels or devils, right? They’re simply people who are struggling to get along the best that they can. Somehow, being isolated with Dad for all those years after Mom’s death, bullied at school and hounded by the press, Dad became a kind of rebel hero to me. He was the strong man who stood between me and a dangerous world. Yet I didn’t realize that it was hisstrengththat hurt bothCode and me in so many fucking ways. I’ve forgiven him for his neglect but I can’t forgive him for how he abused my brother.”

My expression tightens.

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